LOX-1 Regulation in Anti-atherosclerosis of Active Compounds of Herbal Medicine: Current Knowledge and the New Insight / 中国结合医学杂志

Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) have recently been identified to be closely related to the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis (AS). A growing body of evidence has suggested Chinese medicine takes unique advantages in preventing and treating AS. In this review, the related research progress of AS and LOX-1 has been summarized. And the anti-AS effects of 10 active components of herbal medicine through LOX-1 regulation have been further reviewed. As a potential biomarker and target for intervention in AS, LOX-1 targeted therapy might provide a promising and novel approach to atherosclerotic prevention and treatment.

Increased risk of cardiovascular disease in elderly population with carotid plaque and low ankle brachial index / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To investigate whether the co-presence of carotid plaques and low ankle-brachial index (ABI) might increase the risks of ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event in elderly population. Methods: It was a prospective study. Participants from the elderly cohort of the Kailuan Study, who completed a carotid sonography and ABI examination, were included in this study. Participants underwent physical examinations between 2010 and 2011 and were divided into 3 groups: no carotid plaque and ABI>0.9 group (n=526), carotid plaque and ABI>0.9 group (n=1 067), and carotid plaques and ABI≤0.9 group (n=49). Follow up ended on the 31 December 2016. The incidence of ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event was compared between the 3 groups, the relationship between carotid plaque and low ABI with ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event was analyzed. Results: A total of 1 642 participants were included (age, (67.1±6.4) years). There were 1 028 males (62.6%) and 1 028 females(37.4%). The average follow-up time was 5.41 years, the incidence of ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event in the 3 group was 2.1%(11/526), 5.5%(59/1 067), and 12.2%(6/49),respectively; the incidence of myocardial infarction in the 3 group was 0.2%(1/526), 1.6%(17/1 067), 10.2%(5/49), respectively; the incidence of cerebral infarction in the 3 group was 1.9%(10/526), 3.9%(42/1 067) and 2.0%(1/49), respectively. Multivariate Cox risk proportional regression analysis showed that compared with the group without carotid plaque and ABI>0.9, the HR values (95%CI) of ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event in the group with carotid plaque and ABI>0.9, carotid plaques and ABI≤0.9 group were 3.52 (1.49-8.35), 7.16(2.11-24.26) respectively, after adjusting for sex,age,systolic blood pressure,fast blood glucose,body mass index,total cholesterol,smoke,alcohol consumption and lipid-lowering medication and antihypertensive medication. Conclusions: Co-presence of carotid plaques and low ankle-brachial index may further increase the risk of ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event among elderly population in this cohort.

Relationship between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and branch retinal vein occlusion / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To evaluate the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome(OSAS)and branch retinal vein occlusion(BRVO).<p>METHODS:Seventy consecutive patients with BRVO and 70 age- and sex-matched controls were evaluated retrospectively. All participants underwent Berlin questionnaire and full-night respiratory polysomnography(PSG)for estimating risk of OSAS and monitoring apnea-hypopnea index(AHI), minimal oxygen saturation(MOS).<p>RESULTS: Of the 70 BRVO patients, 49(70%)had OSAS,average AHI was(19.74±7.59), MOS was(82.45±9.17)%. For controls, only 23(33%)of 70 subjects had OSAS, average AHI was(13.69±6.35), average MOS was(88.44±8.72)% in controls. Incidence of OSAS, AHI and MOS between BRVO patients and controls were different significantly(χ2=19.331, <i>t</i>=5.115, 3.954, all <i>P</i><0.01). There was a positive correlation between OSAS and BRVO(<i>r</i>s=0.319, <i>P</i>=0.033). Of the 39 patients with acute BRVO, average AHI was(16.905±6.31), average MOS was(85.14±8.22)%. For the 31 patients with chronic BRVO, average AHI was(17.84±5.47), average MOS was(83.81±7.87)%. There were no significantly differences between acute BRVO patients and chronic BRVO patients in average AHI or MOS(<i>t</i>=0.653, 0.685, <i>P</i>=0.516, 0.496).<p>CONCLUSION: OSAS could be a trigger in the pathogenesis of BRVO or an important risk factor of CRVO development.

High-risk factors for early failure of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy in children / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To determine the high-risk factors for early failure of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy in children with acute respiratory insufficiency (ARI).@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 123 children with ARI were reviewed who received HFNC oxygen therapy in the pediatric intensive care unit from January to June, 2018. The children who did not require an upgrade of respiratory support during hospitalization and were successfully weaned from HFNC were classified as HFNC success group (69 cases). Of the remaining children (54 cases) who required an upgrade of their respiratory support during hospitalization, those that needed to upgrade their respiratory support within 48 hours of receiving HFNC were classified as early HFNC failure group (46 cases). Risk factors for early failure of HFNC were determined using multivariate logistic regression analysis.@*RESULTS@#The incidence rates of shock, sepsis, intracranial hypertension syndrome, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome were significantly higher in the early HFNC failure group than in the HFNC success group (P4.5 and PaCO/PaO ratio >0.64 were independent risk factors for early HFNC failure (OR=5.535 and 9.089 respectively; P4.5 or PaCO/PaO ratio >0.64 have relatively high risk of early HFNC failure.

Memory-improving Substances Basis and Mechanism of Polygalae Radix, Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma and Its Couplet Medicines / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Polygalae Radix and Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma were first recorded in Shennong's Herbal Classic. Both of them can "improve people's memory". Long-term administration can make body light and macrobian. They have often been used as couplet medicines and the core combination of nootropic and memory improvement prescriptions. At present, traditional Chinese medicine clinicians believes that the principle of Polygalae Radix and Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma in improving memory or intelligence is to supplement the deficiency, remove phlegm and unblock nine orifices, with sufficient evidences for the traditional theory. However, its material basis and mechanism for improving memory have not been fully elucidated. In this paper, we searched the literatures about pharmacological and pharmacodynamics mechanism of Polygalae Radix,Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma and their chemical components on nervous system in recent ten years from Pubmed database and CNKI. The main material basis for improving memory of Polygalae Radix-saponins, oligosaccharides and alone, the main material basis for improving memory of Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma-α-asarone,β-asarone and eugenol, the changes of the quality and quantity of the active substances after combination, and the mechanism of improving memory of the single drugs and their couplet medicines, such as scavenging free radicals, regulating cholinergic system, clearing β-amyloid protein(Aβ), decreasing the level of phosphorylation of Tau protein, improving the rate of apoptosis and regulating synaptic plasticity, were systematically collected, analyzed and summarized. In view of the current research situation, this paper points out the possible shortcomings, with the aim to further explore the mechanism of Polygalae Radix combined with Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma with the mechanism of "1+1>2".

Determination of seven saponins in flower buds of Panax ginseng by quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker / 中草药

Objective: On the basis of simultaneous determination of seven saponins in flower buds of Panax ginseng, a method of quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker (QAMS) for the determination of seven saponins was established, and the feasibility of the method was verified. Methods: Using HPLC-UV, ten batches of dried P. ginseng flowers were used as the research object. Ginsenoside Re was used as internal reference to determine the relative correction factor of ginsenoside Rg1, Rg2, Rb1, Rc, Rb2 and Rd. The content of each component was measured by the traditional external standard method, and the difference between the calculated value and the measured value was compared to verify the feasibility and accuracy of the external standard method. Results: The relative correction factors of six ginsenoside Rg1, Rg2, Rb1, Rc1, Rb2, and Rd in P. ginseng flower were 1.07, 1.05, 0.81, 0.80, 0.64, and 0.84, respectively. The relative correction factors of six ginsenosides were reproducible in the 10 batches, the determiation of QAMS were not significantly different from those measured by the external standard method. Conclusion: In the case of shortage of ginsenoside reference substance, a method of QAMS can be used, the content of ginsenoside Rg1, Rg2, Rb1, Rb1, Rb2, and Rd in flower buds of P. ginseng can be determined by relative calibration factor.

Amoxicillin-Clarithromycin-Containing Bismuth Quadruple Therapy for Primary Eradication of Helicobacter pylori / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of amoxicillin-clarithromycin-containing bismuth quadruple regimen as a primary therapy for Helicobacter pylori (Hp) eradication.Methods A total of 102 Hp-infected outpatients diagnosed by C-or C-urea breath test from December 2015 to June 2017 were enrolled and received 14-day bismuth quadruple therapy (esomeprazole 20 mg bid,bismuth potassium citrate 220 mg bid,amoxicillin 1000 mg bid,and clarithromycin 500 mg bid for 14 days). Hp status was assessed by C-or C-urea breath test 4 weeks,8 weeks,6 months,and 12 months after the treatment. The primary outcome was Hp eradication rate,which was analyzed by intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses. The second outcomes were Hp infection recurrence,symptomatic benefit from Hp eradication,and safety. Results A total of 101 patients,of which 65 patients had dyspeptic symptoms before eradication,completed the study. Hp eradication rates by ITT analysis and by PP analysis were 88.2% and 89.1%,respectively. Only in two of 84 patients,who were followed for 8 weeks after eradication,Hp became positive. No Hp recurrence happened at the 6-month and 12-month follow-up and the annual recurrence rate was 2.4%. The symptomatic relief rates at the 4-week,8-week,6-month and 12-month follow-up were 81.5%,75.4%,71.2%,and 70.2% respectively. Eleven of 101 patients had mild and similar side-effects,which were well tolerated.Conclusion Amoxicillin-clarithromycin-containing bismuth quadruple regimen can be used as the standard therapy for Hp eradication.

Empathy and self-efficacy with objective structured clinical examination in residents of standardized training / 基础医学与临床

Objective To investigate the current situation of empathy and self-efficacy, and relation with perform-ance of objective structured clinical examination in residents of standardized training. Methods Questionnaire sur-veys with Jefferson scale of empathy health professionals and general self-efficacy scale were conducted among resi-dents of grade 2015 and grade 2016 from department of internal medicine of Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH). Results Totally 101 questionnaires were delivered,and 99 were collected back. The average empathy score was 111.3±1.2,with that of grade 2015 slightly higher than that of grade 2016. The empathy score from resi-dents of different degree and different sources showed no significant difference. The average self-efficacy score was 22.77±0.50. The score of residents of grade 2015 was significantly higher than that of grade 2016. The score was higher in residents with higher degree. The score of residents from PUMCH was higher than the other subgroups. The score of empathy showed no significant correlation with OSCE scores, while the score of self-efficacy of resi-dents of grade 2015 significantly positively correlated with scores of medical recording (R=0.35,P<0.05),case analyzing (R=0.31,P<0.05) and average score(R=0.33,P<0.05) of OSCE. Conclusions The empathy and self-efficacy of residents remained to be improved, and could be improved through clinical training. Psychological evaluation could be inducted into standardized resident training system,and provide helpful supplementary to OSCE with more comprehensive evaluation of residents.

UPLC-Q-TOF/MS for rapid analysis of chemical constituents in Sanhuang tablets / 中国中药杂志

The qualitative analysis method of ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was established for the chemical constituents in Sanhuang tablets. Waters ACQUITY BEH C₁₈ (2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.7 μm) column was used with 0.1% formic acid solution (A)-0.1% formic acid acetonitrile (B) as the mobile phase for gradient elution. The flow rate was 0.2 mL•min⁻¹; the sample volume was 1 μL and the column temperature was 30 ℃. The high-resolution quadrupole time-flight mass spectrometry was used as detector with electrospray ion source in both positive and negative models, and the dry gas temperature was 325 ℃. Based on the analysis of mass spectrometry and literature reports, 38 compounds were confirmed, including 1 alkaloid, 1 dianthrone compound, 6 tannins, 7 anthraquinone glycosides, 6 anthraquinones and 17 flavonoids. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method is simple, reliable and rapid to identify the chemical compositions of Sanhuang tablets, and it is helpful to reveal its chemical constituents and pharmacodynamic substances.

Expression of MicroRNA-15a in Children with Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia and Its Significance / 中国实验血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the expression of MicroRNA-15a (miR-15a) in children with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and its significance.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The peripheral blood monomuclear cells (PBMNC) were isolated and cultured from ITP patients and healthy volunteers. The expression level of miR-15a was measured by real-time PCR. After miR-15a mimic was transfected into PBMNC, the levels of INF-γ, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 were measured by ELISA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expression of miR-15a was significantly decreased in PBMNC. The production of IFN-γ and IL-2 was dramatically increased, and the level of IL-4, IL-10 was decreased in PBMNC. Moreover, the expression of miR-15a was negatively correlated with IFN-γ and IL-2, and positively with IL-4 and IL-10. Furthermore, the results showed that the overexpression of miR-15a could decrease the production of IFN-γ and IL-2, and increase the production of IL-4 and IL-10.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>miR-15a is significantly down-regulated in PBMNC of children with primary ITP and involved in the regulation of Th1/Th2 imbalance. It is suggested that miR-15a may be a potential therapeutic target for ITP.</p>

Expression profile of TGF-β1 and BMP-7 in serum of preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the expression profile and significance of serum transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) and bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-two preterm infants with RDS who were given pulmonary surfactant (PS) within 12 hours after birth were enrolled as the PS group. Twenty-eight preterm infants with RDS who were not given PS were selected as the non-PS group. Another 30 preterm infants without RDS were used as the control group. Serum levels of TGF-β1 and BMP-7 in the three groups were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at 0, 1, 3, and 7 days after birth.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The PS group had higher serum levels of TGF-β1 than the control group at 1 and 3 days after birth (P<0.05). The non-PS group had significantly higher serum levels of TGF-β1 than the control group at 1, 3, and 7 days after birth (P<0.05), and serum levels of TGF-β1 in the non-PS group were significantly higher than the PS group at 3 and 7 days after birth (P<0.05). The PS group had higher serum levels of BMP-7 than the control group at 1 and 3 days after birth (P<0.05). The non-PS group had higher serum levels of BMP-7 than the control group at 1, 3, and 7 days after birth (P<0.05). The levels of BMP-7 in the non-PS group at 7 days after birth were reduced than before, but were still higher than in the PS group (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Both serum TGF-β1 and BMP-7 levels increase in the early stage in preterm infants with RDS, however, in the late stage, the expression of BMP-7 decreases with the increase in TGF-β1 expression, suggesting that administration of exogenous BMP-7 may reduce the expression of TGF-β1, which might be a therapeutic approach for RDS in preterm infants.</p>

Biological Effects of the SARI Over-expression on K562 Cell Line / 中国实验血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To construct a lentivirus vector carrying SARI gene and to investigate its biological effects on K562 cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>SARI was amplified from the plasmid containing SARI cDNA and subcloned into pLOV.CMV.eGFP virus vector. After sequencing, lentivirus packaging, titering, the viruses of SARI-pLOV.CMV.eGFP were harvested and tansfected into the K562 cells. Real-time quantitive PCR and Western blot were performed to validate the SARI expression at the level of mRNA and protein respectively. Simultaneously, the proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle of K562 cells were detected by CCK-8 and flow cytometry respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The SARI overexpressed lentivirus vector was successfully constructed. The mRNA and protein levels of SARI increased significantly in the pLOV.CMV.eGFP-SARI group, which was confirmed by Q-PCR and Western blot; as compared with blank and mock groups, SARI over-expression leaded to significant proliferation inhibition and increased apoptosis of K562 cells, without visible effects on cell cycle.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>the over-expression of SARI gene obviously suppresses the cell proliferation of the K562 cells as well as promotes the apoptosis. The results implied that the induction of the SARI gene expression may be an important candidate therapeutic method for the CML.</p>

Clinical and biological characteristics of childhood acute myeloid leukemia with EVI1 gene positive expression / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the expression of ecotropic viral integration site (EVI1) gene in childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and the clinical features of EVI1-positive children with AML.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical data of EVI1-positive children with AML were collected and analyzed. RT-PCR and real-time quantitative PCR were used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of expression of EVI1. Flow cytometry (FCM) was used for determining the immunophenotypes of bone marrow cells. Multiparameter FCM was used for monitoring minimal residual disease. The karyotypes were determined.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of 241 children with AML, 33 (13.7%) were positive for EVI1 expression. There were no significant differences in age at first visit as well as the white blood cell count, hemoglobin level, and platelet count in peripheral blood between EVI1-positive and EVI1-negative children with AML (P>0.05), but EVI1-positive children had a significantly increased proportion of females compared with EVI1-negative children (P<0.05). The change in EVI1 expression was not synchronous with clinical remission and the change of MRD: some children had clinical remission or negative conversion of MRD before negative conversion of EVI1, while some had negative conversion of EVI1 before clinical remission or while MRD showed positive. EVI1 gene was usually co-expressed with other fusion genes. CD33 (100%), CD38 (88%), and HLADR (76%) were highly expressed in EVI1-positive children with AML. Abnormal chromosome structure or number was found in 15 patients. Compared with EVI1-negative children, EVI1-positive children had significantly lower complete remission rates after the first course of treatment (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>EVI1-positive children with AML have a poor short-term prognosis. In the development of AML, the activation of EVI1 gene is not isolated, but the result of interactions with other genes or chromosome abnormalities, and the mechanism of activation and its function need further study.</p>

Clinical characteristics of childhood leukemia with EVI1 gene and BCR/ABL gene co-expression / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the clinical characteristics of ecotopic viral integration site-1 (EVI1) and BCR/ABL positive childhood leukemia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical data of four children with EVI1 and BCR/ABL positive leukemia and eight children with BCR/ABL positive but EVI1 negative chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) were retrospectively analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the four children with EVI1 and BCR/ABL positive leukemia, two were initially diagnosed with chronic phase of CML, one with accelerated phase of CML and one with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). There were no significant differences in clinical characteristics at diagnosis between the patients with EVI1 and BCR/ABL positive leukemia and BCR/ABL positive but EVI1 negative leukemia. CD33 and CD38 were highly expressed and t(9;22) abnormality was present in all patients with EVI1 and BCR/ABL positive leukemia. Two of the 3 children with EVI1 and BCR/ABL positive CML achieved complete remission one or three months after treatment. Acquired negative status conversion occurred for EVI1 but not BCR/ABL in one CML case. The 3 children with EVI1 and BCR/ABL positive CML survived 20, 13 and 14 months, respectively, without recurrence. The child with EVI1 and BCR/ABL positive ALL failed to achieve complete remission after the first course of treatment and discontinued further treatment.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Co-expression of EVI1 and BCR/ABL fusion gene can be found in childhood CML and ALL. The relatively rare leukemia has not significant difference respect to clinical characteristics. Prognosis of the disease needs to be determined by clinical studies with a larger sample size.</p>

Effects of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase inhibitor AG014699 combined with chemotherapy on the proliferation of triple-negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) inhibitor AG014699 alone and combined with docetaxel (DTX) or carboplatin (CBP) on the proliferation of triple-negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 and to investigate whether PARP inhibitor AG014699 combined with chemotherapy could play a synergistic antitumor effect.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>MDA-MB-231 cells were treated by PARP inhibitor AG014699 alone or combination with DTX or CBP. Cell proliferation was measured by cell counting kit-8 assay. The combined effect was evaluated by q value less than 0.85, in the range of 0.85 and 1.15, more than 1.15, which respectively meant that the combined effect of the drugs was antagonistic, additive, and synergistic.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Treatment with PARP inhibitor AG014699, DTX, or CBP alone inhibited the proliferation, induced apoptosis and blocked the cell cycle. The cell viability of AG014699 (10 µmol/L) combined with DTX (10(-8), 10(-7), 10(-6), 10(-5) mol/L) or CBP (10(-5), 10(-4) mol/L) were lower than that of the drug used alone, and q value was between 0.85 and 1.15, suggesting the combined effect was additive. The cell viability of AG014699 (10 µmol/L) combined with CBP (10(-3) mol/L) was lower than that of the drug used alone, and q value was more than 1.15, suggesting the combined effect was synergetic. A combination of PARP inhibitor AG014699 and DTX or CBP promoted apoptosis and increased the proportion of G2/M stage cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PARP inhibitor AG014699 combined with DTX or CBP can remarkably inhibit MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation, showing additive or synergistic antitumor effects.</p>

Association between blood pressure level and incidence of carotid artery plaque in middle-aged and elderly people / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the association between blood pressure level and incidence of carotid arterial plaque in middle-aged and elderly people.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 5852 individuals were randomly stratified from the 101 510 health examination survey participants in Tangshan Kailuan Company community during 2006-2007. A total of 5440 people (age above 40 years old, free of stroke, TIA and myocardial infarction) were enrolled in the final analysis. A questionnaire survey, blood biochemical analysis and carotid artery ultrasound examination were finished by trained medical staff. Sixteen individuals without carotid artery plaques information and 35 individuals without blood pressure information were excluded. Finally, a total of 5389 participants [3235 male, mean age: (54.7 ± 11.8) years] were analyzed. According to 2010 Chinese guideline to prevention and treatment of hypertension and blood pressure level classification, participants were divided into normotensive group (n = 1377), high normal blood pressure group (n = 1971) and hypertensive group (n = 2041). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk factors of the carotid artery plaques.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Age, male gender, BMI, IMT, TG, FBG, smoking and alcohol drinking rate were significantly higher in high normal blood pressure group than in normotensive group (all P < 0.05), LDL-C, HDL-C, hs-CRP and TC were similar between these two groups. Incidence of carotid artery plaques in normotensive, high normal blood pressure and hypertensive groups was 24.8%, 37.4%, 60.2% respectively. The risk of carotid artery plaques was increased to 38% and 163% in high normal and hypertensive groups compared to normotensive group, the OR ratio was 1.38 (95%CI: 1.15-1.66) and 2.63 (95%CI: 2.18-3.18), respectively. After adjusting gender, age, smoking, alcohol consumption, TG, TC, HDL-C, FBG, hs-CRP and BMI, the risk of developing carotid artery plague was increased in proportion to increasing blood pressure and the OR value was 1.24 (95%CI:1.01-1.52) , 1.69 (95%CI:1.34-2.15) and 2.66 (95%CI:2.20-3.21) in high normal group I [SBP/DBP 121-129/80-84 mm Hg(1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa)] and high normal group II (SBP/DBP 130-139/85-89 mm Hg) and hypertensive group, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The cardiovascular risk factors and prevalence of carotid artery plague increase in proportion to blood pressure level in this cohort. The detection rate of carotid artery plague is already significantly increased in individuals with high normal blood pressure.</p>

A multicenter comparison study on the quantitative detection of bcr-abl (P210) transcript levels in China / 中华血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the comparability of bcr-abl (P210) transcript levels detected in different hospitals.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ten hospitals in China took part in the four times of sample exchange and comparisons from April, 2010 to August, 2011. The exchange samples were prepared by Peking University People's Hospital. Firstly, the BCR-ABL (P210)(+) cells from a newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia patient were 10-fold serially diluted by BCR-ABL (P210)(-) cells and they covered 4 magnitudes. Then, TRIzol reagents were thoroughly mixed with cells in each tube. Every 12 samples (three samples per magnitude) were sent to the other 9 hospitals. The cell number of each sample was 8×10(6). The detection of bcr-abl transcript levels by real-time quantitative PCR were performed in every hospital according to their own protocols. Conversion factors (CF) were calculated using regression equation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Differences in bcr-abl transcript levels did exist among results of 10 hospitals in each comparison. In general, the results of the most of hospitals were in line with the dilutions of cells. CF of every hospital fluctuated. Three hospitals had relatively stable CF, and their ranges were 2.8 - 5.2, 1.2 - 2.8 and 2.2 - 6.8, respectively; two hospitals had unstable CF with ranges 0.76 - 7.0 and 2.1 - 18.7; three hospitals couldn't be calculated CF one or two times because of the significant deviation of the results from the actually bcr-abl transcript levels, and their ranges of CF which could be calculated were 1.9 - 19.2, 3.6 - 7.6 and 0.18 - 14.7; One hospital only had two CF (3.3 and 5.0) because of the replacement of an important reagent during the period of comparisons.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Comparability of bcr-abl (P210) transcript levels between different hospitals could be achieved through CF which acquired by sample exchange and comparison. The stable and reliable detection system is the premise to acquire correct CF.</p>

Influence of PP2A activator on proliferation of HL-60 cells and analysis of PP2A activity changes in patients with acute myeloid leukemia / 中国实验血液学杂志

In order to investigate the effect of PP2A activator and PP2A inhibitor on proliferation of HL-60 cells and analyze the changes of PP2A activity in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), HL-60 cells were treated with FTY720 alone or in combination with okadaic acid (OA) for 24 hours in culture. Cell proliferation was assayed with CCK8 kit. In addition, 20 AML patients including de novo AML and relapsed AML were enrolled in this study. The activity of PP2A in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients was assayed with a PP2A Immunoprecipitation Phosphatase Assay Kit, the data were analyzed by software SPSS 16.0. The results indicated that as compared with control group, the proliferation of cells in FTY720 group was obviously inhibited (p < 0.05). The proliferation of cells in FTY720 + OA group was slightly inhibited as compared with the control group, there was no statistical difference (p > 0.05), but there was significant difference between the FTY720 + OA and FTY720 groups (p < 0.05). The activity of PP2A in AML patients (453.67 ± 102.52 pmol phosphate) was obviously lower than that in the normal controls (673.29 ± 96.32 pmol phosphate), there was significant difference between them (p < 0.01). It is concluded that the activation or inhibition of PP2A can affect the proliferation of HL-60 cells in vitro. Compared with healthy individuals, the activity of PP2A in AML patients is obviously lower. PP2A protein playing a key role in the occurrence and development of AML may be valuable for the diagnosis and treatment of AML.

Influence of BCR-ABL inhibitor STI571 on SARI expression in K562 cells / 中国实验血液学杂志

In order to investigate the molecular mechanisms of SARI expression regulation in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), 46 patients with CML and 40 healthy volunteers were recruited in this study. SARI expression in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNC) of CML patients and healthy volunteers was assayed by using real-time quantitative PCR. K562 cells were in vitro incubated with the BCR-ABL inhibitor STI571 (imatinib) at 37°C and 5% CO2 for 24 hours, then SARI expression was detected by using real-time quantitative PCR. All experiments were repeated three times. The results showed that as compared with healthy volunteers, the expression of SARI mRNA in PBMNC of CML patients presented a lower level (p < 0.001). After exposure of K562 cells to STI571 (2.5 µmol/L) for 24 hours, the SARI expression was higher than that in K562 cells treated without STI571 (p < 0.001). It is concluded that the suppression of SARI expression is involved in CML pathogenesis, and BCR-ABL mediates the down-regulation of SARI mRNA expression in K562 cells. These findings suggest a new orientation for gene therapy in CML patients.

Comparisons of condylar movements with the functional occlusal clutch and tray clutch recording methods in CADIAX system / 国际口腔科学杂志·英文版

<p><b>AIM</b>The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of the two clutches on recording the condylar movement.</p><p><b>METHODOLOGY</b>Ten subjects (6 women, 4 men; mean age 25.4 years) participated in the study. The mandibular movement, sagittal condylar inclination angle, and transversal condylar inclination angle of each subject were recorded with the CADIAX using the two clutches, respectively. The characteristics of the tracings of the protrusion, opening, and mediotrusion were analyzed with the t-test statistics at a = 0.05 level. The Kappa values were calculated for an assessment of the congruence of the tracings.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The results showed that the contour, direction, and dimension of the tracings in the two clutches were approximately same, but the tracings determined by the functional occlusal clutch were more regular and congruent. In the group segment recorded with the tray clutch, opening/closing paths of one subject showed crossed and time curves of three subjects appeared peak-like changes of velocity, but none were statistically different (P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The research suggests that the functional occlusal clutch should be preferred in the evaluation of the mandibular function, as the tracings with the tray clutch are more likely to produce false positive results.</p>