The present study was designed to investigate the role of protein kinase A (PKA) and phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) in the stimulating effect of adenosine on the basolateral 50 pS K(+) channels in the thick ascending limb (TAL) of the rat kidney. Under the anatomic microscope, the TAL was dissected. The current of 50 pS K(+) channels were recorded by patch clamp technology. The protein expression of phosphorylated PKA and phosphorylated PLA(2) were examined by Western blot. The results showed that cyclohexyladenosine (CHA), an analog of adenosine, increased the 50 pS K(+) channel activity (P < 0.05). In the presence of H8, an antagonist of PKA, CHA did not affect the 50 pS K(+) channel activity. In the presence of AACOCF3 (an antagonist of PLA(2)), CHA did not further increase the 50 pS K(+) channel activity. CHA increased phosphorylation level of PKA, whereas inhibited phosphorylation of PLA(2) in the TAL of the rat kidney (P < 0.01). Furthermore, after blocking the PLA(2) with AACOCF3, CHA still increased the expression of phosphorylated PKA. On the contrary, CHA did not obviously change the expression of phosphorylated PLA(2) after H8 pretreatment. The results suggest that the stimulation of basolateral 50 pS K(+) channels by CHA is mediated by the activation of PKA followed by the inhibition of PLA(2) in the TAL of the rat kidney.
Adenosine ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Arachidonic Acids ; pharmacology ; Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases ; metabolism ; Kidney ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Patch-Clamp Techniques ; Phospholipases A2 ; metabolism ; Potassium Channels ; metabolism ; Rats ; Signal Transduction

OBJECTIVETo investigate the role of IL-18 and IL-18BP balance in aplastic anemia (AA).

METHODSA total of 29 AA patients and 22 controls were recruited in present research. The expressions of IL-18 and IL-18BP were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA expressions of IL-18 and IL-18BP were measured in all subjects using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTSThe levels of the IL-18 in plasma of AA and normals were (365.5 ± 160.6) pg/ml and (175.9 ± 92.8) pg/ml (P < 0.01); and the expression of IL-18 in severe AA patients (441.3 ± 116.9) pg/ml were higher than that in non-severe AA patients (326.4 ± 167.0) pg/ml (P < 0.05). The level of IL-18BP was increased in plasma of AA (1788.6 ± 523.8) pg/ml than in normals (1083.6 ± 489.6) pg/ml (P < 0.05). But the ratio of IL-18/IL-18BP in AA patients was much higher than that in controls (P < 0.05). RT-PCR revealed the levels of IL-18 and IL-18BP mRNA were up-regulated in AA patients when compared to controls, but the ratio of IL-18/IL-18BP was significantly elevated in AA patients.

CONCLUSIONIL-18/IL-18BP imbalance may play an important role in pathogenesis of AA and regulating the balance of IL-18 and IL-18BP may be a therapeutic approach to AA.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Anemia, Aplastic ; blood ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; blood ; Interleukin-18 ; blood ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the psychology of infertility patients from the perspective of economic sociology so as to prevent the patients from medical frauds in seeking medical treatment.

METHODWe investigated 902 infertility patients of the Third Hospital of Peking University from September 2005 to January 2006 using a randomized questionnaire.

RESULTSOf the total number, 84.4% had education below college level; the majority had a low monthly family income, 36.6% below Y1,000, 19.7% from Y1,000 to Y2,000, 16.5% from Y2,000 to Y3,000, 7.8% from Y3,000 to Y4,000 and 19.4% above Y4,000; 88.7% had a strong desire for a child; 60.3% were psychologically stressed. As for the advertisements for the treatment of infertility, 50.2% of the patients disbelieved them, 6.2% wanted to have a try and about 43.6% accepted them to be true. Regarding the treatment in individual hospitals, 55.2% disbelieved in it, 5.8% wanted to try it and about 39.0% believed in it.

CONCLUSIONInfertility patients of low economic status usually have a lower educational level but a higher desire for children, and therefore are more likely to be the victims of medical frauds and more psychologically stressed. It calls for our attention how to provide them with medical help.

Educational Status ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Humans ; Infertility, Male ; economics ; psychology ; therapy ; Male ; Socioeconomic Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires

This study was aimed to investigate the expression and clinical significance of IL-18, IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP), IFN-γ and IL-4 secreted from splenocytes of patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in vitro. Spleen mononuclear cells (MNC) were prepared by using routine sterile method, and were cultured in RPMI 1640 complete medium containing 10 µg/ml PHA, 10% fetal calf serum at 37°C and 5% CO2. The levels of IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-18 and IL-18BP secreted from MNC of ITP patients and normal controls were determined after culture for 48 hours. The results showed that after culture of spleen MNC for 48 hours, the levels of IL-18 and IFN-γ were significantly higher in patients with ITP than that in controls, but the levels of IL-18BP was not significantly elevated in ITP patients. The level of IL-4 was below the detectable limit of the assay used. It is concluded that imbalance between IL-18 and IL-18BP may play an important role in pathogenesis of ITP, and regulation of balance between IL-18 and IL-18BP may be a therapeutic approach against ITP.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cells, Cultured ; Female ; Humans ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; secretion ; Interferon-gamma ; secretion ; Interleukin-18 ; secretion ; Interleukin-4 ; secretion ; Lymphocytes ; cytology ; metabolism ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic ; metabolism ; Spleen ; cytology ; metabolism ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the distribution and drug resistance spectrum of clinical bacterial and Candida isolates.

METHODSMost of the bacterial isolates were identified using automated BD Phoenix, and a few with K-B method carried out manually. Candida isolates were identified by color-display plate and K-B method.

RESULTSThe most common isolates in the 2478 strains were P. aeruginosa (15.6%), E. coli (11.5%), C. albicans (9.6%), K. pneumoniae (9.3%), S. aureu (8.2%), and S. epidermidis (7.5%). In gram-negative isolates, the antibiotics with the lowest resistance rate were meraopenem (14.4%), cefoperazone/Sulbactam (14.8%), Imipenem (21.9%), piperacillin/tazobactam (27.4%), ceftazidime (30.0%), amikacin (31.1%), and cefepime (33.1%). The detection rate of E.coli and K. pneumoniae isolates producing extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBLs) were 47.4% and 37.3% respectively. In gram-positive isolates, the antibiotics with the lowest resistance rate were vancomycin (0.9%), teicoplanin (1.1%), nitrofurantoin (6.9%), amikacin (20.1%), chloramphenicol (30.7%), and cefoperazone/sulbactam (31.5%). The methecillin-resistant rates of S. aureu , S. epidermidis, and S. haemolyticus were 57.1%, 65.0%, and 66.0%. For Candida isolates, the most sensitive antibiotics were amphotericin B (0.3%), nystain (0.3%), itraconazole (5.6%), fluconazole (9.4%), and fluorocytosine (9.4%).

CONCLUSIONThe results suggest high rate of ESBL production and oxacillin resistance of the bacteria isolated in the hospital. More rational use of antimicrobial agents is crucial for reducing the drug-resistance of the bacteria, and effective measures must be taken to reduce dissemination of multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Anti-Infective Agents ; pharmacology ; Bacteria ; drug effects ; isolation & purification ; Candida ; drug effects ; isolation & purification ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Drug Resistance, Fungal ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Oxacillin ; pharmacology ; beta-Lactamases ; biosynthesis

Objective To summarize clinical characteristics, prevention and treatment of postoperative chronic hyponatremia after liver transplantation(LT). Methods Clinical data of 26 patients presenting with chronic hyponatremia after LTwereretrospectivelyanalyzed.BaselinedataandmaincomplicationsofpatientswithhyponatremiaafterLTwererecorded. Thecorrelationbetweenpostoperativelengthofhospitalstayandthedurationofhyponatremiawasanalyzed.Clinicaltreatment and prognosis were summarized. Results Among 26 patients, the median blood sodium concentration was 131 mmol/L (range 125 to 133 mmol/L). Al patients were diagnosed with mild or moderate degree of hyponatremia. Main complications included pulmonary infection (n=13, 50%), acute rejection of liver graft (n=7, 27%) and digestive tract hemorrhage (n=7, 27%). Postoperative length of hospital stay was correlated with the duration of hyponatremia. After ful evaluation of patient's conditionandexcludingthepotentialinducers,aportionof3%ofhypertonicsalinewasadministeredviagastro-intestinaltract and/or vein. After positive treatment, 23 cases (88%) were healed and 3 (12%) died from infection complicated with multiple organ failure. Conclusions After LT, the incidence of chronic hyponatremia is low with mild severity. Postoperative length of hospitalstayiscorrelatedwiththedurationofhyponatremia.Thekeyoftreatmentistotimelyexcludetheinducers,correctthe low level of sodium based upon the individual principles and prevent the incidence of postoperative complications.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical feasibility of dual-source computed tomographic urography using dual-energy virtual non-enhanced CT.

METHODSTotally 240 patients received dual-source CT, which included true non-enhanced CT (TNCT) , nephrographic phase scanning with dual-energy mode (100kVp/230mAs and Sn140kVp/178mAs) , and excretory phase scanning. A contrast bolus injection of 100 ml (370 mgI/ml) contrast agent was applied (4.5ml/s) , followed by 100ml normal saline (4.5ml/s) . Virtual non-enhanced CT (VNCT) image sets were reformatted from 'Liver VNC ' software. The mean CT number, noise, signal to noise ratio (SNR) , image quality, and radiation dose were compared between TNCT and VNCT image sets.

RESULTSThere was no significant difference in mean CT numbers of all organs (P>0.05) . However, VNCT images had significantly lower noise and higher SNR than TNCT images (both P<0.05) . Image quality of VNCT was lower than that of TNCT without significant difference (P>0.05) . Radiation dose of nephrographic phase with dual-energy mode was significantly higher than that of TNCT and excretory phase scanning (P<0.05) .

CONCLUSIONDual-energy VNCT requires less radiation dose and therefore has a potential to replace TNCT in the dual-source CT urography.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radiation Dosage ; Radiography, Dual-Energy Scanned Projection ; methods ; Reproducibility of Results ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Signal-To-Noise Ratio ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; methods ; Urography ; methods ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of transdermal fentanyl in management of patients with cancer pain.

METHODSA total of 4492 patients (aged 3-90) with cancer pain were enrolled in this multicenter study. The mean age was 58.5 (3 approximately 90) years old. All patients received transdermal fentanyl. The patients were asked to record the attacks of pain, quality of life, and any side effects of the treatment.

RESULTSBaseline mean pain intensity was 7.37. On days 1, 3, 6, 9, 15, and 30, the mean scores of pain were decreased to 4.04, 2.98, 2.52, 2.19, 1.85 and 1.61, respectively (P < 0.01). The effective rate was 96.8%. The mean doses of fentanyl were 32.37 microg/h (25-200 microg/h) on the initial day, 42.57 microg/h and 49.57 microg/h (25-225 microg/h) on days 15 and 30. The quality of life was significantly improved after treatment (P < 0.01). The common side effects were constipation (9.8%), nausea (13.6%), dizziness (6.5%), vomiting (3.9%), sedation (2.0%) and respiratory depression (0.2%). The incidence of constipation was related to age, and the incidence of vomiting and difficulty of urination was related to gender. The majority (84.5%) of patients preferred continuation of the treatment with transdermal fentanyl.

CONCLUSIONTransdermal fentanyl for the patients with cancer pain is effective, safe, convenient and can improve the quality of life. Transdermal fentanyl can be recommended as one of first-line drugs for the treatment of patients with moderate to severe cancer pain.

Administration, Cutaneous ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Analgesics, Opioid ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Digestive System Neoplasms ; complications ; Female ; Fentanyl ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; complications ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pain Measurement ; Pain, Intractable ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Quality of Life

OBJECTIVETo determine the sperm mtDNA content, mtDNA4977bp deletion and ROS in the seminal plasma of normal and leukocytospermia men, and to investigate the correlation of the changes of sperm mtDNA with the increase of leukocytes and reactive oxgygen species (ROS) in the seminal plasma.

METHODSSeventy-eight semen samples from leukocytospermia patients and 31 from healthy donors were divided into 3 layers, supernatant fluid, 30% sperm and 80% sperm, by Percoll gradient centrifugation, their sperm mtDNA content and mtDNA4977bp deletion quantitatively analyzed by real-time PCR, and the level of ROS determined by flow cytometry.

RESULTSThe ROS in the seminal plasma and the sperm mtDNA contents of the three layers were all significantly higher in the leukocytospermia group than in the healthy control (P < 0.01). In the supernatant fluid and 80% layers, mtDNA4977bp deletion showed no obvious difference between the control and the leukocytospermia group, but was significantly higher in the 30% layer of the latter (P < 0.01). The ROS level was found positively correlated with the mtDNA content in the 30% (r = 0.347, P < 0.01) and the 80% layer (r = 0.456, P < 0.01), but not in the supernatant layer.

CONCLUSIONThe increase of leukocytes and ROS may be one of the causes of the enhanced sperm mtDNA content, but has no significant impact on the mtDNA4977bp deletion.

Adult ; DNA, Mitochondrial ; genetics ; metabolism ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Infertility, Male ; genetics ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Leukocytes ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Leukocytosis ; genetics ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Male ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; metabolism ; Sequence Deletion ; Sperm Count ; Spermatozoa ; cytology ; metabolism

BACKGROUNDRisk factors that contribute to younger patients with lung cancer are still relatively unknown. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics, histological types, stages at diagnosis, treatment modalities and survival rates between young and old patients with lung cancer.

METHODSThe study was designed as a retrospective review of all lung cancer patients admitted to the Third Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University from 1998 to 2008. Survival analyses using univariate and multivariate approaches were performed to compare the survival rates between different age groups and to discover potential prognostic factors.

RESULTSThis research included 3320 patients with primary lung cancer, of whom 626 (18.8%) were 45 years old or younger at the time of diagnosis. The percentage of smokers and the male to female ratios between the young and old patient groups were 51.27% vs. 70.6% (P < 0.001) and 1.99 vs. 2.13 (P = 0.4801), respectively. The young patient group had a higher incidence of adenocarcinoma and fewer surgeries. The 1-year, 3-year and 5-year survival rates in the young patient group were generally lower than those of the old patient group, with significant differences (P = 0.0232). The clinical stage of the tumor was a prognostic factor for both non-small cell lung cancer patients (P < 0.0001) and small cell lung cancer patients (P = 0.0002). Symptoms, diagnostic method, histology, smoking, treatment modality and body mass index were shown to have significant relationships with the survival of lung cancer patients (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSPatients with lung cancer who are younger than 45 years old might have a significantly poorer prognosis than that of older patients. Symptoms, diagnosis method, histology, smoking, treatment modality and body mass index can be independent prognostic factors for lung cancer.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; epidemiology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Smoking ; Survival Rate ; Young Adult