Objective To explore the TCM syndrome distribution characteristics of central obesity hypertension patients; To analyze its correlation with urinary microalbumin/creatinine (MA/Cr) ratio; To provide some proof for an efficient way to control central obesity hypertension and prevent and cure its early renal injury with integrated TCM and Western medicine.Methods It was performed in a cross-sectional epidemiological study. The age, gender, height, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, medical history and symptoms of 359 central obesity hypertension patients were collected in Shanghai. Then according to the four diagnostic methods, TCM syndromes were recorded. The urinary MA/Cr ratio, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin and hs-CRP levels were detected.Results The urinary MA/Cr detectable rate in Shanghai among central obesity hypertension was 33.4% (120/359), men accounting for 56% and women 44%. Among central obesity hypertension patients, the HOMA-IR and hs-CRP level of urinary albumin group were significantly higher than those of normal group, with statistical significance (P<0.05). Among 359 central obesity hypertension patients, 140 people had phlegm-dampness syndrome, accounting for 39%, the largest part; 108 had liver-yang hyperactivity syndrome, accounting for 30%; 61 had yin-yang deficiency syndrome, accounting for 17%; 50 had yin-deficiency and yang-hyperactivity syndrome, accounting for 14%; the number of four TCM syndromes had statistical difference (P<0.05). Urinary MA/Cr ratio of the patients with phlegm-dampness syndrome was significantly higher than that of other three syndromes (P<0.05).Conclusion The incidence rate of early renal damage with central obesity hypertension patients is high in Shanghai area, and the early stage of renal damage is associated with insulin resistance and inflammatory reaction. Among central obesity hypertension, phlegm-dampness syndrome and liver-yang hyperactivity account for the majority, and patients with phlegm- dampness syndrome are more likely to have early kidney damage.

Objective Using the third high sensitive cardiac troponin I assay to establish the reference intervals of serum cardiac marker high sensitivity cardiac troponin I ( hs-cTnI ) in apparently healthy subjects of Beijing area, and to explore the relationship between cTnI and other parameters.Methods Using random selection method, a total of 440 serum samples were collected from apparently healthy subjects of Beijing area.Among them, 217 cases were male, average age was (50.0 ±14.3) years old;223 cases were female, average age was ( 49.0 ±14.0 ) years old.All of these serum samples were detected hs-cTnI using i2000 Abott biochemical analyzer and ARCHITECT STAT Abbott assay kit.And the 99th percentile upper reference limit was used as the reference interval.Non-parametric tests were used to compare the different groups, the U Mann-Whitney test was used between two groups, the Kruskal-Wallis test was used in many groups, and the correlation analysis was used Spearman method.Results The 99th percentiles of hs-cTnI in 440 apparently healthy subjects is 9.66 ng/L.While the male group is 9.66 ng/L, and the female group is 8.25 ng/L.The serum hs-cTnI level of male is higher than female ( 9.95 ng/L vs 8.25 ng/L, P<0.05 ).According to the spearman correlation analysis, the serum hs-cTnI level appears positive correlation with age, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT),aspartate transaminase ( AST) ,gamma-glutamyl transferase ( GGT) ,total bilirubin ( TBIL) ,serum creatinine ( SCR) , hemoglobin (HGB)(P<0.05,R>0),and appears negative correlation with platelet (PLT)(P<0.05,R<0).Conclusion The serum hs-cTnI level apparently differents with gender, so it is necessary to establish reference intervals among different gender group of Beijing area.

OBJECTIVE: To develop the single-tube one-step methylation variable position (MVP) analysis technology-single-tube post-digestion PCR-melting curve analysis (PDP-MCA). METHODS: Based on differentially methylated region (DMR) reported previously as the model, a set of primers with different melting temperatures of products in the two sides of MVP were designed. By using the FastDigest methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme (MSRE), DNA digestion, multiplex amplification, MCA detection and MCA profiles were performed in a single reaction tube. Same samples (peripheral venous blood, semen, and vaginal fluid, 5 samples each type) were tested by single-tube one step MVP and traditional MSRE-PCR MCA technology. To verify the feasibility of this method, the results were compared with that of the traditional technology. The MCA/HRM profiles of different samples were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: When the melting temperature of the fragments had a differential of 2 degrees C, the MCA melting peaks separated well, and MCA detection after multiplex amplification was successful. The single-tube PDP-MCA assay was developed, which integrated multiple reactions (digestion, amplification and detection) into one tube. By this method, the sample-specific profiles and data were analyzed in 2 h, which is similar to that of the traditional method. The rapid classifications of the samples were also realized. CONCLUSION Multiplex MVPs can be analyzed in a single closed-tube. The single-tube PDP-MCA technology is a simple, fast, and automatable method. It can be used for detection of DNA methylation variations.
DNA/isolation & purification* ; DNA Methylation/genetics* ; DNA Primers/genetics* ; Humans ; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction/standards* ; Nucleic Acid Denaturation

AIMTo detect the expression of VASA in human ejaculated spermatozoa, and to compare the expression of VASA between normozoospermic men and patients with oligozoospermia.

METHODSEjaculated spermatozoa were collected from normozoospermic men and patients with oligozoospermia by masturbation, and subsequently segregated through a discontinuous gradient of Percoll to obtain the spermatozoa. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), quantitative RT-PCR (QRT-PCR), immunoflurescence and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of VASA in mRNA and protein levels.

RESULTSVASA mRNA was expressed in the ejaculated spermatozoa. QRT-PCR analysis showed that VASA mRNA level was approximately 5-fold higher in normozoospermic men than that in oligozoospermic men. Immunofluorescence and Western blotting analysis showed that VASA protein was located on the cytoplasmic membrane of heads and tails of spermatozoa, and its expression was significantly decreased in oligozoospermic men, which is similar to the result of QRT-PCR.

CONCLUSIONThe expression of VASA mRNA and protein was significantly decreased in the sperm of oligozoospermic men, which suggested the lower expression of the VASA gene might be associated with pathogenesis in some subtypes of male infertility and VASA could be used as a molecular marker for the diagnosis of male infertility.

Biomarkers ; metabolism ; Blotting, Western ; DEAD-box RNA Helicases ; genetics ; metabolism ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Male ; Oligospermia ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Spermatozoa ; cytology ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo analyze the clinical features of patients with newly diagnosed myeloma bone disease (MBD).

METHODClinical features of MBD in two hundred and five patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) were analyzed retrospectively. The relationship between outcome of different grades of MBD patients and their prognosis was compared.

RESULTS(1) Among the 205 patients, one hundred and fifty (72.7%) had bone pain as the first symptom. (2) According to X-ray evaluation, there were 23 (11.3%) of grade 0, 14 (6.9%) grade 1, 23 (11.3%) of grade 2, 68 (33.3%) grade 3 and 76 (37.2%) grade 4. (3) Patients with grade2-4 MBD had significantly higher ECOG performance score, marrow plasmacytes, marrow CD138(+) CD38(+) cell percentage and serum IL-6 level than those with grade 0 - 1 did (P < 0.05). Patients with grade 4 MBD presented with hypocalcemia (P < 0.05) more often than those with grades 0 - 3 diseases did. (4) There was no significant difference in response to initial induction chemotherapy among the five groups (P = 0.642). (5) Univariate analysis demonstrated that the time to progression (TTP) in grade 2 - 4 MBD groups was significantly shorter than that in grade 0 - 1 groups (P = 0.029). (6) Multivariable COX analysis did not indicate lytic bone changes was a independent prognostic factor for OS and TTP.

CONCLUSIONThere is a rather high incidence of MBD in MM patients in China. Patients with extensive X-ray bone lesions have more severe hematologic parameters than those without bone lesions did, and severe bone lesions is an important adverse prognostic factor for TTP.

Bone Diseases ; Bone Marrow ; Humans ; Interleukin-6 ; Multiple Myeloma ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVETo explore the prognostic impact of bone marrow involvement (BMI) and therapy in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

METHODSThe clinical characteristics and prognosis of 83 DLBCL patients with or without BMI were retrospectively analyzed. The treatment outcome of standard CHOP regimen (CHOP group), intensive-dose regimen (intensive-dose group) and rituximab combined therapy (rituximab group) were compared.

RESULTSThe adverse prognostic factors including LDH elevation, ECOG score > or =2, higher IPI and aaIPI score, B symptom, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, hemoglobin <110 g/L, platelet <100 x 10(9)/L and serum albumin <35 g/L were more prevalent in DLBCL patients with BMI than in those without BMI. Multivariate analysis showed that BMI was an independent prognostic factor of DLBCL. The 3-year OS and PFS rates in rituximab group were 78.1% and 64.3%, respectively, being statistically higher than that in CHOP group (23.6% and 21.8% respectively, P = 0.000 for both) and in intensive-dose group (33.3% and 25.7% respectively, P = 0.002 and 0.001, respectively). But no difference between the latter two groups (P = 0.411 and 0.694, respectively). For the patients with BMI, the 3-years OS and PFS in rituximab group (57.1% and 57.1%) were statistically higher than that in CHOP group (13.9% and 14.1%) and intensive-dose group (29.5% and 16.8%) (P = 0.029 and 0.012 respectively), respectively and also no difference in the latter two groups (P = 0.226 and 0.376 respectively). In the rituximab group, the 3-years OS and PFS were 86.7% and 67.3% respectively in patients without BMI, being higher than that in patients with BMI (57.1% and 57.1%), but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.645 and 0.965 respectively).

CONCLUSIONBMI is a negative independent prognostic factors of DLBCL patients. The rituximab combined chemotherapy can significantly improve the therapeutic effect of the DLBCL, and relieve the negative impact of BMI.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived ; administration & dosage ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Bone Marrow ; pathology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cyclophosphamide ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Doxorubicin ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Prednisone ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Rituximab ; Treatment Outcome ; Vincristine ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Young Adult

AIMTo explore the effects of sodium hydrogen exchanger (NHE-1) specific hammerhead ribozyme on the expression and activity of NHE-1 and pHi in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) in rats, and its role in PASMCs proliferation.

METHODSAccording to the secondary structure of NHE-1 mRNA in rats, NHE-1 specific hammerhead ribozyme was designed with the assistance of computer. The recombinant vector of retroviral plasmid pLXSN and NHE-1 hammerhead ribozyme, PRZ, was transfected into the cultured PASMCs. G418 resistant cell clones were screened with 60 microg/ml G418. Then, the expression of NHE-1 mRNA was detected by RT-PCR, intracellular pH was measured with fluorescent probe-BCECF, 22Na and 3H-TdR incorporation were determined respectively.

RESULTSCompared with the cells transfected with pLXSN and non-transfected cells, NHE-1 mRNA, pHi value, 3H-TdR and 22Na incorporation decreased significantly in cells transfected with recombinant vector PRZ. No significance was found between the pLXSN transfected group and non-transfected group.

CONCLUSIONNHE-1 hammerhead ribozyme can cleave the target RNA specifically, reduce the expression of NHE-1 mRNA, induce intracellular acidosis and consequently prohibit the proliferation of PASMCs.

Animals ; Cell Proliferation ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle ; cytology ; Pulmonary Artery ; cytology ; pathology ; RNA, Catalytic ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Rats ; Sodium-Hydrogen Exchanger 1 ; Sodium-Hydrogen Exchangers ; metabolism ; Transfection

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Leukemia, Prolymphocytic, B-Cell ; diagnosis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies

Objective To investigate the clinical significance of intraportal vein anticoagulation for the prevention of portal vein thrombosis after portaazygous devascularization and splenorenal shunt. Methods In this study 67 patients of portal hypertension undergoing surgery were randomly divided into two groups,receiving respectively intraportal vein heparin injection by 100 U?kg~(-1)?d~(-1)?7 d in group A (32 patients)and placebo in group B(35 patients).Portal vein thrombosis,the recurrent bleeding after operation and portal hypertensive gastropathy were compared between the two groups.Results The occurrence of portal vein thrombosis after operation in group A(0)was significantly lower than that in group B(20%,X~2=5.169,P

Objective To investigate the causes of bicycle injuries among middle school students in rural areas and attitudes of students, their parents and teachers toward bicycle injuries.Methods 103 respondents in 14 groups were interviewed using focus group discussion outline. Data were taped and interpreted by two experienced researchers using the QSR NVivo 8.0 software.Results Disobeying the traffic rules, riding bicycle carelessly and fast speed when riding bicycle were the first leading causes of bicycle injuries among middle school students. The relative importance of disobeying traffic rules, inattentive riding the bicycles and fast speed were 1.00, 0.80 and 0.78respectively. Students, their parents and teachers held different attitudes toward the determinants of road condition(23 person-time)'. Fast riding speed was the most important subjective cause (students and parents were 14 and 8 person-time during the interview)but teachers thought that disobeying traffic rules was the most important one(by 14 person-time). Conclusion Residents in rural China had low awareness of child bicycle injuries. There is a need to improve the awareness of road safety among rural residents. Future intervention strategies should be tailored to address main determinants to reduce the incidence of road traffic injuries among children.