Mean hemoglobin (Hb) concentration of about 3 500 subjects derived from 17 studies of Himalayan highlanders (Tibetans, Sherpas, and Ladakhis) was compared with lowlanders (Chinese Han, Indian Tamils) lived in the Himalayas, and European climbers during Everest expeditions as well as Andean natives. The results found that Hb concentration in Himalayan highlanders was systemically lower than those reported for Andean natives and lowland immigrants. These comparative data demonstrated that a healthy native population may successfully reside at high altitude without a significant elevation in Hb, and the lower Hb levels of Himalayan highlanders than those of migrated lowlanders and Andean natives are an example of favourable adaptation over the generations. In addition, excessive polycythemia has frequently been used as a marker of chronic mountain sickness (CMS). Altitude populations who have a higher Hb concentration also have a higher incidence of CMS. The low Hb in Himalayans suggested as showing adaptation over many generations in Tibetan stock. Recent work in Tibet, suggested that Tibetans there may have adapted to high altitude as a result of evolutionary pressure selecting for genes which give an advantage at altitude. All of the population genomic and statistical analysis indicated that EPAS1 and EGLN1 are mostly likely responsible for high altitude adaptation and closely related to low Hb concentration in Tibetans. These data supported the hypothesis that Himalayan highlanders have evolved a genetically different erythropoietic response to chronic hypoxia by virtue of their much longer exposure to high altitude.
Adaptation, Physiological ; Altitude ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors ; genetics ; Evolution, Molecular ; Hemoglobins ; genetics ; Humans ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-Proline Dioxygenases ; genetics ; Tibet

Objective To investigate the effect of gypenoside on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated inflammatory response. Methods The BV2 microglia cell line was cultured in vitro. The BV2 microglia cells were divided into four groups: normal control, LPS (10 ng/ml), GP + LPS (GP 20 μg/ml, LPS 10 ng/ml), and GP (20 μg/ml). After 24 h cultivation, ELISA was used to detect the levels of tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6. Immunocytochemistry staining and Western blot were used to detect the expression levels of nuclear factor (NF-κB) and suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS-1). Results Compared with the normal control group, the release of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, as well as the expression level of NF-κB in the LPS group were increased significantly (all P < 0. 001). Compared with the LPS group, the release of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, as well as the expression level of NFκB were decreased significantly, while the expression level of SOCS-1 was increased significantly (P < 0. 001). There were no significant differences in the release of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, as well as the expression levels of NF-κB and SOCS-1 between the GP group and normal control group (all P > 0. 05 ). Conclusions GP can significantly inhibit the LPS-mediated microglial inflammatory response. SOCS-1 protein may be involved in GP inhibiting LPS-mediated microglial inflammatory response.

This paper describes the development of the combined tumor therapeutic equipment based on the theory of 1 + 1 = 3 or 1 + 1 > 3 tumor combined treatment synergism. It has become a promising and valuable method dealing with cancer tumors for its good adaptability, better effectiveness and convenience. The therapeutic equipment is combined with PC and MS windows operation system, and adopts intellectual temperature control device, which realizes homogeneous and smooth heating to intracavity tumor focus and automatic processing and statistical management of all case data. The equipment works stably and is of great value in clinical applications.
Algorithms ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Equipment Design ; Humans ; Hyperthermia, Induced ; instrumentation ; methods ; Information Storage and Retrieval ; Male ; Microcomputers ; Middle Aged ; Rectal Neoplasms ; therapy ; Software ; Therapy, Computer-Assisted ; instrumentation

ABSTRACT:Objective To evaluate the curative effect of tension-free vaginal tape-obturator (TVT-O)and modified TVT-O in treating female stress urinary incontinence (SUI).Methods We selected 1 1 3 female patients diagnosed with SUI from January to December 2013 in our department and divided them into standard TVT-O group (group A,5 6 cases)and modified TVT-O group (group B,5 7 cases).We evaluated prospectively the safety,short-term efficacy and complications of operation in the two groups.Results The length from bilateral obturator membrane to the puncture point in the skin was greater in group A than in group B.The average intraoperative blood loss was more in group A than in group B.The median NRS score of postoperatie thigh pain in group A was higher than in group B (P<0 .0 5 ).The two groups did not differ significantly in operation duration,postoperative catheterization,mean hospital stay duration,the length and position from bilateral obturator membrane to the puncture point,or surgical efficacy (P>0.05).Conclusion Both TVT-O and modified TVT-O techniques are effective in treating female SUI.Modified TVT-O has a short path to get through the adductor muscles and less intraoperative blood loss;therefore,it can significantly reduce the complications such as postoperative pain to enhance the quality of life after operation. 

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical value of combination of human epididymis protein 4 (HE4), CA125 and the Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA) in diagnosis of ovarian carcinoma.

METHODSTo detect the serum concentration of HE4 using ELISA and CA125 using ECL in patients of ovarian carcinoma group (n = 119), borderline ovarian tumor group (n = 36), benign ovarian neoplasm group (n = 96) and female healthy control group (n = 53). The ROMA based on the serum level of CA125, HE4 and a woman's menopausal status was used to calculate the predicted probability (PP) and diagnostic results of ovarian cancers.

RESULTSThe receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed the cut-off value was 67.3 pmol/L (the AUC was 0.906, the sensitivity was 80.7% and specificity was 94.6%). The serum levels of HE4 and CA125 in the ovarian carcinoma group were significantly higher than that in the borderline ovarian tumor group, benign ovarian neoplasm group and female healthy control group (P < 0.01). The serum levels of CA125 and HE4 showed statistically no significant difference between the borderline ovarian tumor group and benign ovarian neoplasm group (P > 0.05). The levels of HE4 and CA125 were reduced significantly in ovarian patients after surgery therapy (P < 0.01). The sensitivity and specificity of HE4 + CA125 combination was 92.7% and 72.5%. The ROMA that can classify patients into high and low risk groups was established as 9.3% in premenopausal and 27.3% in postmenopausal women.

CONCLUSIONSHE4 is a helpful biomarker for ovarian carcinoma diagnosis. Biomarker combination of HE4 and CA125, and applying of the ROMA are helpful to improve the accuracy in diagnosis of ovarian cancers.

Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous ; blood ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; blood ; CA-125 Antigen ; blood ; Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous ; blood ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Cystadenoma, Serous ; blood ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Endometriosis ; blood ; diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Menopause ; Middle Aged ; Ovarian Neoplasms ; blood ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Proteins ; metabolism ; ROC Curve ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Teratoma ; blood ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Young Adult

BACKGROUNDHyperbaric oxygen preconditioning (HBO) is a new method of ischemia preconditioning. In this study, we examined its effects on skin flap survival and the mechanisms involved.

METHODSThirty-six rats were divided into three groups: HBO preconditioning, control, and sham groups. An extended epigastric adipocutaneous flap based on the right superficial epigastric artery and vein was raised. A 3-hour period of flap ischemia was induced by clamping the pedicle vessels with a microvascular clamp. At the end of ischemia induction, the clamp was removed and the flap was resutured. Rats in the HBO preconditioning group were treated with HBO four times before surgery. Microcirculation in the skin flap was measured on postoperative days 1, 3 and 5. The size of the flap was measured on postoperative day 5, before the animals were sacrificed. Samples of the skin flap were prepared and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 in the flap samples were measured.

RESULTSSurviving flap size was significantly higher in the HBO preconditioning group compared with controls, with a reduced inflammatory response and increased perfusion. IL-1, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels in the HBO preconditioning group were lower than in controls.

CONCLUSIONSHBO preconditioning improved flap survival in this ischemia-reperfusion rat model. The mechanisms responsible for this effect may relate to attenuation of the inflammatory response and increased flap perfusion following HBO preconditioning.

Animals ; Graft Survival ; Hyperbaric Oxygenation ; methods ; Ischemia ; surgery ; Male ; Microcirculation ; physiology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Skin ; Surgical Flaps

This study was aimed to detect the mutations and microsatellite instability (mtMSI) in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D-loop region in bone marrow cells of acute leukemia (AL) patients, and to analyze their relationship with the pathogenesis of AL. 19 cases of newly diagnosed AL were enrolled in this study. Through extracting mtDNA, the D-loop region was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the sequences of PCR products were detected by the pros- and cons-direct sequencing methods. The sequencing results were compared with the revised Cambridge reference sequence (rCRS) and the relevant database (MITOMAP database, GenBank database, mtDB database). The results showed that the mutation rate of mtDNA D-loop region in AL was 79% (15/19). 215 variations (35 mutations, 180 SNP) and a kind of mtMSI in the D-loop region were detected. A new type of mutation nt150 C-CT was found. Also, there was no significant difference in the number of mutations between patients with different ages and different types of AL (AML, B-ALL). It is concluded that there is high frequency of mutations in the mtDNA D-loop, and the mutations may be associated with the pathogenesis of AL.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Bone Marrow Cells ; Child ; DNA, Mitochondrial ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Leukemia ; genetics ; Male ; Microsatellite Instability ; Middle Aged ; Mutation ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the improvement of Kangshuai Yizhi Formula I ( I, KYF I) on: the learning and memory dysfunction in mice, and on the mechanism of the hippocampal cholinergic system and the nervous system of monoamine which are closely related to learning and memory function.

METHODSMice: in the low-, middle-, and high-dose KYF I groups were given low-, middle-, and high-dose KYF, respectively, by gastrogavage for 35 successive days. Animals in the control group and the model group were treated with distilled water. The acute learning and memory dysfunction model was established by injection of scopolamine from day 31, and Morris water maze was used to assess the behavior performance of scopolamine-induced model mice for five days. The activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), choline acetyl transferase (ChaT) and the content of monoamine neurotransmitters in hippocampus were measured. The activity of monoamine oxidase (MAO) in hippocampus and serum was also detected.

RESULTS(1) Compared with the control group, the: mean escape latency was shortened, and the frequency across the platform and the staying time at the platform area on the 5th day were decreased in the model group by Morris water maze test. The activities of AChE and MAO were increased, and the ChaT activity and monoamine neurotransmitter content were decreased as well. (2) The escape latency for 4 days in the low-, middle-, and high-dose KYF I groups was significantly shortened than that in the model group, with the shortest latency in the high-dose KYF I group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The frequency across the platform was significantly increased and the staying time at the platform was significantly prolonged in the middle- and high-dose KYF I groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). (3) As compared with the model group, the activity of ChaT and the content of monoamine neurotransmitters in the hippocampus were significantly increased, and the activities of AchE and MAO were significantly decreased in the hippocampus in the high-dose KYF I group (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSHigh-dose KYF I can significantly improve the learning and memory dysfunction: induced by scopolamine in mice. Its mechanism may be related to improving the central cholinergic system and regulating the hippocampal monoamine neurotransmitters.

Acetylcholinesterase ; metabolism ; Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; drug effects ; Choline O-Acetyltransferase ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Hippocampus ; drug effects ; enzymology ; pathology ; Learning ; drug effects ; Male ; Memory Disorders ; blood ; drug therapy ; enzymology ; physiopathology ; Mice ; Monoamine Oxidase ; blood ; Neurotransmitter Agents ; metabolism ; Reaction Time ; Scopolamine Hydrobromide ; toxicity ; Time Factors

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of nitric oxide (NO)-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway on cochlear sensitivity. Methods Ten groups of guinea pigs were treated with the following solutions by whole cochlear perfusion for 2 hours: (1) Artificial perilymph; (2) L-arginine; 93) Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor; (4) Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor + L-arginine; (5) Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor + cGMP; (6) Ca 2+ ATPase inhibitor + L-arginine + Non-selective NOS inhibitor; (7) eNOS inhibitor; (8) eNOS inhibitor + Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor; (9) eNOS inhibitor + Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor + L-arginine; (10) eNOS inhibitor + Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor + L-arginine + nNOS inhibitor. The compound action potential (CAP) and cochlea microphonics (CM) were measured to assess the changes of cochlear sensitivity. After the perfusion, the cochleae were harvested and prepared for transmission electron microscopy.

RESULTSThe average threshold shift of CAP after perfusion Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor was 28.5 dB, and it was improved in group 4 with 9 dB by L-arginine, similar with group 5. The threshold shift of CAP in group 8 was 42.5 dB, and it decreased in group 9 by L-arginine, on this foundation nNOS inhibitor was added, increased threshold shift of CAP was 6.5 dB, similar with group 8. The results indicated that L-arginine could rivalry the role of Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor through the path of NO-cGMP. Transmission electron microscopy showed that Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor + L-arginine combined administration resulted in less vacuolization in out hair cell than that treated with Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor only.

CONCLUSIONSThe NO-cGMP pathway could regulate cochlear sensitivity; L-arginine may improve the function of Corti's organ via nNOS, and they indicate an important role of supporting cells in the modulation of cochlear function.

Action Potentials ; Animals ; Cochlea ; metabolism ; physiology ; Cochlear Microphonic Potentials ; Cyclic GMP ; metabolism ; Enzyme Inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Guinea Pigs ; Hair Cells, Auditory ; metabolism ; Nitric Oxide ; metabolism ; Nitric Oxide Synthase ; antagonists & inhibitors

OBJECTIVETo investigate complication features following gamma knife radiosurgery (GKR), and to assess factors causing complications.

METHODSA retrospective analysis was conducted for 253 patients with intracranial arteriovenous malformation (AVMs), meningiomas, glial neoplasms, germinomas and metastatic cancer, respectively, which were treated with GKR.The incidences of acute, subacute and late complications following GKR were evaluated. Meanwhile, risk factors inducing subacute complications, such as the cell proliferative population of target tissues and location of target in AVM and meningioma, were evaluated, respectively.

RESULTSThe subacute complications are the prominent reactions in all the five diseases. There is a significant difference in the incidence rate of subacute complications between early responding tissues and slow responding tissues, central and peripheral AVM, basal and non-basal meningioma.

CONCLUSIONSSubacute complications are the prominent reactions after GKR, and the reactions are almost always reversible. The risk of subacute complications following GKR treatment is correlated to the proliferative cell population in the target tissues and the target location (AVM, meningioma).

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Arteriovenous Malformations ; surgery ; Child ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Germinoma ; surgery ; Glioma ; surgery ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Meningioma ; surgery ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications ; epidemiology ; etiology ; Radiosurgery ; adverse effects ; Retrospective Studies ; Young Adult