Prediction of detrusor function in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia by non-invasive parameters / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the predictive value of non-invasive parameters in assessing detrusor function in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). 【Methods】 Clinical data of 384 BPH patients to undergo surgery were enrolled and retrospectively analyzed. The patients’ age and medical history time (MHT) were recorded. The free urinary flow rate was measured and maximum flow rate (Qmax) was recorded. Post-void residual (PVR) and voiding volume (VV) were measured with Bladder Scan, and bladder voiding efficiency (BVE) was calculated. Parameters including detrusor pressure (Pdet@Qmax) and Watts factor (WFmax) were collected in invasive urodynamic examination. Patients were grouped as detrusor underactivity (DU) group and non detrusor underactivity (NDU) group according to the results of WFmax, and the factors influencing detrusor function were analyzed with Logistic regression. The optimal cut-off values were confirmed with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. 【Results】 Significant differences were observed in patients’ age, MHT, Qmax, PVR, BVE, Pdet@Qmax between the DU and NDU groups. Logistic regression showed that the overall prediction accuracy was higher when MHT, Qmax and BVE were included. The model prediction formula was Y=6.020-0.451XMHT+0.554XQmax-0.074XBVE. ROC curve showed when age ≥70.5 years and MHT≥ 7.5 years, there was a greater possibility of DU. When Qmax ≥5.7 mL/s and BVE ≥75.5%, the contractile function of detrusor was normal. Model prediction formula Y≥0.72 showed that detrusor contractility was normal. 【Conclusion】 Age, MHT, Qmax and BVE have certain predictive value for assessing detrusor function in BPH patients.

Pro-pigmentary action of 5-fluorouracil through the stimulated secretion of CXCL12 by dermal fibroblasts / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#There is growing evidence that 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) combined with therapeutic trauma can effectively induce skin repigmentation in vitiligo patients who are unresponsive to conventional treatments. Previous studies have mainly focused on identifying the antimitotic activity of 5-FU for the treatment of skin cancer, but few studies have investigated its extra-genotoxic actions favoring melanocyte recruitment.@*METHODS@#We utilized the full thickness excisional skin wound model in Dct-LacZ transgenic mice to dynamically assess the migration of melanocytes in the margins of wounds treated with or without 5-FU. The in-situ expression of CXCL12 was examined in the wound beds using immunofluorescence staining. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting analyses were performed to detect the expression levels of CXCL12 mRNA and protein in primary mouse dermal fibroblasts treated with or without 5-FU. Transwell assays and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-phalloidin staining were used to observe cell migration and filamentous actin (F-actin) changes of melan-a murine melanocytes.@*RESULTS@#Whole mount and cryosection X-gal staining showed that the cell numbers of LacZ-positive melanocytes were much higher in the margins of dorsal and tail skin wounds treated with 5-FU compared with the controls. Meanwhile, CXCL12 immunostaining was significantly increased in the dermal compartment of wounds treated with 5-FU (control vs. 5-FU, 22.47 ± 8.85 vs. 44.69 ± 5.97, P < 0.05). Moreover, 5-FU significantly upregulated the expression levels of CXCL12 mRNA (control vs. 5-FU, 1.00 ± 0.08 vs. 1.54 ± 0.06, P < 0.05) and protein (control vs. 5-FU, 1.00 ± 0.06 vs. 2.93 ± 0.10, P < 0.05) in cultured fibroblasts. Inhibition of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis suppressed melanocyte migration in vitro using a CXCL12 small interfering RNA (siRNA) or a CXCR4 antagonist (AMD3100).@*CONCLUSION@#5-FU possesses a pro-pigmentary activity through activation of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis to drive the chemotactic migration of melanocytes.

Atractylenolide protects against lipopolysaccharide-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation by anti-inflammatory and anticoagulation effect

Objective To investigate whether atractylenolide (ATL-) has protective effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in vivo and in vitro, and explore whether NF-κB signaling pathway is involved in ATL- treatment. Methods New Zealand white rabbits were injected with LPS through marginal ear vein over a period of 6 h at a rate of 600 μg/kg (10 mL/h). Similarly, in the treatment groups, 1.0, 2.0, or 5.0 mg/kg ATL- were given. Both survival rate and organ function were tested, including the level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood urine nitrogen (BUN), and TNF-α were examined by ELISA. Also hemostatic and fibrinolytic parameters in serum were measured. RAW 264.7 macrophage cells were administered with control, LPS, LPS + ATL- and ATL- alone, and TNF-α, phosphorylation (P)-IκBα, phosphorylation (P)-NF-κB (P65) and NF-κB (P65) were determined by Western blot. Results The administration of LPS resulted in 73.3% mortality rate, and the increase of serum TNF-α, BUN and ALT levels. When ATL- treatment significantly increased the survival rate of LPS-induced DIC model, also improved the function of blood coagulation. And protein analysis indicated that ATL-I remarkably protected liver and renal as decreasing TNF-α expression. In vitro, ATL-I obviously decreased LPS-induced TNF-α production and the expression of P-NF-κB (P65), with the decrease of P-IκBα. Conclusions ATL- has protective effect on LPS-induced DIC, which can elevate the survival rate, reduce organ damage, improve the function of blood coagulation and suppress TNF-α expression by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway.

Investigation of inductive effect of triptolide on cytochrome P450 s in rat hepatocytes and HepG2 cells and possible mechanism / 中国药理学通报

Aim Toinvestigatingtheinductionof CYPs in hepatocytes or HepG2 cells by triptolide(TP) andthepossiblemechanism.Methods AfterTPtreat-ment,the expression of CYPs in rat primary hepato-cytes or human HepG2 cells was detected by real-time PCR and Western blot assays.Specific inhibitors or gene knockdown method were employed to analyze the possiblemechanism.Results Theexpressionof CYP1A2,2C7,2C11,2C12,2D2,2E1 and 3A1 in rat primary hepatocytes was induced by TP.The fold was 19,2,31,3,21,88 and 34 at 50 nmol·L-1, respectively while at 100 nmol·L-1 it was 20,5,30,23,61,83 and 38,respectively.In HepG2 cells,the expression of human CYP1A1,2B6,2C9,2C19, 2D6,2E1 and 3A4 was also induced by TP.The ac-tivities of nuclear receptor PXR and CAR were inhibi-ted.TP upregulated p53 expression,and the induction of several CYPs caused by TP was blocked when p53 wasinhibited.Conclusions TPinducesCYPsexpres-sion in rat hepatocytes and HepG2 cells.Nuclear re-ceptors may not be involved in TP induced CYPs, while the mechanism may partly attribute to p53.

Atractylenolide Ⅰ protects against lipopolysaccharide-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation by anti-inflammatory and anticoagulation effect

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate whether atractylenolide Ⅰ (ATL-Ⅰ) has protective effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in vivo and in vitro, and explore whether NF-κB signaling pathway is involved in ATL-Ⅰ treatment.@*METHODS@#New Zealand white rabbits were injected with LPS through marginal ear vein over a period of 6 h at a rate of 600 μg/kg (10 mL/h). Similarly, in the treatment groups, 1.0, 2.0, or 5.0 mg/kg ATL-Ⅰ were given. Both survival rate and organ function were tested, including the level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood urine nitrogen (BUN), and TNF-α were examined by ELISA. Also hemostatic and fibrinolytic parameters in serum were measured. RAW 264.7 macrophage cells were administered with control, LPS, LPS + ATL-Ⅰ and ATL-Ⅰ alone, and TNF-α, phosphorylation (P)-IκBα, phosphorylation (P)-NF-κB (P65) and NF-κB (P65) were determined by Western blot.@*RESULTS@#The administration of LPS resulted in 73.3% mortality rate, and the increase of serum TNF-α, BUN and ALT levels. When ATL-Ⅰ treatment significantly increased the survival rate of LPS-induced DIC model, also improved the function of blood coagulation. And protein analysis indicated that ATL-I remarkably protected liver and renal as decreasing TNF-α expression. In vitro, ATL-I obviously decreased LPS-induced TNF-α production and the expression of P-NF-κB (P65), with the decrease of P-IκBα.@*CONCLUSIONS@#ATL-Ⅰ has protective effect on LPS-induced DIC, which can elevate the survival rate, reduce organ damage, improve the function of blood coagulation and suppress TNF-α expression by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway.

Clinical efficacy of different surgical treatment on cataract and vision / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of phacoemulsification and small incision non -phacoemulsification cataract surgery, and provide better options for clinical cataract treatment. METHODS: According to the different operation methods, 98 cases of simple senile cataract patients in our hospital were divided into control group and treatment group, 49 cases in each. The control group received ultrasonic emulsification operation treatment; treatment group were treated by small incision non -phacoemulsification. Visual acuity, astigmatism values, average operation time, and complications were compared between two groups before and after operation. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in preoperative corneal astigmatism values of two groups at 3mo between two groups (P>0. 05). On other times, vision and corneal astigmatism were obviously better than those before operation (P0. 05). When the lens nucleus hardness was at Ⅰ~Ⅲ level, corneal endothelial cell count of two groups had no significant difference ( P>0.05). When the lens nucleus hardness was at Ⅳ ~ Ⅴlevel, there was statistical difference (P CONCLUSION: Small incision non-phacoemulsification cataract surgery has the similarly efficacy compared with phacoemulsification. It should be based on the actual situation of the hardness of nuclear to select the appropriate surgical treatment.

In utero exposure to di-n-butyl phthalate induces testicular cell apoptosis and vacuolization in the pubertal male rat offspring / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the impact of in utero exposure to di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) on the apoptosis of testicular cells in the pubertal male rat offspring.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ten pregnant SD rats were randomly divided into a control and an experimental group to be treated intragastrically with olive oil (1 ml per day) and DBP (500 mg per kg of body weight per day) respectively between gestation days 12 and 19. At the pubertal age (postnatal day 45, PND 45), the testes of the male rat offspring were removed for observation of the cell structure under the transmission electron microscope and the development of different spermatogenetic cells by HE staining. The apoptosis of testicular cells was detected by the TUNEL method, the expressions of the apoptosis-regulating proteins Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, Bax and p53 were determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot, and the data obtained were compared between the two groups by t-test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Transmission electron microscopy revealed increased apoptosis and vacuolization of testicular cells in the PND-45 rat offspring, HE staining showed markedly decreased numbers of different spermatogenetic cells, TUNEL manifested significantly increased apoptosis of testicular cells in the experimental group as compared with the control (12.00 ± 5. 22 vs 3.17 ± 1.47, P < 0.01), and immunohistochemistry and Western blot exhibited remarkably higher expressions of Bax and p53 in the former than in the latter group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In utero exposure to DBP can increase the apoptosis of germ cells and Sertoli cells, induce the vacuolization of testicular cells, and significantly elevate the expressions of the apoptosis-promoting proteins Bax and p53 in the pubertal male rat offspring.</p>

Congenital bilateral ejaculatory duct absence complicated with seminal vesicle cyst: a case report and review of the literature / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To report a case of simple congenital bilateral ejaculatory duct absence (EDA) complicated with seminal vesicle cyst and review the relevant literature in order to improve the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of a case of bilateral congenital EDA complicated with seminal vesicle cyst, reviewed the relevant literature at home and abroad, and comprehensively analyzed the embryonic development, diagnosis, and treatment of congenital EDA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The patient was a 23-year-old man, present at the clinic for infertility after married for a year. Vasography and other imaging examinations confirmed simple congenital bilateral EDA complicated with seminal vesicle cyst. Pathologic biopsy showed normal spermatogenic function of the testes.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Congenital EDA originates from embryonic developmental defect of the mesonephric duct, and it can be confirmed by vasography. Transurethral incision of the ejaculatory duct and intracytoplasmic sperm injection can be employed for the treatment of bilateral EDA.</p>

Value of urine excrement shunt surgery for the treatment of severe metabolic disorders after Sigma rectum pouch of bladder cancer / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective To investigate the application value of urine excrement shunt surgery for the treatment of severe metabolic disorders after Sigma rectum pouch of bladder cancer.Methods From July 2011 to December 2013,4 male patients (mean age 72±10 years old,ranged from 58-82 years old),who received radical cystectomy and Sigma rectum pouch due to bladder cancer,were admitted in our hospital.Within four years after the operation,all patients complained about the recurrent fatigue,anorexia and even unconsciousness.The hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis,hypokalemia and renal dysfunction were diagnosed by blood gas analysis and biochemical tests.One week before urine excrement shunt operation,the arterial blood pH,HCO3-,serum potassium,chloride and creatinine were (7.15±0.08),(7.8±4.7)mmol/L,(3.1 ±0.2) mmol/L,(110.3±4.7) mmol/L,(314.8±66.4) μmol/L,respectively.They received urine excrement shunt surgery.The lower abdominal mid-line incision was made and the pouch was isolated from intestinal tract.The abdomen ostomy was made and the sigmoid colon and rectum were re-coincided in order to recover the intestinal continuity.The results of blood gas analysis,electrolytes and renal function after surgery were compared with those before surgery.Results The average operation time was (256.3±26.9) min and the mean volume of bleeding was (147.5±111.2) ml.There was no surgery related complication.Blood bicarbonate was (19.1±4.8) mmol/L one week after surgery,which was significantly improved than that before operation (P＜0.05).One month later,blood pH level descended to (7.38±0.05),potassium level was (3.9±0.3) mmol/L,creatinine was (208.8±50.8) umol/L.All of them were significantly improved,compared with those results before surgery (P＜0.05).Blood chloride was significantly reduced to (102.4±5.8) mmol/L (P＜0.05) after 6 months of operation.Nobody developed severe acidosis and electrolyte disturbances during 6 months to 3 years' follow-up.Conclusions Urine excrement shunt surgery can effectively corrected the acidosis and electrolyte disturbances due to the radical cystectomy and Sigma rectum pouch.It might be a alternative method to treat such kind of severe complications.

The volume of residual urine correlates with bladder outlet obstruction and detrusor contractility in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To identify the correlation of the volume of residual urine (VRU) with the severity of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and detrusor contractility in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 152 patients with clinically diagnosed BPH underwent ultrasonography for measurement of the prostate volume and RVU, free uroflowmetry, and urodynamic examination for the severity of BOO and detrusor contractility. Using the software SPSS20. 0, we analyzed the correlation between the ultrasonographic results and urodynamic parameters and compared the two sample means by the t-test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The prostate volume was correlated positively with BOO severity (r = 0.432, P < 0.01) and detrusor contractility (r = 0.343 , P < 0.01) while Qmax negatively with BOO severity (r = 0.327, P < 0.01) but not significantly with detrusor contractility (r = 0.123, P > 0.05). VRU showed a significantly negative correlation with detrusor contractility when > 150 ml (r = -0.490, P < 0.01), even more significantly when > 300 ml (r = -0.717, P < 0.01), but exhibited no significant correlation with it when ≤ 150 ml (r = 0.041, P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>VRU can somehow predict the detrusor function. For patients with VRU > 150 ml, especially for those with VRU > 300 ml, the detrusor function should be evaluated and urodynamic examination is recommended for exact assessment of BOO severity and detrusor contractility.</p>

Morphologic and histopathologic analysis of testicular appendages / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the incidence of testicular appendages, observe their morphology, and analyze their histopathological origins.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We observed 67 testes in 54 patients (15 children and 39 adults) undergoing scrotal surgery, investigated the incidence of testicular appendages, and identified their histopathological origins. We used the Chi-square test to compare the findings from the children and adult patients, with P < 0.05 as statistically significant.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The detection rates of the appendix testis, appendix epididymis, paradidymis, vas aberrans superior, and vas aberrans inferior were 80.6% (54/67), 23.9% (16/67), 1.5% (1/67), 3.0% (2/67), and 1.5% (1/67), respectively. The incidence of testicular appendages was higher in children than in adults (93.3% vs 80.8%), but with no statistically significant difference (Chi2 = 1.339, P > 0.05), and that of the appendix testis and epididymis with pedicles was significantly higher in the former than in the latter (82.4% vs 54.7%, chi2 = 4.149, P < 0.05). Pathological examination showed that the appendix testis originated from the paramesonephric duct, while the appendix epididymis, paradidymis, vas aberrans superior, and vas aberrans inferior from the mesonephric duct.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Testicular appendages consist of five embryonic remnants, including appendix testis, appendix epididymis, paradidymis, vas aberrans superior, and vas aber- rans inferior. The appendix testis originates from the paramesonephric duct, and the other four from the mesonephric duct. The clinical implication of these testicular appendages is their tendency to torsion.</p>

Risk factors for hypertension and impact of postoperative hypertension on medium survival after heart transplantation / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To access the prevalence and risk factors for hypertension after heart transplantation (HT), and the impact of post-transplant hypertension on medium-term survival among HT patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Data from 265 consecutive patients underwent HT between June 2004 and May 2012 in Fuwai hospital and survived for at least 6 months were retrospectively analyzed. Hypertension was defined as systolic pressure ≥ 140 mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) and/or diastolic pressure ≥ 90 mm Hg or current treatment with antihypertensive drugs. Patients were divided into post-HT hypertension group and non-hypertension group. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine preoperative and postoperative risk factors for hypertension after HT. Kaplan-Meier method and log rank test were used for survival analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Hypertension was present in 17.4% (46/265) patients before HT and in 57.4% (152/265) patients post HT. The median follow-up time was 37 months (20 - 57 months). Logistic regression analysis showed that male gender (OR: 2.27, 95%CI: 1.16 - 4.42, P < 0.05), history of pre-HT hypertension (OR: 2.22, 95%CI: 1.05 - 4.71, P < 0.05), and cyclosporine A based immunosuppressive therapy (OR: 2.54, 95%CI: 1.51 - 4.29, P < 0.01) were independent risk factors for the development of post-HT hypertension. At the end of 1, 3, 5 years, the survival rate of heart transplant patients by Kaplan-Meier method estimation were 100%, 97.2%, 86.7% in post-HT hypertension group; 98.1%, 93.8%, 93.8% in non-hypertension group. Log rank test displayed that there was no significant difference between the two survival curves (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Hypertension is a frequent comorbidity after HT. Male gender, pre-HT hypertension together with cyclosporine A based immunosuppressive therapy are independent predictors for the development of post-HT hypertension. By adjusting the controllable risk factors and active control of blood pressure, the medium-term survival is similar between patients with or without postoperative hypertension in this cohort.</p>

Sirolimus use in heart transplantation recipients with chronic renal dysfunction / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of sirolimus-based immunosuppression administered on heart transplant recipients with chronic renal dysfunction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From June 2004 to December 2008, standard calcineurin inhibitors (CNI)-based immunosuppressive regimen was changed to reduced-dose CNI plus sirolimus due to CNI-related chronic renal dysfunction in 20 out of 138 cardiac transplant recipients at Fuwai Hospital. The standard immunosuppressive regimen included steroid, CNI (cyclosporine or tacrolimus), and mycophenolate mofetil or azathioprine. Sirolimus was started at 0.75 - 1.50 mg/d with titration to achieve levels of 5 - 15 µg/L, and CNI dose was reduced gradually to 1/2-2/3 of the baseline level. Patients were followed for changes in renal function, lipid level and clinical side effects related to immunosuppressive therapy. Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) was performed routinely at 3 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months after transplantation. EMB was also performed at 3 months after regimen change within 1 year post-transplantation or when rejections were suspected in patients beyond 1 year post-transplantation. Echocardiography was performed for monitoring purpose.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mean follow-up after regimen change was (7.9 ± 6.3) months. Final sirolimus dose was (0.89 ± 0.22) mg/d and blood drug level was (7.6 ± 3.8)µg/L. Cyclosporine dose was reduced from (191.7 ± 60.0) mg/d to (123.6 ± 34.8) mg/d, with blood drug concentration reduced from (175.5 ± 58.0) µg/L to (111.9 ± 56.0) µg/L in 18 patients (P < 0.01). Tacrolimus average dose was reduced from 4.25 mg/d to 3.00 mg/d, with blood drug concentration reduced from 13.5 µg/L to 10.5 µg/L in 2 patients. Serum creatinine level fell from (160.4 ± 25.5) µmol/L to (134.4 ± 26.8) µmol/L (P < 0.01) and urea nitrogen fell from (13.8 ± 4.7) µmol/L to (10.4 ± 3.0) µmol/L (P < 0.01) at one month after regimen change. Twenty two EMBs were performed in 11 patients within 1 year post-transplant, there were 4 episodes of acute rejected (ISHLT grade 2). Twenty patients are all alive and cardiac function was normal. The most common side effect was hyperlipidemia, and triglycerides, total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein levels were significantly increased at 1 month post regimen change (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Leukocyte, hemoglobin and platelet as well as liver function remained unchanged at 1 month post regimen change (all P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Our results show that change from CNI-based immunosuppressive regimen to reduced-dose CNI plus sirolimus is an effective and safe approach for the management of patients with CNI-related chronic renal dysfunction, leading to an improvement in renal function without compromise in anti-rejection efficacy and with tolerable side effects.</p>

Anti-tumor effect of suicide gene therapy using chimeric promoter plus radiotherapy on cancer cell lines / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the synergistic anti-tumor effect of radiotherapy and horseradish peroxidase/prodrug indole-3-acetic acid (HRP/IAA) gene therapy system using chimeric hTERT promoter responsive to ionizing radiation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The synthetic hTERT promoters containing four tandem-repeat copies of radio-inducible CArG elements, and the chimeric promoter containing cytomegalovirus (CMV) early promoter were both constructed. The activities of the chimeric promoters in cancer cell lines (HeLa, A549, and MHCC97) and normal cell line (MRC-5) were detected using luciferase reporter gene expression analysis after a (60)Co γ-irradiation treatment at a series of doses(a single dose of 0 to 10 Gy). The anti-tumor effect of combining irradiation with HRP/IAA gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy system controlled by the chimeric promoter was tested by colony formation assay, cell counting and apoptosis analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The chimeric promoters were ineffective in normal human cells, even after irradiation, but the expression of luciferase gene in tumor cells was significantly higher. The activity of the chimeric promoter in MRC-5 cells was 22.3%, 12.9% and 13.6% of that in HeLa, A549 and MHCC97 cells, respectively. After irradiation, the ratios were 11.7%, 8.7% and 8.8%, respectively. Furthermore, the chimeric promoters could successfully induce the expression of luciferase gene following different doses of radiation, with maximal inducible activity seen after 6 Gy irradiation. The chimeric promoter containing four tandem-repeat copies of radio-inducible CArG elements and CMV early promoter showed the highest activity with 6 Gy irradiation. The relative luciferase activities in HeLa, A549 and MHCC97 cells were 1.7 ± 0.2, 2.3 ± 0.2 and 2.3 ± 0.1, respectively. The chimeric promoter mediated suicide gene therapy system could increase radio-sensitivity in different cancer cells. Compared with the control system, it plus irradiation showed stronger cell proliferation inhibition, 67.3% vs. 26.1% in HeLa, 69.0% vs. 28.3% in A549, 64.6% vs. 20.8% in MHCC97 cells, and also higher apoptosis-inducing effect, 39.6% vs. 14.2% in HeLa, 33.0% vs. 12.4% in A549, and 33.2% vs. 14.2% in MHCC97 cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Chimeric promoter containing hTERT promoter, CArG elements and CMV promoter preserve the tumor-specificity in telomerase-positive tumor cells, and irradiation-responsive to low dose of radiation. The suicide gene therapy using this promoter plus radiotherapy show a strong anti-tumor effect in vitro. It is expected to have a good potential for future application in gene radiotherapy.</p>

Safety analyses from 439 patients underwent endomyocardial biopsy via the right internal jugular vein approach / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Primary indications for endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) include heart transplant rejection surveillance and identifying cardiomyopathy or myocarditis. EMB procedures have not yet gained widespread acceptance because of concerns about possible complications associated with EMB procedures. In this single-center retrospective study, we analyzed the incidence of major and minor EMB procedure-related complications of 439 EMBs during the past 4.5 years.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From May 2004 to November 2008, 15 patients with cardiomyopathy and 1 patient with suspected cardiac tumor underwent 16 EMB procedures and 131 heart transplant recipients underwent 423 EMB procedures with the use of a modified Cordis bioptome. All EMB procedures were made via the right internal jugular vein approach and RV septum EMBs were performed under fluoroscopic guidance without additional echocardiographic monitoring. Operators were allowed to perform EMB procedure alone if a minimum of 50 EMB procedures had been previously supervised by a senior operator and all EMBs were performed by 4 operators. All patients underwent a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), 12-hour continuous ambulatory ECG monitoring, chest X-ray and transthoracic echocardiography before and after EMB procedures to obtain a detailed evaluation of the incidence of conduction abnormalities, arrhythmias, pericardial effusions and worsening valve insufficiency.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was no major complications like cardiac tamponade, hemothorax and pneumothorax. Minor complications such as conduction abnormalities including temporary RBBB (lasting < 24 h after EMB procedures) were found in 2 cases (0.47%) and sustained RBBB (> 24 h) was evidenced in 1 case (0.23%). There were no A-V block, complex ventricular arrhythmias or episodes of atrial fibrillation during and post procedure. In addition, 4 cases (0.91%)of EMB induced mild-moderate tricuspid regurgitation during the procedure were diagnosed by echocardiography.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The EMB procedure via the right internal jugular vein approach under fluoroscopic guidance is safe and associated with a very low complication rate when performed by experienced operators.</p>

A New Design of Impactor for Rat and Monkey's Spine Cord Injury Models / 中国康复理论与实践

@# Spinal cord injury is very high morbidity trauma, seriously affecting the survival and health of patients. To establish a standard animal model has a great significance for studying SCI pathogenesis and pathological changes. A spinal cord injury device for experimental animal was presented in this paper. It can implement fixed-point and fixed-quantity impact by new design. It also can create many animal models of different levels injury. More importantly, it has many advantages such as simple to operate, free from human disturbance, high accuracy and reproducibility. Finally, some existing constraints and challenges about the animal spinal cord injury models made by the device were discussed.

Genetic diversity of Fritillaria from Sichuan province based on ISSR / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To provide more proofs for expounding the genetic relationships among the (varietal) species in genus Fritillaria from Sichuan province.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The ISSR marker technique was used to study relationships and genetic polymorphism of nineteen populations in ten species and one varietal species of genus Fritillaria. Genetic similarities were calculated by using NTSYS software and the dendrogram was constructed by using UPGMA method.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Eleven primers were selected from 35 ISSR primers, and 179 DNA fragments were amplified from 19 populations. Of which, 179 fragments were polymorphic (percentage of polymorphic bands was 86.8%). The genetic similarity among all accessions ranged from 0.569 to 0.855. Clustering analysis showed that the 19 populations of Fritillaria could be distinctively classified into 4 groups. F. cirrhosa, F. przewalskii, F. cirrhosa var. logirnectarea and F. dajitensis were in the first group; The second group was the cluster of F. cirrhosa and F. mellea (wild and cultivated species); The third group was F. sulcisquamosa, F. thunbergii, wabunesis and F. delavayi; F. hupehensis alone formed the fourth group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>ISSR marker technique is suitable for the genetic diversity of Fritillaria from Sichuan province. Interspecific identifications among the four original species of Bulhus Fritillariae Cirrhosae recorded by pharmacopoeia of China, and between them and the other species of genus Fritillaria from Sichuan province could not be gained by using ISSR markers technique. In addition, the cluster result of genus Fritillaria had some relationships with the geographical distribution.</p>

Correlation analysis on main agronomic characters, yield per plant, artemisinin percentage contents and total artemisinin content per plant of Artemisia annua / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the relationships among the main agronomic characters, yield per plant,content of artemisinin of Artemisia annua, and provide the theoretical basis for breeding the A. annua varieties with high-yield and high artemisinin content.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The main agronomic characters, yield per plant, artemisinin content of the wild and cultivated A. annua of Sichuan province were investigated and determined, and the correlated relationships among them were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>It was showed that the weight of dried stem per plant had very significantly positive correlation with the yield per plant,and the number of primary branches, the diameter of stem had significantly positive correlation with the yield per plant. The flower bud stage, first flowering stage and full-bloom stage had significantly positive correlation with the artemisinin content. The first flowering stage and full-bloom stage had significantly positive correlation with the total artemisinin content per plant. The weight of dried stem per plant,the diameter of stem and the flower bud stage had significantly correlation with the total artemisinin content per plant. A. annua with the purple-stem had significant higher artemisinin content than that with the green-stem. Through the multiple regression analysis, the classic multiple regression equation of the yield per plant was gained as Y = 0.06121-0.000 08X(1) + 0.30378X(3) - 0.00051X(4) - 0.00031X5 (F = 20.15, P < 0.0001), the classic multiple regression equation of the artemisinin content as Y = -1.45849 - 0.00099X(1) - 0.24079X(3) + 0.13362X(6) - 0.00719X(7) + 0.01454X(9) (F = 46.55, P < 0.0001), the classic multiple regression equation of the total artemisinin content per plant as Y = -2.67001 - 0.00249X(1) + 0.98873X(3) + 0.30037X(6) + 0.113X(9) F = 22.62, P < 0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The plant with purple, thick and strong stem, higher plant height, moderate primary branches number and bloom stage, small stem-branch angle should be selected for a breeding new A. annua varieties with high yield and artemisinin content.</p>

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the peri-operative period of heart transplantation / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To summarize and analyze clinical outcomes and experience about using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in supporting heart transplant patients in the peri-operative period of in Fuwai Hospital retrospectively.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We performed 131 orthotopic heart transplantations from June 2004 to December 2008. Fourteen cases used veno-artery ECMO (Medtronic Ltd) for mechanical circulatory support in the peri-operative period of heart transplantation. Active clotting time(ACT) was maintained between 160 - 200 seconds, mean blood flow was 1.8 - 3.3 L/min during ECMO assistant period.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Twelve survivals discharged with NYHAI, two patients died of multiple orgen failure with severe infection and complication of central nervous system. The ECMO time was 75 - 824 h and mean time 149 h. 12 survivals with ECMO assistance decreases the dose of vasoactive drugs, after bedside UCG evaluating heart function recovery with stable circulation, ECMO could be weaned off uneventfully after 100 h. Five patients with seven times bleeding complication and one patient with catheter-associated arterial thrombosis of distal limb, all ECMO patients with low-albuminemia and hyperbilirubinemia at some degree, eleven patients with increasing blood creatine and five patients were treated with continous renal replacement therapy, one patient with pertinacious hyperbilirubinemia was treated with plasma exchange and molecular absorbent recirculating system. Seven patients were extension incision healing and six patients were tracheotomy.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>ECMO can bridge patients with end-stage heart failure to heart transplant, and extend the use of marginal donors, grasp the ECMO indication and timing of application, avoiding irreversible dysfunction of the vital organs and preventing complication during ECMO, ECMO may decrease mortality of severe patients in the peri-operative period of heart transplantation.</p>

Effect of temperature on physiologic indexes, bulb yielding and total alkaloids contents of Fritillaria cirrhosa / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the physiologic indexes, yield and the contents of alkaloids of Fritillaria cirrhosa D. Don under different temperature.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The growth temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30 degrees C) of F. cirrhosa were controlled by using artificial climate, the growth was observed, the contents of chlorophyll a and b, soluble sugar, MAD, proline of the leaves of F. cirrhosa were tested, and the yield and the alkaloids content of the bulbs were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The growth period of F. cirrhosa under 15, 20 degrees C were appropriately extended. The difference of the content of leaves chlorophyll b under four temperatures and the contents of total chlorophyll and chlorophyll a under 15, 20, 30 degrees C were not significant. The contents of soluble sugar, MAD and proline of leaves and the growth ratio, dry weight and content of alkaloids of bulb increased with the temperature decrease.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Higher temperature is not suitable for the growth of F. cirrhosa. Under the relatively lower temperature, the growth period of F. cirrhosa extended, the bulb can grow properly, and the content of alkaloid increased. F. cirrhosa can improve its cold tolerance by increasing the content of proline and soluble sugar, and it also can maintain the normal content of chlorophyll under the lower temperature.</p>