OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of Shexiang Baoxin Pill (SBP) on coronary vasodilation by analysis of coronary angiography (CAG).

METHODSA consecutive cohort of 300 patients who underwent CAG between January 2013 and July 2013 were recruited and randomly assigned to 2 groups before operation. Patients in the SBP group sublingually took SBP, while those in the control group sublingually took placebos. All patients repeatedly underwent CAG 5 min after administration. The vascular diameter was calculated by quantitative angiography analysis method. The diameter of the left anterior descending coronary artery was measured in patients whose coronary arteries had no stenosis. The narrowest vascular diameter was measured in patients whose coronary arteries had stenosis. The heart rate, blood pressure, and the vascular diameter were compared between before and after administration in the two groups.

RESULTSIn the two groups, there was no significant difference in changes of heart rate, systolic pressure, or diastolic pressure between before and after administration (all P > 0.05). There were 64 patients with normal CAG in the two groups, 30 in the control group and 34 in the SBP group. CAG showed there were 236 patients with stenotic coronary artery, 110 in the control group and 126 in the SBP group. The vascular diameter was obviously larger in patients in the SBP group with normal or abnormal CAG after administration (all P < 0.01). It was also obviously larger than that of the control group after administration (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSBP could dilate both normal coronary artery and lesioned coronary arteries, but did not lead to fastened heart rate and decreased blood pressure.

Blood Pressure ; Coronary Angiography ; Coronary Vessels ; drug effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Tablets ; Vasodilation ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo analyze the relationship between Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines (DARC) and the metastasis potential in human breast cancer. METHODS Breast cancer tissue sections from 75 patients, grouped according to the local lymph node status were examined immunohistochemically for protein level of DARC. Microvessel density (MVD) was counted by endothelial cells immunostained using anti-CD34 antibody.

RESULTSStrong positive DARC immunostaining in lymph node negative and positive groups was detected in 31 cases (81.6%) and 18 cases (48.6%), respectively (P < 0.01). MVD was (35.67 +/- 17.96)/HP and (53.38 +/- 20.29)/HP in DARC strong positive and less positive cases (P < 0.01). In those patients with lung, bone, hepatic distant metastasis (13 cases), 9 cases (69.2%) were DARC less positive, 4 cases (30.8%) were DARC strong positive. The correlation coefficient was -0.412 between DARC expression and MVD and the corresponding value was -0.346 between DARC expression and lymph node status and -0.333 between DARC expression and distant metastasis in breast cancer.

CONCLUSIONDARC may play a negative role in the process of neoangiogenesis, and probably has an association with the lymph node status.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Antigens, CD34 ; analysis ; Bone Neoplasms ; metabolism ; secondary ; Breast Neoplasms ; blood supply ; metabolism ; pathology ; Down-Regulation ; Duffy Blood-Group System ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Liver Neoplasms ; metabolism ; secondary ; Lung Neoplasms ; metabolism ; secondary ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Middle Aged ; Neovascularization, Pathologic ; metabolism ; pathology ; Receptors, Cell Surface ; metabolism ; Survival Analysis

AIMTo investigate the influence of living high-training low for 4 weeks on serum CK, LDH and ALT of rowing athletes.

METHODS20 rowing athletes were divided into two groups: the one (ten subjects) spent 8-10 h per night in a tabernacle which was simulated altitude of 2 500 m in normobaric hypoxia (HiLo group), the another (ten subjects) slept at near sea level (control group). During the periods of test, all athletes were trained at the same relative or at the same intensity of work in normoxia state. The serum CK, LDH and ALT were measured at before, during 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 2 weeks after "living high and training low".

RESULTSBaseline serum values for CK, LDH and ALT were not different between two groups (P > 0.05). The levels of CK, LDH of HiLo group were significantly increased (P < 0.05) than those of control group at 3 rd week, however, it was contrary at 5th and 7th week. After exercise of 2 km and 5 km, the values of LDH and CK at a moment notice and 30min postexercise test in HiLo group were significant lower than those in control group.

CONCLUSIONThese results indicate that living high-training low may reduce the muscle damage associated with endurance exercise.

Adolescent ; Alanine Transaminase ; blood ; Altitude ; Athletes ; Creatine Kinase ; blood ; Humans ; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase ; blood ; Male ; Physical Education and Training ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effects and mechanisms of the microscrew implant anchorage (MIA) combined with multi-loop edgewise arch wire (MEAW) technique in the treatment of skeletal Class II adult patients.

METHODSEleven adult patients with skeletal Class II high-angle malocclusions were treated with fixed appliances. The spaces were closed by the springs from the MIA to the hook on the archwire. The height of the hook and the direction of the force were different according to the intrusion and retraction of upper anterior teeth. In the finishing stage, MEAW technique and modified class II elastics (from the first loop of MEAW to the MIA) were used for final detailing. Cephalometric analysis was used to evaluate the effect after treatment.

RESULTSAfter treatment, the decrease of SNA, ANB and FMA were (2.86 +/- 1.05) degrees , (2.82 +/- 0.96) degrees and (2.95 +/- 1.35) degrees , respectively. The torque control of upper anterior teeth was good. The protrusion of lower incisors and the molar extrusion were avoided. The upper molars were moved distally by (3.00 +/- 2.19) mm.

CONCLUSIONSThe treatment of adult patients with skeletal Class II high angle malocclusions with MIA and MEAW technique could not only improve the facial esthetics but also avoided the common side effects of traditional Class II elastics.

Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Malocclusion, Angle Class II ; therapy ; Orthodontic Anchorage Procedures ; Orthodontic Wires ; Orthodontics, Corrective ; instrumentation ; methods ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the relationship between insulin resistance and methylation of insulin receptor (INSR) gene in the endometrium of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

METHODSBased on the HOMA index, 35 patients with PCOS were divided into insulin resistant group (IR group, n=18) and non-resistant group (NIR group, n=18). The patients age, serum estriol, testosterone, FSH and LH, fasting insulin and fasting blood glucose were compared between the two groups. The endometrial samples were obtained from the patients to examine DNA methylation status of INSR gene in the endometrial cells using methylation-specific PCR.

RESULTSThe BMI, WHR, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and HOMA index differed significantly between the two groups (P<0.05). PCR analysis showed partial methylation in the promoter region of INSR gene in 13 samples in IR group and 11 samples in NIR group, without detection of full methylation of the INSR gene in either group. The methylation status showed no significant difference between the two groups (P=0.328).

CONCLUSIONPartial methylation of the INSR gene occurs in the endometria of PCOS patients, but this study does not provide a strong evidence supporting the relationship between insulin resistance and INSR gene methylation in women with PCOS.

Adult ; DNA Methylation ; Endometrium ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Insulin Resistance ; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ; genetics ; metabolism ; Receptor, Insulin ; genetics ; metabolism

BACKGROUNDEndovascular stent-grafting is widely used to treat thoracic aortic dissection. However, little information is available regarding outcome following simultaneous exclusion of multiple tears. This report details eight years of experience using simultaneous multi-tear exclusion for treatment of Stanford type B thoracic aortic dissection resulting in successful aortic remodeling without adverse events.

METHODSFrom September 1998 to January 2006, 29 type B thoracic aortic dissection patients (24 men, 5 women; 27 chronic, 2 acute; mean age 58 years, range 45 - 77 years) were treated by simultaneous multi-tear exclusion in our center. Magnetic resonance angiography was used as the preoperative evaluation method. Different kinds of stent-grafts were used. The patients were followed up with contrast-enhanced spiral computed tomography at 6 months postoperatively and yearly thereafter.

RESULTSTwenty-nine surgeries were completed successfully using at least 2 stent-grafts per patient (range: 2 - 6, mean: 2.7). No major procedure-related complications, such as rupture, paraplegia, aortic branch ischemia or cerebral infarction, were observed. During follow-up, favorable remodeling of the aorta was observed.

CONCLUSIONSThe mid-term result of thoracic aortic dissection with simultaneous multi-tear exclusion was satisfactory. With the improvement of stent-grafts, simultaneous multi-tear exclusion should find wider application and become an optimal strategy for thoracic aortic dissection.

Aged ; Aneurysm, Dissecting ; pathology ; surgery ; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic ; pathology ; surgery ; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Stents ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of specific immunotherapy and intranasal glucocorticoid on T help 17 (Th17) cells and RORgammat in peripheral blood in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR).

METHODSForty patients with allergic rhinitis (group A) were divided randomly into two subgroups (group A1 and A2), and each subgroup had 20 patients. The patients in group A1 were treated with intranasal glucocorticoid (INGS) for one-year. The patients in group A2 were treated with special immunotherapy (SIT) for 4 weeks. Blood samples were respectively taken from 10 healthy individuals (group B), 20 AR patients (group A1) before and after SIT with specific standardized allergen and 20 AR patients (group A2) before and after INGS. The ratio of Th17 cells in peripheral blood monouclear cells (PBMC) were analysed by flow cytometry. The expression of RORgammat mRNA were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction and the interleukin-23(IL-23), IL-17, IL-6 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTSThe ratio of Th17 cells in PBMC and the expression of RORgammat mRNA in group A [(18.97 +/- 1.05)% and (0.604 +/- 0.027)] were respectively higher than those in group B [(15.12 +/- 1.09)% and (0.447 +/- 0.024)] and the difference reached statistical significance (t were respectively -10.056 and -17.986, each P < 0.01). The level of IL-6, IL-17 and IL-23 in group A were respectively higher than those in group B and the difference reached statistical significance (t were respectively -41.149, -17.618 and -26.824, all P < 0.01). The ratio of Th17 cells in PBMC, the expression of RORgammat mRNA, the level of IL-6, IL-17 and IL-23 before INGS did not show significant difference from those of after INGS in group A1 (t were respectively 0.298, 0.240, -1.136, 0.283 and -1.670, all P > 0.05). The ratio of Th17 cells in PBMC and the expression of RORgammat mRNA were respectively (18.99 +/- 1.14)% and (0.603 +/- 0.027) before SIT and were respectively (16.30 +/- 1.63)% and (0.429 +/- 0.023) after SIT in group A2, and the difference reached statistical significance (t were respectively 6.035 and 22.015, all P < 0.01). The level of IL-6, IL-17 and IL-23 before SIT were lower respectively than those of after SIT in group A2 and the difference reached statistical significance (t were respectively 9.235, 11.289, 7.267, all P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSThe ratio of Th17 cells in PBMC, the expression of RORgammat mRNA, the level of IL-6, IL-17 and IL-23 were up-regulated in patients with AR. The treatment of SIT could get the 5 items down and the treatment of INGS couldn't.

Allergens ; administration & dosage ; Humans ; Interleukin-17 ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear ; Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3 ; Rhinitis, Allergic

OBJECTIVETo explore the clinicopathological correlation between CD4(+) T lymphocyte count and superficial lymphadenopathy HIV/AIDS patients.

METHODSA total of 1066 HIV/AIDS patients were included in this study. The incidence of superficial lymphadenopathy, peripheral blood CD4(+) T lymphocyte counts and histological features of superficial lymphadenopathy were analyzed.

RESULTSAmong 1066 patients, 126 cases (11.8%) presented with superficial lymphadenopathy. Of the 126 cases, there were 69 cases with CD4(+) T lymphocyte counts < 100/µl and clinical diagnoses including tuberculosis (37 cases), reactive hyperplasia (8 cases), AIDS-related lymphadenopathy (18 cases), penicillium diseases (12 cases), fungal infection (5 cases) and non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection (1 case). Twenty-six cases had CD4(+) T lymphocyte counts between 100/µl to 200/µl and clinical diagnosis including tuberculosis (12 cases), reactive hyperplasia (8 cases), AIDS-related lymphadenopathy(6 cases), penicillium disease (2 cases) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (1 case). Twenty-nine cases had CD4(+) T lymphocyte counts > 200/µl and clinical diagnoses including tuberculosis (11 cases), reactive hyperplasia (12 cases), AIDS-related lymphadenopathy (3 cases), Penicillium diseases (1 case) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (4 cases). The CD4(+) T lymphocyte counts among patients with tuberculosis, AIDS-related lymphadenopathy and Penicillium diseases were significantly different (χ(2) = 8.861, P = 0.012). A significant correlation between the incidence of superficial lymphadenopathy and CD4(+) T lymphocyte counts was found (χ(2) = 375.41, P = 0.000).

CONCLUSIONSThe most common cause of superficial lymphadenopathy in HIV/AIDS patients is tuberculosis, followed by lymph node reactive hyperplasia, AIDS-related lymphadenopathy and Penicillium disease. Low CD4(+) T lymphocyte count correlates with an increased incidence of superficial lymphadenopathy and the risk of opportunity infection. Therefore, determination of peripheral blood CD4(+) T lymphocyte count should become an integral marker for the early diagnosis and treatment of superficial lymphadenopathy in HIV/AIDS patients.

AIDS-Related Complex ; blood ; complications ; pathology ; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections ; blood ; complications ; pathology ; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ; blood ; complications ; pathology ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; CD4 Lymphocyte Count ; Child ; Female ; HIV Infections ; blood ; complications ; pathology ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tuberculosis ; blood ; complications ; pathology ; Young Adult

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the plasma levels of chemokine CCL-2/MCP-1 and acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) and/or idiopathic pneumonia syndrome (IPS) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). ELISA assays were used to detect the plasma level of CCL-2/MCP-1 of 22 patients who received allo-HSCT, including 14 patients without or with grade I, 8 patients with grade II - IV aGVHD, respectively. 8 out of 22 patients were also diagnosed with IPS clinically. The dynamic changes of the plasma levels of CCL-2/MCP-1 chemokine and its correlation with aGVHD and/or IPS were analysized retrospectively. The results showed that the plasma levels of CCL-2/MCP-1 in the patients with moderate and serious aGVHD (grade II - IV) significantly increased, as compared with that prior to allo-HSCT (p < 0.05). The plasma levels of CCL-2/MCP-1 in the patients with aGVHD and/or IPS were higher significantly than those without any of these complications (p = 0.001). The retrospective analysis indicated that the plasma levels of CCL-2/MCP-1 in the patients with IPS significantly increased (p = 0.006). It is concluded that plasma level of CCL-2/MCP-1 correlates with aGVHD and/or IPS, and plays a role in the pathogenesis of these complications.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Chemokine CCL2 ; blood ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Graft vs Host Disease ; blood ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; adverse effects ; Humans ; Lung Diseases, Interstitial ; blood ; etiology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Syndrome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo summarize prevalence rate and region distribution of congenital heart disease (CHD) in 12-month-old and younger infants among four regions of Guangdong province, China.

METHODSData from Guangdong CHD monitoring network including 34 monitoring units covering different geographic regions were analyzed. Professional training on screening and diagnosing CHD was provided to each work group member to improve the diagnosis level. CHD infants under or aged 12 months detected in the monitoring unit were included. CHD was diagnosed by fetus and infants echocardiography.

RESULTSFrom July 2004 to December 2010, 383 281 perinatal were registered and 3263 cases of CHD were detected in the 34 member units of Guangdong CHD monitoring network [total prevalence rate of CHD: 0.851% (3263/383 281), male prevalence rate: 0.868% (1799/207 347), female prevalence rate:0.828% (1456/175 843)].Stillbirth CHD prevalence rate was significantly higher than livebirth CHD prevalence rate [10.627% (676/6361) vs. 0.686% (2587/376 920), P < 0.01]. The total prevalence of CHD was significantly higher in Pearl River Delta region [0.906% (2826/311 823)] than in other regions [0.611% (437/71 458), P < 0.01]. Ventricular septal defect [39.93% (1033/2587) in livebirth] was the most dominant CHD, followed by patent ductus arteriosus [29.84% (772/2587)] and secundum atrial septal defect [13.76% (356/2587)].

CONCLUSIONSThe present data indicate that the prevalence of CHD in Guangdong is at the medium-upper level of the country associated with high stillbirth rate. The dominant type of CHD is ventricular septal defect. CHD prevalence is higher in the Pearl River Delta region than in other regions.

China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Heart Defects, Congenital ; epidemiology ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Prevalence