Objective:To investigate the effect of angiotensin II (ang II), aldosterone (ald) and their receptor antagonists losartan (los) and spironolactone (spi) on the proliferation and collagen production of cardiac ifbroblasts (CFs) in rats.
Methods:CFs were isolated from neonatal SD rats by collagenase II method and puriifed with differential attachment and detachment method. The 3 or 4 passages of the CFs were divided into the following groups:angiotensin II, angiotensin II+aldosterone, aldosterone, angiotensin II+losartan, and aldosterone+spironolactone. The cell viability of the CFs was assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) after the drug administration. The mRNA and protein expression levels of COL1A1, COL3A1, MMP1 and TIMP1 were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot respectively.
Results:Ang II and Ald facilitated the proliferation rate of the CFs independently compared with that in the control group (38.5%vs 28.5%;P<0.05), and the proliferation rate in the ang II+ald group was higher than that in the ang II group and ald group alone (54.4%, P<0.05). Los and spi inhibited the effect induced by ang II and ald respectively (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, ang II and ald signiifcantly enhanced COL1A1, COL3A1 and MMP1 expression both at the mRNA and protein levels (P<0.05), but the TIMP1 expression was inhibited (P<0.05), which could be abolished by corresponding receptor antagonists los and spi (P<0.05).
Conclusion:Ang II and ald can promote the proliferation of CFs, and the COL1A1 and COL3A1 expression is enhanced both at mRNA and protein levels. Ang II and ald have synergistic effect when they are used together, while los and spi may restrain the effect. The mechanism is probably linked with the balance of MMPs/TIMPs.

The morphogenesis of Valsalva's sinus of semilunar valves in chick embryo was studied with SEM and LM. The sinus began to develop at stage 30 and was basically formed at stage 34 (based on H-H staging). The endothelial cells on arterial and ventricular surfaces of the valve were morphologically different. Mesenchymal cells beneath the endothelium were distributed loosely or densely on different parts of the valve in accordance with the morphological changes of the endothelial cells. The study suggests that the formation of the sinus is associated with not only the growth of endothelial cells on the arterial surface of the valve into underneath mesenchyme, but also with the mesenchyme which is loosing and presents some cavities.

Background and purpose:Differentiation of tumor tissue is an important factor on determining the prognosis of gastric cancer. This study aimed to investigate the expression levels and clinical signiifcance of gender determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2) gene and octamer binding factor 4 (OCT4) gene in gastric cancer tissues varying different differentiation degrees. Methods: Sixty cases with gastric cancer were recruited in this study. The gastric cancer tissues and corresponding normal mucosa of the 60 cases were obtained. The mRNA and protein level of SOX2, OCT4 gene are evaluated by the quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blot and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The relationship between the expression levels of SOX2, OCT4 gene and clinical pathological parameters were also analyzed in this study. Results:The expression of SOX2 in both mRNA and protein levels had no signiifcant difference between the well-differentiated gastric cancer tissues and normal gastric mucosa (mRNA levels:t=0.1033, P>0.05;protein levels:t=0.116, P>0.05). However, both the mRNA and protein expression of SOX2 in patients with well-differentiated gastric cancer tissues were signiifcant higher than not only in patients with moderately differentiated gastric carcinoma (mRNA levels: t=12.48, P<0.05; protein levels: t=22.78, P<0.05) but also in patients with than poorly differentiated gastric carcinoma (mRNA levels:t=17.56, P<0.05;protein levels:t=30.00, P<0.05). In contrast to SOX2, both the mRNA and protein expression of OCT4 in patients with well-differentiated gastric cancer tissues were signiifcant lower than not only in patients with moderately differentiated gastric carcinoma (mRNA levels:t=13.23, P<0.05; protein levels: t=25.56, P<0.05) but also in patients with poorly differentiated gastric carcinoma (mRNA levels: t=12.10, P<0.05; protein levels: t=69.48, P<0.05). There was no significance of OCT4 mRNA and protein expression between the well-differentiated gastric cancer tissues and normal gastric mucosa (mRNA levels:t=2.436, P>0.05;protein levels:t=1.064, P>0.05). Immunohistochemical study demonstrated that the positive rate of SOX2 in patients with well-differentiated gastric cancer tissues (10/21) were higher than in patients with not only moderately differentiated gastric carcinoma (7/20) but also poorly differentiated gastric carcinoma (2/19, P<0.05), while the positive rate of OCT4 in cases with well-differentiated gastric cancer tissues (2/21) were lower than in cases with not only moderately differentiated gastric carcinoma (6/20) but also the poorly differentiated gastric carcinoma (12/19, P<0.05). There was no correlation between the expression of SOX2, OCT4 in gastric cancer and gender or age (P>0.05). Nevertheless, the expression of SOX2, OCT4 were positive or negative correlated with the pathological staging, the degree of inifltration and lymph node metastasis (P<0.05). Conclusion:Decreased SOX2 expression and increased expression level of OCT4 can promote the formation, development and invasion of gastric cancer and they may become biomarkers or the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis evaluation in gastric carcinoma.

Objective To determine the plasma urolensin Ⅱ(UⅡ) levels in various types of coronary heart disease and to clarify how the plasma UⅡ levels correlate with the clinical presentation, extent and severity of coronary artery atherosclerosis (CAD). Methods: One hundred and three aged patients undergoing elective diagnostic coronary angiography for proven or clinical suspected coronary heart disease were enrolled in this study. The extent and severity of coronary artery disease were evaluated by vessel score and Gensini score, respectively. Plasma UⅡ levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. Results: The plasma UⅡ levels in the patients with modest to severe coronary stenosis (3.03±0.34 pg/ml, 1.83±0.67 pg/ml) were significantly lower than that in subjects with normal coronary artery (4.80±1.11 pg/ml, P＜0.001). The plasma UⅡ levels in patients with coronary heart disease were also significantly lower than that in patients with insignificant coronary stenosis (P ＜ 0.001). Compared to patients with stable angina pectoris, plasma UⅡ levels in patients with acute coronary syndrome were significantly decreased (1.89±0.51 pg/ml vs 2.42±0.77 pg/ml, P＜ 0.001). Plasma UⅡ levels were found to be negatively correlated with the severity of coronary artery stenosis (r = -0.488, P＜0.001), as well as the vessel score (r = -0.408, P＜0.05) in the patients with CAD. Conclusion: Significant inverse correlations exist between the plasma UⅡ levels, and the extent and severity of coronary artery stenosis. These findings suggest that plasma UⅡ contribute to the development and progression of coronary artery stenosis, and may be a novel marker to predict clinical types, as well as the extent and severity of coronary artery disease in the patients.

BACKGROUND: Recently the prevalence rate of mass in mammary gland increases significantly than before. To use which kind of technology is not only related with the post-operation recurrence, but also related with the reconstruction of their confidence. Therefore, how to reduce the trauma physically and psychologically in patients to the maximal degree has become the chief factor to choose technology by surgeons.OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap, latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap with breast prothesis, local flap and simple breast prothesis after skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction.DESIGN: Case analysis.SETTING: Department of Plastic Surgery, Shenzhen People's Hospital,Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University.PARTICIPANTS: A total of 15 ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and huge breast benign tumor patients were enrolled into Shenzhen People's Hospital between October 1997 and May 2004, aged from 20 to 46 years. They all got disease in single breast, and 8 of them had preoperative diagnosis of DCIS, T1N0M0 and 7 of them had huge breast benign tumor. Operation program was informed to the patients before operation so as to gain their agreement.METHODS: Skin-sparing mastectomy was performed with circular shape incision at areola and using TRAM flap, latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap with breast prothesis, local flap and simple breast prothesis to fill breast. Slight skin of musculo-cutaneous flap could compensate the nipple and areola when performing reconstruction. At the reoperation, nipple was made at the transferred flap.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: To observe the patients with or without recurrence or transfer after operation and local healing of wound.RESULTS: With the cooperation of general surgeons the operation was done in 15 cases and 14 cases of them were followed up for more than 1 year. The reconstructed breasts were with good symmetry with the opposite one, normal skin sensation, natural shape and inconspicuous scar.CONCLUSION: This is an excellent alternative method for mastectomy and breast reconstruction based on the avoidance of recurrence of breast cancer in severe operation.

Objective To explore the diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound combined with tumor markers in benign and malignant ovarian tumors.Methods The clinical data of 100 patients with ovarian tumors treated in our hospital from May 2016 to May 2017 were analyzed retrospectively.The parameters of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) for benign and malignant ovarian tumors were analyzed.The levels of tumor markers were measured and the ultrasound imaging was analyzed.Analysis of the detection rate of benign and malignant ovarian tumors by contrast-enhanced ultrasound alone or in combination with tumor markers.Results Compared with benign ovarian tumors,ovarian malignant tumors have the characteristics of uneven enhancement,early onset and peak time of contrast enhancement,and higher rate of enhancement (P ＜ 0.05);compared with benign ovarian tumors,serum CA125 and CA199 levels in patients with ovarian malignant tumors were higher,with significant difference (P ＜ 0.05).The detection rates of contrast-enhanced ultrasound combined with tumor markers were higher than those of ultrasound or tumor markers alone,and were in accordance with pathological criteria.Conclusions The application of combined contrast-enhanced ultrasound and tumor markers in the diagnosis of ovarian benign and malignant tumors has a high detection rate,can significantly improve the accuracy of clinical detection,and provide a strong basis for treatment.

OBJECTIVETo explore the differences in the clinical therapeutic effects on xerophthalmia of and deficiency between the needling technique (the combined reinforcing technique to induce warm sensation) and the reinforcing needing technique achieved by rotating needle.

METHODSA total of 54 patients of xerophthalmia were randomized into an observation group (28 cases) and a control group (26 cases). In both of the groups, the main acupoints included Cuanzu (BL 2), Sizhukong (TE 23), Taiyang (EX-HN 5) and Fengchi (GB 20); the combined acupoints were Danzhong (CV 17), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Taixi (KI 3) and Taichong (LR 3). In the observation group, the needling technique was used and in the control group, the reinforcing needing technique achieved by rotating needle was adopted. The treatment was given once every day. 10 treatments made one course and 2 courses were required. Before and after treatment, the score of eye symptoms, tear secretion and the breakup time of tear film were observed in the two groups. The clinical therapeutic effects were compared between the two groups after treatment and in 4-week follow-up after treatment separately.

RESULTSAfter treatment, the total effective rate was 92.9% (26/28) in the observation group and was 80.8% (21/26) in the control group, without significant difference in comparison (>0.05). In 4-week follow-up after treatment, the total effective rate was 85.7% (24/28) in the observation group and was 61.5% (16/26) in the control group, indicating the significant difference in comparison (<0.05). After treatment, the differences were significant in the score of eye symptoms, tear secretion and the breakup time of tear film as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (all <0.01). After treatment, the improvements of the score of eye symptoms, tear secretion and the breakup time of tear film in the observation group were better remarkably than those in the control group, indicating the significant differences (all <0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe needling technique achieves the significant therapeutic effects on xerophthalmia of and deficiency and the recurrence rate of the disease is low.

BACKGROUNDChanging health care providers frequently breaks the continuity of care, which is associated with many health care problems. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between a change of health care providers and pregnancy exposure to FDA category C, D and X drugs.

METHODSA 50% random sample of women who gave a birth in Saskatchewan between January 1, 1997 and December 31, 2000 were chosen for this study. The association between the number of changes in health care providers and with pregnancy exposure to category C, D, and X drugs for those women with and without chronic diseases were evaluated using multiple logistical regression, with adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and its 95% confidence intervals (CIs) as the association measures.

RESULTSA total of 18 568 women were included in this study. Rates of FDA C, D, and X drug uses were 14.35%, 17.07%, 21.72%, and 31.14%, in women with no change of provider, 1-2 changes, 3-5 changes, and more than 5 changes of health care providers. An association between the number of changes of health care providers and pregnancy exposure to FDA C, D, and X drugs existed in women without chronic diseases but not in women with chronic disease.

CONCLUSIONChange of health care providers is associated with pregnancy exposure to FDA category C, D and X drugs in women without chronic diseases.

Adult ; Continuity of Patient Care ; Databases, Factual ; Drug Prescriptions ; statistics & numerical data ; Drug Utilization ; statistics & numerical data ; Female ; Health Personnel ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Pharmaceutical Preparations ; Pregnancy ; drug effects ; Saskatchewan ; United States ; United States Food and Drug Administration