Objective: Large-conductance calcium-activated potassium (BKCa) channel modulates vascular smooth muscle tone. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that salt, one of the factors which significantly influence blood pressure (BP), can regulate BKCa activity and then elevate blood pressure. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 6 weeks were randomized into high salt diet group (HS) and control group, fed with high salt diet (containing 5% NaCl) and standard rat chow (containing 0.4% NaCl) respectively for 16 weeks. Tail systolic blood pressure (SBP), body weight (BW) and 24-hour urinary output were tested every 4 weeks. Content of urinary Na+ was detected using flame spectrophotometrical method. At the end of 16 weeks, all the rats were killed, the mesenteric arteries were obtained, and single mesenteric smooth muscle cells were isolated at once. The resting membrane potential (Em), the total potassium currents and the currents after perfusion with TEA solution of the cells were all recorded by whole cell patch clamp. The transcriptions of BKCa channel α and β1 subunits in mesenteric arterial vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) of each group were calculated by real-time RT-PCR. Results: There was no difference in SBP and BW at each stage between control group and HS group; the urinary Na+ level in HS animals was elevated significantly after 4 weeks. The negative values of Em in HS group VSMCs were reduced compared with those in the control group. Transcriptions of β1 subunit of BKCa channels were decreased in HS group, but α subunit transcriptions did not differ between the two groups. Whole cell potassium currents did not differ between HS and control groups, but BK Ca currents of HS group VSMCs were lower than those of control group ones. Conclusion: Even without elevating SBP, salt-loading can still modulate the expression and activity of BKCa channel in the mesenteric arterial VSMC and elevate vascular tone.

Objective: Large-conductance calcium-activated potassium (BKCa) channel modulates vascular smooth muscle tone. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that salt, one of the factors which significantly influence blood pressure (BP), can regulate BKCa activity and then elevate blood pressure. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 6 weeks were randomized into high salt diet group (HS) and control group, fed with high salt diet (containing 5% NaCl) and standard rat chow (containing 0.4% NaCl) respectively for 16 weeks. Tail systolic blood pressure (SBP), body weight (BW) and 24-hour urinary output were tested every 4 weeks. Content of urinary Na+ was detected using flame spectrophotometrical method. At the end of 16 weeks, all the rats were killed, the mesenteric arteries were obtained, and single mesenteric smooth muscle cells were isolated at once. The resting membrane potential (Em), the total potassium currents and the currents after perfusion with TEA solution of the cells were all recorded by whole cell patch clamp. The transcriptions of BKCa channel α and β1 subunits in mesenteric arterial vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) of each group were calculated by real-time RT-PCR. Results: There was no difference in SBP and BW at each stage between control group and HS group; the urinary Na+ level in HS animals was elevated significantly after 4 weeks. The negative values of Em in HS group VSMCs were reduced compared with those in the control group. Transcriptions of β1 subunit of BKCa channels were decreased in HS group, but α subunit transcriptions did not differ between the two groups. Whole cell potassium currents did not differ between HS and control groups, but BK Ca currents of HS group VSMCs were lower than those of control group ones. Conclusion: Even without elevating SBP, salt-loading can still modulate the expression and activity of BKCa channel in the mesenteric arterial VSMC and elevate vascular tone.

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between the infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in gastric mucosa and the syndrome of disharmony between liver and stomach. METHODS: Subjects were divided into 2 groups: 30 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and the syndrome of disharmony between liver and stomach in hepatitis group, and 30 patients with chronic gastritis and the syndrome of disharmony between liver and stomach in gastritis group. Liver function and the markers of HBV were detected. The contents of HBV-DNA in serum and in gastric mucosa were assayed respectively by fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (FQ-PCR). RESULTS: (1) The incidence of gastric mucosal lesion in hepatitis group was up to 96.7% (29/30). (2) Scores of the syndrome of disharmony between liver and stomach in hepatitis group were significantly lower than those in gastritis group (P<0.05). The positive rates of HBV-DNA in serum, gastric fundus, body and antrum were 56.7%, 76.7%, 76.7% and 70.0%, respectively. (3) A positive correlation was found not only among the content of HBV-DNA in serum and the contents of HBV-DNA in gastric mucosa (r=0.66-0.94, P<0.01), but also among the contents of HBV-DNA in serum, gastric mucosa and the total score of the syndrome of disharmony between liver and stomach in hepatitis group (r=0.36-0.52, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The infection of HBV is involved in the syndrome of disharmony between liver and stomach. Gastric mucosal lesion is universal in CHB patients with the syndrome of disharmony between liver and stomach.

Objective To investigate the safety and efficacy of stent insertion combined with high-intensity focused ultrasound(HIFU) ablation for malignant obstructive jaundice caused by pancreatic carcinoma.Methods From January 2013 to February 2017,a total of 80 patients with malignant obstructive jaundice caused by pancreatic carcinoma underwent biliary stent insertion in our center,who were divided into combined treatment(stent insertion with HIFU ablation) group(n=38) and solitary stent insertion group(n=42).The stent patency time and survival time were compared between the two groups.Results Relief of jaundice were archived in all patients in both groups.Cholangitis was observed in 7 cases in both two groups.Reobstruction of stent was observed in 15 patients in both two groups.The median stent patency time was 179 days in combined treatment group and 119 days in solitary stent insertion group(P<0.01);the median survival time was 209 days in combined treatment group and 145 days in solitary stent insertion group,the differences were significant(P<0.01).Based on the univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses,the predictors of prolonging survival included subsequent HIFU ablation after stent insertion and earlier tumor stage(P<0.05).Conclusion Combined biliary stent insertion and HIFU ablation is a safe and effective method for malignant obstructive jaundice caused by pancreatic carcinoma,and seems to extend stent patency time and survival when compared with biliary stent only.

Na~+.

Objective To investigate the expression and clinical significance of interleukin -6 (IL -6)in aggressive and indolent lymphoma patients.Methods Serum specimens obtained from 1 07 non -Hodgkin's lympho-ma (NHL)patients and 50 healthy controls were collected.Chemiluminescence immunoassay was used to assess the expression of IL -6 in the serum.Results The level of serum IL -6(1 8.54 ±4.53)ng/L in aggressive lymphoma group was significantly higher than (6.90 ±1 .78)ng/L in the inert lymphoma group,and the serum IL -6 levels of two groups were significantly higher than the healthy control group (3.87 ±0.76)ng/L.The lymphoma patients,with B symptoms,elevated CRP or bone marrow involvement presented higher IL -6 level than the other patients (P <0.05).IL -6 level of the IPI high -risk group was higher than the intermediate -risk group and low -risk group, with significant difference (P <0.05 ).The correlation study showed that IL -6 and CRP,IPI /FLIPI,Ann Arbor stage,B symptoms,bone marrow involvement had significantly positive correlation (P <0.05);Through analysis of the effect of the patients with aggressive lymphoma,the serum level of IL -6 in patients with complete remission was sig-nificantly higher than the non complete remission group.By Logistic regression analysis,IL -6 was one of the inde-pendent risk factors affecting the treatment effect of NHL,and the difference was statistically significant (P <0.05). Conclusion The serum IL -6 was significantly elevated in NHL patients,in association with tumor invasion,progno-sis and therapeutic effect.IL -6 may help the diagnosis and prognosis of NHL.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the theoretical model of the three-dimensional structure of mosquitocidal Cry30Ca2 and its molecular docking with N-acetylgalactosamine.

METHODSThe theoretical model of Cry30Ca2 was predicted by homology modeling on the structure of the Cry4Ba. Docking studies were performed to investigate the interaction of Cry30Ca2 with N-acetylgalactosamine on the putative receptor.

RESULTSCry30Ca2 toxin is a rather compact molecule composed of three distinct domains and has approximate overall dimensions of 95 by 75 by 60Å. Domain II is a helix bundle, Domain II consists of three antiparallel β-sheets, Domain III is composed of two β-sheets that adopt a β-sandwich fold. Residue 321Ile in loop1, residues 342Gln 343Thr and 345Gln in loop2, residue 393Tyr in loop3 of Cry30Ca2 are responsible for the interactions with GalNAc via 7 hydrogen bonds, 6 of them were related to the oxygen atoms of hydroxyls of the ligand, and one to the nitrogen of the ligand.

CONCLUSIONThe 3D structure of Cry30Ca2 resembles the previously reported Cry toxin structures but shows still some distinctions. Several residues in the loops of the apex of domain II are responsible for the interactions with N-acetylgalactosamine.

Acetylgalactosamine ; chemistry ; Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Bacterial Proteins ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Catalytic Domain ; Culicidae ; drug effects ; Endotoxins ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Hemolysin Proteins ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Insecticides ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Models, Molecular ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Protein Conformation

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical and pathological features of pilomatricoma. METHOD: The authors retrospectively investigated the clinical and pathological materials of 399 patients with pilomatricoma. RESULT: Single lesion occurred in most patients (99%) and 56.39% of them were younger than 30 years. The male-female ratio was 1:1.33. The lesions which sizes average 1.22 cm were commonly emerged in the head, neck, and upper extremity. CONCLUSION Pilomatricoma is a slowly developed benign cutaneous tumour, but it can aggravate sometimes. It's manifestation is diversed and easily misdiagnosed. Early complete excision is recommended for hard or tenacious nodules on head, neck and upper extremity.
Adult ; Extremities ; Female ; Hair Diseases ; pathology ; surgery ; Head and Neck Neoplasms ; pathology ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pilomatrixoma ; pathology ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Skin Neoplasms ; pathology ; surgery ; Tumor Burden

Objective To evaluate the values of maternal serum levels of lipid and uric acid at second trimester in predicting preeclampsia,gestational diabetes mellitus and macrosomia. Methods Concentrations of selected metabolic markers including total cholesterol,triglyceride,low density lipoprotein-cholesterol,high density lipoprotein-cholesterol,apolipoprotein AI,apolipoprotein B and uric acid were examined in 1000 healthy singleton primiparous who accepted regular prenatal healthcare in Naniing Drum Tower Hospital,at 20 weeks of gestation from June 2009 to January 2010.All the pregnant women were followed up to their deliveries.Pregnancy complications,such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM),the data of maternal and neonatal outcomes such as gestational age at delivery,neonatal birthweight were recorded.Relationship between adverse outcome and blood lipid,uric acid levels was analyzed by Logistic regression,and the risk factors were confirmed; predictive values of those sensitivity and specificity were calculated by receiver operating characteristic curve. Results Among the 1000 pregnant women, 61 (6.1％) developed preeclampsia and 100 (10.0％) developed GDM.The mean gestational age of delivery was (39.3±1.2) weeks,and the incidence of preterm delivery was 1.5％ (15/1000).The mean birthweight was (3389.6±4 422.8) g,and the prevalence of macrosomia was 8.9％ (89/1000).Women who had elevated triglyceride levels had a 3.42-fold increased risk of preeclampsia (95 ％ CI:1.88-6.22,P =0.000) and 2.12-fold increased risk of GDM (95％ CI:1.38-3.35,P =0.001).Hyperuricemic women experienced a 2.09-fold increased risk of preeclampsia (95％CI:1.24-3.53,P=0.005) and 2.22-fold increased risk of GDM (95％CI:1.32-3.43,P=0.002).Women who had decreased high density lipoprotein-cholesterol level experienced a 2.34-fold increased risk of preeclampsia (95 ％ CI:1.20-4.55,P =0.011),2.03-fold increased risk of GDM (95 ％ CIr:1.33-3.11,P =0.001 ) and 1.67-fold increased risk of macrosomia (95％CI:1.06-2.64,P=0.026).The area under receiver operating characteristic curve of these metabolic markers was 0.56-0.65, the sensitivity was 28％-82％ and the specificity was 34％-85％. Conclusions Hypertriglycemia,hyperuricemia,and hypo high density lipoprotein-cholesterolcmia at 20 weeks of gestation might relate to preeclampsia,GDM and macrosomia,but the predictive values of them are limited.

Objective To explore the significance of cerebrospinal fluid lactic acid (LA) and beta2-microglobulin (β2-MG) on the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis,and study their values compared with white blood cell (WBC) or protein in cerebrospinal fluid.Methods Thirty patients with bacterial meningitis were selected as bacterial meningitis group,and 30 surgical patients requiring spinal anesthesia were as control group.The level of cerebrospinal fluid LA was detected by Vitros950 automatic analyzer,and the level of cerebrospinal fluid β2-MG was detected by automatic AIA1800 enzyme immune analyzer.SPSS 13.0 and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) was used to analyze the data.Results The cerebrospinal fluid LA level in bacterial meningitis group was 1.53 (0.50) mmol/L,in control group was 1.11 (0.34) mmol/L,and there was statistical difference (P ＜ 0.05).The cerebrospinal fluid β 2-MG level in bacterial meningitis group was 2.61 (1.00) mg/L,in control group was 0.83 (0.45) mg/L,and there was statistical difference (P ＜ 0.01).For bacterial meningitis diagnosis,the areas under the ROC curve of cerebrospinal fluid WBC,protein,LA and β2-MG were 0.760,0.936,0.705 and 0.960.The best boundary value of LA in bacterial meningitis diagnosis was 1.78 mmol/L with a sensitivity of 68.0％ and specificity of 88.9％.The best boundary value of β2-MG in bacterial meningitis diagnosis was 1.756 mg/L,with a sensitivity of 92.0％ and specificity of 99.4％.Conclusions Both cerebrospinal fluid LA and β 2-MG is valuable in the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis.But for the diagnostic value,cerebrospinal fluid LA is not as good as WBC or protein in cerebrospinal fluid,but β2-MG is better than them.It has high sensitivity and specificity.