OBJECTIVETo explore the intervention of baicalin on signal transduction and activating transcription factor expression of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients.

METHODSRecruited were UC patients at Outpatient Department of Digestive Disease, Inpatient Department of Digestive Disease, Center for Digestive Endoscopy of College City Branch, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Southern Hospital affiliated to Southern Medical University from June 2010 to January 2011. They were assigned to the UC group (33 cases) and the diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) group (30 cases). Another 30 healthy subjects were recruited as a healthy control group. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in vitro intervened by different concentrations baicalin were taken from UC patients. IL23R gene expressions in vitro intervened by different concentrations baicalin were detected using Q-PCR. Expressions of signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4) , STAT6, phosphorylated-STAT4 (p-STAT4), and p-STAT6 were detected using Western blot. Serum levels of IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 were measured by ELISA. Effects of different concentrations baicalin on expressions of PBMCs, and levels of IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10 of UC patients were also detected.

RESULTSCompared with the negative control group, 40 µmol baicalin obviously decreased IL23R gene expression of UC patients (P <0. 01). Compared with the healthy control group and the IBS-D group, p-STAT4/STAT4 ratios increased, p-STAT6/STAT6 ratios decreased, levels of IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10 all increased in the US group (all P <0. 05). Compared with the negative control, 5 and 10 µmol baicalin groups, 20 and 40 moL baicalin obviously decreased p-STAT4/STAT4 ratios (all P <0. 05); 20 and 40 µmoL baicalin obviously increased p-STAT6/STAT6 ratios (all P <0. 05); 20 and 40 µmoL baicalin obviously lowered levels of IFN-γ and IL-4, and elevated IL-10 levels (all P <0. 05).

CONCLUSION40 µmoL baicalin could in vitro inhibit p-STAT4/STAT4 ratios, adjust p-STAT6/STAT6 ratios and related cytokines, thereby balancing the immunity and relieving inflammatory reactions of UC.

Activating Transcription Factors ; metabolism ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal ; therapeutic use ; Blotting, Western ; Colitis, Ulcerative ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Cytokines ; metabolism ; Flavonoids ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Interleukin-10 ; metabolism ; Interleukin-4 ; metabolism ; Interleukin-6 ; metabolism ; Irritable Bowel Syndrome ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Phosphorylation ; STAT6 Transcription Factor ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction

Recombinant human BMP-2 was compounded with chitosan/gelatin/hydroxyapatite(HCG) scaffold and the complex was sterilized by 60Co radiating. Osteoblast isolated from cranial bones of newborn rat was primary cultured and seeded onto the complexes. 3 days after culturing, scanning electron microscope(SEM) was applied to detect the compatibility of the cell with the complex. SEM showed osteoblast attached closely with the complex and grew well in its pores. Then the complexes with osteoblast modification were implanted into athymic nude mice subcutaneously. 8 weeks after implantation, X-ray photograph and histological observation were applied to detect the bone formation of the complexes. Under X-ray a high-density areas consistent with the shape of the implanted complex could be seen. Histological observation also proved there was bone formation in the interspace of the complex. A conclusion was drawn that rhBMP-2 compounded HCG scaffold had good osteogenesis ability in vivo.

The study was aimed to investigate the effective therapeutic method for patients with multiple myeloma accompanied with amyloidosis. A 58-year-old patient diagnosed as multiple myeloma accompanied with amyloidosis in four limbs was enrolled in this study. The various clinical and laboratorial examinations were performed, including bone marrow smear, immunologic test, radiography and so on. Patient received chemotherapeutic drugs and then autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT). The result showed that hematopoietic reconstitution was achieved at 23 days after auto-HSCT. Immunofixation electrophoresis was normal. There was only 0.6% plasma cells in the bone marrow. In conclusion, the auto-HSCT may be an effective treatment for multiple myeloma accompanied with amyloidosis in four limbs.
Amyloidosis ; complications ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multiple Myeloma ; complications ; surgery ; Transplantation, Autologous

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the practical value and the advantages of globe geographical positioning with wireless communication monitoring and supervision system in the field survey.

METHODSSpots which were randomly sampled by the National Ministry of Health for the investigation were chosen in the endemic areas for schistosomiasis in Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Anhui, Hunan, Hubei, Sichuan and Yunnan provinces. Portable GPS CEC9680 was used for collecting relevant waypoints and track, recording on-the-spot geographical positions. The positioning data package was sent back synchronously in the form of short message of SMS to the monitoring service center, and the moving routes of the terminal receiver monitored were displayed on the GIS map to achieve real-time supervision and staff scheduling.

RESULTSWith globe geographical positioning with wireless communication monitoring and supervision system, accurate positioning of 12 spots in the provinces of Jiangsu and 3 trial spots for schistosomiasis control with comprehensive treatment designated by the State Council has been established with real-time communicating recording, and monitoring systems.

CONCLUSIONThe globe geographical positioning with wireless communication monitoring and supervision system has provided a technical platform for the survey of schistosomiasis and other infectious diseases.

Animals ; China ; Environmental Monitoring ; methods ; Epidemiological Monitoring ; Geographic Information Systems ; Humans ; Schistosomiasis ; epidemiology ; prevention & control ; Schistosomiasis japonica ; prevention & control

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of cell adhesion molecules and Their significance in invasive micropapillary carcinoma (IMPC) of the breast.

METHODSImmunohistochemical study for E-cadherin was performed on 64 cases of IMPC and 57 cases of invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC).

RESULTSE-cadherin was mainly expressed on the cell membrane of tumor cells. The expression of E-cadherin in IMPC (85.9%, 55/64) was significantly higher than that in IDC (43.9%, 25/57). E-cadherin expressed in the intercellular contact surface of IMPC cells. In contrast, it was weakly positive/not expressed on the outer membranous surface of the tumor clusters in IMPC. The rate of lymph node metastasis in IMPC (85.9%, 55/64) was significantly higher than that in IDC (52.6%, 30/57), the rate of alpha-catenin and beta-catenin coexpression in IMPC (45.1%, 26/51) with lymph node metastasis and E-cadherin normal expression was also significantly higher than that in IDC (15.4%, 2/13).

CONCLUSIONWeak cell adhesion molecule expression on the outer surface of IMPC cell clusters, in contrast to strong cohesion in intercellular contact surface, may help to explain the high metastatic potential of this type of breast cancer.

Adult ; Aged ; Breast Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cadherins ; metabolism ; Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast ; metabolism ; secondary ; Carcinoma, Papillary ; metabolism ; secondary ; Cell Membrane ; metabolism ; Cytoskeletal Proteins ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Middle Aged ; Trans-Activators ; metabolism ; alpha Catenin ; beta Catenin

OBJECTIVETo study the HIV infection rate and relevant behavioural characteristics among drug users (DUs) in the 15 cities of China-Gates HIV/AIDS Program.

METHODSBy literature review from the public security sector and expert consultations, the size of drug using population was estimated, questionnaire was used to survey relevant behavioural characteristics of DUs, and blood specimens were collected for HIV, syphilis and HCV testing.

RESULTSIn 2007, the number of registered DUs in the 15 cities was 176 004, while the estimated number was 477 989. DUs mainly used heroin and crystal meth. Of the survey subjects, 41.0% (2685/6155) had correct knowledge about HIV/AIDS, and Hangzhou 97.6% (410/420), Qingdao 85.5% (342/400), Wuhan 69.7% (308/442), Kunming 63.8% (255/400), Shanghai 45.4% (237/522), Xi'an 44.5% (178/400), Nanjing 38.8% (155/400), Beijing 36.5% (237/650), Guangzhou 29.5% (122/413), Haerbin 25.4% (114/447), Haikou 23.8% (96/402), Chongqing 22.4% (90/401), Sanya 20.0% (80/400), Tianjin 16.2% (41/253), Shenyang 9.8% (20/205), and the difference among the cities has statistical significance (χ(2) = 1482.833, P < 0.05). The rate of needle sharing at the last injection was 10.8% (665/6155), and Hangzhou 10.8% (45/420), Chongqing 26.4% (106/401), Guangzhou 2.6% (11/413), Shenyang 31.3% (64/205), Shanghai 0.4% (2/522), Kunming 10.8% (43/400), Beijing 10.6% (69/650), Tianjin 5.4% (14/253), Xi'an 3.3% (13/400), Wuhan 17.9% (79/442), Sanya 20.0% (80/400), Haikou 2.2% (9/402), Haerbin 8.5% (38/447), Nanjing 21.4% (86/400), Qingdao 1.5% (6/400), and the difference among the cities has statistical significance (χ(2) = 483.044, P < 0.05). Only 5.0% (8737/176 004) of DUs and 1.2% of HIV positive DUs participated in needle exchange. The HIV, syphilis and HCV infection rates were respectively 2.76% (155/5620), 3.38% (190/5620) and 32.35% (1818/5620). The HIV infection rates of different city was:Hangzhou 0.4% (1/273), Chongqing 7.5% (30/401), Guangzhou 2.9% (12/413), Shenyang 0.5% (1/205), Shanghai 0.32% (1/316), Kunming 16.25% (65/400), Beijing 2.6% (16/624), Tianjin 2.0% (5/253), Xi'an 1.25% (5/400), Wuhan 0.24% (1/411), Sanya 1.75% (7/400), Haikou 0.2% (1/402), Haerbin 1.1% (5/447), Nanjing 1.1% (3/275), Qingdao 0.5% (2/400), and the difference among the cities has statistical significance (χ(2) = 354.203, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe HIV prevalence rate of IDUs in 15 cities slowly decreased although the HIV prevalence rate of IDUs in Chongqing and Kunming and other cities had surpassed the international warning level. The risk of sharing needles for HIV infection was dropped, and more attention should be paid to the potential risk of HIV transmission via unsafe sex due to the use of new drugs, such as amphetamine chloride.

China ; epidemiology ; Drug Users ; HIV ; HIV Infections ; epidemiology ; Hepacivirus ; Hepatitis C ; epidemiology ; Humans ; Prevalence ; Syphilis ; epidemiology ; Treponema pallidum ; Urban Population

Background Hyperuricemia is frequently present in patients with heart failure. Many pathological conditions, such as tissue ischemia, renal function impairment, cardiac function impairment, metabolic syndrome, and inflammatory status, may impact uric acid (UA) metabolism. This study was to assess their potential relations to UA metabolism in heart failure. Methods We retrospectively assessed clinical characteristics, echocardiological, renal, metabolic and inflammatory variables selected on the basis of previous evidence of their involvement in cardiovascular diseases and UA metabolism in a large cohort of randomly selected adults with congestive heart failure (n = 553). By clustering of indices, those variables were explored using factor analysis. Results In factor analysis, serum uric acid (SUA) formed part of a principal cluster of renal functional variables which included serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Univariate correlation coefficients between variables of patients with congestive heart failure showed that the strongest correlations for SUA were with BUN (r = 0.48, P < 0.001) and SCr (r = 0.47, P < 0.001). Conclusions There was an inverse relationship between SUA levels and measures of renal function in patients with congestive heart failure. The strong correlation between SUA and SCr and BUN levels suggests that elevated SUA concentrations reflect an impairment of renal function in heart failure.

Objective To study the features,safe Sex behavior and the size of men who have sex with men(MSM)population in actuaI and virtual venues in one city.Methods We carried out a cross-sectional study in actual and virtual venues,using the Estimated Size of Population from a Single Sample(LMS method)to estimate the size of MSM population.Results Most MSM in actual venues were 24-43 year olds and had received high school education,whereas in virtual venues,the majority of this population were younger than 29 years old and had higher education,including some college students.The awareness of AIDS of the two groups from different venues showed no statistically significant difierence,neither the safe sex behaviors.Proportions of the MSM population in actual and virtuaI venues were 21.22%(16 383,95%CI:11514-21252)and 78.78%(60830,95%CI:57327-64329),respectively.After adjusting the overlapping part of the MSM from both venues,the total number was between 60 830 and 77213,constituting a proportion of 5.03%-6.38%in the sexually active male population(15-64 year olds)in this city.Conclusion The size of the MSM population was large but the characteristics were different in the actual or virtual venues.As most MSM preferred going to the virtual venues,intervention program on AIDS-specific strategy in this area,in particular dealing with the Internet,should be strenthened.

Objective To observe expression of neuron specific enolase (NSE) gene in the brain of rats induced by iodine excess. Methods One hundred and fifty one-month weaning Wistar rats were divided into ten groups according to 5 × 2 factorial experiment. Rats were fed with normal feedstuff and water of a series of iodine concentration by adding potassium iodide respectively: norrmal iodine (NI), five-fold high iodine (5HI), ten-fold high iodine(10HI), fifty-fold high iodine(50HI) and one hundred-fold iodine(100HI). After these rats were fed for three or six months, rat serum thyroid hormones were measured by radioimmunoassay including TT4, TT3, FT4, FT3, rT3 and the mRNA level of NSE in rat brain tissue was studied using RT-PCR technique. Results The levels of serum TT4 and TT3 were significantly different in five iodine level groups(F values were 18.867,27.287, both P < 0.01). The interaction between time and iodine level in TT4 was significant in our study(F values were 2.486, P < 0.05). The levels of TT4 and TT3 of 100 HI group at third and sixth month were lower than those of NI, 5HI, 10HI, 50HI groups in the same period (all P < 0.01). The levels of serum FT4, FT3 and rT3 were significantly different at different time(F values were 4.968,27.046,59.776 respectively, P < 0.05 or < 0.01) and in different iodine level groups(F values were 33.058,28.420,17.482 respectively, all P < 0.01). Moreover, the interaction between time and iodine level in FT3 and rT3 was significant in our study(F values were 6.894,5.233 respectively, both P < 0.01). FT4, FT3 and rT3 in 100HI group were lower than that of other iodine dosage groups at the same time (P < 0.05 or < 0.01). The levels of NSE mRNA in brain tissue was significantly different in five iodine level groups (F values were 29.006, P < 0.05). The levels of mRNA NSE of 100HI group in both three and six months (0.61 ± 0.19,0.61 ± 0.22) were all lower than that of any other groups[NI(0.73±0.13 and 0.72 ±0.26), 5HI (0.72 ± 0.15 and 0.72±0.16), 10HI (0.73 ±0.32 and 0.70±0.13), 50HI(0.71±0.18 and 0.69±0.31), all P < 0.05]. The results of correlation analyses show that the levels of serum FT3 and FT4 had correlations with the levels of NSE mRNA (P < 0.05) both in three and six months(r values were 0.987, 0.969 in three month, and 0.890, 0.910 in six month respectively). Conclusions The expression of NSE gene can tolerant the excess of iodine to a certain extent. Exposure to heavy excess iodine(100HI) can decrease the mRNA level of NSE gene. FT4 and FT3 may both have important roles on the regulation of NSE mRNA induced by excess iodine.

Objective:To explore the prognosis and risk factors for conversion from off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) to coronary bypass grafting (CABG) during surgery.
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 2613 patients with elective OPCAB in our hospital from 2001 to 2012, there were 62 (2.37%) patients converted to CABG during the operation as Conversion group, the rest 2551 patients were set as Non-conversion group. The peril-operative baseline clinical data and prognosis condition were compared between 2 groups. The risk factors causing the in-operative conversion were studied with binary logistic regression analysis.
Results: The total conversion rate was 2.37%, including 42 patients of hemodynamic instability, 6 with dififculty of target vessel exposure, 9 with malignant arrhythmia, 3 with graft occlusion and 2 patients with other reasons. Compared with Non-conversion group, the Conversion group had increased post-operative drainage and ventilation time, higher rates of second thoracotomy for stop bleeding and higher peril-operative mortality. Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, previous history of CABG, NYHA class≥3, LVEF≤40%and left main disease were the independent risk factors for in-operative conversion.
Conclusion: Conversion from OPCAB to CABG during the operation would be result in signiifcantly higher morbidity and mortality in relevant patients.