Acute Coronary Syndrome ; Humans

Objective To explore an algorithm to define the threshold value for tumor contouring on 18F-fluorodexyglucose (FDG) PET imaging. Methods A National Electrical Manufacturing Association (NEMA)NU 2 1994 PET phantom with 5 spheres of different diameters were filled with 18F-FDG. Seven different sphere-to-background ratios were obtained and the phantom was scanned by Discovery LS 4. For each sphere-to-background ratio, the maximum standardized uptake value ( SUVmax ) of each sphere, the SUV of the border of each sphere ( SUVborder ), the mean SUV of a 1 cm region of background (SUVbg) and the diameter (D) of each sphere were measured. SPSS 13.0 software was used for curve fitting and regression analysis to obtain the threshold algorithm. The calculated thresholds were applied to delineate 29 pathologically confirmed lung cancer lesions on PET images and the obtained volumes were compared with the volumes contoured on CT images in lung window. Results The algorithm for defining contour threshold is TH% = 33.1% + 46.8% SUVbg/SUVmax + 13.9%/D ( r = 0.994) by phantom studies. For 29 lung cancer lesions, the average gross tumor volumes ( GTV ) delineated on PET and CT are ( 7.36 ± 1.62 ) ml and (8.31 ±2.05) ml, respectively (t = -1.26, P＞0.05). Conclusion The proposed threshold algorithm for tumor contouring on PET image could provide comparable GTV with CT.

OBJECTIVE To investigate enhanced immune function of methionine encephalin (MENK) and its anti-tumor mechanism in CT26 colon cancer mouse model. METHODS 3×106 CT26 cells were implanted subcutaneously in BALB/c mice. Four days after, MENK was peritoneally administrated at the concentration of 20 mg·kg-1 for 14 d. The percentage of MDSCs in bone marrow, spleen, blood, tumor and liver were detected by flow cytometry. Non- esterified fatty acid (NEFA), triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (T-CHO) in liver homogenate were tested by a NEFA test kit, a TG test kit and a T- CHO test kit respectively. qRT- PCR and Western blot were used to measure mRNA and protein levels of inflammation-, glycometabolsim- and lipometabolsim-associated indexes in liver. RESULTS MENK decreased percentages of MDSCs in bone marrow, spleen, blood and tumor in colon cancer mice. MENK-treated mice displayed elevated ratio of CD4+T and CD8+T cells in spleen as well as increased T and B lymphocytes proliferation. Meanwhile, MENK also ameliorated liver damage reflected by lower levels of GPT and GOT in serum and reduced risks of cancer- associated index including inflammation, high lipid and high glucose. Furthermore, MENK lowered down the levels of NEFA, TG and T- CHO in liver homogenate. MENK treatment decreased expression of p- STAT3, increased expression of p-AKT, IRS1 and Glut4 at protein level as well as reduced lipogenesis-associated genes and elevated glycolysis-associated genes in liver of tumor bearing mice. Also, abated expression of genes associated with MDSCs generation (M-CSF, GM-CSF, IL-6, IL-1β) and migration (S100A9, KC) was observed within shrunken subcutaneous tumor by MENK intervention. CONCLUSION MENK has the ability to strength immune function against colon cancer by reducing MDSCs and improving liver metabolism.

OBJECTIVETo discuss arthroscopic technique of single Kirschner wire and suture avoiding epiphyseal line fixation for tibial intercondylar eminence fracture and its clinical results.

METHODSFrom May 2008 to December 2012, 21 patients (13 males, 8 females, ranging in age from 6 to 14 years old) with tibial intercondylar eminence fracture were treated arthroscopically with single Kirschner wire and suture avoiding epiphyseal line fixation technique. According to Meyers and McKeever classification, 7 patients were type II, 10 patients were type III, and 4 patients were type IV. Active rehabilitation began at one week after operation. The patients were followed up for 10 to 30 months. X-ray films were taken to evaluate fracture healing at 1, 3, 6 months after operation; range of motion, the anterior drawer test, the lachman test and the Lysholm knee score were used to evaluate clinical effects.

RESULTSAll fractures were healed without displacement at 6 weeks after operation. Anterior drawer test and the lachman test were both negative in all patients at 3 months after operation. Lysholm knee score was 95.5 ±2.5 at 6 months after operation, and postoperative X-ray film did not find epiphyseal line broadening or narrowing.

CONCLUSIONArthroscopic treatment for tibial eminence intercondylar fracture with single Kirschner wire and 8-shaped suture avoiding epiphyseal line fixation technique has many advantages, such as firm fixation,early mobilization, less invasive, less injury of physis and satisfactory effect.

Adolescent ; Arthroscopy ; Bone Wires ; Child ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; Humans ; Male ; Sutures ; Tibial Fractures ; surgery

The RNA-directed DNA Methylation (RdDM) is one type of epigenetic modification which was firstly discovered in plant. RdDM can directly cause DNA modifications of the genome through RNA-DNA interactions. In plant, both of RdDM and mRNA degradation induced by siRNA can silence sequence specific genes through RNA. They play very significant roles in chromosome rearrangement, defence of virus invasion, regulation of gene expression and many processes of plant development. However, the mechanisms of RdDM are still unclear. In this paper the basic characteristics of RdDM were briefly summarized and advances in studies on mechanisms of RdDM were reviewed. These include the kinds of DNA methyltransferases and their functional mechanisms in RdDM, the relationships between DNA methylation and chromatin modification, and important proteins involved in the RdDM process. In plants, RdDM may occur at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptionnal levels, both of which induce gene silencing. Methylation of the target gene promoter correlates with transcriptional gene silencing (TGS) whereas methylation of the coding sequence is associated with post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS). RdDM and RNAi all depend on the similar siRNA and enzymes, such as DCL3, RdR2, SDE4 and AGO4. There are at least three kinds of DNA methyltransferases, DRM1/2, MET1 and CMT3, in pants. They can interact with and modifies all cytidines within the DNA regions homologous to RNA sequence. Furthermore, methylation of lysine 9 in Histone H3 can affect the methylation of cytidines.
DNA Methylation ; DNA Modification Methylases ; metabolism ; Gene Silencing ; Plants ; genetics ; metabolism ; Protein Processing, Post-Translational ; RNA ; metabolism

Objective: To explore the peri-operative application of GLP-1 analogue and insulin on myocardial perfusion and clinical prognosis in patients of acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with stress-induced hyperglycemia. Methods: Our research was a prospective single center randomized control study. A total of 114 consecutive STEMI patients received percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) within 12h of onset were enrolled, the patients had no diabetes while blood glucose ≥11.1mmol/L at immediate admission. Based on random number table, the patients were divided into 2 groups: Observation group, the patients received GLP-1 analogue, n=59 and Control group, the patients received insulin, n=55. The post-operative myocardial perfusion, indicators of myocardial damage and cardiac function, myocardial infarct area (MIA) and myocardial salvage index (MSI) were compared between 2 groups. The patients were followed-up for 6 months to record the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Results: At peri-operative period, compared with Control group, Observation group had decreased peak values of creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB) and troponin T (cTnT), P<0.05. At 6 months post-operation, compared with Control group, Observation group showed increased myocardial perfusion and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), P<0.05, reduced MIA (15±12) g vs (20±14) g, P<0.05 and 12% elevated MSI as (0.64±0.13) vs (0.56±0.12), P<0.001. The MACE incidence was similar between 2 groups, P=0.217. Conclusion: In STEMI patients with stress-induced hyperglycemia, peri-operative application of GLP-1 analogue may safely regulate blood glucose, improve cardiac perfusion and function, reduce MIA; while it had no influence on myocardial perfusion at peri-operative period and no impact on MACE occurrence at 6 months post-operation.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy of ovulation stimulation protocol with gradual increment of gonadotropin in women with high ovarian response.

METHODSA retrospective study was conducted between june 2005 and April 2006 in 70 women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. The clinical outcomes of the women using gradual increment protocol were compared with those of women receiving other ovulation-stimulating protocols.

RESULTSThe mean number of large follicles (>or=14 mm) and retrieved oocytes on the day of retrival was significantly lower, but the duration of stimulation was significantly longer in the gradual increment group than in the control group. The rate of follicular puncture was also higher in the former group. The clinical pregnancy rate, total gonadotropin dosage, cancellation rate and incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome were similar for the two groups.

CONCLUSIONOvulation stimulation protocol with gradually increased gonadotropin may provide a promising alternative for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in women with a strong ovarian response.

Adult ; Embryo Transfer ; Female ; Fertilization in Vitro ; Gonadotropins, Pituitary ; administration & dosage ; Humans ; Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome ; prevention & control ; Ovulation Induction ; methods ; Retrospective Studies

BACKGROUNDThe elevated matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity is an important cause of chronic wound healing failure. Arsenolite, whose main component is arsenic trioxide (As2O3), is a common traditional Chinese medicine wildly used in treating chronic wounds; it can remove necrotic tissue and promote tissue regeneration. This research was designed to evaluate the effects of As2O3 on production and activities of MMP-1, MMP-2 and MMP-9, and on regulation of its signal transduction pathway in human skin fibroblasts (HSFb) and human monocyte line (THP-1 cells) that were in an inflammatory state.

METHODSWe established three cell models; HSFb activated by TNF-α, THP-1 cells activated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and an HSFb-THP-1 co-culture system. Three cell models was cultured with As2O3 for 24 hours. The levels of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, TNF-α and IL-1β in the cell culture supernatants were assayed by ELISA. The mRNA expressions of MMP-1, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were determined by RT-PCR. The activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were tested by Gelatin zymography assays. The phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2 and p38MAPK were assayed by Western blotting.

RESULTSAs2O3 inhibited the expression of MMP-1, MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA, the secretion and activity of MMP-1, MMP-2 and MMP-9 in HSFb and THP-1 cells in the inflammatory state (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01 respectively). It also inhibited the secretion of TNF-α and IL-1β in THP-1 cells and in the co-culture system (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). It also decreased the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK in HSFb and THP-1 cells (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively).

CONCLUSIONSAs2O3, as a main component of arsenolite, can inhibit the production of MMPs by HSFb and THP-1 cells in an inflammatory state through inhibiting the release of inflammatory factors and the activation of the MAPK cascade pathway. This may be a possible mechanism for arsenolite healing chronic wounds.

Arsenicals ; pharmacology ; Cell Line ; Cells, Cultured ; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel ; Fibroblasts ; drug effects ; enzymology ; Humans ; Interleukin-1 ; metabolism ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 ; metabolism ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; metabolism ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; metabolism ; Monocytes ; drug effects ; enzymology ; Oxides ; pharmacology ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of two different doses of letrozole in promoting ovulation in infertile women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

METHODSSeventy-six PCOS infertile women undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI) or with anovulation were divided into two groups and received oral letrozole at the daily dose of 2.5 (n=36) or 5.0 mg (n=40) from the 3rd to the 7th day of the menstrual cycle. Three days after discontinuation of the medication (the 10th day of the menstrual cycle ), ultrasound scanning was performed to monitor the follicle development. When the diameter of the biggest follicle reached 14 mm, the presence of luteinizing hormone (LH) was monitored; when LH positivity was detected, blood samples were drawn to test follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), LH, estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) levels. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG, 10 000 U) was then injected to induce ovulation.

RESULTSThe ovulation rate, stimulation follicle days, diameter of the biggest follicle on the day of LH positivity and the thickness of endometrium were all similar between the two groups (P>0.05). But in women receiving 5.0 mg letrozole, both the number of mature follicles and pregnancy rate were significantly higher than those in women having the half dose (P<0.05). The levels of FSH, LH, E2, and T on the third day of menstruation and on the day of HCG injection were similar between the two groups (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONLetrozole at the dose of 5.0 mg/day produces higher pregnancy rate and more mature follicles in fertile women with PCOS.

Adult ; Aromatase Inhibitors ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Fertility Agents, Female ; administration & dosage ; Humans ; Infertility, Female ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Insemination, Artificial ; Nitriles ; administration & dosage ; Ovulation Induction ; methods ; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ; complications ; Triazoles ; administration & dosage

OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical effects of the manipulation reduction combined with small splint fixation for the treatment of fresh closed fracture of radius for shorten hospital stays and reduce medical cost.

METHODSFrom July 2007 to December 2009, 200 patients (ranged the age from 40 to 80 years) with distal radius comminute fracture were treated and divided into CP group (including 21 males and 79 females, with a mean age of (62.98 +/- 0.85) years), and control group (including 20 males and 80 females, with a mean age of (63.19 +/- 0.88) years). All patients were treated manipulation reduction combined with small-splint fixation, control group removed small-splint 30 days after treatment, CP group removed 25 days after treatment. Two groups were checked by X-ray and took traditional chinese medicine (taking Yuanhu tablets, Chuangshangning tablets on the early stage; Guixiangzhenggu pill was taken on the middle stage; Shuanglongjie gu pill on the late stage), functional exercise was guided after removing of small splint. The condition of reduction and position of bone were evaluated and Gartland-Werlley scale was used to evaluate the function of wrist joint.

RESULTSTreatment time in CP group was decreased from (30.08 +/- 3.06) to (25.06 +/- 1.07) days; treatment cost in CP group was decreased from (2 100.00 +/- 332.12) to (1 644.00 +/- 125.20) Yuan. There was no significant difference in reduction and function recover of wrist joint between two groups. The results showed the effects of TCM clinic can be promised.

CONCLUSIONClinical pathway for outpatient can promote standardization of outpatient, short treatment time less medical economic burden, and worth widely used.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; instrumentation ; methods ; Fractures, Closed ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radius ; surgery ; Radius Fractures ; surgery ; Splints