Objective To investigate the value of left ventricular function in patients with chronic pulmonary heart disease(CPHD) using strain rate imaging (SRI).Methods This study included 64 patients with CPHD (30 patients with compensatory function and 34 with decompensatory function) and 30 normal control.Peak systolic strain rate (SRs),peak early diastolic strain rate (SRe) and peak late diastolic strain rate (SRa)of left ventricular basal and middle segments were measured,and then mean peak strain rate (mSR) was calculated.The above digital parameters were analyzed compared with the conventional echocardiographic indices.Results The indices (mSRs,mSRe,mSRe/mSRa)in CPHD were reduced and mSRa increased as compared with those in controls (all P=0.000).And the above indices showed the same change when decompensatory group was compared with compensatory group (P=0.000,0.038,0.015,0.001).Negative correlation was noted between LVEF and mSRs in patients with CPHD (r=0.75,0.82;P=0.000).Conclusions LVEF is negatively related with mSRs in CPHD patients.mSRs can reflect the status of left ventricular function.SRI is a more sensitive tool in quantitative evaluation of left function of CPHD.

Objective To evaluate the self‐developed device for transmitting negative pressure with large capacity before propa‐gating .Methods Totally 67 ribonucleic acid(RNA) of WBC > 2 .0 × 109 /L fresh whole blood were extracted with the intrinsic de‐vice(control) and the self‐developed device for transmitting negative pressure with large capacity(test) in parallel .The difference of the performance including efficiency ,concentration ,purity and integrity of RNA extraction were evaluated between the two groups . Results In 67 specimens of RNA extraction ,efficiency ,concentration ,purity and integrity of the control device were 0 .97(portion/minute) ,(248 .8 ± 21 .4)μg/mL ,(1 .995 ± 0 .095) (OD260/OD280) ,(2 .020 ± 0 .082) (OD260/OD230) ,1 .964 - 2 .025 (95% con‐fidence interval for mean) (OD260/OD280) ,2 .001 - 2 .040 (95% confidence interval for mean) (OD260/OD230) and complete . Those of test device were 1 .63 portion/minutes ,(260 .3 ± 21 .8)μg/mL ,(2 .093 ± 0 .092) at OD260/OD280 ,(2 .071 ± 0 .120) at OD260/OD230 ,2 .075 - 2 .113 for 95% confidence interval for mean at OD260/OD280 ,2 .044 - 2 .103 for 95% confidence interval for mean at OD260/OD230 and complete .The t value was 24 .570 (P< 0 .001) in paired t‐test ,and the linear regression equation was Y = 0 .950X + 0 .039 ,R2 = 0 .903 for the two groups data of RNA concentration .Conclusion The self‐developed device for transmitting negative pressure with large capacity is excellent in the work efficiency ,concentration ,purity ,integrality and of the RNA in extracting .It is better than the intrinsic device in the clinical value for situation of lab .

Objective To observe the effect of smoking on the great saphenous vein tension. Methods The rings of great saphenous vein in 3mm long of selected from 31 patients with coronary artery bypass grafting were divided into three groups :smoking over 10 years( group A, n = 12 ), ex-smoking over 1 years ( group B, n =9 ) and non-smoking( group C, n =10). The changes of the tone were measured in organ chamber at 37℃ with a constant supply of oxygen when vasoconstriction induced by phenylephrine ( 10 -9 - 10 -5 mmol/L), and vasodilatation by acetylcholine ( 10 -9 - 10 -5 mmol/L) or nitroglycerin( 10 -9 - 10 -4 mmol/L)after the rings were precontracted by 10 -5 mmol/L phenylephrine. Results Vasoconstriction induced by phenylephrine and vasodilatation by nitroglycerin is no significant difference among three groups. Compared with group A, vasodilatation by acetylcholine was significantly increased in group B or C, while there is no significant difference between group B and C. Conclusion Smoking has a deleterious effect on the endothelial function of great saphenous vein, however, smoking cessation over 1 year may help to restore the endothelial function impaired by smoking.

OBJECTIVERespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of lower respiratory infection in infants. It is very important to quantitative assay of RSV titer in the study on RSV pathogenesis, candidate vaccine and antiviral treatment. Therefore, we develop Real-time Quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) assay and enzyme immunospots (EIS) for titrating RSV and compare them with traditional 50% tissue culture infectious doses (TCID50).

METHODSQ-PCR, based upon the RSV-L genes, and EIS were utilized to titrate samples from RSV culture supernatants and RSV infected mouse lungs. Then, the results were compared with TCID50.

RESULTSFor the samples from RSV culture supernatants, the ratio of Q-PCR and EIS (plaque forming unit, pfu) was 10:1 and the ratio of EIS and TCID50 was 10:1 when TCID50 was converted as pfu. For the samples from RSV infected mouse lungs, the ratio of Q-PCR and EIS was 1000:1 and the ratio of EIS and TCID50 was 5:1.

CONCLUSIONWe have successfully established Q-PCR and EIS to titrate RSV and compared them with TCID50. We concluded EIS is a cost-effective method to titrate RSV.

Cell Line ; Humans ; Immunoenzyme Techniques ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Respiratory Syncytial Viruses ; genetics ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo compare the effect of different types and concentrations of sweet solutions on neonatal pain during heel lance procedure.

METHODTotally 560 full term neonates (male 295, female 265) were randomized into 7 groups:placebo group (plain water), 10% glucose, 25% glucose, 50% glucose, 12% sucrose, 24% sucrose and 30% sucrose groups.In each group, 2 ml corresponding oral solutions were administered through a syringe by dripping into the neonate's mouth 2 minute before heel lance. The procedure process was recorded by videos, from which to collect heart rate, oxygen saturation and pain score 1 min before puncture, 3, 5 and 10 min after puncture.

RESULTThe average heart rate increase 3, 5 and 10 min after procedure in the 25% and 50% glucose groups, 12% and 24% and 30% sucrose groups was significantly lower than those in the placebo group (P < 0.01 or 0.05). The average heart rate increase 3 min after procedure in the sucrose group was lower than that in the glucose group (P < 0.01).Neonates who received 30% sucrose has a significantly lower average heart rate increase than those who received 12% and 24% sucrose 3 min after heel lance (both P < 0.05) . The average oxygen saturation decrease 3, 5, 10 min after procedure was significantly lower than those in the placebo group (P < 0.01). The average oxygen saturation decrease 3 min after procedure in the sucrose groups was significantly lower than that in the glucose groups (P < 0.01). The average pain score 3, 5, 10 min after procedure was significantly lower than those in the placebo group (P < 0.01). The average pain score 3 min after procedure in the sucrose groups was significantly lower than that in the glucose groups (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONOral administration of sweet solutions is an effective way to relieve neonatal pain on procedure, and sucrose has a better pain relief action than glucose, moreover, 30% sucrose provides better effect in control of heart rate increase 3 min after heel lance, but the best concentration of sucrose for pain relief needs further study.

Administration, Oral ; Analgesics ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Blood Specimen Collection ; adverse effects ; methods ; Facial Expression ; Female ; Glucose ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Heart Rate ; Heel ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Oxygen ; blood ; Pain ; physiopathology ; prevention & control ; Pain Measurement ; Sucrose ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Sweetening Agents ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use

The megakaryocyte and platelet lineage may be one of the major sites of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection. However, whether HCMV aggravates apoptosis in normal megakaryocytes was not well investigated. Megakaryocytic cell line CHRF-288-11 and HCMV AD 169 strain were co-cultured in this study. PCR was used to detect the direct infection of the cells by HCMV IEA expression. The apoptotic cells were analyzed by morphologic observation, DNA ladder formation, annexin V/PI and PI assay with flow cytometry. The results showed that HCMV significantly inhibited the growth of CHRF cells in three different concentrations of viral infection groups (10(-3), 10(-2), 10(-1)). The viability levels in each infection groups were 77%, 73% and 68% respectively after incubation for 7 days, compared with 98% in the control group. Using annexin V/PI with flow cytometry, it was shown that the percentages of apoptotic cells viral infection in groups (10(-3), 10(-2), 10(-1)) were (21.3 +/- 2.49)%, (25.8 +/- 3.65)% and (31.4 +/- 3.91)% at 7 days after infection, while the control was (3.68 +/- 1.47)%. The apoptotic cells were further confirmed by morphologic observation and DNA ladder formation. Furthermore, PCR detection also showed the direct infection by identification of HCMV IEA expression in CHRF cells. This study suggested that HCMV could directly infect megakaryocytes and aggravated apoptosis in HCMV-infected megakaryocytes.
Apoptosis ; Cell Survival ; Cells, Cultured ; Cytomegalovirus ; pathogenicity ; DNA, Viral ; analysis ; Humans ; Megakaryocytes ; cytology ; virology ; Polymerase Chain Reaction

Adenoids ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertrophy ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Radiographic Image Enhancement ; methods ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; methods

Background: Previous study has found that ursolic acid (UA) inhibited the proliferation of gastric cancer cells by the down-regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression.However,its molecular mechanism is not fully clear.Aims: To investigate the role of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/COX-2 signaling pathway in UA-mediated inhibition of gastric cancer cells proliferation.Methods: AMPK-pLVX,AMPK-shRNA,STAT3-pLVX,STAT3-shRNA plasmids were constructed,and then were transfected into human gastric cancer cell lines SGC-7901 and MKN-45,respectively.Gastric cancer cells were cultured with different concentrations of UA for different times.The expressions of phosphorylated AMPK (p-AMPK),phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3) and COX-2 were measured by Western blotting,and cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay.Results: UA dose-and time-dependently increased p-AMPK expression,inhibited p-STAT3 and COX-2 expressions in SGC-7901 and MKN-45 cells.Knockdown of AMPK blocked UA-induced inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation and COX-2 expression.Overexpression of STAT3 blocked UA-induced down-regulation of COX-2 expression.Knockdown of AMPK and overexpression of STAT3 blocked UA-induced inhibition of proliferation of gastric cancer cells.Conclusions: UA may inhibit the proliferation of gastric cancer cells via down-regulation of COX-2 expression through AMPK/STAT3 pathway.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the changing laws of serum high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) in septic rats and intervention effect of Xuebijing on it.

METHODSLipopolysaccharide (LPS) (5 mg/kg BW) was intravenously injected into the tail vein of healthy male Wistar rats to prepare the sepsis rat model. In Experiment 1: 50 Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups, i.e., the normal group (A, n=10); the LPS model group (B, n=10), the LPS +Xuebijing treatment group (C, n=30). Rats in the C group were further divided into three subgroups, i.e., 2 h before LPS injection (group C1), 2 h after LPS injection (group C2), and 8 h after LPS injection (group C3), 10 in each group. Blood samples were collected from the caudal vein to detect serum HMGB1 levels by Western blot at 4, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after LPS injection. Experiment 2: 30 Wistar rats were equally divided into the LPS model group (D) and the LPS + Xuebijing treatment group (E), 15 in each group. They were treated as rats in the B group and the C1 group respectively. Five rats were sacrificed at 12, 24, and 48 h after LPS injection in the two groups. Blood as well as the tissue samples were harvested to measure such indices as ALT, AST, Cr, and BUN, as well as pathological changes of liver, lung, and kidney.

RESULTS(1) Compared with the A group, serum HMGB1 levels were higher at various time points in the B group (P < 0.05). Compared with the B group, serum HMGB1 levels at 12,24,48, and 72 h decreased in the C1, C2, and C3 groups. Besides, the decrease was more obvious at 24 h and 48 h.The decrement in the C3 group was less than that in the C1 and C2 groups (P < 0.05). (2) In the D group, ALT, AST, Cr, and BUN were significantly higher than those in the A group and reached the peak at 24 h (P < 0.05). Compared with the E group, AST, Cr, and BUN at 24 and 48 h, and ALT at each time point decreased significantly in the E group (P < 0.05). (3)The results of pathological section of liver, lung, and kidney showed local congestion and hemorrhage, cell edema/necrosis/degeneration, infiltration of inflammatory cells, damage of characteristic structures and so on; particularly serious lesion occurred at 24 and 48 h in the D group. The microscopic lesion was obviously alleviated in the E group than in the D group at corresponding time points.

CONCLUSIONSThe serum HMGB1 levels increased in septic rats, with late occurrence of peak value and longer duration of the high value. HMGB1 played an important role in excessive inflammatory response and multiple organ dysfunction. Xuebijing could reduce the serum levels of HMGB1, improve biochemical parameters, and attenuate severe inflammatory response of liver, lung, and kidney tissues in septic rats. Besides, the earlier use, the better effect obtained.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; HMGB1 Protein ; blood ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Sepsis ; blood ; drug therapy

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of conventional and dynamic contrast- enhanced MRI in lymphoma of the orbit.Methods Thirteen cases of lymphoma of the orbit,including B-C (10 cases),T-C (1 case),T-NK-C (1 case)lymphoma,and multiple myeloma (1 case),were studied using conventional MR and dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging with 3D fast spoiled gradient echo sequence.Calculated values included time to peak (Tpeak),washout ratio (WR),slope and enhancement ratio (ER),and time-intensity curves (TICs),and Tpeak,WR,slope and ER were calculated preoperatively.Results Eleven of the 13 lymphomas of the orbit was seen in the anterior portion of the orbit including eyelid and lacrimal gland.On conventional MRI,10 cases showed iso-intensity on T_1WI and T_2WI and all 13 cases showed moderate enhancement after contrast administration.TIC of all 13 cases showed rapid enhancing and wash-out,Tpeak was (58.7?8.5)s,and WR was (30.9?9.4)%.The accurate diagnosis with only conventional MRI was achieved in 6 out of 13 cases,while the accurate diagnosis was achieved in all 13 cases by using combined conventional MRI and dynamic enhanment MRI.Conclusion onventional MRI combined with dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI is useful for the diagnosis of lymphoma of the orbit.