Objective: To study the correlations between galectin-3, soluble ST2 (sST2) levels and chronic heart failure (CHF) classiifcation, traditional HF indicator and short-term death in relevant patients. Methods: This research included 2 groups: CHF group, containing 142 relevant patients treated in our hospital from 2014-02 to 2015-10 and Control group, containing 85 normal subjects from physical examination at the same period of time. Based on NYHA criterion, the patients were classiifed in NYHA grade II, III and IV respectively. Blood levels of N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide (NT-ProBNP), high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP) and ultrasonic morphology were examined upon admission; protein expressions of galectin-3 and sST2 were assessed by ELISA. Results: The patients with NYHA grade III and IV had increased levels of galectin-3 and soluble sST2; galectin-3, sST2 were positively related to NT-ProBNP, hs-CRP and LVEDD, while negatively related to LVEF. Logistic regression analysis indicated that galectin-3 and sST2 were related to short-term death in CHF patients,P<0.05. Area under ROC curve of galectin-3 and sST2 for diagnosing CHF were 0.738 and 0.771,P<0.01. Conclusion: Galectin-3 and sST2 levels were related to traditional HF indicator and could be used for CHF diagnosis in relevant patients.

Purpose To establish rabbit VX2 tumor model and to explore the relation between perfusion parameters and the expression of the VEGF in the portal vein VX2 implanting tumor emboli. Materials and Methods VX2 tumor was implanted in the portal vein of eight experimental rabbits. Multi-slice CT (MSCT) perfusion scan was performed after tumor formation to measure and compare portal vein tumor thrombus, hepatic blood lfow (HBF) near tumor foci and far away from tumor foci, hepatic blood volume (HBV), probability of surface area product (PS) and mean transit time (MTT). The VX2 tumor emboli were then resected to analyze the relationship between the liver perfusion parameters and VEGF expression using immunohistochemical method. Results MSCT liver perfusion parameters were not statistically signiifcant between foci close to or far away from the tumor (P>0.05). The HBF, HBV and PS within the tumor emboli were higher than that in hepatic parenchyma (P<0.05) and the MTT was higher (P<0.05). There was positive correlation (r=0.711, 0.646 and 0.626, P<0.05) between the HBF, HBV and PS of portal vein VX2 tumor emboli and VEGF expression, and there was negative correlation between MTT and VEGF expression (r=-0.565, P<0.05). Conclusion MSCT perfusion parameters in the portal vein VX2 implanting tumor emboli and the expression of VEGF are positively related. MSCT can evaluate the angiogenesis of portal vein VX2 implanting tumor emboli.

Objective To explore the relationships between resistin rs1477341 , rs3219175 and type2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Guangdong. Methods 180 patients of diagnosed T2DM in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from January 2013 to December 2014 were enrolled in the study as the treatment group and another 180 subjects taking health examination as the control group. The genotype distributions of rs1477341 locus A/T, rs3219175 locus A/G were compared and the relationship between the genotypes and T2DM were anlysed by the logistic regression. Results The frequencies of the rs1477341, rs3219175 locus genotype reached the genetic equilibrium, showed their representativeness of a population group. The frequency distribution of rs1477341 genotype was statistically insignificant across the two groups (P > 0.05). The frequency of rs3219175 genotype AA+AG was decreased while genotype GG increased significantly compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The logistic regression results suggest genotype GG may increase disease risk of T2DM which the morbidity rate of AG homozygote was 0.630 times as high as that of GG homozygote (OR =0.630, 95%CI:0.405 ~ 0.980, P < 0.05) and the morbidity rate of GG homozygote was 1.551 times as higher as that of AA+AG homozygote (OR = 1.551, 95%CI:1.016 ~ 2.368, P < 0.05). Conclusions rs1477341 genotype has no correlation with T2DM among the population in Guangdong , but rs3219175 genotype does. GG may have a higher susceptibility to T2DM.

Objective To observe the learning and memory ability of rats after injection of Aβ25-35 protein in different concentrations into the lateral ventricle assessed by Morris water maze test, and to explore the optimal concentration of Aβ25-35 in the preparation of AD model rats.Methods Male SD rats were randomly divided into sham operated group and model group.The rats of model group received Aβ25-35 injection in concentrations of 2 μg/μL, 4 μg/μL and 8 μg/μL, respectively.According to the Rat Brain Stereotaxic Atlas, 5 μL of aggregation of Aβ25-35 was injected into the right lateral ventricle to establish the AD rat model.7 days after successful modeling, Morris water maze was used to test thechanges of learning and memory ability of the rats.Results There was no significant difference in the average swimming speed between the two groups (P > 0.05).The escape latency time of rats in the model group was significantly increasedcompared with the sham group (P < 0.05).In the model group, the escape latency time of rats treated with 4 μg/μL and 8 μg/μL Aβ25-35 was significantly increased compared with the rats injected with 2 μg/μL (P < 0.05), while there was no significant difference between rats treated with 4 μg/μL and 8 μg/μL Aβ25-35 (P > 0.05).The activity time and distance of target quadrant of the rats injected with different concentration of Aβ25-35in the model group were significantly reduced compared with the sham group (P < 0.05), but no significant difference amongthe rats treated with different Aβ25-35 concentrations (P > 0.05).Compared with the sham-operated group, the number of platform-crossing of rats injected with different doses of Aβ25-35in the model group were significantly reduced (P < 0.05).In the model group, the rats treated with 4 μg/μL and 8 μg/μL was significantly reduced compared with the group with 2 μg/μL injection (P < 0.05).There was no significant difference between the rats injected with 4 μg/μL and 8 μg/μL (P > 0.05).Conclusions The recommended dose and concentration of Aβ25-35 to be injected into the unilateral ventricle to establisha rat model of Alzheimer's disease is 4 μg/μL in a volume of 5 μL.

Background Researches demonstrated that corneal dystrophy is associated with the mutation of transforming growth factor beta induced gene(TGFBI)located at chromosome 5q31 domine.Recent study showed that the gene mutation location is in R124H of TGFBI gene. Objective This study was to identify the mutation characteristics of TGFBI gene in a Chinese family with Avellino corneal dystrophy. Methods This Chinese family with Avellino corneal dystrophy were determined and surveyed in Peking University Third Hospital.Periphery blood from 8 patients with Avellino corneal dystrophy and 2 unaffected subjects were collected from a Chinese family with corneal dystrophy for the extraction of DNA.Exons 4,11,12 of the TGFBI gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction(PCR),and the amplified products were sequenced directly and compared the gene sequence with that of TGFBI in GenBank.Written informed consent was obtained from each Subject prior to any medieal process. Results This family included 27 members of consecutive 4 generation.The hereditary pattern W88 in accordance with the autosomal dominant inheritance.Directly sequencing of 8 affected members revealed a G tO A transition at codon 124 (CGC to CAC),producing R124H mutation of TGFBI gene.Two synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)of TGFBI gene occurred in the family.including a C to T transition at eodon 472(CTC to CTT)in 8 members,and a T to C transition at codon 540(TTT>TTC)in 9 members,which wag unrelated with disease. Conclusion R124H mutation of the TGFBI gene is found in this Chinese family with Avellino corneal dystrophy.

0.05). After dividing the patients into early-onset and late-onset subgroups, there were significant differences of DRD4 genotype and allele frequency between early-onset patients and controls (P0.05). Conclusion The results suggested that the polymorphism of DRD4 receptor gene may be associated with early-onset OCD. The 3/4 genetype may be the risk factor of early-onset OCD. Early-onset and late-onset OCD may have different etiology.

OBJECTIVETo study on therapeutic effect of isolated electroacupuncture on peripheral facial paralysis.

METHODSOne hundred cases were randomly divided into an observation group of 60 cases and a control group of 40 cases. The observation group were treated by isolated electroacupuncture and the control group by normal electroacupuncture. Jiache (ST 6), Yangbai (GB 14), Dicang (ST 4), Xiaguan (ST 7), Fengchi (GB 20) and Hegu (LI 4) were selected and same drugs were administrated in the two groups. Then their therapeutic effects were observed.

RESULTSForty-five cases were cured, 11 cases were markedly effective and 4 cases improved with an effective rate of 100.0% in the observation group, and corresponding figures were 26, 2 and 10 cases, and 95.0% in the control group, the observation group being better than the control group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONIsolated electroacupuncture has a significant therapeutic effect on facial paralysis, being better than that of normal electroacupuncture.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Electroacupuncture ; Facial Paralysis ; therapy ; Humans

OBJECTIVETo observe the therapeutic effect of Qilin Pills combined with clomiphene on idiopathic oligoasthenospermia.

METHODSWe randomly assigned 300 patients with idiopathic oligoasthenospermia to a trial (n = 156) and a control group (n = 144) to be treated with Qilin Pills (6 g, tid) combined with clomiphene (50 mg, qd) and clomiphene alone (50 mg, qd), respectively, both for a course of 12 weeks. Before and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of medication, we determined sperm concentration, the percentages of grade a and grade a + b sperm, sperm motility, and the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone (T), followed by evaluation of the clinical efficacy of Qilin Pills with the pregnancy rate in the patients' spouses as the secondaty therapeutic indexes.

RESULTSCompared with the baseline, both groups of patients showed remarkably improved semen parameters and hormone levels after treatment (all P < 0.01). After 4, 8, and 12 weeks of medication, statistically significant differences were observed between the trial and control groups in sperm concentration ([17.06 ± 2.24] vs [15.07 ± 2.48], [22.10 ± 2.65] vs [18.11 ± 2.97], and [28.13 ± 3.59] vs [21.21 ± 3.60] x 10(6)/mL, P < 0.01), the percentage of grade a sperm ([15.03 ± 2.39] vs [13.08 ± 2.51], [21.08 ± 3.16] vs [16.04 ± 3.05], and [28.08 ± 4.70] vs [20.14 ± 4.74]%, P < 0.01), the percentage of grade a + b sperm ([30.10 ± 5.07] vs [26.21 ± 3.96], [38.08 ± 5.64] vs [30.07 ± 4.80], and [48.04 ± 6.49] vs [35.28 ± 4.77]%, P < 0.01), sperm motility ([42.04 ± 4.86] vs [40.29 ± 4.19], [52.05 ± 5.58] vs [48.03 ± 4.40], and [65.03 ± 5.13] vs [56.67 ± 4.99]%), the FSH level ([7.75 ± 1.38] vs [7.20 ± 1.17], [10.83 ± 1.23] vs [9.10 ± 1.32], and [14.22 ± 0.84] vs [12.06 ± 1.45] IU/L, P < 0.01), the LH level ([10.05 ± 1.68] vs [9.18 ± 1.54], [13.96 ± 1.68] vs [11.99 ± 1.71], and [19.01 ± 2.42] vs [15.86 ± 2.08] IU/L, P < 0.01) and the T level ([19.19 ± 192] vs [18.34 ± 1.79] [21.06 ± 1.63] vs [20.06 ± 1.56], and [24.63 ± 1.06] vs [22.03 ± 1.49] nmol/L, P < 0.01). The pregnancy rate in the patients' spouses was significantly higher in the trial than in the control group at 4, 8, and 12 weeks (1.92 vs 0.69, 4.81 vs 3.47, and 11.54 vs 8.33%, P < 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences in drug tolerance between the two groups (P > 0.05). No obvious adverse reactions were observed.

CONCLUSIONQilin Pills combined with clomiphene can evidently improve the seminal quality and hormone level of oligoasthenospermia patients with no obvious adverse events. However, its long-term efficacy and tolerance deserve further clinical investigation.

Asthenozoospermia ; blood ; drug therapy ; Clomiphene ; therapeutic use ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Fertility Agents ; therapeutic use ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone ; blood ; Humans ; Luteinizing Hormone ; blood ; Male ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Rate ; Semen ; Sperm Count ; Sperm Motility ; Spermatozoa ; Testosterone ; blood

Objective:TTo evaluate the nutritional status,immune function and clinical effectiveness of early enteral immunonutrition in patients receiving totally endoscopic esophagectomy.Methods:There were 90 patients receiving totally endoscopic esophagectomy enrolled in Department of Thoracic Surgery of The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University between May 2015 and October 2016.The patients were randomly divided into three groups,enteral immunonutrition group (EIN group,n =30),common enteral nutrition group(EN group,n =30)and parenteral nutrition group (PN group,n =30).The levels of nutritional indexes,immune indexes,C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured preoperation and 1day,3days,7days after surgery.We also observed the first postoperative anal exhaust time,infectious complications and the length of hospital stay.Results:There were no significant differences in age,gender,tumor location,clinical stage,CRP,the nutritional indexes and immune indexes between the three groups before operation.On the first day after operation,the nutritional indexes and immune indexes of the three groups were significantly lower than those before operation,then all the indexes began to recover.Otherwise,CRP of the three groups were significantly higher than those before operation,then fell down in the following days,the rate of EIN group and EN group was faster than that of PN group on the day 3 after surgery and the EIN group was the fastest on the day 7 after surgery.There were significant differences in the first postoperative anal exhaust time,pneumonia and the length of hospital stay.And there was no significant difference in the incidence of anastomotic fistula between the three groups(x 2=1.071,P =0.585).Conclusions:Postoperative early enteral immunonutrition can improve the nutritional status and the immune response,promote the rapid recovery in the patients receiving totally endoscopic esophagectomy.

OBJECTIVETo study the variation and evolution rules and analyze the genetic characterization of echovirus 30 during an outbreak of aseptic meningitis.

METHODSFor all the echovirus 30 isolates during the outbreaks in Zhangqiu city in 2003, complete VP1 genes were determined. Phylogenetic tree reconstruction and pairwise sequence were determined to compare the homological relationship and evolution rules between Zhangqiu strains and the other reported echovirus 30 in GenBank.

RESULTSPairwise sequence comparisoms in VP1 region indicated that there were 98.9%-99.5% identity of nucleotide acid among Zhangqiu strains, and having the highest homology with Taian strains (98.5%-99.0%) isolated in Shandong province. At the same time, when comparing with Zhejiang and Jiangsu strains, the nucleotide homology showed 98.2%-98.9%, relatively low identity with Taiwan strains (87.4%-87.6%) and French strains (89.1%-89.7%) but only 82.4%-82.8% identity when comparing with echovirus 30 prototype strain Bastianni. Data from phylogenetic tree analyses indicated that all the echovirus 30 correlated with aseptic meningitis in China recently came from the same evolution linkage and formed a monophyletic cluster.

CONCLUSIONIn 2003, there was an circulation of echovirus 30 in Shandong province which causing an endemic of aseptic meningitis in local areas. Data from phylogenetic tree analyses indicated that the antigenic characteristics of echovirus 30 in mainland China might be different from strains early isolated in other continents and formed a new genotype.

China ; epidemiology ; DNA, Viral ; analysis ; Disease Outbreaks ; Enterovirus B, Human ; classification ; genetics ; Enterovirus Infections ; epidemiology ; Genotype ; Humans ; Meningitis, Aseptic ; Phylogeny ; Sequence Analysis, DNA