Objective To investigate the relationship between plasma N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP) level and left ventricular(LV) diastolic dysfunction in hypertensive patients without systolic dysfunction.Methods Forty-four cases of primary hypertensive patients with left ventricular ejection fraction more than 50％ were enrolled,14 cases in normal diastolic function group,30 cases in diastolic dysfunction group(18 cases in delayed relaxation group and 12 cases in pseudo normalization filling group).LV diastolic function was assessed with conventional Doppler by means of mitral inflow and with tissue Doppler echocardiography by means of mitral annulus.The ratio of early diastolic transmitral E wave velocities to tissue Doppler mitral annulus early diastolic E' wave velocities (E/E') was used to detect LV filling pressures.Patients were divided into three groups according to E/E' ratios.Plasma concentrations of NT-proBNP were also measured.All related data were statistically analyzed.Results The levels of NT-proBNP were (115.2 ± 78.9)ng/L in LV diastolic dysfunction group,(34.7 ± 17.5) ng/L in normal filling group and (206.6 ± 75.8) ng/L in pseudonormal filling group.The level of NT-proBNP significantly elevated (F =85.263,P =0.000) along with the severity of lefi ventricular diastolic dysfunction.There was significant difference between each of the two groups among the three groups(all P ＜0.01).According to E/E' ratios,the patients were divided into three groups:E/E' ＜10(n =16),10 ＜ E/E ＜ 15(n =18),E/E' ＞ 15(n =10).The level of NT-proBNP were (39.5 ± 20.1) ng/L,(71.2 ± 26.4) ng/L and (203.7 ± 75.2) ng/L respectively in the three groups.The NT-proBNP blood level was positively correlated significantly with E/E' ratio (r =0.80,P ＜ 0.01).The sensitivity was 87％ and the specificity was 100％ for diagnosis of left ventricular filling pressure (E/E' ＞ 15)according to a NT-proBNP value of 119 ng/L.Conclusion Combining of plasma NT-proBNP and Doppler E/E'have potential value for identification of those patients with hypertension to detect early cardiovascular changes,especially LV diastolic dysfunction.

Objective To investigate the efficacy and side effects of new combination of high-dose methotrexate (MTX),cisplatin (DDP),pirarubicin (THP),and ifosfamide (IFO) in the treatment of extremity osteosarcoma patients.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted for 125 osteosarcoma patients treated with the optimized neo-adjuvant chemotherapy combined with the four drugs mentioned above (MTX 200 mg/kg iv 6 h d1,CF 9 mg at one time,12 times; DDP 100 mg/m2,THP 30 mg iv,d8-10;IFO 3.0 g/m2 iv d16-18,mesna after IFO for 0,3,6,9 h).The efficacy and side effects of the therapeutic scheme were evaluated.Results The effective salvage rates of Ⅱ a and Ⅱb schemes were 36.4％ (8/22) and 79.6％ (82/103) with a statistical significance (P ＜ 0.05).The 2-year survival rate of schemes was 62.4％,and the survival time was(17.7 ± 8.3)months.The main side effects were myelo-suppression,nausea,and vomiting,etc.The incidence rate of myelo-suppression,nausea,and vomiting with grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ accounted for 71.2％,37.6％,and 13.6％,respectively.Conclusions The optimized neo-adjuvant therapy strategy based on high-dose MTX,DDP,THP,and IFO is effective in the treatment of osteosarcoma.

Objective To compare the different expression patterns of survivin and caspase-3 between the larger part and the smaller part of the dissymmetric enlarged prostates in BPH patients, and to clarify the role of apoptosis in BPH etiology. Methods BPH tissues from 25 patients were embedded in paraffin. The specimens constituted of two prostate parts from each patient. One part was from the larger enlarged gland and the other was from the smaller enlarged counterpart. 50 paraf-fin blocks were cut into sections and stained with survivin and caspase-3 polyclonal antibodies against human. All the data was analyzed by SPSS13.0 software. Results Survivin immunoreactivity was localized in prostatic cell nuclei. Survivin expression in larger enlarged parts (22.08±16. 33)0% was significantly higher than the smaller parts (7. 645±5. 45)%(P<0.01). Positive nuclear or cytoplasm staining was also observed in the Caspase-3 immunoreactivity. Caspase-3 expression was higher in smaller enlarged parts (51. 525±27. 27%) than in larger enlarged parts (33. 125±21.01%) (P< 0.01). Survivin expression in larger part of the enlarged prostates was inversely correlated with caspase-3 expression (r=-0. 474, P<0. 05). However, in smaller part of the enlarged prostates, the expression of the two factors had no relation (r=-0. 313,P>0. 05). Conclusions Survivin and caspase-3 expression patterns are different in the two parts of the dissymmetric enlarged prostates. These different patterns indicate apoptosis playing an important role in BPH development.

s:Objective To study the effective ingredients of Shuangshenningxin Fang (SSNX). Methods Based on analyzing the HPLC fingerprints of rat samples obtained after orally taking SSNX, the ingredients absorbed into blood were identified. The cultured cells were subject to hypoxia and reoxygenation. The leakage of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) from cardiomyocytes was measured. Results Fifteen ingredients were detected after oral administration of SSNX. Dl-tetarhydropalmatine (Dl-THP), salvianolic acid B (Sal B), ginsenosides (Rg1) and dehydeocorydaline (DHC) were identified. Rg1 and DHC reduced the LDH leakage (P

BACKGROUND:Calcium sulfate has good biocompatibility and biodegradability, which is a safe and effective bone graft substitute.
OBJECTIVE:To investigate the osteogenesis ability of calcium sulfate combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.
METHODS:After L4/5 posterior lumbar discectomy, 36 rabbits were randomized into three groups:rabbits in autologous bone group were implanted with autologous iliac bone via the intervertebral space;animals in al ogenic bone group were implanted with decalcified bovine bone;rabbits in tissue-engineered bone group were implanted with calcium sulfate combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. Bone formation and molding were observed by gross observation, anteroposterior and lateral X-ray, histology and biomechanics at 4, 8 and 16 weeks. Cal us specimens were employed for histological observation of interbody fusion. Biomechanical analysis of spinal fusion site was conducted at 16 weeks.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Sixteen weeks later, interbody fusion was complete in the autologous bone group, the trabecular bone bridged continuously and a large amount of woven bone was merged into pieces;in the al ogenic bone group, incomplete bony fusion was found between the intervertebral space, most of cartilage tissues differentiated into bone, but fibrous tissue was also ful of the central part;in the tissue-engineered bone group, interbody fusion was complete, and a large amount of woven bone was fused into pieces, while the artificial bone was absorbed and ossified with smal residual. Failure strength and stiffness in the autologous bone and tissue-engineered bone groups were superior to those in the al ogenic bone group. These findings indicate that the calcium sulfate/bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells tissue-engineered bone has excellent osteogenic and osteoinductive capacity that can exert a good function of promoting spinal interbody fusion.

MicroRNA (miRNA) is a family of endogenous single-stranded RNA about 22 nucleotides in length. Through targeting 3' UTR of message RNA (mRNA), they play important roles in post-transcriptional regulatory functions. For further research of miRNA function, the identification of more miRNA positive targets is needed urgently. Aiming at the high-dimensional small sample data sets in miRNA target prediction, an algorithm of eliminating redundant features is proposed based on v-SVM in this paper, and classification and features selection are also fused. The algorithm of eliminating redundant features optimizes the combination of features, and then constructs the best features combination which can represent miRNA and targets interaction model. The prior parameter v (0 < u < or = 1) controls the compression proportion of data set and selects more distinguishing support vectors. Finally, the classifier model of miRNA target prediction is built. The unbiased assessment of the classifier is achieved with a completely independent test dataset. Experiment results indicated that in both classification recognition and generalization performance of miRNA targets predicition, this model was superior to the present machine learning algorithms such as miTarget, NBmiRTar and TargetMiner, etc.
MicroRNAs ; Models, Theoretical ; Support Vector Machine

Objective: To investigate the effects of mouse recombinant Periostin on the attachment and proliferation of PDL cells on root surfaces. Methods: Normal (N) and periodontitis (P) root slices were treated with Periostin (Pe) and fibronectin (FN), respectively. Untreated root slices (Co) served as negative controls. PDL cells were seeded on the root slices, the attachment in 24h and the proliferation in 72h of the cells were determined with cell counting. The morphology of the cells was observed under SEM. Results: After 24h cultured, the cells on each mm3 on the root slices of PeN, FNN, CoN, PeP, FNP and CoP were 498. 00?31. 75, 513. 04?27. 52, 432. 88?20. 57, 336. 51 ? 27. 66, 348. 44?30. 23 and 237. 87?32. 54 respectively ; after 72h those were 683. 33? 28. 05, 774. 62?42. 25. 603. 21 ? 19. 76, 510. 52? 28. 31, 579. 19 ? 31. 58 and 445. 92?26. 30 respectively. Conclusion: Periostin can promote the attachment and proliferation of PDL cells on both diseased and healthy root surfaces.

Objective To observe the effect of fluvastatin on urinary albumin excretion rate(UAER)of microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetes patients.Methods Type 2 diabetes patients with mieroalbuminuria were randomly divided into fluvastatin goup(n=126)and control group(n=129).Fluvastatin group was given fluvastatin 40 mg each night.Follow up was conducted for 1.5 years.The UAER and glomerular filtration rate(GFR)as well as blood lipid level before and after therapy were compared.Results UAER in fluvastatin group was significantly lower than that in control group[(59.6±10.5)vs(87.5±12.3)mg/min,P＜0.05]before therapy[(104.4±25.2)vs(110.6±19.7)mg/min,P＜0.05],which was independent of its lowering-lipid effect.But GFR had no signifimicroalbuminuria which is independent of lowering-lipid effect in type 2 diabetic nephropathy patients and delay the progress of diabetic nephropathy.

Objective To explore relationship between resistin'adipenectin and insulin resistance(IR) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Methods Based on polysomnography (PSG) and disease history ,68 patients were divided into three groups: mild ( L, n = 24 ), moderate ( M, n = 13 ), severe ( S, n = 31 ) OSAHS, and normal control ( n = 20 ). Fasting serum glucose, insulin, lipoids, resistin and adipanectin were measured. HOMA-IR was calculated, the correlation between HOMA-IR and resistin, adiponectin, lipoids, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, apnea-hypopnea index ( AHI), the lowest saturation of blood oxygen ( LSaO2) and the per-centage of total sleep time spent with an oxygen saturation less than 90% (T90) were analysed. Results The levels of serum resistins in each OSAHS group were (8.04 ±2. 14), ( 10.85±4.89 ), ( 13.34±3.52 )mg/L, and were sig-nificantly higher than those in control group ( 9.49 ± 2.40) mg/L ( P < 0.05 ), S were significantly higher than L (P<0.05) ;The levels of serum adiponectin of OSAHS groups were(6. 21 ± 1.74), (4. 19±1.80), (2.26± 1.17 ) mg/L, and were significantly lower than those in control group(9.49±2.40) mg/L (P < 0.05 ), and the inter-group differences were statistically significant (P <0. 05). HOMA-IR of M and S were(4.07±0.97), (5.61± 2.26) significantly higher than those of L and control group( 1.57 ±0. 58 ), (2.47 ±1.52 ) ( P < 0.05 ), and inter-group differences between M and S were statistical significant( P < 0.05 ). Spearman correlation analysis showed that HOMA-IR was significantly positive correlated with resistin, total cholesterol, triglyceride, body mass index,waist-hip rafio,AHI,T90( r =0. 794,0.438,0. 430,0. 351,0. 456,0.775,0.624 ,P <0.01 ) ,negative with adiponectin, LSaO2 (r=-0.563, -0.623 ,P <0.01 ). Partial correlation analysis showed that after the effect of adiponeetin and resis-tin were controlled,HOMA-IR was significant positive correlation with T90 and AHI(r =0.231,0.358 ,P <0.05 ). Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that, to HOMA-IR, resistin and AHI were the most significant impact factors (R2 =0.613,F=69.810,P<0.01). Conclusions HOMA-IR is significantly positively correlated with the severity of OSAHS,independent of the blood lipids, body mass index, waist-hip ratio, resistin, adiponectin and other factors;the effects of blood lipids,body mass index,waist-hip ratio and other factors on HOMA-IR probably depend on resistin and adiponectin;AHI and plasma resistin level may determine the level of insulin resistance in patients with OSAHS.

Objective To explore the efficacy of dermatophagoides farinae drops for treating allergic rhinitis in children and its influence on serum IL‐4 and IL‐35 levels .Methods A total of 80 children with mite sensitized allergic rhinitis in the Central Hospital of Nanyang city from January 2012 to October 2013 were selected as the research subjects and randomly divided into the control group and the observation group according to random number table method ,40 cases in each group .The control group was given the symptomatic treatment ,while the observation group was given sublingual dermatophagoides farinae drops .The treatment lasted for 18 months .The efficacy ,symptom score and eosinophil count value (Eos) were observed .ELISA was used to detect ser‐um IL‐4 ,IL‐35 levels .Results The total effective rate after treatment in the observation group was 97 .50% ,which was higher than 92 .50% in the control group ,but without statistically significant difference between them(χ2 =1 .052 6 ,P=0 .305) .After treat‐ment ,the symptom scores ,medication scores and Eos count had statistical differences in the two groups were significantly lower than before(P<0 .05) ,but which had statistical differences between the two groups after treatment(P<0 .05);serum IL‐4 level af‐ter treatment in the two groups were significantly lower than before(P<0 .05) ,while the IL‐35 level was significantly higher than before(P<0 .05) ,the serum IL‐4 and IL‐35 levels after treatment had statistically significant differences between the two groups (P<0 .05) .The incidence rate of adverse reactions showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups (χ2 =0 .213 3 ,P=0 .644) .Conclusion Sublingual specific immunotherapy of dermatophagoides farinae drops can effectively improve the symptoms of mite sensitized allergic rhinitis in children ,reduces proinflammatory cytokine IL‐4 level and increases suppressing in‐flammatory cytokine IL‐35 level .