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Background@#MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have played important roles in the regulation of gene expression in many cancers, but their roles in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) are still unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the potential ESCC-specific key miRNAs from a large sample dataset in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA).@*Methods@#Integrative bioinformatics analysis was used to identify key ESCC-specific miRNAs related to the ESCC patients’ tumor histological grade and lymphatic metastasis from TCGA. Next, these key miRNA potential gene regulatory functions and relationships with ESCC patients’ clinical characteristics and overall survival were analyzed. Finally, three key miRNAs were selected randomly and quantificational real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to validate in 51 newly diagnosed ESCC patients’ tissues samples (collected from Nov. 2017 to Feb. 2019, in Wuwei, China) whether the bioinformatics analyses results were reliable and valid. Two-tailed Student’s t test, Pearson Chi-squared test and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used in this study.@*Results@#Thirty-five ESCC-specific miRNAs from TCGA database were investigated (fold-change > 2.0, P < 0.05), and 28 participated in the miRNAs-mRNAs co-expression network construction, while 17 were related with ESCC patients’ tumor histological grade, TNM stage, and lymphatic metastasis (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, six miRNAs (including miR-200b-3p, miR-31-5p, miR-15b-5p, miR-141-3p, miR-135b-5p, and miR-195-5p) were correlated with overall survival of ESCC patients (log-rank, P < 0.05). MiR-135b-5p, miR-15b-5p, and miR-195-5p were selected for verification of the expression levels in 51 ESCC patients’ tissue samples by using qRT-PCR. We found that the fold-changes between qRT-PCR and TCGA were completely consistent. The results also suggested that miR-135b-5p, miR-15b-5p, and miR-195-5p were significantly correlated with tumor differentiation degrees (P < 0.05), miR-195-5p was significantly correlated with tumor TNM stage (P < 0.05), and miR-135b-5p was significantly correlated with lymph-node metastasis (P < 0.05). MiR-135b-5p, miR-15b-5p, and miR-195-5p expression levels, ESCC patient clinical features association analysis results and the aforementioned TCGA bioinformatics analyses were similar.@*Conclusion@#This study identified key ESCC-related miRNAs. The key miRNAs are worthy of further investigation as potential novel biomarkers for diagnosis, classification, and prognosis of ESCC.
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BACKGROUND@#MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have played important roles in the regulation of gene expression in many cancers, but their roles in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) are still unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the potential ESCC-specific key miRNAs from a large sample dataset in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA).@*METHODS@#Integrative bioinformatics analysis was used to identify key ESCC-specific miRNAs related to the ESCC patients' tumor histological grade and lymphatic metastasis from TCGA. Next, these key miRNA potential gene regulatory functions and relationships with ESCC patients' clinical characteristics and overall survival were analyzed. Finally, three key miRNAs were selected randomly and quantificational real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to validate in 51 newly diagnosed ESCC patients' tissues samples (collected from Nov. 2017 to Feb. 2019, in Wuwei, China) whether the bioinformatics analyses results were reliable and valid. Two-tailed Student's t test, Pearson Chi-squared test and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used in this study.@*RESULTS@#Thirty-five ESCC-specific miRNAs from TCGA database were investigated (fold-change > 2.0, P < 0.05), and 28 participated in the miRNAs-mRNAs co-expression network construction, while 17 were related with ESCC patients' tumor histological grade, TNM stage, and lymphatic metastasis (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, six miRNAs (including miR-200b-3p, miR-31-5p, miR-15b-5p, miR-141-3p, miR-135b-5p, and miR-195-5p) were correlated with overall survival of ESCC patients (log-rank, P < 0.05). MiR-135b-5p, miR-15b-5p, and miR-195-5p were selected for verification of the expression levels in 51 ESCC patients' tissue samples by using qRT-PCR. We found that the fold-changes between qRT-PCR and TCGA were completely consistent. The results also suggested that miR-135b-5p, miR-15b-5p, and miR-195-5p were significantly correlated with tumor differentiation degrees (P < 0.05), miR-195-5p was significantly correlated with tumor TNM stage (P < 0.05), and miR-135b-5p was significantly correlated with lymph-node metastasis (P < 0.05). MiR-135b-5p, miR-15b-5p, and miR-195-5p expression levels, ESCC patient clinical features association analysis results and the aforementioned TCGA bioinformatics analyses were similar.@*CONCLUSION@#This study identified key ESCC-related miRNAs. The key miRNAs are worthy of further investigation as potential novel biomarkers for diagnosis, classification, and prognosis of ESCC.
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Objective:To observe the clinical effect of mind-refreshing and orifice-opening needling method plus swallowing disorder therapeutic apparatus for deglutition disorder of stroke patients in convalescence stage.Methods:A total of 136 patients conforming to the inclusion criteria were randomized into three groups by the random number table,including group A of 46 cases,group B of 44 cases and group C of 46 cases.Patients in group A received swallowing disorder therapeutic apparatus treatment,patients in group B received mind-refreshing and orifice-opening needling method treatment,and patients in group C received mind-refreshing and orifice-opening needling method plus swallowing disorder therapeutic apparatus treatment.The treatment was given once a day for 10 d as a course,the whole treatment lasted for 4 courses.Therapeutic evaluation items including water-swallowing test (WST),standardized swallowing assessment (SSA) and modified Barthel index (MBI) were measured before treatment,after treatment and at follow-up visit (2 months after treatment).Results:After treatment,scores of WST and MBI in all three groups increased significantly (all P＜0.05),while the SSA score dropped significantly (all P＜0.05).After treatment and during follow-up visit period,score of WST in group C was significantly higher than that in group A and group B (both P＜0.05),while the difference between group A and group B showed no statistical significance (P＞0.05);the SSA score in group C was substantially lower than that in group A and group B (all P＜0.05),the difference between group A and group B showed no statistical significance (P＞0.05);the MBI scores in group B and group C were substantially higher than that in group A (all P＜0.05),the difference between group B and group C showed no statistical significance (P＞0.05).After treatment and during follow-up visit period,the differences in overall therapeutic effect between group A and group B showed no statistical significance (P＞0.05),while the overall therapeutic effect in group C was substantially better than that in group A and group B (all P＜0.05).Conclusion:Both mind-refreshing and orifice-opening needling method and swallowing disorder therapeutic apparatus can alleviate symptoms of deglutition disorder of stroke patients respectively,and the combination of two methods can improve the therapeutic effect.
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Objective:To explore therapeutic effect of pharyngeal treatment machine (PTM) combined resuscitating acupuncture (RA) on patients with dysphagia after stroke.Methods: A total of 98 stroke patients with dysphagia were selected.According to random number table, they were randomly and equally divided into pure pharyngeal treatment group (received pure PTM therapy based on routine treatment) and combined treatment group (received RA based on pure pharyngeal treatment group).Video fluorography (VFG) score and swallow-quality of life (SWAL-QOL) score before and after treatment, and total effective rate were evaluated and compared between two groups.Results: Compared with before treatment, there was significant rise in VFG score, and significant reduction in SWAL-QOL score in both groups after treatment, P<0.01 all;compared with pure pharyngeal treatment group after treatment, there was significant rise in VFG score [(5.46±2.04) scores vs.(6.54±2.75) scores], and significant reduction in SWAL-QOL score [(741.33±25.92) scores vs.(632.54±26.77) scores] in combined treatment group, P=0.032, 0.001 respectively.Total effective rate of combined treatment group was significantly higher than that of pure pharyngeal treatment group (93.88% vs.75.51%), P=0.014.Conclusion: Compared with pure pharyngeal treatment machine, pharyngeal treatment machine combined resuscitating acupuncture possesses better therapeutic effect for recovery of swallowing function, which is worth extending.
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<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Population-based cancer registry collects the data on cancer incidence and mortality deaths from covered population to describe and survey the epidemics in certain areas. The aim of this study was to estimate the cancer incidence and mortality in Wuwei, Gansu province, Northwestern China from 2003 to 2012. The goal is to better understand cancer distribution and long-term development of cancer prevention and treatment in Wuwei.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Data were collected from the Wuwei Cancer Registry between 2003 and 2012. In this registry, data from 46 cancer report centers were included in this analysis. Incidence/mortality rates, age-specific incidence/mortality rates, age-standardized incidence/mortality rates, and cumulative incidence/mortality rates were calculated. Totally, 9,836,740 person-years (5,110,342 for males and 4,726,398 for females) had been monitored over this time period. The gender ratio of male/female was 1.08:1. The number of new cancer cases and related deaths was 24,705 and 17,287 from 2003 to 2012, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The proportion of morphological verification was 74.43%. The incidence of cases identified through death certification only was 1.21%, and the mortality to incidence ratio was 0.70. The average crude incidence was 251.15/100,000 persons (310.61 and 186.87 for males and females per 100,000 persons, respectively). The age-standardized rates by Chinese standard population (ASR-China) and by world standard population (ASR-world) were 207.76 and 245.42 per 100,000 persons, respectively. The crude cancer mortality was 175.74/100,000 persons (228.34 and 118.86 for males and females per 100,000 persons). ASR for China and the world was 149.57 and 175.13/100,000 persons, respectively. The most common cancers and leading causes of cancer-related deaths in Wuwei were as follows: cancers of stomach, esophagus, liver, lung, colorectum, breast, cervix, lymphoma, blood (leukemia), brain, and central nervous system. In Wuwei, during 2003 and 2012, cancer incidence and mortality rates increased by 1.32% and 1.31%/year, respectively. During this time, colorectum cancer incidence and mortality rates increased by 2.69% and 7.54%/year, respectively, in Wuwei. The incidence and mortality of other gastric, esophageal, liver, and lung cancers also all increased.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The results of this study report a more accurate cancer burden among the population of Wuwei, China. Active research of cancers etiology and effective prevention should be established to reduce the incidence and mortality associated with cancers.</p>
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Middle Aged , China , Epidemiology , Incidence , Neoplasms , Epidemiology , Mortality , Registries , Retrospective Studies , Time FactorsABSTRACT
Objective To observe the therapeutic efficacy of low-frequency electrical stimulation (LFES) plus acupuncture in treating deglutition disorders after cerebral stroke. Method Seventy-six patients were randomized into two groups. The treatment group (38 cases) was intervened by LFES plus acupuncture;the control group (38 cases) was by LFES. Result The water drinking test scores were significantly changed after the treatment in both groups (P<0.05); after the intervention, there were significant differences in comparing the water drinking test score, improvement score, and therapeutic efficacy grading between the two groups (P<0.05). Conclusion LFES and acupuncture are both effective in treating deglutition disorders after cerebral stroke, and the combination of the two methods can enhance the clinical efficacy.
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This study tested the effects of the gastrointestinal pulse train electrical stimulation with different parameters and at different locations on the neuronal activities of the lateral hypothalamus area (LHA) in obese rats in order to find the optimal stimulation parameter and location. Eight gastric electrical stimulations (GES) with different parameters were performed and the neuronal activities of gastric-distension responsive (GD-R) neurons in LHA were observed. The effects of stimulations with 8 parameters were compared to find the optimal parameter. Then the optimal parameter was used to perform electrical stimulation at duodenum and ileum, and the effects of the duodenal and ileac stimulation on the GD-R neurons in LHA were compared with the gastric stimulation of optimal parameter. The results showed that GES with the lowest energy parameter (0.3 ms, 3 mA, 20 Hz, 2 s on, 3 s off) activated the least neurons. The effects of GES with other parameters whose pulse width was 0.3 ms were not significantly different from those of the lowest energy parameter. Most gastric stimulations whose pulse width was 3 ms activated more LHA neurons than the smallest energy parameter stimulation, and the effects of those 3 ms gastric stimulations were similar. Accordingly, the lowest energy parameter was recognized as the optimal parameter. The effects of stimulations with the optimal parameter at stomach, duodenum and ileum on the LHA neuronal activities were not different. Collectively, gastrointestinal electrical stimulation (GIES) with relatively large pulse width might have stronger effects to the neuronal activities of GD-R neurons in LHA of obese rats. The effects of the GIES at different locations (stomach, duodenum and ileum) on those neurons are similar, and GES is preferential because of its easy clinical performance and safety.
Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Rats , Duodenum , Pathology , Electric Stimulation , Hypothalamus , Pathology , Ileum , Pathology , Neurons , Metabolism , Pathology , Obesity , Pathology , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Stomach , PathologyABSTRACT
This study tested the effects of the gastrointestinal pulse train electrical stimulation with different parameters and at different locations on the neuronal activities of the lateral hypothalamus area (LHA) in obese rats in order to find the optimal stimulation parameter and location. Eight gastric electrical stimulations (GES) with different parameters were performed and the neuronal activities of gastric-distension responsive (GD-R) neurons in LHA were observed. The effects of stimulations with 8 parameters were compared to find the optimal parameter. Then the optimal parameter was used to perform electrical stimulation at duodenum and ileum, and the effects of the duodenal and ileac stimulation on the GD-R neurons in LHA were compared with the gastric stimulation of optimal parameter. The results showed that GES with the lowest energy parameter (0.3 ms, 3 mA, 20 Hz, 2 s on, 3 s off) activated the least neurons. The effects of GES with other parameters whose pulse width was 0.3 ms were not significantly different from those of the lowest energy parameter. Most gastric stimulations whose pulse width was 3 ms activated more LHA neurons than the smallest energy parameter stimulation, and the effects of those 3 ms gastric stimulations were similar. Accordingly, the lowest energy parameter was recognized as the optimal parameter. The effects of stimulations with the optimal parameter at stomach, duodenum and ileum on the LHA neuronal activities were not different. Collectively, gastrointestinal electrical stimulation (GIES) with relatively large pulse width might have stronger effects to the neuronal activities of GD-R neurons in LHA of obese rats. The effects of the GIES at different locations (stomach, duodenum and ileum) on those neurons are similar, and GES is preferential because of its easy clinical performance and safety.
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Objective:To explore the effect of early exercise rehabilitation in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).Methods:A total of 64 AMI patients with stable vital signs were randomly divided into early exercise reha-bilitation group (n=32)and routine rehabilitation group (n=32)according to number table method.Early exercise rehabilitation group received early exercise rehabilitation guidance by rehabilitation therapists on first day after on-set,while routine rehabilitation group received exercise rehabilitation guidance by rehabilitation therapists of same qualification after one-week absolute bed rest.Besides,the two groups received same therapy and nursing.Incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE:re-infarction,death,severe arrhythmias,angina pectoris after in-farction and heart failure),hospitalization days and condktion of life self-care ability were observed,compared and analyzed between two groups.Results:Before discharge,there were no significant difference in MACE incidence rate (40.63% vs.43.75%)and percentages of patients with life self-care ability (100% vs.96.88%)between early exercise rehabilitation group and routine rehabilitation group,P >0.05,but length of hospital stay in early rehabili-tation group [(9.23±1.45)d]was significantly shorter than that of routine rehabilitation group [(15.03±2.53) d],P <0.01. Conclusion:Early exercise rehabilitation training can shorten length of hospital stay and is safe in pa-tients with acute myocardial infarction.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To sum up the experience in administering oral tadalafil on alternate days for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) that fails to respond to on-demand medication.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 15 cases of ED treated with oral tadalafil on alternate days from September 2010 to March 2012. All the patients had failed to respond to on-demand medication of sildenafil previously.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After 4 weeks of tadalafil treatment, 11 (73.3%) of the cases were remarkably improved, with significant difference in IIEF-5 scores before and after treatment (P < 0.05). Transient adverse reactions were observed in the other 4 cases, including mild headache in 2, slight backache in 1, and facial flush in 1.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Oral tadalafil on alternate days is safe and effective in the treatment of ED that fails to respond to on-demand medication of sildenafil.</p>
Subject(s)
Adult , Humans , Male , Administration, Oral , Carbolines , Therapeutic Uses , Erectile Dysfunction , Drug Therapy , Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors , Therapeutic Uses , Piperazines , Therapeutic Uses , Purines , Therapeutic Uses , Retrospective Studies , Sildenafil Citrate , Sulfones , Therapeutic Uses , Tadalafil , Treatment Failure , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the efficacy of Bufei Yishen Granule BFYSG) combined with Shufei Tie acupoint sticking therapy on quality of life of patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A multi-center, double-blinded, double-dummy and randomized controlled method was adopted in this trial. A total of 244 patients were randomly assigned to a trial group and a control group according to the random number, each with 122 patients; treatment allocation occurred when the participants met the inclusion criteria and signed the informed consent form. In the trial group, patients were treated with BFYSG combined with "Shufei Tie" acupoint sticking therapy and sustained-release theophylline dummy, and in the control group patients were treated with oral sustained-release theophylline and BFYSG dummy combined with "Shufei Tie" acupoint sticking therapy dummy. The therapeutic course for two groups was 4 months and the follow-up was 6 months. The frequency and duration of acute exacerbation calculated by adding up each frequency and duration of acute exacerbation in treatment and follow-up time respectively, the quality of life measured by the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-BREF scale and adult COPD quality of life (COPD-QOL) scale were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among the 244 enrolled patients, 234 were screened for full analysis set (FAS); 221 were screened for per-protocol analysis set (PPS). After 4-month treatment and 6-month follow-up there were differences between the trial group and the control group in frequency of acute exacerbation (FAS: P=0.013; PPS: P=0.046); duration of acute exacerbation (FAS: P=0.005; PPS: P=0.006); scores of physiological, psychological and environment aspects of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire (FAS: P=0.002, P=0.006, P=0.000; PPS: P=0.00, P=0.001, P=0.000); scores of daily living ability, social activity, depression symptoms aspects of the COPD-QOL questionnaire (FAS: P=0.000, P=0.000, P=0.006; PPS: P=0.002, P=0.001, P=0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>BFYSG combined with acupoint sticking therapy could improve the quality of life of patients with stable COPD.</p>
Subject(s)
Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Acupuncture Points , Anxiety , Psychology , Combined Modality Therapy , Depression , Psychology , Disease Progression , Drugs, Chinese Herbal , Therapeutic Uses , Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive , Drug Therapy , Psychology , Quality of Life , Surveys and Questionnaires , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the effects of nerve growth factor (NGF) on proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and investigate the related molecular mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>After incubating cultured HSCs for 24 h with different concentrations of NGF (100, 200 or 400 ng/mL), the cell proliferation was observed by XTT colorimetric assay and cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry. Morphological changes in response to a 24 h exposure to 100 ng/mL NGF were observed by transmission electron microscopy.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>NGF significantly inhibited HSC proliferation (P less than 0.05) in a dose-independent manner. The optical densities of the XTT colorimetric assay were 0.66+/-0.03 for 100 ng/mL NGF, 0.69+/-0.03 for 200 ng/mL NGF, and 0.66+/-0.03 for 400 ng/mL NGF, all of which were significantly lower than that of the control group (0.73+/-0.01; P less than 0.05). All concentrations of NGF led to significantly higher numbers of HSCs in the G2 phase (100 ng/mL: 14.83+/-5.41%, 200 ng/mL: 14.73+/-2.50%, and 400 ng/mL: 14.87+/-2.06%), compared to that detected in the control group (7.47+/-4.39%; P less than 0.05). Twenty-four hours of exposure to 100 ng/mL NGF caused morphological changes indicative of apoptosis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>NGF inhibits the proliferation of HSCs, possibly by arresting the cells in the G2 phase of the cell cycle. NGF-inhibited cells may also undergo apoptosis.</p>
Subject(s)
Animals , Rats , Apoptosis , Cell Cycle , Cell Proliferation , Cells, Cultured , Flow Cytometry , Hepatic Stellate Cells , Cell Biology , Nerve Growth Factor , PharmacologyABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the implication of the dynamic changes of plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level and Tei index of left ventricle (LV) in children with ventricular septal defect (VSD) treated by transcatheter closure.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty children with VSD treated by transcatheter closure with VSD occluder (Group VSD) and 30 healthy children (Group C) were included in this study. The plasma concentration of NT-proBNP, Tei index of LV and left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) were measured in Group C and at before, 5th minute, 4th hour, 1st month, 3rd month and 6th month after VSD closure in Group VSD.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) The concentration of plasma NT-proBNP was significantly increased in children with VSD before transcatheter closure compared with Group C [(229.45 ± 57.75) ng/L vs. (99.21 ± 46.86) ng/L, P < 0.01], significantly increased at 5th minute and 24th hour after transcatheter closure [(356.27 ± 96.78) ng/L and (356.38 ± 91.95) ng/L vs. (229.45 ± 57.75) ng/L, all P < 0.01], and significantly decreased at 1st month, 3rd months and 6th months after transcatheter closure [(131.33 ± 34.79) ng/L, (96.56 ± 31.55) ng/L and (93.39 ± 29.46) ng/L vs. (229.45 ± 57.75) ng/L, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01]. (2) The Tei indexes of LV in Group VSD before transcatheter closure were significantly higher than in Group C (0.45 ± 0.05 vs. 0.33 ± 0.08, P < 0.01) and Tei index was significantly increased at 24th hour, 1st month after transcatheter closure (P < 0.01) while significantly decreased at 3rd and 6th month compared with those before transcatheter closure (0.34 ± 0.07 and 0.34 ± 0.06 vs. 0.45 ± 0.05, all P < 0.01). (3) There is a positive correlation between the changes of the plasma concentration of NT-proBNP and the change of Tei index of LV before and after transcatheter closure (r = 0.653, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Tei index of LV and NT-proBNP can monitor cardiac function changes in children with VSD before and after transcatheter closure.</p>
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Male , Cardiac Catheterization , Case-Control Studies , Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular , Blood , Therapeutics , Heart Ventricles , Natriuretic Peptide, Brain , Blood , Peptide Fragments , BloodABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the influence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the permeability of rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) and possible molecular mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Monolayers of primary rat BMECs were separated and cultured, and then treated with (LPS group) or without LPS (control group). The barrier integrity was measured by transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) assay. The degrees of RhoA activation were determined by Pull-down assay. The expression levels of p115RhoGEF, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), occludin and claudin-5 proteins were detected by Western blot analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The average TEER values of rat BMECs in the LPS group were 108.3±4.2 Ω•cm2 and 85.4±2.5 Ω•cm2 respectively 3 and 12 hrs after LPS treatment, which were significantly lower than that in the control group (159.0±8.6 Ω•cm2). Compared with the control group, the activity of RhoA started to increase 5 minutes after LPS treatment, and the expression of p115RhoGEF protein started to increase 1 hr after LPS treatment and the cellular protein levels of ZO-1, occludin and claudin-5 decreased significantly 3 hrs after LPS treatment in the LPS group (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>LPS may activate the p115RhoGEF/RhoA pathway and decrease protein expression of ZO-1, occludin and claudin-5, resulting in an increased permeability of rat BMECs.</p>
Subject(s)
Animals , Rats , Brain , Capillary Permeability , Electric Impedance , Endothelial Cells , Metabolism , Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors , Lipopolysaccharides , Pharmacology , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Rho Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors , Tight Junctions , Chemistry , rhoA GTP-Binding ProteinABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of carvedilol on the expression of Bcl-2, Bax and Fas in autoimmune myocarditis (AM).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 60 inbred male BALB/C mice 4 - 5 weeks of age were divided at random into 3 groups as follows: AM group (n = 20), carvedilol group (n = 20) and control group (n = 20). The mice were sacrificed after gathering blood specimens by taking out the eyeballs and hearts tissue. The histological and ultrastructural changes were observed under light microscope and electron microscope. The concentrations of cardiac troponin I (cTn I) were detected by chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to analyze the contents of Bcl-2, Bax and Fas, TUNEL to detect the apoptotic index in myocardial cells.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were large number of lymphocyte and monocyte infiltrates under light microscope and karyopyknosis and chromatin gathered along the nuclear membrane under electron microscope in AM group. There were no inflammations and chromatin gathering in group C. Compared with control group, the Bcl-2, Bax and Fas protein expression significantly elevated in AM group (23.48 ± 2.24 vs. 6.64 ± 1.60, 26.15 ± 2.02 vs. 5.09 ± 0.85, 21.22 ± 3.62 vs. 5.86 ± 1.37, P < 0.01). The histopathologic scores (2.60 ± 0.31 vs. 2.02 ± 0.26, P < 0.05) and karyopyknosis of carvedilol group decreased as compared with AM group. The Bcl-2, Bax and Fas protein expression (17.13 ± 1.94 vs. 23.48 ± 2.24, 17.66 ± 2.62 vs. 26.15 ± 2.02, 16.79 ± 2.83 vs. 21.22 ± 3.62, P < 0.05), AI [(16.61 ± 4.67)% vs. (24.51 ± 4.70)%, P < 0.05] and contents of cTnI [(1.878 ± 0.48) ng/ml vs. (1.102 ± 0.23) ng/ml, P < 0.05] also decreased in carvedilol group compared with AM group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Carvedilol could protect against AM by alleviating cardiomyocyte apoptosis.</p>
Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Mice , Adrenergic beta-Antagonists , Pharmacology , Apoptosis , Autoimmune Diseases , Metabolism , Pathology , Carbazoles , Pharmacology , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Myocarditis , Metabolism , Pathology , Myocytes, Cardiac , Metabolism , Propanolamines , Pharmacology , Proto-Oncogene Proteins , Metabolism , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 , bcl-2-Associated X Protein , Metabolism , fas Receptor , MetabolismABSTRACT
Succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disorder. This paper reports three cases of SSADH deficiency in infants. The infants developed the symptoms including developmental delay, intellectual disability, hypotonia, hyporeflexia and seizures. The electroencephalogram (EEG) showed background slowing and focal spike discharges in all of 3 patients. Head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated abnormalities in 2 patients, including basal ganglia damage and increased T2-weighted signal in bilateral cerebral peduncles. Urinary organic acid analysis with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed increased levels of 4-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) in 3 patients. SSADH deficiency was definitely diagnosed based on the clinical manifestations and the results of urinary organic acid analysis in the 3 children. It was concluded that early urine organic acid analysis is essential for children presenting with mental retardation, neuropsychiatric disturbance or epilepsy of unknown etiology.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Infant , Amino Acid Metabolism, Inborn Errors , Diagnosis , Therapeutics , Developmental Disabilities , Diagnosis, Differential , Succinate-Semialdehyde DehydrogenaseABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of Huganjiexian decoction on rat hepatic fibrosis and the creation of cytokines.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Rat hepatic fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneally injection of carbon tetrachloride. At the same time, these rats were treated with different dosages of Huganjiexian decoction. Sho-saiko-to compound treating group and Fufangbiejiarangan Tablets treating group were used as positive controls. After twelve weeks, all rats were executed. Histopathologic changes were observed after H.E and Masson stainings. The expression of collagen type I, collagen type III, TGF-beta 1 and PDGF-BB in liver were detected by immunohistochemical staining.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with fibrotic group, hepatic fibrosis in decoction groups was significantly improved. In decoction groups, levels of collagen type I, collagen type III, TGFbeta1 and PDGF-BB were decreased, especially in the low-dose curcumin group. The TGF-beta 1 positive percentage were 7.56%+/-2.18%, 29.25%+/-7.84%, 13.54%+/-4.15%, 21.82%+/-6.64%, 20.06%+/-7.14%, 13.78%+/-4.35%, 12.75%+/-3.98% in liver tissues from normal group, model group, low, middle, high curcumin, Sho-saiko-to compound and Fufangbiejiarangan Tablets treating groups respectively (P less than 0.05); while the PDGF-BB positive percentage were 1.68%+/-0.41%, 11.70%+/-2.28%, 3.65%+/-0.76%, 5.24%+/-1.04%, 6.37%+/-1.12%, 4.16%+/-0.61%, 3.38%+/-0.56% in liver tissues from those groups respectively (P less than 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Huganjiexian decoction can improve rat hepatic fibrosis, possibly via inhibiting the expression of collagen type I, collagen type III, TGFbeta1 and PDGF-BB.</p>
Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Rats , Collagen Type I , Metabolism , Collagen Type III , Metabolism , Drugs, Chinese Herbal , Pharmacology , Liver Cirrhosis , Drug Therapy , Metabolism , Medicine, Chinese Traditional , Phytotherapy , Platelet-Derived Growth Factor , Metabolism , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-sis , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Transforming Growth Factor beta1 , MetabolismABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the changes of heart rate variability (HRV), adrenomedullin (ADM) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) before and after transcatheter closure in children with patent ductus arteriosus.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>HRV spectral values (TF, VLF, LF, HF, LF/HF) were detected by 24 dynamic electrocardiogram and the concentrations of plasma ADM and BNP were measured in 55 children with patent ductus arteriosus (Group PDA, n = 55) before and 3(rd) day, 3(rd) month after transcatheter closure therapy, and in 60 normal children (Group C).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) Compared with Group C, the HRV spectral values (TF, VLF, HF) were significantly lower (all P < 0.01), LF/HF and the concentrations of plasma ADM, BNP were significantly higher in patients with PDA before transcatheter closure (all P < 0.01). (2) Compared with the values before transcatheter closure values, plasma ADM were significantly reduced at 3(rd) day and 3(rd) month after transcatheter closure (P < 0.01), the HRV spectral values (TF, VLF, HF) were significantly increased while LF/HF and plasma BNP were significantly decreased at 3(rd) month after transcatheter closure (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>HRV and plasma ADM, BNP improved significantly post transcatheter closure in children with patent ductus arteriosus.</p>
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Child , Female , Humans , Male , Young Adult , Adrenomedullin , Blood , Cardiac Catheterization , Ductus Arteriosus, Patent , Blood , Therapeutics , Heart Rate , Natriuretic Peptide, Brain , BloodABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the changes of serum leptin (LEP) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in children with congenital heart disease(CHD) and their roles in CHD.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-eight children with acyanotic CHD (ACHD group), 20 age-matched children with cyanotic CHD (CCHD group) and 20 healthy children (control group) were enrolled. The ACHD group was subdivided into two groups with (n=20) or without concurrent heart failure (n=28). Serum LEP, VEGF, total protein and albumin levels and body mass index (BMI) were measured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Serum total protein and albumin levels were not apparently different in all CHD children from healthy controls, but there was a significant difference in the BMI between them (p<0.01). Serum LEP and VEGF levels and the ratio of LEP/BMI in all CHD children were significantly higher than those in healthy controls (p<0.01). Compared with the ACHD group without heart failure, the serum LEP and VEGF levels and the ratio of LEP/BMI in the CCHD and the ACHD with heart failure groups increased significantly (p<0.01). In the ACHD group, serum LEP level was positively correlated with BMI (p<0.01). In the CCHD group, there were positive correlations between serum LEP level and serum VEGF level (p<0.01) and between hemoglobin concentration and serum VEGF level (p<0.01). Arterial oxygen saturation was negatively correlated with serum VEGF (p<0.01) and LEP levels (p<0.01) in the CCHD group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Both VEGF and LEP play roles in the pathophisiological process of CHD. VEGF and LEP are associated with the development of heart failure in children with ACHD.</p>
Subject(s)
Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Infant , Male , Body Mass Index , Heart Defects, Congenital , Blood , Hemoglobins , Leptin , Blood , Oxygen , Blood , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A , BloodABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To understand mental health status of the students and adults in the earthquake disaster areas, as to providing guidance on intervention for post-disaster psychological crisis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20), an appendix of The Ministry of Health of "emergency psychological crisis intervention guiding principles", was used among 1222 victims in Wenchuan earthquake, Sichuan province. This questionnaire survey was conducted in 729 students and 493 adult victims in a randomized method. Of the 734 questionnaires distributed and received in students, 729 were validly responded with efficiency rate of 99.32%; while for adults, 496 questionnaires distributed, 496 received, 493 were valid with efficiency rate of 99.39%.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) In students victims, 65% responded that they did feel "uneasy, nervous or worried", followed by "easy to be scared", "feel unhappy", "easy fatigue" and "hard to make a decision". For adult victims, 80.5% replied that they felt "uneasy, nervous or worried", followed by "feel unhappy", "easy fatigue", "difficult sleeping", "easy to be scared". (2) The average of the SRQ score of student victims was 6.58 +/- 3.99, and 6.07 +/- 4.02 for males, 7.03 +/- 3.91 for females. The average of the SRQ score of student victims was 7.36 +/- 3.98, male 6.68 +/- 3.82, female 7.99 +/- 4.03. The significant differences (t(women) = 2.985, P < 0.01; t(total) = 3.332, P < 0.01) was observed in women and the total group of students and adults. (3) The SRQ positive screening rate of students group was 46.50%, the adult group was 52.33%, SRQ >or= 7 points and SRQ < 7 sub-group of students and adults of the total score there were significant differences (t(1) = 39.771, P < 0.01; t(2) = 31.961, P < 0.01). SRQ >or= 7 sub-group of students and adult women in between there was a significant difference (t = 23.641, P < 0.01), SRQ < 7 sub-group of students and adults in general and women there were significant differences (t(1) = 3.092, P < 0.01; t(2) = 2.911, P < 0.01). (4) SRQ scores with gender and age had had a positive relation (r(SRQ total-sex) = 0.118, P = 0.000; r(SRQ total-age) = 0.103, P = 0.000).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The emotional suffering symptoms of students victims and adult victims should be "nervous, unhappy, vulnerable on issues such as fatigue", the adult group had a higher symptom rate than the group of students, the mental health was more serious than that of students, as influenced by some factors including age and gender. Students, being a special population group should be paid more attention to focusing a designated behavior intervention, as a planned manner of intervention.</p>