Consistency between Arm Circumference and Water Drainage Volume in Measurements of Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To compare arm circumference (AC) and upper limb volume (ULV) in assessment of breast cancer related lymphedema (BCRL). Methods:From November, 2013 to February, 2015, 281 women with one-sided breast cancer accepting radiotherapy were consecutively enrolled. AC was measured as the means of circumference 10 cm above and 5 cm below the most eminent midpoint of olecranon. ULV was measured as the water displacement volume when the water surface reached at 15 cm above the midpoint of olecranon. Univariate and multivariable linear regressions were used between AC and ULV. Results:All the correlated coefficients between AC and In(ULV) were above 0.959 (P < 0.001). For linear equations, the R2 > 0.90. The consistency of diagnoses of BCRL with AC and ULV were above 90% (Kappa > 0.492, P < 0.001). Conclusions:AC and ULV are consistent in measurement of BCRL. AC is reliable and easier.

Study of synergistic mechanism in the combination ofberberine and evodiamine from the perspective of miRNA / 中国药理学通报

Aim To explore the mechanisms of action (MOA) of synergistic anticancer function in the combination of berberine and evodiamine.Methods We first analyzed the action of suppression in the drug combination from the cell level and validated the dose scope as well as ratio of concentration in synergistic effects of drug combination.Then, the miRNA chip of liver cancer cell BEL-7402 under different treatment was analyzed.By building the miRNA-mRNA network, the MOA of the synergistic drug combination was illustrated.Results Berberine and evodiamine used in combination could significantly synergistically suppress the proliferative ability of liver cancer cells.The special differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) mainly participated in some cancer proliferation-related pathways and biological processes, such as MAPK signaling pathway, endocytosis pathway and insulin signaling pathway.The special target genes influenced by the drug combination not only covered three kinds of membrane receptors, but also took part in the regulation of downstream pathways.Conclusions From the regulation of miRNAs, it is clear that berberine may play a primary role in the synergistical suppression activity of the drug combination in cancer cells.The discovery of synergistic MOA in the combination of berberine and evodiamine from the miRNA level will provide a new guidance to explore more synergistic drug combinations in the future.

Pulsatile blood flow in arteries: An analytical and numerical study based on the Womersley algorithm / 医用生物力学

Objective To conduct a comprehensive study on pulsatile blood flow in arteries by proposing a convenient theoretical research system for hemodynamics. Methods Based on Womersley algorithm for fully developed pulsatile flow, numerical algorithm was introduced to establish the solving and analytical system of hemodynamics based on flow rate in arteries during one cardiac cycle. The flow rate of carotid artery in pig was measured under three blood flow states: the ideal state with a sinusoidal inflow waveform, the normal physiological state and the enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) state for comprehensive hemodynamic research. Results Important hemodynamic parameters such as the axial speed vector, the wall shear stress (WSS), and the oscillatory shear index (OSI) during one cardiac cycle under the mentioned three flow states were solved respectively. The waveform of flow rate had a certain effect on WSS distributions and OSI level; the EECP performance obviously resulted in a significant increase in the level of WSS (WSS peak in particular) and OSI. Conclusions The solving system developed in this paper can be used for hemodynamics study conveniently and effectively. One of the most important hemodynamic mechanisms that lead to EECP’s good clinical effect may lie in its promotion to WSS level under physiological state, but the effect of OSI on endothelial function of the artery might much smaller than WSS itself; therefore, OSI may not be an ideal hemodynamic index for predicting the lesion of atherosclerosis.

A novel continuous irrigation sheath improves vision of flexible cystoscope under hematuria: An in vitro evaluation / 第二军医大学学报

Objective: To quantitatively evaluate the efficacy of a novel continuous irrigation sheath in improving the vision of flexible cystoscopy under hematuria using an in vitro bladder model. Methods: An in vitro bladder model was designed for simulating flexible cystoscopy under hematuria. According to the presence of continuous hemorrhage the experiment was divided into the static experiment and the dynamic experiment. The experiment was divided into three groups according to three levels of the irrigation condition during flexible cystoscopy: no irrigation (Group 1), continuous irrigation without an outflow of water (Group 2), and continuous irrigation with an outflow of water (Group 3). The vision field of flexible cystoscopy and vision precision of flexible cystoscopy images were recorded at 30, 60, 90 and 120 s. Results: The vision field and precision of flexible cystoscopy images were greatly different between the 3 groups in both the static and the dynamic experiments. Compared with Group 1, the vision field and precision were significantly improved in Group 2 and 3 in both the static and the dynamic experiments(P<0. 01). The vision precision of Group 3 was significantly better than that in Group 2 in both the static and the dynamic experiments(P<0. 05,P<0. 01), and the vision field of Group 3 was also significantly better than that in Group 2 in the dynamic experiments (P<0. 05). Conclusion: The novel continuous irrigation sheath can effectively improve the vision field and precision of flexible cystoscopy.

Angiotensin IV upregulates the activity of protein phosphatase 1α in Neura-2A cells

The peptide angiotensin IV (Ang IV) is a derivative of angiotensin II. While insulin regulated amino peptidase (IRAP) has been proposed as a potential receptor for Ang IV, the signalling pathways of Ang IV through IRAP remain elusive. We applied high-resolution mass spectrometry to perform a systemic quantitative phosphoproteome of Neura-2A (N2A) cells treated with and without Ang IV using sta ble-isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC), and identified a reduction in the phosphorylation of a major Ser/Thr protein phosphorylase 1 (PP1) upon Ang IV treatment. In addition, spinophilin (spn), a PP1 regulatory protein that plays important functions in the neural system, was expressed at higher levels. Immunoblotting revealed decreased phosphorylation of p70S6 kinase (p70(S6K)) and the major cell cycle modulator retinoblastoma protein (pRB). These changes are consistent with an observed decrease in cell proliferation. Taken together, our study suggests that Ang IV functions via regulating the activity of PP1.

"Flexible ultrasonic cystoscopy" can be used for preoperative staging of primary bladder cancer i an initial experience / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To access the feasibility of ueing "flexible Uitrasonic cystoscopy (FUCS)" (Uitrasonic bronchoscope Olympus BF-UC260F-OL8 as a subslitute) for staging of bladder cancet Methods From Jun 2010 to Nov. 2010,36 patierrts with piiimary bladder urotheiial carcinoma were examined by "FUCS" before operation and were rttaged by "FUCS" findings. All patients rectived IVP and enhanced pdvc CT Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer patierrts rem-ved TURBT, and the tumor base was routinely bopied for pathology Pathological results, traditional imaging eraliiaiton, and "FUCS" evaluation were compared. Visual analog scores (VAS) were also compared between patierrts reccing "FUCS" and rcmime cystoscopy. Results Compared with conventional cyrtoscopy, the VAS of patients receiving intraoperative "FUCS" was significantly tower (1 3 ± 0. 5 vs 4. 3 ± 0. 9, P<0. 01). Of the 36 patierrts, 28 were diagrosed as non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (Ta + T1) and 8 were diagrosed as muscle-invasive bladder career (T2 + T3). Based on the postoperative pathologic results, "FUCS" had a 100% accuracy in diagnoeing norem Uselelinvaeive and muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Conclution "FUCS" is painless and feasible in clinical practice; it can display the depth of bladder wall invaded by tumor, and can be used for preoperative staging of primary bladder tumor.

Effects of silencing inhibitor of DNA binding-1 gene on the growth and invasiveness of adenoid cystic carcinoma cells / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the role of inhibitor of DNA binding-1 (Id-1) gene in adenoid cystic carcinoma cell growth and invasion behavior.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>With salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma cell lines ACC-M and ACC-2, dedected Id-1 gene expression was screened with immunofluorescence assay. After Id-1 mRNA knocking-down using small interfering RNA, RT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the different expressions before and after interference, and the growth of cells before and after interference was deceted using the MTT assay, and the cell invasion ability was checked with the use of Transwell chamber assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Id-1 were both expressed in the ACC-M and ACC-2, and the expression in ACC-M was higher than that in ACC-2. After Id-1 RNA interference, the growth and invasiveness of ACC-M and ACC-2 were inhibited with the restrained degree in ACC-M much stronger than that in the ACC-2.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In view of the important role of Id-1 in the behavior of growth and invasion in ACC cell, interfering the expression of Id-1 gene is expected to be a novel and effective means for the treatment of adenoid cystic carcinoma.</p>

Long-term efficacy and safety of tamsulosin hydrochloride for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia: data from China / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Tamsulosin hydrochloride can significantly improve benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms after the first dose and achieve long-term efficacy in European and American populations; however, the corresponding studies from China are rarely seen. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of tamsulosin hydrochloride 0.2 mg once daily in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of BPH in China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Chinese patients with LUTS suggestive of BPH were enrolled in a 4-week placebo run-in period and subsequent 60-week open-label study. Tamsulosin hydrochloride 0.2 mg was administered daily during the period of the study. The efficacy and safety parameters were evaluated at the end of treatment period I (0 - 12 weeks) and period II (13 - 60 weeks). The BPH patients were divided into tamsulosin monotherapy group and combination therapy group which received concomitant medication of finasteride 5 mg once daily after the evaluation at the end of treatment period I.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 113 patients were recruited to the study. Eighty-two patients received tamsulosin monotherapy and twenty-nine received combination therapy during the treatment period II. Tamsulosin hydrochloride produced a great improvement in mean maximum urinary flow rate (Q(max)) (1.7 ml/s, 3 ml/s) and a significant decrease in mean international prostate symptom score (IPSS) (4.1, 6.4) after 12-week and 60-week treatments, respectively. At the end of treatment period II, there were significant improvement in IPSS, quality of life (QOL) score, Q(max) and average flow rate (Q(ave)) for combination therapy group compared with the treatment period I (all P < 0.05). No serious adverse events (SAE) were recorded during the study.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Long-term tamsulosin hydrochloride therapy is a safe, effective and well-tolerated method for the treatment for LUTS suggestive of BPH in China.</p>

Application of central venous catheter for refractory urinary retention in children: A report of 7 cases / 第二军医大学学报

Objective: To assess the value of central venous catheter in treatment of refractory urinary retention in children. Methods: Seven boys with acute urinary retention, who underwent failed routine drainage from Aug. 2007 to Jun. 2008, received paracentric suprapubic cystostomy via disposable central venous catheter. The patients were followed up for 2-11 months and the outcomes and complications were observed. Results: The catheterization processes were successful at the first try, with the mean operation time being (3.2 ± 0.4) min, ranging 2-5 min. The drainage outcomes were satisfactory and there were no complications. Conclusion: Suprapubic puncture and drainage with central venous catheter is safe and effective for children with urinary retention and is worth popularizing.

Application of ureteroscope-assisted laparoscopic varicocelectomy with two trocars only: A clinical report of 11 cases / 第二军医大学学报

Objective: To evaluate the application of ureteroscope-assisited laparoscopic varicocelectomy with two trocars only. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical efficacy and safety of ureteroscope-assisited laparoscopic varicocelectomy with only two trocars in management of 11 patients with grade II-III varicocele, who were treated in our hospital between Jun. 2008 to Jun. 2009 and were followed up for 3-15 months. Results: The operation was successful in all the 11 cases. The mean operation time was (19.4 ± 1.1) min (ranging 16-28 min). There were no complications after the procedure; the patients were allowed for ambulation on the next day after operation and were discharged on the third day. The sperm count was (2609 ± 208) × 104/ml three months after operation, which was significantly higher than that before operation (1463 ± 128) × 104/ml (P < 0.01). There was no recurrence or testis atrophy. Conclusion: Ureteroscope-assisited laparoscopic varicocelectomy with only two trocars is safe, effective, and easy-to-perform, and it has less complications and trauma.

Clinical value of whole-body magnetic resonance diffusion weighted imaging on detection of malignant metastases / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the value of whole-body diffusion weighted imaging (WB-DWI) on detection of malignant metastasis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-six patients with malignant tumors underwent WB-DWI examinations between April 2007 and August 2007 in our hospital. Before WB-DWI examination, the primary cancers of all the patients were confirmed by pathology, and the TNM-stage was assessed with conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT). WB-DWI was performed using short TI inversion recovery echo-planar imaging (STIR-EPI) sequence. Abnormal high signal intensities on WB-DWI were considered as metastases. The results of WB-DWI were compared with other imaging modalities. For the assessment of the diagnostic capability of WB-DWI, WB-DWI were compared with CT for demonstrating mediastinal lymph node metastases and lung metastases, and with conventional MRI for demonstrating metastases in other locations.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>WB-DWI demonstrated 143 focuses, 14 of which were diagnosed to be benign lesions in routine imaging. The number of bone metastases depicted on WB-DWI and routine imaging was 85 and 86; lymph node metastases was 17 and 18; liver metastases was 14 and 14; lung metastases was 4 and 8; and brain metastases was 6 and 8, respectively. WB-DWI failed to detect 12 metastatic lesions including 3 osteoplastic bone metastases, 4 lung metastases, 3 mediastinal lymph node metastases, and 2 brain metastases. Four metastatic lesions including 2 deltopectoral lymph nodes and 2 rib metastases were detected with WB-DWI alone, all of which evolved greatly during clinical follow-up for more than 6 months. WB-DWI had higher detection rates for metastatic lesions in liver, bone, and lymph nodes than those in lung and brain (chi2=30, P<0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>WB-DWI could detect most of metastatic lesions that were diagnosed with conventional MRI and CT. The limitations of WB-DWI might be had high false-positive rate and low efficiency in detecting mediastinal lymph node, brain, and lung metastases.</p>

Enhanced external counterpulsation promotes growth cytokines-mediated myocardial angiogenesis in a porcine model of hypercholesterolemia / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) improves ischemia in patients with refractory angina pectoris, but the mechanism remains unclear. To explore the mechanisms of EECP action, we detected progenitor cells presenting any of the following markers CD34(+), CD29(+), and CD106(+).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Growth cytokines-mediated progenitor cell mobilization and associated angiogenesis potential were assessed in a porcine model of hypercholesterolemia. Twenty-four male domestic swines were randomly assigned to 4 groups: normal diet (control, n = 6), hypercholesterolemic diet (CHOL, n = 6), hypercholesterolemic diet with administration of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) (rhG-CSF, n = 6), and hypercholesterolemic diet with EECP treatment (EECP, n = 6). EECP was applied 2 hours every other day for a total of 36 hours. Serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), peripheral blood progenitor cell counts, level of regional angiogenesis, and expression of VEGF and stromal cell derived factor 1alpha (SDF-1alpha) in porcine myocardium were assessed, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A porcine model of hypercholesterolemia-induced arteriosclerosis was successfully established. There was no significant difference in serum levels of VEGF among the four groups. The serum levels of G-CSF in the EECP group increased significantly at week 15 and week 18 ((38.3 +/- 5.6) pg/ml at week 15 vs (26.2 +/- 3.7) pg/ml at week 12, P < 0.05, and (46.9 +/- 6.1) pg/ml at week 18 vs (26.2 +/- 3.7) pg/ml at week 12, P < 0.01). The serum levels of G-CSF in group 3 increased also significantly after receiving rhG-CSF injection for five days ((150 +/- 13.9) pg/ml at week 18 vs (24.8 +/- 5.4) pg/ml at week 12, P < 0.01). Compared to other groups and other time points, progenitor cell counts increased significantly after 2-hour EECP treatment (108 +/- 13 vs 26 +/- 6 per 10(5) leukocytes, P < 0.01), but not at week 18. The progenitor cell counts also increased significantly after subcutaneous injection of rhG-CSF for five days compared to the week 12 (baseline) (180 +/- 21 vs 25 +/- 7 per 10(5) leukocytes, P < 0.01). There was no significant difference among the four groups at other time points. Moreover, the expression of VEGF and SDF-1alpha and the level of regional angiogenesis in myocardium increased significantly in both EECP and rhG-CSF groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The results demonstrated that EECP could facilitate angiogenesis in the myocardium of atherosclerotic swines by increasing endogenous G-CSF, inducing an enhanced mobilization of progenitor cells and augmenting myocardial expression of VEGF and SDF-1alpha.</p>

Volumes of total prostate and transitional zone are positively correlated with age in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the total prostate volume (TPV) and prostate transitional zone volume (TZV) in different age groups of benign prostatic hyperplasia patients, calculate the transitional zone index (TZI), and analyze correlation of age with the above parameters.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We divided 1,563 BPH patients into 4 age groups (50-59, 60-69, 70-79 and 80-89 y), measured their TPV and TZV by rectal ultrasonography, calculated their TZI and evaluated all the data obtained by statistical analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The TPV, TZV and TZI of the BPH patients were shown to be (32.27 +/- 15.76) ml, (9.55 +/- 98) ml and 0.28 +/- 0.13 in the 50-59 y group; (40.93 +/- 17.45) ml, (14.94 +/- 11.83) ml and 0.34 +/- 0. 16 in the 60-69 y group; (46.56 +/- 20.31) ml, (19.54 +/- 19.25) ml and 0.39 +/- 0.16 in the 70-79 y group; and (47.85 +/- 26.63) ml, (20.40 +/- 16.78) ml and 0.41 +/- 0.19 in the 80-89 y group. Both TPV and TZV were positively correlated with the patients' age, (r1 = 0.232, r2 = 0.256).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>TPV and TZV increase with age in BPH patients, the latter even more obviously than the former.</p>

Effect of chronic enhanced external counterpulastion on gene expression profiles of arterial endothelial cells of pigs fed with high-cholesterol diet / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of chronic enhanced external counterpulastion (EECP) on gene expression profiles of arterial endothelial cells (ECs) of pigs fed with high-cholesterol diet.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eight male pigs were fed with high-cholesterol diet for 12 weeks to induce arteriosclerosis and subjected to EECP for accumulative 36 h (2 h every other day for 18 sessions). Another 8 pigs on cholesterol-enriched diet and 6 normally fed pigs served as the arteriosclerosis model group and normal control group, respectively, and the high-cholesterol diet was maintained until the end of EECP treatment. The coronary artery was then isolated for transmission electro microscopy, and the abdominal aorta was observed using Sudan III staining. The gene expression profiles in ECs from the thoracic aorta using cDNA microarrays.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Macrophages and foam cells were detected beneath the ECs in the coronary artery of pigs in the model group, but not in the other two groups. The ratios of Sudan III-positive area in the celiac aorta were significantly lower in normal control and EECP groups than in the model control group (P<0.05). Compared with the normal control group, the gene expressions of integrins-beta1 and CTGF were up-regulated in the model group. Compared with the model group, the expressions of integrins-beta1, CTGF and VCAM-1 were down-regulated and eNOS up-regulated in EECP group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Chronic EECP may reduce endothelial injury, down-regulate the gene expression level of integrin-beta1, CTGF and VCAM-1, lower cholesterol uptake and attenuate arterial endothelial inflammation to protect the pigs fed with high-cholesterol diet from arteriosclerosis.</p>

n-MSP detection of p16 gene demethylation and transcription in human multiple myeloma U266 cell line induced by arsenic trioxide / 中国实验血液学杂志

The study was purposed to investigate the effect of arsenic trioxide (As(2)O(3))- induced p16 gene demethylation by a sensitive and specific PCR-based method (nested-methylation specific PCR, n-MSP) and DNA sequencing for rapid analysis of the promoter demethylation status, and to explore the possible mechanism of the p16 gene demethylation in human multiple myeloma U266 cells induced by As(2)O(3). The methylation status of the p16 gene in U266 cell line before and after treatment with As(2)O(3) was detected by the nested-methylation specific PCR and DNA sequencing, the mRNA of p16, DNA methyltransferase (DNMT 1, DNMT3A and 3B) gene were determined by RT-PCR, and the induced growth inhibition of U266 cell was assayed by growth curve, MTT and CFU; the DNA content of U266 cells was analyzed by flow cytometry after being exposed to As(2)O(3). The results showed that (1) all cytosines in CpG dinucleotides in untreated U266 cell not were changed, while all cytosines in treated U266 cells with As(2)O(3) had been converted to thymidine. (2) p16 gene was not expressed in U266 cell line after methylation. As compared with the beta-actin, the expression of U266 cell p16 gene mRNA was increased to (0.22 +/- 0.10), (0.59 +/- 0.11), (0.68 +/- 0.09) after exposed to 0.5 micromol/L, 1.0 micromol/L and 2.0 micromol/L As(2)O(3) for 72 hours respectively. (3) As(2)O(3) could significantly down-regulate DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT 1), DNMT3A and DNMT3B gene at mRNA level in a dose-dependent manner. (4) U266 cells line grew slowly and arrested at G(0) - G(1) phase after treatment with three different concentrations of As(2)O(3). It is concluded that As(2)O(3) can activate and up-regulate the expression of p16 gene which inhibits the proliferation of U266 cell through inducing the G(0) - G(1) arrest by demethylation or/and by inhibiting DNMT 1, DNMT3A and 3B gene.

Effects of external counterpulsation on shear stress and production of nitric oxide and cGMP in canines with myocardial infarction / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of external counterpulsation (ECP) on shear stress and signal transduction in canines with myocardial infarction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Nineteen healthy dogs were randomly divided into control, ischemia, and ischemia plus ECP groups. Myocardial infarction was induced in the latter two groups by ligation of the left anterior descending artery (LAD). Serum and aorta NO levels of the dogs were determined by modified nitrate reductase method, and serum and aorta cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels by radioimmunoassay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The shear stress in the truncus brachiocephalicus decreased after LAD ligation, but increased significantly after 2 h of ECP treatment. Serum and aorta NO levels in ECP and control groups were significantly higher than those in the ischemic group (P<0.05). Serum and aorta cGMP levels in control group and ECP group after LAD ligation were also significantly higher than those in the ischemic group (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>ECP can increase the shear stress and increase NO and cGMP levels in dogs with myocardial ischemia, which might be an important mechanism of ECP for protection of the ischemic myocardium.</p>

Establishment of a pig model of chronic ally enhanced external counterpulsation / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish a pig model of chronic external counterpulsation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twelve pigs were anaesthetized with sodium pentobarbital (< or =30 mg/kg.b.w.) and 846 mixture (< or =0.1 ml/kg.b.w.) and counterpulsed in a lateral position for 2 h every two days (totally 36 h) with 0.025 to 0.04 MPa/cm(2) pressure.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>External counterpulsation was successfully completed in all the animals. Combined administration of sodium pentobarbital and 846 mixture resulted in good anesthetic effect with reduced anesthetic dosage and minimal side effect on the viscera (the liver, kidney and heart, etc).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The pig model of chronic external counterpulsation has been successfully established. Combined use of sodium pentobarbital and 846 mixture is recommended for chronic external counterpulsation.</p>

Effects of enhanced external counterpulsation in atherosclerosis and NF-kappaB expression: a pig model with hypercholesterolemia / 中华病理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effects of enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) on the vascular morphology, and endothelial function using experimentally induced hypercholesterolemic pigs.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty five male pigs were randomly divided into three groups: 7 normal control animals, 11 hypercholesterolemic animals, and 17 hypercholesterolemic animals receiving EECP. Serum cholesterol was measured. The coronary arteries and aortas were sampled for histopathologic and ultrastructural examination. The NF-kappaB protein expression of porcine coronary arteries was investigated by immunofluorescence.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the normal controls, serum cholesterol levels were significantly higher in the hypercholesterolemic animals with or without EECP. The plaque/intimal area ratio of the aorta decreased significantly in animals receiving EECP [(3.33 +/- 2.40)%, versus (12.03 +/- 7.12)% in those without EECP, P < 0.05]. Lipid deposition, endothelial damage and proliferation of smooth muscle cells were less severe in animals receiving EECP than those not. Moreover, activation and expression of NF-kappaB also decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in animals receiving EECP.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>EECP improves the morphology and function of vascular endothelium, and retards the development and progression of atherosclerosis, likely through the inhibition of NF-kappaB signaling pathway.</p>

Microvessel angiogenesis: a possible cardioprotective mechanism of external counterpulsation for canine myocardial infarction / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) has been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). It has been proposed that the beneficial effects of EECP observed in clinical studies may be due to the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) and collateral development. However, there is a relative paucity of basic studies to support the proposed mechanisms.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twelve Beagle dogs were anesthetized with 3% sodium pentobarbital, 1 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection and mechanically ventilated for the development of myocardial infarction. After coronary occlusion, all animals were randomly assigned to either EECP or control. EECP was given one hour per day, 5 days a week, for a total of 28 to 30 hours treatment over a 6-week course. Immunohistochemical studies of alpha-actin and von Willebrand factor (vWF) were used to detect newly developed microvessels. Systemic and local vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were identified by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse-transcriptional polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was a significant increase in the density of microvessels per mm(2) in the infarcted regions of EECP group compared to control group (vWF, 15.2 +/- 6.3 versus 4.9 +/- 2.1, P < 0.05; alpha-actin, 11.8 +/- 5.3 versus 3.4 +/- 1.2, P < 0.05), along with significant increase of positive vWF and alpha-actin stained area. Both immunohistochemical staining and RT-PCR analysis documented a significant increase in VEGF expression. These factors associated with angiogenesis corresponded to improved myocardial perfusion by 99mTc-sestamibi single-photon emission computed tomography.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Microvessel angiogenesis may be a mechanism of action for the improved myocardial perfusion after EECP therapy.</p>

Genetically marking of natural biocontrol bacterium Bacillus subtilis strains with green fluorescent protein gene / 生物工程学报

The full length sequence of the promoter and gfp gene were obtained respectively by PCR with two pairs unique primers PxyF/R and primers gfpF/R, which were designed according to the gfp gene and promoter sequence of xylase operon from Bacillus subtilis 168, and the DNA template plasmids pHT315-xyIR and pGFPuv. Furthermore, the fused translational expression cassette PxylR-gfp was constructed using overlapping PCR technique with the primers pair PxyF/gfpR and the mixture of above PCR production. After being digested by Kpn I and Sph I , PxylR-gfp expression cassette was inserted into E. coli-B. thuringiensis shuttle vecter pHT315 and E. coli-B. subtilis shuttle vecter pRP22, and the resulted recombinant plasmids were named as pGFP315 and pGFP22 respectively. Both recombinant plasmids were transferred into B. subtilis lab strain 168 and the resulted transformants are bright green performance under 365 nm UV light. However, only pGFP22 can be introduced into the natural strain B916. The transformants containing pGFP22 have bright green performance under 365 nm UV light and was named B916-gfp. Antifungal activities testing results proved that there is no obvious difference between B916 and the engineered strains B916-gfp. Research results also showed that the stability of B916-gfp was 94% after growth about 175 generations at 37 degrees C, and the losing rate of plasmid was less than 3.5 x 10(-4) per generation.