Objective To investigate the expression of serum tumor markers in pancreatic carcinoma and to assess the value of serum tumor markers in the diagnosis and prognosis of pancreatic carcinoma. Methods Five serum tumor markers including AFP, CEA, CA199, CA125 and CA242 were detected in 95 patients with pancreatic carcinoma by chemi-luminescence immunoassay (CLI) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), 80 patients with other malignant tumor and 65 patients with benign disease served as controls. Five tumor markers in pancreatic carcinoma diagnosis for TNM staging were compared. The value of tumor markers for prognosis was analyzed. Results Among these 5 kinds of tumor marker, CA199, CAI25, CA242 were valuable in diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma, and CA199 was the most valuable one, whose sensitivity and specificity were 76.2 % and 74.8 % respectively. CA199, CA125, CA242 were increased with progression of pancreatic carcinoma. Conclusion Serum CA199, CA125 and CA242 are the preferred tumor markers to be used in the diagnosis and prognosis of pancreatic carcinoma.

OBJECTIVETo explore the efficacy and effect mechanism of the combined therapy of acupuncture and tapping method in the treatment of obesity and hyperlipidemia of liver qi stagnation and spleen deficiency pattern in the patients.

METHODSOne hundred and four female patients were randomized into a combined therapy of acupuncture and tapping (combined therapy group) group method and an acupuncture group, 52 cases in each group. In the acupuncture group, acupuncture was applied to Qimen (LR 14), Taichong (LR 3), Zhangmen (LR 13), Taibai (SP 3), Zusanli (ST 36), Geshu (BL 17), Ganshu (BL 18), Pishu (BL 20), etc. In the combined therapy group, on the basis of acupuncture treatment, the tapping method with plum blossom needle was used at each acupoint. The treatment was given once every two days, continuously for 3 months in the two groups. The indices were observed, including the obesity indices, such as body mass, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (F%) and obesity degree (A); the blood lipid levels such as total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL); the fat-islet axie relevant indices such as fasting plasma glucose (FBS), fasting leptin (FLP), fasting insulin (FINS), insulin sensitive index (ISI), insulin resistance in- dex (Homa IR), insulin secretion index (Homa-β) and autonomic nerve function index (Y value) before and after treatment in the patients of two groups. The efficacy was compared between the two groups.

RESULTSThe total effective rates were 96.2% (50/52) and 84.6% (44/52) in the combined therapy group and the acupuncture group respectively, without significant difference in comparison (P > 0.05). Obesity indices, blood lipid indices, fat-islet axie relevant indices and autonomic nerve function indices were all improved after treatment as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P < 0.01, P < 0.05), and the improvements in the combined therapy group were much more significant (P < 0.01, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe combined therapy of acupuncture and tapping method achieves the double effects of weight loss and lipid loss in the treatment of obesity combined with hyperlipidemia. The effect mechanism is possibly related to the positive regulations of blood glucose, lipid metabolism and fat-islet axie in the patients.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Blood Glucose ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Hyperlipidemias ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Insulin ; metabolism ; Leptin ; metabolism ; Liver ; physiopathology ; Middle Aged ; Obesity ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Qi ; Spleen ; physiopathology ; Treatment Outcome ; Triglycerides ; metabolism ; Young Adult

As one branch of epigenetics, the sirtuins family ( ClassⅢ histone deacetylase) receive much attention in recent years. SIRT1 as the most famous of the sirtuins family members has been verified involved in a variety of age-related diseases. While the SIRT1 formation is paid more and more attention in age-related cataract. Now, we briefly overviewed the research progress on the role of SIRT1 in age-related cataract.

Objective To assess the proficiency of water monitoring laboratory at rural, county, and provincial levels in Guangdong province, to ensure the province's drinking water monitoring results accurate and reliable. Methods State quality of certified reference materials as water arsenic, fluoride and chloride of 90 copies each were numbered and distributed to 90 monitoring laboratories in the province for testing, The measurement results of the participatory labs were evaluated through normative values and expanded uncertainty, and were compared with those of robust statistics method. Results All participatory labs had timely feedback of their measurement results. The qualified rate was higher when arsenic was tested by hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry and zinc-new silver salt of sulfuric acid spectrophotometric system, while fluoride and chloride by ion chromatography. The average qualified rates of water arsenic, fluoride and chloride of the province's rural drinking water quality monitoring laboratory were 66% (59/90), 72% (65/90) and 72% (65/90), respectively.Seven participatory labs failed the proficiency testing of all three analytes and unqualified rate was 7.8% (7/90)among the ninety participated monitoring labs. The qualified rates of robust statistics method for arsenic fluoride and chloride were greater than those evaluated by the expanded uncertainty, and large deviations with small sample sizes. Conclusions The testing ability of drink-water monitoring labs in Guangdong province has improved.However, by comparison with the requirements of national quality control and testing skills, there is still a gap. It is suggested that internal quality control be included in routine inspeetion to improve laboratory testing technology.

Objective To evaluate the relationship between changes in B-type natriuretic peptide(BNP) and cardiac troponin I(cTnI)levels and prognosis of critically ill patients with sepsis. Methods This study retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 75 patients with severe sepsis and septic shock admitted into Emergency Intensive Care Unit(EICU)of the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University in Zhejiang Province. According to the severity of the cases,they were divided into two groups:severe sepsis group(34 cases)and septic shock group(41 cases),and based on the difference in prognosis,they were divide into survivor group(32 cases) and non-survivor group(43 cases). Electrocardiogram(ECG)was performed within 24 hours after admission in all the patients. Acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ(APACHEⅡ)score and biochemical markers showing organ dysfunctions as BNP, cTnI, creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase MB mass(CK-MB), and lactate were compared between severe sepsis and septic shock groups and between survivor and non-survivor groups. Results The septic shock group had significantly higher baseline BNP,cTnI,lactate and APACHE Ⅱscore and mortality rate than those in severe sepsis group〔BNP(μg/L):1.90(1.08,2.79)vs. 0.41(0.31,0.75),cTnI (μg/L):1.15(0.92,1.28)vs. 0.58(0.40,0.79),lactate(mmol/L):6.63±3.72 vs. 3.28±1.66,APACHEⅡscore:26.00(24.00,28.00)vs. 21.50(20.00,29.25),mortality rate:70.73%vs. 41.18%,P<0.05 or P<0.01〕. Compared with survivor group,the ages of non-survivor group were older with more males and higher BNP,cTnI,lactate and APACHEⅡscore〔males(cases):30 vs. 13,age(years old):66.49±14.97 vs. 58.19±17.05,BNP:1.60(0.62, 2.51)vs. 0.57(0.37,1.79),lactate:4.10(3.00,9.00)vs. 3.10(2.13,4.18),cTnI:1.02±0.49 vs. 0.62±0.37, APACHE Ⅱ score:28.00(25.00,30.00)vs. 21.00(20.00,25.75),P<0.05 or P<0.01〕. However,there were no statistically significant differences in the levels of CK and CK-MB between the above compared groups(both P>0.05). The patients' ECGs had no obvious changes. Conclusions High plasma BNP and cTnI levels in patients with sepsis may suggest myocardial damage and relatively bad prognosis. The examination of BNP and cTnI levels may help clinicians to early detect the high-risk patients with septic cardiac dysfunction and assess their prognoses.

The present study was carried out to determine the role of histamine H(1) and H(2) receptors in the generation of basic respiratory rhythm. Neonatal (aged 0-3 d) Sprague-Dawley rats of either sex were used. The medulla oblongata slice containing the medial region of the nucleus retrofacialis (mNRF) and the hypoglossal nerve rootlets was prepared and the surgical procedure was performed in the modified Kreb's solution (MKS) with continuous carbogen (95% O(2) and 5% CO(2)), and ended in 3 min. Respiratory rhythmical discharge activity (RRDA) of the rootlets of hypoglossal nerve was recorded by suction electrode. Thirty medulla oblongata slice preparations were divided into 5 groups. In groups I, II and III, histamine (5 μmol/L), H(1) receptor specific antagonist pyrilamine (10 μmol/L) and H(2) receptor specific antagonist cimetidine (5 μmol/L) was added into the perfusion solution for 15 min separately. In group IV, after application of histamine for 15 min, additional pyrilamine was added into the perfusion for another 15 min. In group V, after application of histamine for 15 min, additional cimetidine was added into the perfusion for another 15 min. The discharges of the roots of hypoglossal nerve were recorded. Signals were amplified and band-pass filtered (100-3.3 kHz). Data were sampled (1-10 kHz) and stored in the computer via BL-420 biological signal processing system. Our results showed that histamine significantly decreased the respiratory cycle (RC) and expiratory time (TE), but changes of integral amplitude (IA) and inspiratory time (TI) were not statistically significant. Pyrilamine induced significant increases in RC and TE, but changes of TI and IA were not statistically significant. Cimetidine had no effects on RC, TE, TI and IA of RRDA. The effect of histamine on the respiratory rhythm was reversed by additional application of pyrilamine but not cimetidine. Taken together, with the results mentioned above, histamine H(1) receptors but not H(2) receptors may play an important role in the modulation of RRDA in the medulla oblongata slice preparation of neonatal rats.
Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Cimetidine ; pharmacology ; Female ; Histamine ; pharmacology ; Histamine H1 Antagonists ; pharmacology ; Histamine H2 Antagonists ; pharmacology ; Hypoglossal Nerve ; physiology ; In Vitro Techniques ; Male ; Medulla Oblongata ; physiology ; Pyrilamine ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptors, Histamine H1 ; physiology ; Receptors, Histamine H2 ; physiology ; Respiration

To investigate the effects of nikethamide on the generation and modulation of rhythmic respiration of neonatal rats and the role of 5-HT(2A) receptor in this course, experiments were performed on the transverse medullary slices of neonatal rats (both sexes, 1-3 d) in vitro. The slices containing the medial region of the nucleus retrofacialis (mNRF) with the hypoglossal nerve rootlets were prepared in which the respiratory-related rhythmic discharge activity (RRDA) was recorded from the hypoglossal nerve rootlets by suction electrode. The possible role of nikethamide on RRDA was investigated by administration of an agonist of 5-HT(2A) receptor, 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI), and an antagonist of 5-HT(2A) receptor, ketanserine, dissolved in modified Krebos solution (MKS). Thirty slices were randomly divided into five groups: Group 1: the slices were perfused with different concentrations of nikethamide (0.5, 1, 3, 5, 7, 10 μg/mL), and the most effective concentration was selected; Group 2: the slices were perfused with DOI (40 μmol/L); Group 3: the slices were perfused with ketanserine (40 μmol/L); Group 4: the slices were perfused with ketanserine + DOI; Group 5: the slices were perfused with nikethamide, then perfused with nikethamide + ketanserine after washout of nikethamide. Nikethamide increased RRDA in transverse medullary slices at 0.5-7 μg/mL, and 5 μg/mL was the most effective concentration. DOI increased RRDA with prolonged inspiratory time (TI), increased integral amplitude (IA), and shortened respiratory cycle (RC). Ketanserine decreased RRDA with shortened TI, decreased IA and prolonged RC. Ketanserine + DOI had no significant effects on RRDA. The effects of nikethamide on RC and IA were totally and partially reversed by additional application of ketanserine, but the effect of nikethamide on TI was not influenced by ketanserine. It is proposed that nikethamide increases RRDA partly via 5-HT(2A) receptors.
Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Female ; In Vitro Techniques ; Male ; Medulla Oblongata ; drug effects ; physiology ; Nikethamide ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A ; metabolism ; Respiration ; drug effects ; Respiratory Center ; physiology ; Serotonin

OBJECTIVETo observe the expression profiles of osteoblast-related genes in human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from bone marrow during osteogenic differentiation.

METHODSMSCs were induced to differentiate with MSC osteogenic differentiation medium for 7, 14, 21 and 28 days respectively. Alizarin Red staining was used to detect matrix mineralization. Expression of osteoblast-related genes, including osteocalcin, osteopontin, Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), alkaline phosphatase and collagen type 1, was assessed with quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTSOn day 14 after induction of differentiation, cells were stained positively with Alizarin Red. The expression levels of these genes exhibited an upward trend as induction time was prolonged. Exposure to osteogenic differentiation medium less than 21 days did not significantly induce osteocalcin expression; osteocalcin expression levels in the differentiated cells induced for 21 and 28 days were 1.63 and 2.46 times as high as the undifferentiated cells respectively (all P<0.05). Stimulation with MSC osteogenic differentiation medium over 14 days significantly enhanced bone marrow-derived MSCs to express osteopontin and Runx2 genes (all P<0.05). Osteogenic differentiation medium could significantly induce the expressions of alkaline phosphatase and collagen type1 genes (all P<0.05). Their expressions reached the peak levels on day 21, which were increased more than 4- and 3-fold respectively.

CONCLUSIONHuman bone marrow-derived MSCs could exhibit the sequential expression pattern of osteoblast marker genes during osteogenic differentiation in vitro.

Alkaline Phosphatase ; genetics ; Cell Differentiation ; Cells, Cultured ; Collagen Type I ; genetics ; Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit ; genetics ; Genetic Markers ; Humans ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; metabolism ; Osteocalcin ; genetics ; Osteogenesis ; Transcriptome

Bronchopulmonary Sequestration ; classification ; pathology ; surgery ; Humans ; Infant ; Lung ; diagnostic imaging ; Male ; Radiography ; Respiratory System Abnormalities ; diagnosis ; surgery

Anesthetics, Intravenous ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Cerebral Cortex ; cytology ; metabolism ; Drug Synergism ; Female ; Fentanyl ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Male ; Midazolam ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Neurons ; metabolism ; Patch-Clamp Techniques ; Primary Cell Culture ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels ; drug effects