Objective To evaluate the influence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on maternal and perinatal outcomes in twin pregnancies. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical features of both twin and singleton pregnancies, which delivered in Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2013. The twin pregnancies were divided into two groups:those with (GDM-T, n=51) and without GDM (non-GDM-T, n=130), which were matched by maternal age and delivery time (within one month) in a ratio of 1∶2 among singleton pregnancies with (GDM-S, n=102) and without GDM (non-GDM-S, n=102), respectively. The differences of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes among these four groups were examined. The overall assessment of pregnancy outcomes was completed using Delphi method. Statistical analysis was performed with one-way analysis of variance, t test, Kruskal-Wallis test, rank test, Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Results (1) When compared to GDM-S and non-GDM-S group respectively, less women conceived with the help of assisted reproductive technology, higher proportion of women underwent and gestational age at delivery tend to be earlier in GDM-T and non-GDM-T group (all P<0.01). In oral glucose tolerance test,the fasting blood glucose level of GDM-T group was higher than the other three groups (F=21.716, P<0.01), the glucose levels at 1 and 2 h were higher than non-GDM-T and non-GDM-s respectively (both P<0.01), but no significant difference was found when compared with GDM-S group (P>0.01). Similarly, no significant difference was found in prenatal glycosylated hemoglobin value between GDM-T and GDM-S group (P>0.01). (2) There was no significant difference in the incidences of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, anemia, premature rupture of membranes, oligohydramnios, placental abruption, postpartum hemorrhage, asphyxia neonatorum, small for gestational age, hypoglycemia of newborn, hyperbilirubinemia of newborn and perinatal death between GDM-T group and the other three groups(all P>0.01). Higher incidences of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and postpartum hemorrhage were shown in the GDM-T group than in the GDM-S and non-GDM-S groups, respectively (both P<0.01). The incidences of preterm birth in GDM-T and non-GDM-T group were both higher than that in GDM-S and non-GDM-S, respectively [54.9%(66/102), 53.8%(140/260), 5.0%(10/102) and 3.0%(6/102), all P<0.01], while no significant difference was found between GDM-T and non-GDM-T group (P>0.01). (3) The overall assessment of pregnancy outcomes did not show any difference between GDM-T group and the other three groups (χ2=6.707, P>0.01). However, the score for fetal outcomes in the GDM-T group was higher than in the GDM-S and non-GDM-S group, but lower than in non-GDM-T group [M(Q)=1.0(2.3), 0.0(3.0), 0.0(0.0), 1.0(2.8) score, χ2=122.818, P<0.01]. Conclusions GDM does not increase the risk of adverse pregnant outcomes in twin pregnancies.

Objective To establish HPLC-UV fingerprints of genuine Radix Polygalae from Hebei Province and get the control fingerprint.To compare the fingerprints of genuine Radix Polygalae collected from different habitats with the control fingerprint so as to establish a specific method for the quality con- trol of genuine Radix Polygalae.Methods The fingerprints of 19 batches of genuine Radix Polygalae were obtained from Waters 1525 pump.The chromatographic procedure was carried out with Diamonsil~(TM) C_(18)(250 mm)?4.6 mm,5?m)as an analytic column and a mixture consisting of acetonitrile and 0.2% formic acid in gradient as mobile phase.The detection wavelength was 316 nm.The flow rate was 1.0 mL/min.The temperature of column was 35 C.Results The control fingerprint of HPLC-UV was set up.The fingerprints of genuine Radix Polygalae from different habitats were compared.Conclusion The operation of this method is simple,quick,accurate,and could be used for the identification and quality control of genuine Radix Polygalae.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of melatonin(Mel) on the proliferation, apoptosis and expression of bcl-2 in oxidized low-density lipoprotein(ox-LDL)-induced endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) from human umbilical cord blood in vitro. METHODS: Total mononuclear cells were isolated from human umbilical cord blood in vitro by Ficoll density gradient centrifugation, and the cells were plated on fibronectin-coated culture dishes. After 7 days, the attached cells were divided into 7 groups: a control group (normal cells), 3 ox-LDL groups[the attached cells were incubated with different concentrations of ox-LDL(5,10,and 20mg/L) for 24 hours], and 3 Mel groups[the attached cells were incubated with different concentrations of Mel (0.5,1.0, and 2.0 mmol/L) respectively for 24 hours before incubation with 10 mg/L ox-LDL]. EPC was identified by examining the expression of CD34, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2(VEGFR-2) and CD133 under a laser scanning confocal microscope. We used 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay to detect the effect of Mel and ox-LDL on the multiplication ability of EPC. Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis. The expressions of Bcl-2 mRNA and protein were detected respectively by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry technology. RESULTS: After being exposed to the ox-LDL, the proliferation of EPC in the 3 ox-LDL groups was lower, and the apoptosis rate was higher than that in the control group in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.01); Mel was added at different concentrations before the ox-LDL incubation, and the cells in the 3 Mel groups showed higher proliferation and lower apoptosis rate than those of the 3 ox-LDL groups (P<0.01). Expression of Bcl-2 mRNA and protein of EPC in the 3 Mel groups was higher than that in the 3 ox-LDL groups (P<0.01). CONCLUSION Ox-LDL can inhibit the proliferation of EPC and promote the apoptosis of the cells by down-regulating the bcl-2 expression. Mel can inhibit these effects of ox-LDL.
Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; Humans ; Lipoproteins, LDL ; adverse effects ; Melatonin ; pharmacology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; metabolism ; Stem Cells ; cytology ; drug effects

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the culture of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) from peripheral blood in patients with coronary heart diseases (CHD) before and after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and to observe the cells shape and determine the cell number and proliferation activity. METHODS: Ninety-five patients were divided into a CHD group(n=65) and a control group (n=30). The mononuclear cells were isolated from peripheral blood of patients with CHD before, right after and 4 days after PCI by Ficoll-density centrifugation. The isolated cells were cultured in RPMI1640 medium supplemented with VEGF165 and bFGF.EPCs were characterized as adherent cells of double positive for DiL-acLDL uptake and FITC-UEA-I binding by direct fluorescent staining under a fluorescence microscope. The EPCs specific surface mark CD34 and KDR were assessed by fluorescence activated cell sorter analysis. The cell shapes were analysed and the number of colony-forming units(CFU) was counted by phase-contrast microscope. RESULTS: The number of EPCs reduced in patients with CHD before the PCI, but the cell number was significantly increased in patients with CHD after the PCI, and the number reduced in patients with CHD 4 days after the PCI. How-ever, the number of CFUs did not change in patients before and after the PCI. CONCLUSION PCI can increase endothelial progenitor cells in patients after the PCI; but 4 days after the PCI, this increase will not exist.
Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary ; Cell Adhesion ; Cell Count ; Cell Movement ; Cells, Cultured ; Coronary Disease ; blood ; therapy ; Endothelial Cells ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Stem Cells ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical efficacy of autologous semitendinosus and gracilis tendon grafting with anchor repair for the treatment of chronic achilles tendon rupture and severe scarring.

METHODSFrom April 2010 to October 2012,26 patients with chronic achilles tendon rupture(with Myerson type III ) and severe scarring were treated with autologous semitendinosus and gracilis tendon grafting with anchor repair. There were 19 males and 7 females,with an average age of 32 years old (ranged, 22 to 47 years). The time from injury to surgery was from 3 to 12 months (7 months on average). The plantar flexion strength of all injuried feet attenuated and single heel rise test were positive in 26 cases before operation. Plaster immobilization and routine rehabilitation therapy were performed after operation. Clinical effects were evaluated by Arner-lindholm criterion and complications were observed after operation.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up from 12 to 24 months with a mean of 16 months. No complications such as achilles tendon re-rupture, wound infection, etc were found during follow-up period. According to the Arner-Lindholm standard, 15 cases got excellent results and 11 good.

CONCLUSIONUsing autologous semitendinosus and gracilis tendon grafts with anchor repair to treat chronic achilles tendon rupture and severe scarring is a perfect surgical procedure.

Achilles Tendon ; injuries ; surgery ; Adult ; Chronic Disease ; Cicatrix ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Rupture ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo explore the protection of high intensity microwave radiation on hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA) activity and hippocampal CA1 structure in rats and the protectiveeffect of Qindan Granule (QG) on radiation injured rats.

METHODSTotally 48 Wistar rats were randomlydivided into 8 groups, i.e., the normal control group, post-radiation day 1, 7, and 10 groups, 7 and 10days prevention groups, day 7 and 10 treatment groups, 6 in each group. Rats in prevention groups wererespectively administered with QG liquid (1 mL/100 g, 4. 75 g crude drugs) for 7 days and 10 days bygastrogavage and then microwave radiation. Then preventive effect for radiation injury was statisticallycalculated with the normal control group and the post-radiation day 1 group. Rats in treatment groupswere firstly irradiated, and then administered with QG liquid (1 mL/100 g, 4.75 g crude drugs). Finally preventive effect for radiation injury was statistically calculated with the normal control group, post-radiation day 7 and 10 groups. Contents of corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH), beta endorphin (beta-EP), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) were detected. Morphological changes and structure of hippocampal CA1 region were observed under light microscope.

RESULTSCompared with the normal control group, contents of CRH and beta-EP significantly decreased in each radiation group. Serum contents of ACTH and beta-EP significantly increased in post-radiation day 1 and 7 groups (P < 0.05). Compared with radiation groups, beta-EP content in serum and pituitary significantly increased, and serum ACTH content significantly decreased in prevention groups (P < 0.05). Pituitary contents of CRH and beta-EP significantly increased in prevention groups. Serum contents of ACTH, beta-EP, and HSP70 were significantly lower in day 7 treatment group than post-radiation day 7 group (P < 0.05). Morphological results showed that pyramidal neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region arranged in disorder, with swollen cells, shrunken and condensed nucleus, dark dyeing cytoplasm, unclear structure. Vessels in partial regions were dilated with static blood; tissues were swollen and sparse. In prevention and treatment groups pathological damage of hippocampal CA1 region was obviously attenuated; neurons were arranged more regularly; swollen, pycnotic, or deleted neuron number were decreased; vascular dilatation and congestion was lessened.

CONCLUSIONQG could affect HPAA function and activity of high intensity microwave radiated rats, showing certain preventive and therapeutic effects of microwave radiated rats by adjusting synthesis and release of partial bioactive peptides and hormones in HPAA, improving pathological injury in hippocampal CA1 region.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone ; blood ; Animals ; CA1 Region, Hippocampal ; drug effects ; pathology ; radiation effects ; Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins ; blood ; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System ; drug effects ; radiation effects ; Microwaves ; adverse effects ; Pituitary-Adrenal System ; drug effects ; radiation effects ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; beta-Endorphin ; blood ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of FAK on biological characteristics of tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell Tca8113.

METHODSLipofect was used to transfect FAK into Tca8113 cell lines. The difference in expression of FAK between the transfected and non-transfected cell lines was detected by immunofluorescence assay. Then by use of transwell room and wash way, the difference in invasion and adhesion ability between the transfected and non-transfected cell lines was tested. MTT method was adopted in finding the change of proliferation.

RESULTSRT-PCR analysis showed that the FAK gene was downregulated by Tca8113 cells. FAK expression was significantly down regulated by the transfection of FAK ASODN (P<0.05). Antisense FAK ODN significantly inhibited proliferation, adhesion and the invasion of Tca8113 cells.

CONCLUSIONFAK plays an important role on biological characteristics of tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell Tca8113.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Down-Regulation ; Focal Adhesion Protein-Tyrosine Kinases ; Humans ; Tongue Neoplasms ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo select a proper Ganoderma luciderm strain for the fruiting body production.

METHODThe strains were cultivated on the agar media and in the liquid media, respectively. Then the strains were inoculated onto the solid medium made from agricultural products (such as wheat bran, corn powder, wood meal, etc.) and cultured for a certain period.

RESULTStrains, which were easier to produce polyporic tissues at the vegetative growth stage, would be more quickly to form fruiting body with high quality and yield of the spores.

CONCLUSIONAppearance of the polyporic tissues at the mycelium vegetative growth stage could be used as a marker for the strain selection for the G. luciderm substituted cultivation.

Bioreactors ; Culture Media ; Fruiting Bodies, Fungal ; growth & development ; Ganoderma ; growth & development ; Mycelium ; growth & development ; Triticum ; Zea mays

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Zishen Huoxue Recipe (ZHR) on pathomorphology in coronary heart disease (CHD) rats with Shen deficiency blood stasis syndrome (SDBSS).

METHODSTotally 60 healthy Wistar rats were divided into the blank control group, the model group, high, middle, and low dose ZHR groups according to random digit table, 12 in each group. Myocardial ischemia SDBSS rat model was prepared by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery and injecting hydrocortisone. ZHR physic liquor was administered to rats in high, middle, and low dose ZHR groups at the daily dose of 21.6, 10.8, 5.4 g/kg by gastrogavage for 7 successive days, equal volume of pure water was administered to rats in the blank control group and the model group by gastrogavage for 7 successive days. Rat heart was collected for pathomorphological observation under light microscope.

RESULTSIn the model group the heart muscle fiber was swollen and deformed with widened space, loose and dropsy tissues. Blood vessels in myocardial mesenchymal were dilated, infiltrated with more inflammatory cells. Myocardial cells were markedly swollen, degenerated, or necrotic, with caryolysis or disappearance of partial nuclear. A large amount of collagen fibrous tissue became hyperplasia. Endocardial blood vessels were swollen and degenerated with infiltration of few inflammatory cells. Epicardium tissue and structure were destroyed and got hyperplasia. Swollen, degenerated, or necrotic vessels could be seen, with infiltration of more inflammatory cells and collagen deposition. Pathomorphological injuries were alleviated in each ZHR group. The higher ZHR concentration, the milder the injury degree of myocardial tissue, the more limited range of damage.

CONCLUSIONZHR could attenuate pathomorphological injuries of myocardial ischemia rats with SDBSS and regulate myocardial function, thus improving myocardial ischemia in CHD rats with SDBSS.

Animals ; Coronary Artery Disease ; drug therapy ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Myocardial Ischemia ; Myocardium ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Hepatic Encephalopathy ; diagnosis ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Psychometrics ; methods ; Young Adult