Objective To explore the value of uric acid (UA) combined with lipoprotein a [Lp(a)] in prediction of atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) in high risk population with atherosclerosis. Methods A total of 190 patients who were highly suspected for ARAS and received renal artery angiography in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from October 2008 to April 2011 were enrolled in the study.Among these patients,120 were diagnosed as coronary arterial disease (CAD) by coronary artery angiography and 89 were diagnosed as ARAS.The control group included 180 people undergoing routine healthy examination in our hospital.The basic information and lab results such as UA,Lp (a),total cholesterol (TC),triacylglycerol (TG),HDL,LDL,Scr and C-reactive protein (CRP) were collected.Logistic regression analysis was used to identify possible risk factors of ARAS and to establish a new tool to predict ARAS in the high risk population. Results The levels of Scr,UA,Lp (a) and CRP in ARAS cases were significantly elevated compared to control people.For high risk population,there were no significant differences in Scr,lipids,UA and CRP between ARAS cases and non-ARAS cases.Logistic regression analysis showed that UA level＞344 μmol/L was correlated to ARAS independently.Using UA level＞344 μmol/L and Lp (a) level＞242 mg/L as a predicting marker for ARAS in high risk population,the specificity was 96.0％,the positive likelihood ratio was 5.45 (P=0.001),and the odds ratio was 6.78,95％CI (1.90～24.2) (P=0.001). Conclusions In high risk population,the UA may be an independent correlating factor of ARAS.Combining UA with Lp(a) can predict the ARAS.

Objective To understand the changes of cardiac systolic and diastolic function in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients without evidence of cardiac disease in China.Methods Forty-two HIV-infected patients who were followed up in the Department of Infectious Diseases at Peking Union Medical College Hospital without cardiac involvement were recruited.All the HIV-infected patients had received highly active antiroviral therapy (HAART) for more than 12 months with viral suppression.And 30 age and sex matched healthy subjects without cardiac disease manifestations were enrolled as controls.Every group members underwent transthoracic echocardiography evaluation.The indexes of cardiac systolic and diastolic function between HIV-infected patients and healthy controls were compared.Results Diastolic abnormality occurred in 20 cases in HIV-infected group and 6 cases in control group, with statistically significant difference (χ2=5.79, P=0.007).The E wave deceleration time (EDT) in HIV-infected patients were significantly decreased than healthy controls ([161.87±21.64] ms vs.[190.34±37.22], t=-3.20, P=0.002).There were no significant differences of E/A ratio ([1.16±0.35] vs.[1.19±0.26]), E/Ea ratio ([5.43±1.99] vs.[5.78±0.91]), isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT), ([93.18±20.34] ms vs.[93.57±18.55]ms), Ea ([10.18±2.80] cm/s vs.[11.45±2.75] cm/s) between HIV-infected patients and controls (t=1.13,1.53,0.67 and 0.29, respectively, all P>0.05).Among cardiac systolic function markers, left ventricular ejection fractions in HIV-infected patients and control group were (66.7±6.4)% and (68.7±4.2)%, respectively.And left ventricular shortening rates were (37.08±4.79)% and (38.17±3.96)%, respectively.Both showed no significant difference between the two groups (t=-1.51 and-1.00, respectively, both P>0.05).Conclusions Compared with control group, subclinical cardiac diastolic dysfunction is more frequently observed in HIV-infected patients.However, there are no significant differences of cardiac systolic function markers between HIV-infected patients and controls.

Purpose To investigate the histopathological features of cystic lung diseases ( CLD) , and to discuss the timing of clinical interventions. Methods HE and immunohistochemical staining were performed and reviewed in 125 cases of CLD. Results 125 ca-ses of CLD aged from birth to 11 years and 6 month, with an average age of 23. 0 months, median age 15 months, of which 60 cases were less than 1 year (48. 0%). 75 cases were male and 50 cases female, with male to female ratio of 1. 5 ∶ 1. Grossly, 50 cases showed single or multiple cysts with the size 0. 5 ~8. 0 cm in diameter, which did not communicate with bronchial cavity. 18 cases showed honeycomb cysts with the diameter of 0. 1~2. 0 cm. 26 cases were solid lesions without visible cysts. 21 cases were observed lung abscess with thick and rough wall and pus inside. 7 cases of emphysema showed microcysts with crepitation. 2 cases were identi-fied cystic and solid masses, with fish-fresh like cut surface. Histopathologically, 94 cases (75. 2%) were related to congenital bron-chopulmonary dysplasia in 125 cases of CLD, in which there were 59 patients (47. 2%) of congenial pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM), including 29 cases of type 1 (49. 2%), 18 cases of type 2 (30. 5%), and 12 cases of type 4 (20. 3%), there were 26 ca-ses (20. 8%) of pulmonary sequestration, including 15 cases of intralobar type (57. 7%) and 11 of extralobar cases (42. 3%), 5 ca-ses were complicated with CPAM type 2, 8 cases were bronchial cyst (6. 4%) and 1 case of enteric cyst (0. 8%). Acquired lesions were detected in 31 cases (24. 8%), including 21 cases of infected lung abscess, 1 case of fungal abscess. 7 cases of emphysema, and 3 cases of pleuralpulmonary blastoma (typeⅠ1 case and typeⅡ2 cases). Conclusion Pediatric CLD is characterized as com-plexed categories. The prognosis depends on correct pathological diagnosis, combined with imaging evaluation and appropriate timing of surgery.

Objective To establish a TaqMan real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR to detect Vibrio vulnificus based on hemolysin gene(vvhA)that coding cytolysin.Method By using software Primer Express, the PCR primers and TaqMan probe,which located in the conserved region of vvhA gene sequence,were designed for establishment of a TaqMan real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR to detect 100 bp amplicon from V.vulnificus DNA.A recombinant plasmid pMD19-vvhA100 as a positive control during detection was constructed using gene cloning technique.Minimal amplification cycles(Ct value)and fluorescence intensity enhancement (△Rn value)were used as observing index to optimize the reaction conditions of the TaqMan real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR.The DNAs with different concentrations from V.vulnificus and other eight bacteria and pMD19- vvhA100 were applied as templates to determine the specificity,sensitivity and reappearance of the TaqMan real- time fluorescent quantitative PCR.ICR mice were intraperitoneally,subcutaneously and orally infected with V. vulnificus,respectively.The detection effect of the TaqMan real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR was measured using the specimens of peripheral blood,subcutaneous tissue and intestinal content collected from the infected mice.Results The established TaqMan real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR showed positive results only for V. vulnificus DNA and pMD19-vvhA100.The detection effectiveness of the TaqMan real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR was as high as 0.01 ng of V.vulnificus DNA or 103 copies of pMD19-vvhA100.The SD values of the detection results repeated for three times using pMD19-vvhA100 with different concentrations were lease than 0.79. The detection results of TaqMan real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR were positive for all the specimens of peripheral blood and subcutaneous tissue.Conclusions The TaqMan real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR established in this study for V.vulnificus vvhA gene detection has advantages such as quickness,stability, sensitivity and specificity,indicating this method can be used for clinical laboratory diagnosis of septicemia and wound infection caused by V.vulnificus.

The finite element method (FEM) is a mathematical technique using modern computer technology for stress analysis, and has been gradually used in simulating human body structures in the biomechanical field, especially more widely used in the research of thoracolumbar spine traumatology. This paper reviews the establishment of the thoracolumbar spine FEM, the verification of the FEM, and the thoracolumbar spine FEM research status in different fields, and discusses its prospects and values in forensic thoracolumbar traumatology.
Biomechanical Phenomena ; Computer Simulation ; Finite Element Analysis ; Humans ; Lumbar Vertebrae/injuries* ; Models, Theoretical ; Stress, Mechanical ; Thoracic Vertebrae/injuries* ; Traumatology

OBJECTIVETo observe dynamic changes of blood lead concentration in rats with long-term toxicity test with Goupi Gao by the flame atomic absorption spectrometry, in order to provide reference for safe administration of Goupi Gao.

METHODThe rats were administered with Goupi Gao by high-dose (7 g x kg(-1)), medium-dose (3.5 g x kg(-1)), low-dose (1.75 g x kg(-1)) by external use for consecutively 90 days. Then, the blood samples were collected from the rats before the administration and at 10, 30, 45, 52, 60, 90 d after the administration respectively, as well as 16 d and 28 d after the drug withdrawal. The samples were dispelled with microwave digestion system and then were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry for blood lead levels.

RESULTAccording to methodological study, the standard curve regression equation in this experiment was A = 0.004 9X + 0. 017, r = 0.999 5, with the detection limit up to 0. 380 microg x L(-1). The RSD was 1.4% by precision checks. Blood lead level of mixed blood samples was 175.77 microg x L(-1), whose RSD was 6. 0%. Blood lead concentration gradually increased after low-dose and medium-dose administration to rats and became stable at the 10th day and the 30th day by high-dose. Dose is directly related to blood lead concentration. Meanwhile, the blood lead concentration decreases after the drug withdrawal.

CONCLUSIONThe method of determination in this experiment is so accurate and reliable that it can be used for the determination of blood lead. Long-term and high-dose external use of Goupi Gao can increase blood lead.

Animals ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; toxicity ; Female ; Lead ; blood ; Male ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Spectrophotometry, Atomic ; methods ; Time Factors ; Toxicity Tests

OBJECTIVETo assess whether the existing three types of pharmacogenetics-based Warfarin dosing algorithms appropriately predict the actual maintenance dose in Han Chinese mechanical heart valve replacement patients (n = 130).

METHODSThe patients' CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genetic polymorphisms were detected by PCR-RFLP. The genotype of CYP2C9, VKORC1 and other information were used to calculate predicted doses. Accuracy of the models was assessed using the absolute value of the difference between predicted dose and actual dose, calculated on both an absolute and percentage basis. Actual weekly dose was also regressed on predicted weekly dose, from which we obtained R(2) values. Clinical accuracy of the predictions was assessed by computing the proportion in which the predicted dose was 20% or more below the actual dose (under dosed), within 20% of the actual dose (ideally dosed), or 20% or greater above the actual dose (over dosed).

RESULTSThe average absolute error is the smallest for the predictions made by the Wen model (3.74 mg/wk), followed by the Ohno model (4.07 mg/wk) and IWPC model (5.05 mg/wk). R(2) was 40.2% in the Wen model, 38.2% in the Ohno model and 26.7% in the IWPC model. When comparing the percentage of patients for whom the predicted doses were ideal, the Wen model works the best (50.0%) in low-dose group (≤ 21 mg/wk), but the Ohno model works the best (85.29%) in middle-dose group (21 - 49 mg/wk), followed by the Wen model.

CONCLUSIONThe best accuracy is achieved by the Wen model and the best clinical accuracy is obtained by the Ohno model for predicting the actual maintenance dose in Han Chinese mechanical heart valve replacement patients.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Anticoagulants ; administration & dosage ; Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylases ; genetics ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Cytochrome P-450 CYP2C9 ; Drug Design ; Female ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; NAD(P)H Dehydrogenase (Quinone) ; genetics ; Pharmacogenetics ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Warfarin ; administration & dosage ; Young Adult

Objective To investigate the relationship between Wnt5a gene and E-cadherin or vimentin gene in breast cancer cell line MCF-7. Methods RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of Wnt5a, E-cadherin and vimentin in breast cancer MCF-7 cells and the normal human mammary epithelial cell line MCF-10A, respectively, and their correlation was analyzed. Results The mRNA expression levels of Wnt5a and E-cadherin in cell line MCF-7 were significantly lower than those in cell line MCF-10A [(16.93± 2.97)%vs. (27.47±2.76) %, (12.97±1.35) % vs. (20.43±2.60) %, both P<0.05]. The mRNA expression level of vimentin in cell line MCF-7 was significantly higher than that in cell line MCF-10A [(16.53±0.85)%(6.33± 2.08) %, P<0.05 ]. In cell line MCF-7, the expression of Wnt5a was positively related to E-cadherin (г=0.997, P<0.05), but it was negatively related to vimentin (г=-0.998, P<0.05). Conclusions The expression of Wnt5a in human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 is significantly lower than that in cell line MCF-10A, which indicates that Wnt5a is a cancer suppressor gene in breast cancer. The expression of Wnt5a in cell line MCF-7 is positively related with E-cadherin, and it is negatively related with vimentin. Wnt5a may cause invasion and metastasis of breast cancer cell through the breast epithelial mesenchymal transitions.

Objective To study the effects of Yiqi Huayu Jiedu Prescription on the migration ability of MHCC97-H and the expressions of CXCL12, CXCR4 and CXCR7; To discuss its relevant mechanism of action. Methods Setting Sorafenib as a positive control, CCK-8 method was used for determining the effects of Yiqi Huayu Jiedu Prescription on the cell proliferation of MHCC97-H and the optimum concentration. Scratch assay was used to observe the migration ability of MHCC97-H. The protein expressions of CXCL12, CXCR4 and CXCR7 were detected by Western blot after 24 h of medicine intervention. Results Yiqi Huayu Jiedu Prescription and Sorafenib can inhibit the cell proliferation of MHCC97-H , and the inhibitory concentration was 0.095 g/mL and 10 μmol/mL at 24 hours. Yiqi Huayu Jiedu Prescription can inhibit migration ability of MHCC97-H. The protein expressions of CXCL12, CXCR4 and CXCR7 in hepatocellular carcinoma cells decreased after the action of Yiqi Huayu Jiedu Prescription. Conclusion Yiqi Huayu Jiedu Prescription can inhibit MHCC97-H cell proliferation and migration, which may be realized by down-regulating chemokine axis of CXCL12/CXCR4/CXCR7.

OBJECTIVETo study the clinicopathological and genetic features of desmoid-type fibromatosis, and to investigate the feasibility of detecting trisomy 8 in formalin fixed, paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue by fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH).

METHODSA total of 96 cases were included in this study. All patients had clinical information. Histopathologic and immunohistochemical evaluations were available in 69 cases, and ultrastructural evaluation was done in 2 cases of desmoid-type fibromatosis. FFPE tissue sections were available in 20 tumors for the trisomy 8 detection by FISH.

RESULTSThere were 20 male and 76 female patients with ages ranging from 8 to 86 years (mean 35.3 years). Clinically, there were 44 extra-abdominal tumors, 28 abdominal wall tumors and 23 intra-abdominal lesions mostly involving the mesentery. Most cases presented with nodular or funicular masses with white firm cut surfaces, measuring 0.6 to 24.0 cm (mean 8.4 cm) in size. Histologically, desmoid-type fibromatoses showed longitudinal fascicles of spindle fibroblasts and myofibroblasts in a predominantly collagenous background. The tumor cells stained positive for vimentin, alpha-smooth muscle actin, desmin, and beta-catenin (47.8%, 33/69). Ultrastructurally, most tumor cells had features of fibroblasts, including rich endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. Some tumor cells were myofibroblast-like cells exhibiting intercellular junctions, fibronexous junctions and stress fibers. Trisomy 8 was detected in 6 of 20 cases of desmoid-type fibromatosis including 5 of the 8 recurrent tumors but only one of the 12 primary tumors. The latter tumor also recurred three years later.

CONCLUSIONSDesmoid-type fibromatosis is an intermediate (locally aggressive) tumor that occurs predominantly in young females. The lesion consists of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts with the latter showing characteristic features including stress fibers and fibronexous junctions. Trisomy 8 can be detected in FFPE tissue by FISH, and its presence serves as a useful predictor of tumor recurrence and may define a subtype of desmoid-type fibromatosis with high recurrence rate.

Actins ; analysis ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Child ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 8 ; genetics ; Desmin ; analysis ; Feasibility Studies ; Female ; Fibromatosis, Abdominal ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Fibromatosis, Aggressive ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Male ; Mesentery ; Middle Aged ; Muscle, Smooth ; chemistry ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Peritoneal Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Trisomy ; Vimentin ; metabolism ; beta Catenin ; analysis