Clinicopathological and prognostic significance of COX-2 in glioma patients: a meta-analysis / Significância clinicopatológica e prognóstica da COX-2 em pacientes com glioma: uma metanálise

Abstract Background In recent years, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has been identified as a cancer stem cell (CSC) marker in gliomas. Nevertheless, the clinical and prognostic significance of COX-2 in glioma patients remains controversial. Objective To evaluate the correlation of COX-2 with the prognosis in glioma patients. Methods Eligible studies on this subject were included, and pooled odd ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were estimated. Publication bias was assessed through funnel plots, and heterogeneity and sensitivity were analyzed as well. Results In the present study, 11 articles with a total of 641 patients were included. The high expression of COX-2 in glioma patients was negatively associated with overall survival (OS) (n = 11; HR = 2.26; 95%CI = 1.79-2.86), and the subgroup analysis showed no differences in OS between Asian (n = 5; HR = 2.16; 95%CI = 1.57-2.97) and non-Asian (n = 6; HR = 2.39; 95%CI = 1.69-3.38) glioma patients. The Begg funnel plots test indicated that there was no evident risk of publication bias in the meta-analysis. Conclusion The present study suggests that COX-2 could be recommended as a useful pathological and prognostic biomarker in the clinical practice.

Resumo Introdução Nos últimos anos, a ciclooxigenase-2 (COX-2) foi identificada como um marcador de células-tronco cancerígenas (CSC) em gliomas. No entanto, o significado clínico e prognóstico da COX-2 em pacientes com glioma permanece controverso. Objetivo Avaliar a correlação da COX-2 com o prognóstico em pacientes com glioma. Métodos Estudos elegíveis sobre este assunto foram incluídos e foram estimadosodds ratios (ORs) ehazard ratios (HRs) com intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC 95%). O viés de publicação foi avaliado por meio de gráficos de funil, e a heterogeneidade e a sensibilidade também foram analisadas. Resultados No presente estudo foram incluídos 11 artigos com um total de 641 pacientes. A alta expressão de COX-2 em pacientes com glioma foi negativamente associada à sobrevida global (OS) (n = 11; HR = 2,26; IC 95% = 1,79-2,86), e a análise de subgrupo não mostrou diferenças na OS entre asiáticos (n = 5; HR = 2,16; IC 95% = 1,57-2,97) e não asiáticos (n = 6; HR = 2,39; IC 95% = 1,69-3,38) pacientes com glioma. O teste de gráficos de funil de Begg indicou que não havia risco evidente de viés de publicação na metanálise. Conclusão O presente estudo sugere que a COX-2 pode ser recomendada como um biomarcador patológico e prognóstico útil na prática clínica.

Comparison of the effects of two cephalomedullary nails (zimmer natural nail and proximal femoral nail antirotation) in treatment of elderly intertrochan teric fractures / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effect of cephalomedullary nails for elderly intertrochanteric fractures: proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) versus zimmer natural nail (ZNN) to provide the data support for clinical perioperative management.@*METHODS@#A retrospective study was used to analyze the clinical data of elderly intertrochanteric fractures cases which were treated with PFNA or ZNN fixation from May 2016 to May 2017. In the study, 59 cases were followed up completely, in which 28 cases accepted PFNA, and the other 31 cases accepted ZNN. The operation time, amount of bleeding, fracture healing time, postoperative complication, postoperative radiographic measurement (tip apex distance, TAD) and the last follow-up of hip function score were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#The patients were followed up for 6 to 19 months, with an average (10.8±4.0) months. In PFNA group, the operation time was (62.7±14.2) min, the amount of bleeding was (56.8±20.6) mL, the fracture healing time was (4.6±0.8) months, the postoperative complication was 3.6%, the TAD was (17.7±5.5) mm, and the last follow-up hip function score was 91.8±3.6. In ZNN group, the operation time was (73.6±18.3) min, the amount of bleeding was (68.7±31.6) mL, the fracture healing time was (4.5±0.7) months, the postoperative complication was 3.2%, the TAD was (16.5±4.7) mm, and the last follow-up hip function score was 92.2±3.8. The two groups of comparative experiments were carried out, the operation time of the PFNA group was less than that of the ZNN group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the amount of bleeding, fracture healing time, postoperative complication, TAD, postoperative hip score between the two groups (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Although group ZNN had significant longer operation time than group PFNA, both implants were useful tools in the treatment of elderly intertrochanteric fractures. The operation of PFNA was simpler,while the design of the anterior bow of ZNN might be more suitable for the patients with a large femoral anterior bow.

Effects of huperzine A on hippocampal inflammatory response and neurotrophic factors in aged rats after anesthesia

Abstract Purpose To investigate the effects of huperzine A (HupA) on hippocampal inflammatory response and neurotrophic factors in aged rats after anesthesia. Methods Thirty-six Sprague Dawley rats (20-22 months old) were randomly divided into control, isofluran, and isoflurane+HupA groups; 12 rats in each group. The isoflurane+HupA group was intraperitoneally injected with 0.2 mg/kg of HupA. After 30 min, isoflurane inhalation anesthesia was performed in the isoflurane and isoflurane+HupA groups. After 24 h from anesthesia, Morris water maze experiment and open-field test were performed. Hippocampal inflammatory and neurotrophic factors were determined. Results Compared with isoflurane group, in isofluran+HupA group the escape latency of rats was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), the original platform quadrant residence time and traversing times were significantly increased (P < 0.05), the central area residence time was significantly increased (P < 0.05), the hippocampal tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 6 and interleukin 1β levels were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and the hippocampal nerve growth factor, brain derived neurotrophic factor and neurotrophin-3 levels were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Conclusion HupA may alleviate the cognitive impairment in rats after isoflurane anesthesia by decreasing inflammatory factors and increasing hippocampal neurotrophic factors in hippocampus tissue.

CCAT2 is an oncogenic long non-coding RNA in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Abstract Background Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is highly aggressive with poor prognosis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a group of non-coding RNAs, play important roles in the progression of PDAC. This study aimed to investigate the potential involvement of lncRNA CCAT2 in PDAC tumorigenesis. Methods Expression of CCAT2 was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) in 80 human PDAC tissues and three PDAC cell lines. The effects of CCAT2 silencing in PANC-1 cells on cell proliferation and invasion were studied using MTT assay and transwell assay, respectively. The effect of CCAT2 silencing on tumorigenesis was assessed by PANC-1 xenograft in vivo. Using si-KRAS, the role of KRAS to regulate CCAT2 was evaluated by qRT-PCR and luciferase reporter assay. The involvement of MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling in CCAT2 regulation was investigated by pathway inhibitors PD98059 and LY294002, respectively. Results CCAT2 was significantly elevated in high-grade PDAC tissues and higher CCAT2 expression was correlated with lower survival rate in PDAC patients. CCAT2 was up-regulated in PDAC cell lines, as compared with normal pancreatic cells. Silencing of CCAT2 inhibited cell proliferation and invasion in PANC-1 cells in vitro, and attenuated tumorigenesis of PANC-1 xenograft in vivo. Furthermore, CCAT2 was regulated by KRAS through MEK/ERK signaling pathway. Conclusions CCAT2 is an oncogenic lncRNA in PDAC likely regulated by the KRAS-MEK/ERK pathway. It could be a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for PDAC.

Simultaneous determination of chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and 6-O-p-coumaroyl-D-glucopyranose in Lygodii Herba by HPLC / 中草药

Objective: To establish a method for the determination of chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and 6-O-p-coumaroyl-D-glucopyranose in Lygodii Herba. Methods: The determination was developed on Phenomenex C18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm), methanol-acetonitrile-1% glacial acetic acid (5:5:90) was used as mobile phase, the detective wavelength was 325 nm, and the column temperature was 35 ℃. Results: The linear ranges of chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and 6-O-p-coumaroyl-D-glucopyranose were 0.368-2.760, 0.064-0.480, and 0.102-0.765 μg, respectively. The average recoveries were 101.48% (RSD = 1.44%), 99.56% (RSD = 0.92%), and 101.73% (RSD = 1.62%), respectively. Conclusion: The method is simple, accurate, and highly reproducible, which could be used for the quality control of Lygodii Herba.

Staging treatment for complex tibial metaphyseal fractures with external fixator / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the clinical effects of combined type external fixator in treating complex tibial metaphyseal fractures.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From January 2007 to July 2012, 34 patients with complex tibial metaphyseal fractures were treated with combined type external fixator in different stagings. There were 23 males and 11 females, with a mean age of 41.3 years (ranged, 16 to 63), and the course of disease were from 1 h to 8 d. In the patients, 31 cases were open fractures, 11 cases with type II, 13 cases with type III A, 7 cases with type III B according with Gustilo classification; 19 cases were tibia plateau fractures, 6 cases with type II, 1 case with type IV, 5 cases with type V, 7 cases with type VI according to Schatzker classification; 15 cases were distal tibial fractures (one were bilateral fractures), 2 fractures with type A2, 1 fracture with type A3, 1 fracture with type C1, 5 fractures with type C2, 7 fractures with type C3 according to AO classification. Rasmussensn scoring system and AOFAS Ankle Hind-foot Scale were respectively used to assess the joint function of knee and hip.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Wound surface of 19 patients obtained at phase I healing and 15 patients obtained at phase III healing. Superficial wound infections occurred in 2 cases and bone non-union necessitated reoperation occurred in 2 cases (final fractures obtained bone healing after the second operation). All patients were followed up from 6 to 38 months with a mean of 14.3 months. At the final follow-up,according to Rasmussensn scoring system, 5 fractures got excellent results, 11 good, 3 fair, the mean Rasmussen score was 23.58 +/- 3.98; according to AOFAS Ankle Hind-foot Scale, 5 fractures got excellent results, 8 good, 3 fair, the mean AOFAS Ankle Hind -foot Scale was 80.75 +/- 14.21.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Combined type external fixator can well maintain the stability of the fractures, had advantages of low incidences of soft tissue complications and less influence to joint motion in treatment of complicated tibial metaphyseal fractures. However there were some limitations in long-term use.</p>

Injury characteristics and surgical treatment of lower lumbar vertebral burst fractures / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the feasibility of utilizing self-designed score system for lower lumbar vertebral burst fractures to select surgical approach.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From January 2006 to December 2011, the clinical data of 56 patients with lower lumbar vertebra burst fractures who underwent surgical treatment were retrospectively analyzed. There were 42 males and 14 females with an average age of 43.1 years old (ranged, 19 to 65). Causes of injury included falling down (40 cases), traffic accidents (12 cases), and crashing injury by heavy objects(4 cases). Injury site was L3 in 37 cases, L4 in 16 cases, and L5 in 3 cases. According to the AO classification, 17 cases were type A3.1, 14 cases were type A3.2, 25 cases were type A3.3. According to Frankel grade of nerous function, 2 cases were grade B, 5 cases were grade C, 9 cases were grade D and 40 cases were grade E. Surgical methods and approaches were chosen based on the comprehensive evaluation of AO classification, condition of posterior column injury and spinal canal encroachment. Surgical methods and approaches included trans-vertebra fixation (15 cases), intra-vertebra pedicle screw fixation (21 cases), combination of anterior and posterior approaches (11 cases), one-stage posterior approaches (9 cases). Cobb angles, restorations of the affected vertebral anterior border height, and conditions of spinal canal encroachment were compared before and after surgery. Conditions of bone graft fusion and internal fixation (if bending, loosening or breakage existed) were observed. Spinal cord functions were assessed according to Frankel grade. Localized pain and working status of patients were also assessed at the last follow-up.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>No incision infection was found and no spinal nerve symptoms improved in all of 56 patients. All patients were followed up for 12 to 60 months with a mean of 28.5 months, without internal fixation loosening or breakage. There was significant differences in Cobb angle, vertebral anterior border height and recovery of spinal canal encroachment between preoperative and postoperative instantly (P < 0.05), however, there was no significant difference between postoperative instantly and final follow-up (P > 0.05). Thirteen cases obtained fusion by trans-vertebra fixation, 20 cases obtained fusion by intra-vertebra fixation, and 20 cases were treated by the combination of anterior and posterior approaches or one-stage posterior approaches all of patients obtained fusion. Spinal nervous function recovered I to II grade, 1 case was grade C, 3 cases were grade D, 52 cases were grade E. Localized pain was assessed as P1 in 52 cases, P2 in 3 cases, and P3 in 1 case. Working status was classified into W1 in 12 cases, W2 in 39 cases, and W3 in 5 cases.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The lower lumbar vertebra and thoracolumbar junction exhibit different injury characteristics due to variations in anatomy and biomechanics. A comprehensive score of the AO classification, posterior column injury and degree of spinal canal encroachment will guide the selection of surgical method and approach for the treatment of lower lumbar vertebra burst fractures.</p>

Surgical treatment of thoracolumbar fractures using pedicle screws fixation at the level of the fracture: results for following up more than 2 years / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore clinical efficacy of thoracolumbar fractures fixation with pedicle screws fixation at the level of the fracture and monosegment bone graft simultaneously.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Retrospective analysis of 32 patients with thoracolumbar fractures underwent surgical procedure of pedicle screws fixation at the level of the fracture and monosegment bone graft simultaneously from January 2006 to December 2008. All the patients were followed up more than two years. There were 25 males and 7 females with an average age of 39.1 years (ranged, 25 to 60 years). According to the AO classification, type A1.3 was in 5 cases, type A3.1 in 17, type A3.3 in 8, type C1.1 in 1, and type C1.3 in 1. Load scoring was from 4 to 7 points with average of 5.8 points. The spinal cord function according to Frankel grade, grade A was in 2 cases, grade B in 2, grade C in 5, grade D in 9 and grade E in 14. Cobb angle, the height of anterior border of vertebral body, spinal canal stenosis rate were observed by X-ray films. Meanwhile, pain and work ability were evaluated by Denis scale.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the patients were followed-up from 30 to 48 months (averaged, 39.2 months). No internal fixation loosening or breakage were found. Three cases occurred with floating callus and other obtained well bone fusion. Compared with preoperation, Cobb angle, the height of anterior border of vertebral body, and spinal canal stenosis rate improved obviously (P < 0.05); but Cobb angle had lost partially at the last follow-up (P > 0.05). Meanwhile, anterosuperior part of vertebral body of 25 cases existed cavity phenomenon. The nerve function of all cases recovered for 1-2 grades, except for 2 cases without change whose spinal cord function was degree A preoperatively. According to Denis scale, lower back pain scoring, P1 was in 22 cases, P2 in 7, P3 in 3; state of work scoring, W1 was in 18 cases, W2 in 8, W3 in 3, W5 in 3.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>It can help to correct the kyphosis and improve low back pain in thoracolumbar fractures through pedicle screws fixation at the level of the fracture and monosegment bone graft simultaneously, but it can not improve the cavity phenomenon of injured vertebral body and avoid partially lost of Cobb angle.</p>

Radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia guided by magnetic navigation system: a prospective randomized comparison with conventional procedure / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is one of the most common paroxysmal supraventricular tachyarrhythmias. The aim of the study was to prospectively compare the characteristics of radiofrequency catheter ablation of AVNRT guided by a magnetic navigation system with the conventional procedure.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Patients with AVNRT diagnosed by electrophysiological tests were randomized into two groups. In the conventional technique group (CMT), a common 4-mm-tip quadrapolar temperature-controlled ablation catheter was used. In the magnetic navigation system guidance group (MNS), a magnetic 4-mm-tip quadrapolar temperature-controlled ablation catheter was used. The following parameters were collected and compared between the two groups: ablation procedure time, patient fluoroscopy time, operator fluoroscopy time, energy delivery numbers, maximal energy per deployment, success rate, complication rate and operative cost.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Forty patients were enrolled and randomized into CMT and MNS groups. The age, gender, tachycardia history and basic cardiovascular diseases of the two groups were comparable (P > 0.05). All procedures were conducted successfully without complications. No tachycardia recurred during the follow-up period of (9.3 ± 2.6) months. In the MNS group, the patient and operator fluoroscopy times ((11.5 ± 4.3) min, (4.2 ± 1.5) min), energy delivery numbers (3.2 ± 0.9), and maximal energy per deployment ((16.9 ± 3.4) W) were shorter or lower than those of the CMT group ((14.3 ± 6.2) min, (13.6 ± 3.5) min, 6.3 ± 2.1, (23.7 ± 1.3) W, respectively) (P < 0.05). But the operative cost for the MNS group was higher than that of the CMT group (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Magnetic navigation system guided radiofrequency catheter ablation of AVNRT has the advantages of shorter fluoroscopy time and lower energy delivery numbers and maximal energy per deployment compared to the present conventional ablation technique.</p>

The immune effects of rituximab on dendritic cells derived from patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia / 中华血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the changes of surface antigen and function of rituximab on dendritic cells derived from patients with Primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) to further understand the effective mechanism of immunotherapy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from remission patients with ITP before and after low-dose rituximab infusion, and the PMNCs were stimulated for 5 days by rhGM-CSF and rhlL-4 in 5% CO2 air at 37°C incubator. Then all of DCs were cultured with TNF-α for 48 hours. The morphology of DCs was monitored under inverted microscope daily, and the surface antigens of the DCs were analysed by flow cytometry, meanwhile the levels of IL-12p70 and TGF-β1 in supernatants were detected by ELISA, mix lymphocyte reaction was performed by MTT assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) Rituximab-treated-DCs showed no obvious tree-like protruding compared with untreated-DCs. The former cells were small and most of nucleus were centric. (2) The expressions of HLA-DR, CD80, CD83 and CD86 on rituximab-treated-DCs \[56.37 ± 3.95)%, (36.41 ± 2.82)%, (30.45 ± 4.61)% and (41.98 ± 4.17)%, respectively\] were significantly lower than those untreated-DCs \[(73.71 ± 7.61)%, (55.14 ± 7.30)%, (80.91 ± 7.09)% and (59.03 ± 3.43)%, respectively\](all P < 0.05), the concentration of IL-12p70 was significantly lower, \[(66.87 ± 4.29)% vs (50.17 ± 14.52)%\], while that of TGF-β1 \[(9.70 ± 0.31)%\] higher than the untreated-DCs \[(2.70 ± 0.36)%\] (P < 0.05). (3) The abilities to activate T cells proliferation of rituximab-treated-DCs reduced compared with untreated-DCs.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The surface antigen of ITP-DCs and the concentration of IL-12p70 reduced after the low-dose rituximab infusion. The abilities to activate T cells proliferation reduced while the concentration of TGF-β1 increased. Rituximab may achieve its therapeutic effect on ITP by downregulating the immunoreactivity of DCs.</p>

Effects of electroacupuncture on the function of respiration chain in hippocampal mitochondria of SAMP8 mice / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>from the perspective of mitochondria.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Tweleve SAMP8 mice aged 8 months were randomly divided into a model group (n = 6) and an electroacupuncture group (n = 6), and six SAMR1 mice aged 8 months were selected as a control group. The electroacupuncture group was treated with electroacupuncture at "Baihui" (GV 20), "Dazhui" (GV 14), "Shenshu" (BL 23) and "Taixi" (KI 3) for 20 min, once each day, 10 days for a course, and lasted for 3 courses. The other two groups were grasped and fixed in the same way at the same time without the other treatment. After the end of treatment, the learning and memory abilities of the mice were measured by Morris water maze, the activity of hippocampal mitochondrid respiratory chain enzyme complex was performed by spectrophotometry, and the levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were detected by a reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the control group, the average escape latency significantly lengthened, the residence time on the plateau phase shortened, the activity of respiratory chain enzyme complexe I, II, III, and IV was decreased, and ATP concentration was decreased in the model group. Compared with the model group, the average escape latency significantly shortened, the residence time on the plateau phase lengthened, the activity of hippocampal mitochondrid respiratory chain complexes I, II, III, and IV was significantly increased, and ATP concentration was increased in the electroacupuncture group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Electroacupuncture can increase the activity of hippocampal mitochondrid respiratory chain enzyme complexe and ATP concentration and improve mitochondrial function, which may be one of underlying mechanisms of electroacupuncture in treatment of AD.</p>

Direct repair of adolescent lumbar spondylolysis using a pedicle screw-laminar hook system by paramedian approach / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To discuss the indication and clinical effect of direct repair of adolescent lumbar spondylolysis by screw-laminar hook system.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From August 2003 to December 2008, 28 patients (13 males and 15 females,ranging in age from 15 and 26 years, averaged 21.6 years) with lumbar spondylolysis were treated with isthmic bone grafting and internal fixation with a pedicle screw-laminar hook system. Three patients had spondylolysis at L3, L4; 5 patients had spondylolysis at L4, L5; 8 patients had spondylolysis at L4; and 12 patients had spondylolysis at L5. All the patients had low back pain and lasted over 6 months. According to preoperative and postoperative plain radiograph, CT scan and Macnab criteria, the fusion rate and clinical effect of this technique were evaluated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the patients were followed up with a mean period of 14.9 months, ranging from 9 to 24 months. All the patients had bony union according to the X-rays and CT scan. According to the calculation results of Macnab criteria, 22 patients got an excellent result, 5 good and 1 fair.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The direct repair of adolescent lumbar spondylolysis with pedicle screw-laminar hook system can shorten length of operation,decrease blood loss, preserve more posterior structures of spine and avoid iatrogenic instability of spine. The postoperative immediate stability of vertebral segment is acquired and the mobility of adjacent intervertebral discs is reserved. The screw-laminar hook system for the treatment of adolescent spondylolisthesis can get satisfactory clinical results.</p>

Extremely low warfarin dose in patients with genotypes of CYP2C9*3/*3 and VKORC1-1639A/A / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Patients with the genotypes of both CYP2C9*3/*3 and VKORC1-1639 A/A are expected to require the lowest dose of warfarin, and to have a greatly increased risk of bleeding. The experience for the dosing of warfarin in such extremely rare cases has been seldom reported.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Demographic and clinical data from two cases with stable low dose of warfarin in China were studied by resequencing the corresponding gene segments in their whole blood DNA. The potential clinical value of the pharmacogenetic algorithm for them was evaluated by calculating the stable dose of warfarin in pharmacogenetic algorithm developed by International Warfarin Pharmacogenetics Consortium.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Both cases (68-year-old female and 50-year-old male) were diagnosed as chronic nonvalvular atrial fibrillation needing warfarin treatment, with target international normalized ratio (INR) 2 to 3. Case 1 had stable warfarin dose of 0.625 mg/d and case 2 1.25 mg/d. They needed more than 1 month to stabilize their anticoagulation. Exceeding INR values were recorded for them when the dose of warfarin was no more than 2 mg/d. Hemorrhagic complication appeared in case 1 when the dose was titrated from 2.5 to 1.25 mg/d. No concomitant medicine to increase or decrease the INR value was recorded for them. Genotyping CYP2C9 and VKORC1 showed both patients were the carriers of the homozygous alleles -CYP2C9*3/*3 and VKORC1-1639 A/A. Their stable doses of warfarin calculated by the pharmacogenetic dose algorithm (0.672 mg/d for case 1 and 1.16 mg/d for case 2) were comparable with their actual stable therapeutic doses.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Two Chinese with the rare genotypes of both CYP2C9*3/*3 and VKORC1-1639 A/A were found to require the extremely low dose of warfarin. The pharmacogenetic algorithm incorporating the variances of VKORC1 and CYP2C9 genotypes, as well as the non-genetic factors could predict their stable dose of warfarin with high accuracy.</p>

Effect of phosphatase PHLPP1 gene transfer on the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the constituent expression of PH domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase 1 (PHLPP1) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and the effect of PHLPP1 gene transfer on the proliferation of the cells in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Cultured HUVECs were transfected with pcDNA3-GFP or pcDNA3HA-PHLPP1 via lipofectamine 2000. The cell proliferation ability was determined by cell counting and MTT colorimetric assay, and Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of PHLPP1 in the cells.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>No PHLPP1 protein was detected in the non-transfected cells or pcDNA3-GFP-transfected cells. pcDNA3HA-PHLPP1 gene transfection significantly increased PHLPP1 expression in the HUVECs (P<0.01), but the cell proliferation status remained unchanged (P>0.05). The absorbance of the cells measured by MTT assay was 0.134-/+0.0152, 0133-/+0.014 and 0.137-/+0.016, with cell counts of (8.293-/+0.962)x10(5), (7.937-/+0.101)x10(5) and (8.127-/+0.112)x10(5), respectively, showing no significant differences between the 3 groups (P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Phosphatase PHLPP1 may not be the most important signal protein in the regulation of HUVEC proliferation.</p>

Clinical control study in treating degenerative lumbar instability with single or double carbon fiber cages / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the clinical and radiologic effect in treating degenerative lumbar instability with single or double carbon fiber cages.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From November 2005 to October 2006, 97 patients of degenerative lumbar instability were followed up more than two years. All cases underwent pedicle screw fixation. Meanwhile, 41 of them, named group A, were applied with single carbon fiber cage, with 23 males and 18 females, aged for 35-70 years, including 38 cases with single vertebral instability and 3 cases with existing L4.5 and L5S1 intervertebral instability. The other 56 cases, named group B, were treated with two carbon fiber cages, with 32 males and 24 females, aged for 33-72 years, including 53 cases with single vertebral instability and 3 cases existing L4.5 and L5S1 intervertebral instability. The clinical effect, intervertebral fusion ratio and lost intervertebral height were compared between two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All patients were followed up for 24-35 months, with an average of 28 months. Clinical effects (including symptom, sign, daily action and bladder function) were evaluated according to JOA 29 score. In group A: the JOA score improve from 10.11 +/- 2.40 preoperative to 24.88 +/- 2.30 at final follow-up, 25 cases obtained excellent results, 12 good, 4 fair; 39 cases obtained fusion with the fusion ratio of 95.1% (39/41). In group B: the JOA score from 9.62 +/- 2.60 preoperative to 25.19 +/- 2.40 at final follow-up, 37 cases obtained excellent results, 13 good, 6 fair; 53 cases obtained fusion with the fusion ratio of 94.6% (53/56). In the 7th day after operation, the average intervertebral height in group A was (11.2 +/- 1.2) mm,and that of group B was (11.3 +/- 1.4) mm. Two years later, the average intervertebral height in group A was (11.0 +/- 1.4) mm, while that of group B was (11.1 +/- 1.4) mm. There was no significant difference between two groups in clinical effect, intervertebral fusion ratio and lost intervertebral height (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Pedicle screw fixation and single or double carbon fiber cages in treating degenerative lumbar instability both can obtain satisfactory curative effect. Single carbon fiber cage has advantages such as minimally trauma, simply operation, retentively posterior column structure, cheaply price than double carbon fiber cages.</p>

Influence of cyclosporine A on atrial L-type calcium channel alpha1c subunit in a canine model of atrial fibrillation / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the impact of cyclosporine A (CsA) on atrial expression change of L-type calcium channel alpha1c subunit in a canine model of atrial fibrillation (AF).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>AF was induced by rapid atrial pacing (400 beats/min) for 8 weeks in adult male dogs and placebo (n = 6) or CsA (5 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1), n = 6) were orally administered to these animals. Sham operated animals served as normal controls (n = 6). The atrial electrophysiological parameters including P wave duration, atrial effective refractory period (AERP) were recorded and analyzed at baseline and 8 weeks later. Animals were scarified at 8 weeks post final electrophysiological examinations and atrial expressions of L-type calcium channel alpha1c subunit were determined by Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared to sham group, the P wave duration was significantly prolonged while AERP was significantly decreased in AF and CsA groups (all P < 0.05). AERP was significantly longer in CsA group than that in AF group (P < 0.05). L-type calcium channel alpha1c subunit expression was significantly downregulated in AF group compared to sham group (P < 0.05) and CsA significantly attenuated this downregulation (P < 0.01 vs. AF group).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>CsA could attenuate the downregulation of the L-type calcium channel alpha1c subunit expression and improve the atrial electrophysiological remodeling in this canine model of AF.</p>

Identificition of Endophytic Bacteria EBS05 from Cinamonum camphra and Property of Its Antimicrobial Compound / 微生物学通报

An endophytic bacterium strain EBS05 from Cinamonum camphra was identified as Bacillus subtilis by morphological taxonomy and sequence analysis of 16S~23S rRNA intergenic spacer regions. Properties of antimicrobial compound produced by EBS05 were assayed. The active compound had the maximum absorbance peak at ?213.5 nm. The antimicrobial activity was stable in solution with pH value from 5 to 8, and decreased significantly in solution with pH value less than 4.0 or more than 9.0. The antimicrobial compound had thermodynamics stability. Its activity changed a little after treated at 60?C~80?C for two hours, and compared with 65% original activity after treated at 1?105 Pa for 30 minutes. The active substance had high resistance to ultraviolet radiation and protease K. Antimicrobial compound was soluble in alcohol solu- tion, which was easily dissolved in methanol and ethanol, but not dissolved in ethyl acetate, acetonitrile and petroleum et al.

Safety and efficacy comparison between rapamycin-eluting stent with biodegradable polymer or permanent polymer in patients with coronary artery disease / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the safety and efficacy of rapamycin-eluting stent with biodegradable polymer (EXCEL) or permanent polymer (Cypher) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In this prospective, non-random and comparative study, 60 patients with CAD were divided into EXCEL group (n = 32) and Cypher group (n = 28). The coronary angiography (CAG) and stenting procedure were identical. The safety and efficacy of EXCEL stent was evaluated by major adverse cardiac events (MACE), restenosis rate and percent diameter stenosis rate as well as late luminal loss (LLL) at six months post stenting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>During follow-up (mean: 6.04 +/- 2.12 months), there was no MACE in the two groups. Quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) data at 6.0 +/- 2.1 months post stenting were available in 27 patients (84.38%) in EXCEL group and 10 patients (35.71%) in Cypher group. Restenosis rate was zero in both groups. Percent diameter stenosis rate (5.98% +/- 5.52% vs. 5.21% +/- 6.3%) and LLL (-0.02 +/- 0.09 mm vs. -0.01 +/- 0.07 mm) were similar between the 2 groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>EXCEL stent was safe for the treatment of CAD and comparable as Cypher stent in preventing MACE and restenosis at 6 months post stenting.</p>

Induction of anti-leukemic immunity of dendritic cells derived from multidrug resistant leukemia K562/A02 cells with high expression of P-glycoprotein and sensitive K562 cells / 中国实验血液学杂志

This study was aimed to investigate and compare the anti-leukemic effect mediated by dendritic cells (DC) derived from multidrug resistant (MDR) leukemia K562/A02 cells with high expression of p-glycoprotein (P-gp) and sensitive K562 cells. Multidrug resistant K562/A02 cell line and sensitive K562 cell line from chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) were induced for differentiating to DC in complete RPMI 1640 culture medium supplemented with GM-CSF (1 000 U/ml), IL-4 (500 U/ml) and TNF-alpha (100 ng/ml) for 14 days. The morphologic features of DC were observed by means of optical microscopy and the phenotype of DC was detected by flow cytometry. T-cell stimulating activity was determined by allogeneic lymphocyte reaction (allo-MLR). Cytotoxic activity was measured by MTT assay. The results indicated that DC derived from K562/A02 cells and K562 cells similarly showed the typical morphology of dendritic cell and expressed the surface differentiation antigens and costimulatory molecules CD1a, CD83, HLA-DR, CD80 and CD86 of DC. In allo-MLR, K562/A02-DC had a higher capacity to induce lymphocyte proliferation, compared with K562-DC (P < 0.05). K562/A02-DC and K562-DC could similarly generate specific cytotoxic activity against K562/A02 cells or K562 cells respectively, but low reactivity against HL-60 cells. More importantly, the cytotoxic activity mediated by K562/A02-DC was stronger than that by K562-DC against K562/A02 cells or HL-60/VCR cells (P < 0.01, respectively). It is concluded that functional DC can be differentiated from multidrug resistant leukemia K562/A02 cells as well as sensitive K562 cells in the presence of GM-CSF, IL-4 and TNF-alpha. Especially, DC derived from K562/A02 cells can induced a p-glycoprotein specific anti-leukemic immunity.