pcDNA3.1/Hygro(-)+pCMV?. Conclusions Transactivation competence of genotype B HBx was higher than that of genotype C HBx, while the antiproliferative and apoptosis effects of genotype B HBx was lower than of genotype C HBx. B and C genotype-specific functional differences of HBx may closely co-related with the pathogenicity of HBV.

Objective To study the effects of obstructive sleep apneas on endothelial function and autonomic modulation. Methods From June 2009 to June 2011, male patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) were consecutively enrolled in this study. Patients with an apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) of greater than 15 and without previous treatment for OSAHS were included as Group OSAHS and obese subjects with an AHI of less than 5 were included as non-OSAHS controls (Group Control). Electrocardiography and beat-to-beat blood pressure were continuously recorded from the radial artery by applanation tonometry which was synchronized with polysomnography recording. Endothelial function was measured by arterial augmentation index (AAI). Spectral analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure variability (BPV) were computed for cardiac parasympathetic modulation (high frequency power, HF); sympathetic modulation (low frequency power, LF), sympathovagal balance (LF/HF power of R-R variability, LF/HF) and BPV sympathetic modulation (BPV LF) in normalized units [total power of the components/(total power-very LF power)×100]. Results Finally, 27 moderate-severe OSAHS patients and 22 non-OSAHS obese controls were recruited in the Group OSAHS and Group Control, respectively. In Group OSAHS, the age was 43.3±9.3 year-old, body mass index (BMI) was 36.8±8.7 kg/m2; in Group Control, the age was 42.9±8.6 year-old, BMI was 34.4±7.9 kg/m2; there were no significant differences in age and BMI between the Group OSAHS and Group Control (all P>0.05). The baseline AAI (12.5%±2.2% vs. 8.2%±2.1%) and BPV LF (68.3%±13.5% vs. 61.1%±11.7%) of the Group OSAHS were significantly higher than those of the Group Control (all P<0.05). And after overnight sleep, systolic BP (143.7±14.2 vs. 132.8±13.3 mm Hg), diastolic BP (87.7±7.7 vs. 78.6±5.5 mm Hg), HRV LF (69.7%±14.4% vs. 64.3%±12.1%), HRV LF/HF (3.7±2.0 vs. 2.3±1.3) and BPV LF (77.8%±15.6% vs. 68.3%±13.5%) of the Group OSAHS were significantly increased (all P<0.001), while HRV HF was significantly decreased (21.1%±9.3% vs. 27.5%±10.3%, P<0.05) from baseline.
Adult ; Autonomic Nervous System ; Blood Pressure ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Male ; Polysomnography ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive

Objective To study the effects of vaginal estrogen application on blood flow of the lower urinary tract in post-menopausal women. Methods Arterial blood flow frequency spectrum, peak systolic blood flow, end-diastolic blood flow velocity and resistance index of the peri-urethra and neck of the urinary bladder, as well as changes in their genitourinary system, were measured with color Doppler ultrasound imaging in post-menopausal women before and three months after their use of premarin ointment containing natural estrogen per vagina. Results Three months after treatment with estrogen-premarin ointment per vagina in post-menopausal women, their peak systolic blood flow velocity of the peri-urethra arteries increased to 13.23 cm/s from 11.94 cm/s before treatment, end-diastolic blood flow velocity increased to 3.92 cm/s from 1.91 cm/s and resistance index decreased to 2. 79 from 3. 84 (P <0. 01 ). And, their peak systolic blood flow velocity of the arteries of the neck of the urinary bladder increased to 17.09 cm/s from 12. 77 cm/s before treatment, end-diastolic blood flow velocity increased to 2. 83 cm/s from 1.31 cm/s and resistant index decreased to 2. 78 from 3.78 (P<0.01). It indicated that local vasodilatation and decrease dresistance of the lower urinary tract made blood flow of the arteries of the peri-urethra and neck of the urinary bladder increase, urinary frequency and nocturia occurrence decrease, and sexual satisfaction improve.Conclusions Blood flow, symptoms of the lower urinary tract and their quality of life can be improved in post-menopausal women after treatment with natural estrogen-premarin ointment per vagina.

Adult ; Facial Neoplasms ; Facial Nerve ; Humans ; Male ; Neurilemmoma

AIM: To evaluate the effects of NS-398, a cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) inhibitor, on the proliferation and apoptosis in HepG2 cells. METHODS: The effects of NS-398 on the proliferation of HepG2 cells was evaluated by MTT. DNA fragmentation gel analysis was used to analyze the apoptotic cells; DNA ploidy and apoptotic cell percentage were examined by flow cytometry. Furthermore, the expression of COX-2 and Bcl-2 mRNA was identified by competitive RT-PCR. RESULTS: NS-398 inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in HepG2 in a concentration-dependent manner. DNA ploidy analysis showed that S phase cells were significantly decreased with NS-398 concentration increasing. The quiescent G_0/G_1 phase was accumulated with decreasing of Bcl-2 mRNA. Whereas NS-398 had no effect on the expression of COX-2 mRNA, no correlations were found between COX-2 mRNA and the HepG2 cell proliferation and apoptosis induced by NS-398 (r=0.056 and r=0.119, respectively). CONCLUSION: NS-398 significantly inhibits the proliferation and induces apoptosis in HepG2. Mechanisms may be involved in accumulation of quiescent G_0/G_1 phase and decrease in Bcl-2 mRNA expression, but independent to COX-2 mRNA expression. [

Objective To study image findings of nonossifying fibroma.Methods The pathological and image findings fo 22 cases of nonossifying fibromas proved by operation were analysed.There were 12 cases of male and 10 cases female,with age ranging from 10 to 35 years(mean age 17 years).X-ray plain films were obtained in all 22 cases,CT images in 7 cases,and MRI in 2 cases.Results The tumors were located in long bone in 19 cases,in which 14 cases were located in metaphyses,2 cases in diaphyses and 2 cases in bone end,and 4 cases in irregular bone,which was seen in clavicle,rib,illum and maxilla respectively.The tumor maximum diamneter ranged from 2 to 6.5 cm,with mean diameter of 3.2 cm,and the ratio of longitudinal to transverse diameter was 2.51.The tumors were round,oral or mild lobular in 17 cases.The tumors were showed sclerotic borders in 20 cases,and no sclerotic border in 2 cases(clavicle and rib).Septum was demonstrated in 19 cases.Bone expasion was showed in one case.Conclusion If a tumor is located in cortex or marrow of long or irregular bone which is showed a welldefined lytic lesion with sclerotic rim,the diagnosis of nonossifying fibroma will be considered.

Objective To determine whether the adjustment of the pusher of GTF was useful to decrease the degree of tilting of the femoral Ginther Tulip filter (GTF) in an in vitro caval model. Methods The caval model was constructed by placement of a 25 mm × 100 mm and two 10 mm ×200 mm Dacron graft inside a transparent bifurcate glass tube. The study consisted of two groups: left straight group (GLS) (n =100) and left curved group (GLC) (n = 100). In the GLC, a 10° to 20° angle was curved on the introducer.The distance (DCH) between the caval right wall and the hook was measured. The degree of tilting (DT) was classified into 5 grades and recorded. Before and after the GTF being released, the angle (ACM1, 2)between the axis of IVC and the metal mount, the distance (DCM1) between the caval right wall and the metal mount, the angle (ACF) between the axis of IVC and the axis of the filter and the diameter of IVC (DIVC) were measured. The data were analyzed with Chi-Square test, t test, rank sum test and Pearson correlation test. Results The degree of GTF tilting in each group revealed a divergent tendency. In group LC, the apex of the filter tended to be grade Ⅲ compared in group LS (x2 value 37. 491 ,P ＜0.01).The differences of most variables between GLS and GLC were considered as statistical significance(16. 60° vs.3.05°, 20.60° vs. 3.50°, -3.90°vs. -0.40°, 2.98 mm vs. 10.40 mm, - 10.95° vs. -0.485°,13. 17 mm vs. 10.06 mm, - 1.70° vs. 0.70°, t or Z values - 12. 187, - 12. 188, -8.545, -51.834,-11. 395,9. 562, -3. 596, P ＜ 0. 01). There exist significant positive correlation between ACM1 and ACF,ACM1 - ACM2 and DCH1 - DCH2 in each group, respectively(r values 0. 978,0. 344,0. 879,0. 627 ,P ＜0. 01),while significant negative associations are detected between DCH1 and ACF in each group , ACP and ACF in group LC(r values -0.974, -0.322, -0.702,P＜0.01). Conclusion The technique of adjusting the orientation of filter pusher had minimized the incidence and extent of GTF filter tilting in vitro.

Objective To investigate the relationship between carotid stiffness and coronary angiography in elderly patients with coronary heart disease(CHD). Methods Thirty-five elderly patients with CHD who underwent coronary angiography were enrolled in the study. The carotid stiffness was measured by ultrasound, the results were compared with those in hypertension group,hyperlipemia group and healthy elderly group. Results There were significant differences in carotid tensity (8.15 ± 1.54), arteriectasis ( 0.34 ± 0.07 ) and carotid stiffness ( 640.51 ± 150.98 ) of elderly patients with CHD compared to other groups (all P＜0.05 or P ＜ 0. 01 ). There was significant correlation between coronary angiography score and carotid stiffness in elderly patients of CHD(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01). Conclusions There is close relationship between carotid atherosclerosis and coronary atherosclerosis in elderly patients with CHD.

Purpose To explore the clinicopathologic characteristics, pathologic diagnosis and differential diagnosis of extraskeletal myxiod chondrosarcoma. Methods The clinical and pathological features were studied with HE and immunohistochemical staining in 5 cases of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma, and the related literatures were also reviewed. Results Extraskeletal myxoid chondro-sarcoma was male predominance (4 males: 1 female), and the age ranged from 32 to 62 years with an average of 52 years. Four tumors occurred in thigh and another in chest. Histologically, the neophlasm were composed of round and oval cells. Immunohisto-chemically, the tumor cells were positive for vimentin in five cases, synaptophysin expressed in one case, S-100 showed focal positivity in two cases, but negative for CK, p63, EMA, CD34, SMA in all cases. Molecular genetics detection shows chromosome exchange be-tween number 9 and 22. Conclusion Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma is a rare tumor which has no special characteristics in clinical and iconography, and its diagnosis mainly depends on the histopathologic features, immunohistochemistry and molecular genet-ics. Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma grows slowly, but have a high tendency for local recurrence and metastases.

Aim To investigate the effects of stromal cell-derived factor-1α ( SDF-1α) on cell proliferation in primary cultured rat astrocytes and the possible mechanisms. Methods The primary cultured rat astr-cytes were treated with recombinant human SDF-1α at different concentrations, the cell proliferation was as-sessed by cell counting and 5-bromo-2’-deoxyuridine incorporation assay;intracellular calcium concentration was detected with calcium sensitive fluorescent probe;phorphorylation of extracellular regulated protein ki-nase1/2 ( ERK1/2 ) was determined by Western blot analysis;cell cycle transition was analyzed by flow cy-tometry analysis; mRNA expressions of cyclin A2 and cyclin B1 were determined by quantitative RT-PCR. Results Treatment of astrocytes with SDF-1α (5 -40 nmol·L-1 ) for 48 h induced significant cell prolifera-tion. SDF-1α at 20 nmol·L-1 increased the intracel-lular calcium concentration and the phosphorylation of ERK1/2. In addition, SDF-1α at 20 nmol·L-1 pro-moted the cell cycle transition from G0 to S and M pha-ses, and up-regulated the mRNA expressions of Cyclin A2 and Cyclin B1 . Conclusion SDF-1α significantly induces cell proliferation in primary cultured rat astro-cytes via enhancing calcium influx, ERK1/2 phospho-rylation, Cyclin expression and promoting cell cycle transition.