Objective To investigate the evaluation of cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) in the patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and the relationship with the pulmonary function test (PFT). Methods 26 COPD patients and 30 normal controls were examined with CPET and PFT. Results The parameters of CPET, including maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), anaerobic threshold (AT), maximum minute ventilation (VEmax) and breathing reserve (BR) were lower in COPD group than those in control group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in Wmax, oxygen pulse (O2pulse) between two groups (P>0.05). VO2max, AT, VEmax and BR were positively correlated with forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) in COPD group （P<0.05）, but were not correlated with forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1/FVC (P>0.05).Conclusion The pulmonary function of COPD patients can be evaluated with CPET, especially VO2max, AT, VEmax and BR.

The paper is to report the establishment of a method for quickly evaluating compatibility of Chinese medicines injections. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) was used to evaluate compatibility of Yiqifumai (YQFM) and vitamin C injection (Vc)/5% glucose injection (5% GS). The diversification of Gibbs free energy (deltaG), enthalpy (deltaH) and entropy (deltaS) were used to decide reaction types of colliquefaction procedures of different injections. The reactive profiles were used to determine signs and quantity of heat. And high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used as a supportive method for ITC. Then, feasible binding sites were analyzed based on the information of spatial structures of major compositions. During the colliquefaction procedure of YQFM and Vc, [deltaH] > T[deltaS], so, the reaction is enthalpy-driving. And the reactive profile showed that a big deal of heat was given out during the procedure. Obviously, chemical reactions happened and the major compositions changed. On the other side, the reaction of YQFM mixed with 5% GS was entropy-driving, because [deltaH] < T[deltaS]. The reactive profile showed there was a little heat gave out. So, non-chemical reactions happened, and the major compositions did not change. The conformity existed between the results of ITC and HPLC. ITC could be used to evaluate the compatibility of Chinese medicines injections because of the advantages of ITC, such as real time, fast, sensitive and having more parameters.

Background and purpose: Postoperative chemotherapy targets the metastatic cancer in the remaining lymph nodes, but the heterogeneity in multidrug resistance (MDR) of metastatic cancer cells is a main factor affecting chemotherapeutic efficacy. Recent studies only examined the primary lesion of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC). There is no report about heterogeneity between the primary tumor and metastases lymph node. The purpose of this study was to explore the heterogenous expression and clinical signiifcance of multidrug resistance (MDR) associated proteins in primary tumors and metastatic lymph nodes in patients with thoracic ESCC. Methods:The expressions of lung cancer associated resistance protein (LRP), P-glycoprotein (P-gp), topoisomeraseⅡ(TOPO-Ⅱ), thymidylate synthase (TS), glutathione S-transferase-π (GST-π) were examined by immunohistochemistry in primary lesions and corresponding metastatic lymph nodes in 54 patients with thoracic ESCC. The differences between expression of primary lesions and matched metastatic lymph nodes were compared and analyzed in relationship with tissue differentiation degree. Results: The discordant rates of the expression and drug resistance between primary lesions and corresponding metastatic lymph nodes in LRP, P-gp, TS, TOPO-Ⅱ and GST-π were 63.0% and 26.9%, 42.6%and 22.2%, 48.1%and 25.9%, 50.0%and 29.6%, 18.5%and 1.9%respectively. The expression of LRP showed signiifcant difference between the primary tumors and lymph nodes (P=0.026). No signiifcant differences were found for the other four proteins, and GST-πwas expressed in all patients in both the primary tumors and lymph nodes. Protein expression was not associated with degree of differentiation. Conclusion:There is evident of heterogenous expression of MDR associated proteins in metastatic lymph nodes compared to the primary tumors of ESCC. The examination of expression levels of MDR associated proteins in metastatic lymph nodes is helpful to select the postoperative rational chemotherapy plan.

Objective To explore the expression profile of lncRNAs in the testis tissue of CRYBB2 gene knockout (KO) mice and its possible role in the testis development. Methods Testis tissues(n=3)from wild-type (WT) and CRYBB2 KO mice were subjected to lncRNA and mRNA microarray profiling. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed to group the differentially expressed lncRNAs into regulated gene pathways and functions. The correlation matrix method was used to establish a network of lncRNA and mRNA co-expression. Quantitative (q)RT-PCR was used to verify expression of some differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs. Results There were 140 differentially expressed lncRNAs and 477 differentially expressed mRNAs between testis tissues from WT and KO mice. There were 12 differentially expressed lncRNAs through the analyses of the GO, with 7 up-regulated and 5 down-regulated. The KEGG analysis showed that these differentially expressed mRNAs played important roles in Ca2+ signaling, ligand and receptor interactions, and so on. The correlation matrix method established an lncRNA and mRNA co-expression network, consisting of 9 lncRNAs and 8 mRNAs, with 17 nodes and 12 connections. Furthermore, expression of gene Rsl1 was regulated by three lncRNAs, expression of gene Lpo and gene Mpo was regulated by two lncRNAs, and expression of gene Hdac1 and gene Ephb4 was regulated by one lncRNA. qRT-PCR confirmed the significant down-regulation of lncRNA A-30-P01019163 expression, which significantly down-regulated its downstream gene P2rx7 in testis tissues of CRYBB2 KO mice(P<0.05). Conclusion LncRNA is closely related to the non-crystalline lens function of CRYBB2. LncRNA A-30-P01019163 may affect testicular cell cycle and signaling pathway by regulating P2rx7 expression in the testis tissues.

OBJECTIVETo compare the differences in the efficacy on distant version of naked eye in the patients of juvenile myopia between rotating manipulation and lifting-thrusting manipulation of acupuncture.

METHODSOne hundred and twenty cases (240 eyes) were randomized into a rotating manipulation group and a lifting-thrusting manipulation group, 60 cases (120 eyes) in each group. Additionally, a corrective lenses group, 60 cases (120 eyes), was set up as the control. In both manipulation groups, Cuanzhu (BL 2),Yuyao (EX-HN 4), Sizhukong (TE 23), Taiyang (EX-HN 5), Fengchi (GB 20), Zusanli (ST 36), Guangming (GB 37) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) were punctured, but stimulated with rotating manipulation and lifting-thrusting manipulation respectively three times per week, 10 times as a treatment session and totally one session was required. In the corrective lenses group, the glasses were applied at daytime. The clinical efficacy and the changes in distant vision of naked eye before and after treatment were compared among the three groups.

RESULTSThe total effective rate was 87.5% (105/120) in the rotating manipulation group, which was better than 69.2% (83/120) in the lifting-thrusting manipulation group (P < 0.05). The distant vision of naked eye was improved apparently in the rotating manipulation group and the lifting-thrusting manipulation group after treatment (both P < 0.05). But it was not improved in the corrective lenses group (P > 0.05). The distant vision of naked eye was improved more apparently after treatment in the rotating manipulation group as compared with that in the lifting-thrusting manipulation group (0.75 +/- 0.23 vs 0.68 +/- 0.24, P < 0.05). For 96 cases (192 eyes) with acupuncture treatment, in 3-month follow-up, 87.0% (167/192) of the cases maintained the stable vision as the original level and 13.0% (25/192) of them were reduced in the vision In the acupuncture groups, it was found that the improvement of distant vision of naked eye was more obvious after treatment with younger age, better basic vision and shorter duration of sickness (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONAcupuncture achieves the positive and sustainable clinical effect on juvenile myopia, and the results of rotating manipulation are superior to that of lifting-thrusting manipulation. Age, basic vision and duration of sickness impact the clinical efficacy.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; instrumentation ; methods ; Adolescent ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Myopia ; therapy ; Young Adult

BACKGROUNDLenalidomide has emerged as an important treatment for patients with multiple myeloma (MM). However, its role in the management of MM is still controversial and requires further clarification. The aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy and safety of lenalidomide for MM using a meta-analysis.

METHODSWe searched the electronic databases including: PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Center Register of Controlled Trials. Seven randomized clinical trials were identified, which included a total of 2357 patients with MM who received lenalidomide-containing, noncontaining lenalidomide regimens or placebo as induction therapy or maintenance therapy. The outcomes included overall response (OR) rate, complete response (CR) rate, 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate, 3-year overall survival (OS) rate, and different types of treatment-related adverse events. We calculated the risk ratios (RRs) as well as their 95% confidence intervals of these outcomes and pooled the results using RevMan 5.2 software.

RESULTSFor patients with previously untreated MM, OR rate and CR rate was significantly higher in lenalidomide-containing group than the control group. For relapsed or refractory MM patients, lenalidomide-containing regimens significantly improved the OR rate, CR rate, 3-year PFS rate and 3-year OS rate. With regard to MM patients after autologous stem cell transplantation, lenalidomide maintenance therapy significantly improved 3-year PFS rate but did not result in improved 3-year OS rate. In terms of toxicities, lenalidomide therapy has a higher rate of Grade 3-4 grade cytopenias, infection, deep-vein thrombosis, and diarrhea. Furthermore, the incidence of second primary malignancies was significantly higher in the lenalidomide group.

CONCLUSIONSThe lenalidomide-containing regimens as induction therapy clearly increased response rates and improved intervals of survival with acceptable toxicity rates for patients with MM. However, when physicians choose to use the lenalidomide as maintenance therapy, whether the benefits outweigh the risks should be taken into account.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Multiple Myeloma ; drug therapy ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Thalidomide ; adverse effects ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To investigate the safety and therapeutic effects ot a novel multi-layer flat-plate bioartificial liver (BAL) for patients with liver failure.Methods Thirty-eight patients with liver failure from Dec.2010 to Dec.2011 were treated with a novel BAL based on multi-layer flatplate bioreactor and the co-cultured cells of the porcine hepatocytes and mesenchymal stem cells.A total of 48 treatments was performed,4 h each time.The clinical signs and symptoms,liver function,ammonia,coagulation function and complete blood count were evaluated before,during and after the treatment.DNA in the collected PBMCs was extracted for PCR with PERV specific primers and the porcine specific primer Sus scrofa cytochrome B.The RT activity was detected as well.Levels of xenoantibodies (IgG,IgM) were determined by using ELISA kit. Titers of complement were quantified by CH50 kit.Results All treatment procedures were completed successfully without any adverse reaction. All samples presented negative PERV DNA and RT activity. The levels of antibodies were similar before and after treatment.Treatment was associated with a temporary decline in levels of complement,and then the levels were recovered quickly.The clinical symptoms such as acratia,anorexia and abdominal distension were improved.The stage of hepatic encephalopathy in 16 patients was decreased. The liver function and ammonia was reduced disproportionately. Seven patients in all were bridged to liver transplantation,2 patients died and 2 patients gave up the treatment,and the others were turned better.After the outcome judgment according to the standard developed by the Artificial Liver Group,and Chinese Association of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases,there were 9 patients with clinical healing,25 patients with improvement and 4 patients with no effect,and the cure-improvement rate was 89.5％.Conclusion The novel multi-layer flat-plate BAL could be used as a safe and effective therapy for patients with liver failure.

Objective To evaluate the dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI)in detecting experimentally induced testicular ischemia. Methods Thirty healthy male New Zealand rabbits were randomly assigned into 6 groups. There were 5 rabbits in each of the following experimental groups: ( 1 ) Normal control, (2) Sham-operated, (3) ischemia of 3 h group, (4) ischemia of 6 h group, (5) ischemia of 12 h group, (6) ischemia of 24 h group. In all experiment groups, the right testis served as the internal control while the left testis served as the experimental side. DCE-MRI for each animal lasts about 10 minutes. Signal enhanced ratios (SERs) of ROI for both sides of each group were calculated by a computer, and parameters of SERs of 30 s, 75 s, 120 s and maximal SER were used for statistical analysis.Time intensity curves (TICs) were made for two sides of each group via Excel 2003 software and classified into 4 types. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the differences of SERs between left and right testis by two independent Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Results In group I and 2, significant enhancement was observed on both testes of 10 rabbits. The enhancement decreased gradually with the elongation of ischemia in torsion groups. Three cases of type Ⅰ and 2 cases of type Ⅱ were observed in group 1,5 cases of type Ⅰ in group two, 2 cases of type Ⅰ and 3 cases of type Ⅱ b in group three, 2 cases of type Ⅰ and 2 cases of type Ⅱ b in group four, 5 cases of type Ⅱ b in group five and 5 cases of type Ⅲ in group six were noticed in the left testes. And in TICs of right testes, all cases showed TICs of type Ⅰ except 2 cases of type Ⅱ a in group six. In four torsion groups, the values for SER75 of the left side were 0. 084%, 0. 076%, 0.164% and 0.065%, while the right side were 0.255%, 0.410%, 0.586% and 0.302% (P ＜0.05). The values for SER120 in group three, five and six were 0.221% , 0.158% and 0.059% for the left side, and 0.405%,0.522% and 0.207% for the right side(P ＜0.05). The values for MSER in group three, five and six were 0.217% ,0.164% and 0.072% for the left side, and 0.405%, 0.586% and 0.302% for the right side(P ＜0.05). Conclusion DCE-MRI technique may be useful in the diagnosis of testicular torsion, which shows potential in the clinical application.

Objective To investigate the influence of membrane molecular weight cut off in our bioartificial liver(BAL)system.Methods Beagle dogs were used for a model of acute liver failure through D-galactosamine administration.The acute liver failure Beagles were divided into two groups by the membrane molecular weight cut off.Group A was treated with BAL containing 200 kDa retention rating membrane.Group B was treated with BAL containing 1200 kDa retention rating membrane.Each group underwent two six-hour BAL treatments that were performed on day 1 and day 21.BAL medium were examined and levels of IgG,IgM,and complement hemolytic unit of 50％(CH50)antibodies were measured in all Beagles and.Results BAL treatment was associated with a significant decline in levels of CH50.1200 kDa group experienced a significant increase in levels of IgG and IgM after two BAL treatments.Significant levels of canine proteins were detected in BAL medium from 1200 kDa group.Conclusions Xenogeneic immune response in the BAL system was influenced by membrane molecular weight cut off.