The optimal blood glucose is significantly associated with lower mortality in critically ill patients with cardiogenic shock: an analysis revealed with time series blood glucose records.

BACKGROUND: The optimal blood glucose (BG) level for patients with cardiogenic shock in the intensive care unit (ICU) remains unclear. Studies have found that both excessively high and low BG levels contribute to adverse cardiovascular events. Our study aims to investigate the optimal BG level for critically ill patients with cardiogenic shock and evaluate the effects of optimal BG on the prognosis of patients. METHODS: A total of 2013 patients with cardiogenic shock obtained from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC) IV database were included in the final cohort for our retrospective observational study for data analysis. The exposure was time-weighted average BG (TWA-BG), which was calculated by the time-series BG records and corresponding time stamps of patients with cardiogenic shock during their stay in the ICU. The cut-off value of TWA-BG was identified by the restricted cubic spline curve and included patients were categorized into three groups: low TWA-BG group (TWA-BG ≤ 104 mg/dl), optimal TWA-BG group (104 < TWA-BG ≤ 138 mg/dl), and high TWA-BG group (TWA-BG > 138 mg/dl). The primary outcome was 28-day mortality, and the secondary outcomes were ICU and in-hospital mortality. We performed the log-rank test to detect whether there is a difference in mortality among different groups in the original cohort. Multiple distinct models were employed to validate the robustness of the results. RESULTS: Our study revealed that the optimal BG level for critically ill patients with cardiogenic shock is 104-138 mg/dl. Compared to the optimal TWA-BG group, the low TWA-BG group (hazard ratio (HR): 1.67, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19-2.33, p = 0.002) and high TWA-BG group (HR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.46-2.03, p < 0.001) exhibited higher 28-day mortality. Similarly, the low TWA-BG group and high TWA-BG group demonstrated higher risks in terms of ICU mortality (low TWA-BG group: HR: 2.30, 95% CI: 1.40-3.79, p < 0.001; high TWA-BG group: HR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.45-2.17, p < 0.001) and in-hospital mortality (low TWA-BG group: HR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.19-2.51, p = 0.001; high TWA-BG group: HR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.38-1.95, p < 0.001). Sensitivity analysis conducted through propensity score matching and the subgroup analysis further substantiated the robustness of the results. CONCLUSION: The optimal BG level for patients with cardiogenic shock is 104-138 mg/dl. BG levels below 104 mg/dl and above 138 mg/dl were associated with a less favorable prognosis.

Clinical features and direct medical cost of splenic injury in China: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: This study analyses the clinical features and direct medical cost (DMC) of splenic injury during 2000-2013 in China. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study. METHODS: We used 'The No. 1 Military Medical Project' information system to conduct a retrospective study. Patients' information from 2000 to 2013 were identified. Demographic data, treatment, clinical data and DMC were collected. We performed a generalised linear method (GLM) using gamma distribution to assess the drivers of DMCs. RESULTS: We included 8083 patients with splenic injury who met the study criteria. Over the 14-year study period, 2782 (34.4%) patients were treated with non-operative management (NOM), 5301 (65.6%) with OM. From 2000 to 2013, the rate of NOM increased from 34.7% to 55.9%, while OM decreased from 65.3% to 44.1%. Mean per-patient DMC in both NOM and OM increased from 2000 to 2013. In GLM analysis, male, old age, length of stay, severe splenic injury grade, OM, intensive care unit, blood transfusion and tertiary hospitals were associated with higher DMC, while female and NOM was associated with lower DMC. CONCLUSIONS: In China, management of splenic injury was the most important factor impacting the total DMC. Proper management and public policy could curtail the burden of splenic injury.

MicroRNA-506 has a suppressive effect on the tumorigenesis of nonsmall-cell lung cancer by regulating tubby-like protein 3.

MicroRNA-506 (miR-506), a miRNA, has been proven to act as a tumor suppressor gene in nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC); Tubby-like protein 3 (TULP3) is a potential target gene of miR-506. This study investigates whether miR-506 can prevent NSCLC progression by mediating TULP3. In vivo and in vitro experiments were performed to explore the function and potential regulatory relationship of miR-506 and TULP3 in NSCLC. Our results revealed that miR-506 is high expression in NSCLC cell lines, and the overexpression of miR-506 could inhibit cell viability and enhance cell apoptosis in H1299 and A549 cells. Pro-apoptotic related protein (cytochrome C, Bax, and cleaved caspase-9) expression increased while anti-apoptotic related protein (BCL-2 and BCL-XL) expression decreased after miR-506 was overexpression. Meanwhile, the overexpression of miR-506 could notably downregulate TULP3. Additionally, silence of TULP3 inhibited cell viability and promoted cell apoptosis. At the same time, pro-apoptotic related protein expression was promoted while anti-apoptotic related protein expression was inhibited. Furthermore, TULP3 overexpression could markedly reverse the inhibitory effect of miR-506 on the proliferation and induction of mitochondrial apoptosis in H1299 and A549 cells. In vivo tumor formation experiments also exhibited consistent results indicating that the functions of TULP3 might be correlated with the promotion of tumorigenesis. In conclusion, we firstly found that miR-506 can be involved in the processes of NSCLC and exert a suppressive effect on tumorigenesis by regulating TULP3 expression.

Theophylline and dexamethasone in combination reduce inflammation and prevent the decrease in HDAC2 expression seen in monocytes exposed to cigarette smoke extract.

Lung and systemic inflammation are associated with impaired lung function and increased mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Theophylline and glucocorticoids have been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect in some respiratory diseases. However, corticosteroid insensitivity is a major barrier to the anti-inflammatory management of COPD. This study aimed to explore whether a combined treatment of theophylline and dexamethasone (Dex) could decrease cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-induced inflammation via prevention of a reduction in histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) expression and through inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway, which may be related to corticosteroid sensitivity. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of Dex (IC50-Dex) was used to as a marker of corticosteroid sensitivity. IC50-Dex was determined through observation of Dex inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced interleukin (IL)-8 release. Using reverse transcription quantitative PCR and western blotting, U937 cells treated with CSE were assessed for HDAC2 expression levels and phosphorylation levels of Akt. Theophylline and Dex pre-treatment was shown to significantly reduce the CSE-induced release of IL-8 and TNF-α. The combination of theophylline and Dex pretreatment also reversed corticosteroid insensitivity in CSE-induced U937 cells and inhibited the PI3K/AKT pathway to a greater extent than theophylline treatment alone. CSE-treated U937 cells showed a reduction in HDAC2 mRNA and protein expression compared with the control group. However, this effect was reduced after pre-incubation with the combined therapy or theophylline alone. In conclusion, pretreatment with theophylline and Dex decreased CSE-induced inflammation via inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway and increase in HDAC2 protein expression.

Surgical Management of Giant Scalp Neurofibroma After Ultra-Selective Embolization of Nutrient Artery.

OBJECTIVES: Neurofibroma, a common benign tumor in soft tissue, continues to grow, so it often appears to be giant. Surgical management of giant neurofibroma is a challenge due to the risk of excessive bleeding. Embolization of tumor's nutrient artery may reduce the blood loss in operation. This study introduces the surgical management of giant scalp neurofibroma with preoperative ultra-selective embolization of nutrient artery. METHODS: From January 2006 to December 2013, 9 patients with giant scalp neurofibroma were enrolled into the study. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) showed tumor's nutrient artery. Ultra-catheter was inserted into the nutrient artery and its branches as close as possible to the tumor. Then ultra-selective embolization was performed with gelatin sponge particles. Surgical removal of tumor was performed in 3 days after embolization. The wound was repaired by skin graft. RESULTS: All of the 9 patients underwent successful DSA and ultra-selective embolization. Among them, occipital artery was embolized in 3 patients (left side in 1 patient and right side in 2 patients). Both occipital artery and superficial temporal artery were embolized in 6 patients (left side in 2 patients, right side in 3 patients, and both side in 1 patient). No complications, such as ectopic embolism, occurred in the patients. All of the tumors were resected completely without blood transfusion. The skin graft survived very well on the wounds. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative ultra-selective embolization of nutrient artery is a feasible, safe, and effective method to reduce the blood loss in operation and facilitate the surgical management of giant scalp neurofibroma.

Corticotropin-releasing hormone and urocortin promote phagocytosis of rat macrophages through convergent but distinct pathways.

AIMS: Phagocytosis plays essential roles during inflammation and immune response. This study aims to explore the underlying mechanism of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and urocortin (UCN)-promoted phagocytosis of rat macrophages. MAIN METHODS: To induce phagocytosis, rat macrophages were incubated with carboxylated fluorescent microspheres. The phagocytosis activity was evaluated by flow cytometric analysis. Actin reorganization was determined by immunostaining with TRITC-labeled phalloidin and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. Protein expressions of p-RhoA, p-Rac1, p-extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK)1/2 and GAPDH were examined by Western blotting. Protein kinase C (PKC) and protein kinase A (PKA) activities were examined using PreTag non-radio activity assay. KEY FINDINGS: Administration of CRH or UCN alone significantly enhanced phagocytosis of microspheres by rat macrophages, as well as actin reorganization. Ligation of CRH and UCN with CRH receptor increased the phosphorylation of both RhoA and Rac1. Inhibition of RhoA/Rac1 signal pathway suppressed CRH- or UCN-enhanced phagocytosis and actin reorganization. Blockage of PKA signal by MDL-12330A decreased CRH or UCN-promoted p-RhoA and p-Rac1 expressions. Blockage of PKC signal by cholerythine choride decreased CRH or UCN-promoted p-Rac1 expression and UCN-promoted p-RhoA expression, but increased the CRH-induced p-RhoA expression. ERK1/2 was also activated and served as upstream factor of RhoA/Rac1 signal pathway. SIGNIFICANCE: The results reveal that CRH and UCN promote phagocytosis of rat macrophages through convergent but dissociable pathways. PKA/PKC-ERK1/2-RhoA/Rac1 signal pathway plays an essential role in CRH- and UCN-enhanced phagocytosis.

Percutaneous sinus angiography and three-dimensional CT imaging showing morphological and draining features of venous malformations in soft tissue.

OBJECTIVE: Venous malformation (VM) is a common vascular malformation in soft tissue. Its morphological and draining features, relationship with main vein, and hemodynamics in the lesion are not completely clear till now. Above information is important for choice of treatment. METHODS: From January 2012 to December 2013, 23 patients were enrolled into this study. Percutaneous puncture into the lesion was made and contrast media was injected into venous sinus. Immediately after that CT scan was performed, and repeated several minutes later. Then three-dimensional imaging was performed to show the morphology and draining veins of VMs, and the relevant main veins. The hemodynamics in the lesion was also evaluated. RESULTS: All patients underwent successful examination. Three-dimensional imaging showed an irregular shape of VM. Based on the draining features, VMs were classified into three types: (1) Type I (7/23): malformation without visible draining vein; (2) Type II (10/23): malformation with normal draining vein; (3) Type III (6/23): malformation with abnormal dilated draining vein. The flow in type I VMs was slow. Contrast media retained in the lesion for more than 1 day. The flow in type III VMs was fast. Contrast media flowed away rapidly. The flow of type II VMs was between type I and type III. According to above information and adjacent anatomy, all patients received suitable treatment, including sclerotherapy with absolute ethanol and bleomycin A5, intralesional copper wires retention, surgical removal, and combinational therapy of the above methods. CONCLUSIONS: This procedure can clearly show the morphological and draining features of VM and its relationship with main vein, and further evaluate the hemodynamics in the lesion, which are helpful for the choice of treatment.

Pediatric burns in military hospitals of China from 2001 to 2007: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Childhood burns are a global health problem. To date, no epidemiological study with a large sample size of hospitalized pediatric burn patients from the Chinese mainland has been conducted. This study retrospectively analyzed pediatric burn cases to identify the characteristics of pediatric burns and their risk factors in China. METHODS: Data for pediatric burn inpatients younger than 14 years were retrieved from the Chinese Trauma Databank (CTDB). The epidemiological characteristics of pediatric burns and risk factors for mortality were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 61,068 cases were included in the study. Children under 3 years old were at the highest risk of injury. Scalds were the commonest burns (87.59%). Flame burns occurred more in winter, and electrical burns occurred mainly in July and August. Age, etiology, depth of injury, total body surface area (TBSA), site of injury, and outcome were correlated with length of hospital stay. Risk factors for pediatric burn mortality included being male, having third degree burns, ≥30% TBSA, and having multi-site burns. CONCLUSION: The results showed the epidemiological characteristics of pediatric burns in China, which differ from those reported for other countries and regions. These characteristics can be used to develop measures to prevent pediatric burns.

[Risk factors of mortality in severe chest trauma patients].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factors of mortality in patients with severe chest trauma (SCT). METHODS: The clinical data of 777 SCT [abbreviated injury scale (AIS) ≥3] patients who were treated in the Chongqing Emergency Medical Center from January 2006 to April 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to explore 15 possible mortality-related risk factors. RESULTS: Seven factors were found to be correlated with the mortality of SCT: age, hemorrhagic shock, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), pulmonary infection, abdominal organ injury, Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score, and thorax AIS score. Among them five factors were the independent factors that might increase the mortality of SCT: hemorrhagic shock (B=1.710, OR=1.291, P=0.001), MODS (B=3.453, OR=1.028, P<0.001), pulmonary infection (B=2.396, OR=10.941, P<0.001), abdominal organ injury (B=1.542, OR=1.210, P=0.005), and thorax AIS score ≥4 (B=0.487, OR=1.622, P<0.001). Two factors showed protective effects: age ≤60 years (B=-0.035, OR=0.962, P=0.01) and GCS score ≥12 (B=-0.635, OR=0.320, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Age, disease severity, and complications (hemorrhagic shock, MODS, and pulmonary infection) are independent risk factors of the mortality of SCT. Effective treatment programs targeting these risk factors may improve the outcomes of SCT patients.

Treatment of unstable posterior pelvic ring fracture with percutaneous reconstruction plate and percutaneous sacroiliac screws: a comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to compare the clinical effects of percutaneous reconstruction plate and percutaneous sacroiliac screws in treatment of unstable posterior pelvic ring fracture. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients with unstable posterior pelvic ring fracture treated with two methods from March 2002 to October 2007 were enrolled in the study and divided into two groups according to two kinds of internal fixation: percutaneous reconstruction plate (20 males and 9 females, at mean age 37.3 ± 11.3 years) and percutaneous sacroiliac screws (21 males and 8 females, at mean age 39.3 ± 10.4 years). Causes of injury included traffic accident in 38 patients, fall from height in 17, and crush in 3. The correlative data of operation duration, number of X-ray exposures, intraoperative bleeding volume, length of incision, Majeed postoperative functional evaluation, and postoperative complications were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: All 58 patients were followed up for 12-36 months (mean duration 21.3 months). There was statistical difference for operation duration, number of X-ray exposures, size of incision, and intraoperative bleeding volume between the two groups. Majeed postoperative functional evaluation indicated excellent and good rates of 86.1% for percutaneous reconstruction plate and 88.2% for percutaneous sacroiliac screws. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical effect of the two methods is similar in treatment of Tile C pattern posterior pelvic ring fracture. However, the percutaneous reconstruction plate has lower risk of damaging nerves and blood vessels than the percutaneous sacroiliac screws. Moreover, intraoperative fluoroscopy is rarely performed.

Spinal trauma in mainland China from 2001 to 2007: an epidemiological study based on a nationwide database.

STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiological study. OBJECTIVE: To determine the epidemiological characteristics of spinal trauma in Mainland China. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: To date, a large-scale epidemiological analysis of spinal trauma in Mainland China has not been undertaken. METHODS: Data were acquired from Chinese Database of Traumas. Patients with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) coding of 805.x and 806.x (spinal column fracture with and without spinal cord injury) from 2001 to 2007 were identified. Variables assessed included patient demographics, etiology, segmental distribution, and outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 82,720 patients with spinal trauma were identified, accounting for 4.58% of all trauma patients in the study period. Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) and fracture-dislocations accounted for 16.87% and 7.17% of spinal trauma and 0.74% and 0.32% of all traumas in the same period, respectively. The male-to-female ratio was 2.33:1. About 79.32% of spinal trauma occurred in patients between 20 and 60 years of age. There was an annual increase in incidence during the study period. A total of 64,630 patients (78.13%) had a definitive cause, with motor vehicle accidents identified as the leading etiological factor (33.61%), followed by high falls (31.25%) and trivial falls (23.23%). Lumbar spine was most frequently involved (56.09%), followed by thoracic spine (23.77%), cervical spine (17.75%), and sacrococcygeal vertebrae (2.39%). Fracture-dislocation occurred most frequently in the cervical and lumbar spines, whereas spinal cord injury occurred most frequently in the cervical and thoracic spines. Children younger than 10 years of age were prone to cervical spine injury, whereas adults older than 60 years were more prone to osteoporotic thoracic and lumbar fractures. Overall rate of conservative treatment (55.88%) was higher than that of operative treatment (44.12%). Overall combined cure and improvement rates exceeded 90%. The male mortality rate was twice that of the female population. Lumbar spine injury was the most curable, whereas cervical spine injury was associated with the worst prognosis and the highest medical costs. CONCLUSION: This is the first large-scale epidemiological study of spinal injury in Mainland China. The results obtained have important implications for future public health care planning, public safety, and resource allocation.

[Effects of ribonuclease inhibitor on apoptosis and invasion of human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells].

AIM: RI gene is transfected into human breast cell line MDA-MB-231 which is relatively hypo-expression RI gene. To investigate how RI gene affect the cell apoptosis and invasion of MDA-MB-231. METHODS: (1) A recombinate pLNCX-RI and an empty pLNCX were transferred into MDA-MB-231 cells by using Lipofectamin(TM) 2000. After transfection, positive clones were screened with G418 and expanded by culture. RT-PCR and Western blot methods were used to analyze expression of RI mRNA and protein in MDA-MB-231 cells before and after transfection. (2) Transwell test, FCM test were used to search for the effects of RI expression on transfected cells apoptosis and invasion. (3)To study preliminarily the related mechanism by which RI induced breast cancer cell apoptosis, the mRNA and protein expression of survivin in MDA-MB-231 cells were examined by RT-PCR and Western blot, and protein expression of Caspase-3 in MDA-MB-231cells were examined by Western blot. (4) To investigate preliminarily the mechanism by which RI inhibited breast cancer cell invasion, the mRNA and protein expression of CD24 in MDA-MB-231 cells were examined by RT-PCR and Western blot. RESULTS: (1) The RI gene was transfected successfully to MDA-MB-231 by using LipofectamineTM2000, the subclone cell lines MDA-MB-231/pLNCX-RI which highly expressed RI were successfully selected. (2) Compared with MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-231/pLNCX cells, the results of FCM and transwell in MDA-MB-231/pLNCX-RI cells indicated: the percentage of cell apoptosis were obviously increased(P<0.01), penetrating membrane cells were decreased(P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of Survivin were degraded, and Caspase-3 was activated in MDA-MB-231/pLNCX-RI cells(P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of CD24 were degraded in MDA-MB-231/pLNCX-RI cells(P<0.01). CONCLUSION: (1) Exogenous RI expression may promote apoptosis in human breast cells MDA-MB-231 by inhibiting the expression of Survivin and activating caspase-3.(2) Exogenous RI expression may inhibit invasion in MDA-MB-231 by inhibiting expression of CD24.

Comparative analysis of characteristics and risk factors of traffic injury in aged people from urban and rural areas in Chongqing.

OBJECTIVE: To study the epidemiologic characteristics of traffic injuries among people over 60 years old in the Nan'an district (urban) and Jiangjin district (rural) of Chongqing, and to discuss the corresponding strategies for its prevention and cure. METHODS: Records of traffic injuries in people over 60 years old registered by the traffic police between 2000 and 2006 in Nan'an district and Jiangjin district were collected in the Database of Road Traffic Accidents and Traffic Injuries. Epidemiologic characteristics of traffic injuries among the aged people were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: Between the year 2000 and 2006, the average annual incidence of traffic injuries and mortality rate in the aged people in Nan'an district were 124.62/100 000 and 13.85/ 100 000 respectively, higher than that in Jiangjin district (27.49/ 100 000, 7.13/100 000, P less than 0.01). However, the mortality rate for the aged people who were involved in traffic injuries in Jiangjin district was 20.60%, higher than that in Nan'an district (10.00%, P less than 0.01). Head injury was the primary cause of death. Totally 76.58% of casualties were pede-strians. Over 90% of the traffic accidents occurred in the areas with no traffic signal or traffic control system. CONCLUSIONS: The traffic environment is unfavorable to the aged people. It is important to enhance traffic safety consciousness of drivers and the elderly and to strengthen traffic safety system and traffic law, so as to provide a safe road traffic environment for the aged people.

[Prevalence and mortality of severe chest trauma in Three Gorges Area of China].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the epidemiological features of severe chest trauma (SCT) and investigate the risk factor of its mortality in the Three Gorges Area of China. METHODS: The clinical data of 1834 SCT patients who were admitted in three hospitals in this area from January 1990 to December 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. Th epidemiological features of SCT were analyzed using a database. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to analyze 15 possible risk factors affecting mortality. RESULTS: The morbidity rates of blunt trauma (68.5% vs. 74.7%,p=0.006) and sharp instrument injury (12.2% vs. 15.9%,p=0.039) showed significant differences before and after 2000. The pre-hospital time [(3.45±2.38)h vs. (2.20±4.39)h,p<0.01] and transfer rate (32.39% vs. 36.80%,p=0.01) significantly improved. The thoracic Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS)(3.56±0.71vs. 3.43±0.58,p<0.01)score and Revised Trauma Score (RTS)(7.14±2.18 vs. 6.93±1.07,p<0.01) significantly increased. Treatment for pulmonary infection (12.63±4.79 vs. 17.16±6.41,p=0.019) and hemorrhagic shock (2.4±0.75 vs. 3.4±1.34,p=0.008 )was significantly improved. The leading cause of death was hypovolemic shock (59.41%). The independent rik factors of death among these SCT patients included: hemorrhagic shock (B=1.710,OR=1.291,p=0.001), multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (B=3.453,OR=1.028,p<0.001), pulmonary infection(B=2.396,OR=10.941,p<0.001), abdominal organ injury(B=1.542,OR=1.210,p=0.005), and thorax AIS(B=0.487,OR=1.622,p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of SCT shows an increasing trend in the Three Gorges Area in recent years, but with a decreased rate of complications and improved treatment. Age, complications, thorax AIS, and GCS are useful prognostic indicators.

High-dose glucocorticoids induce decreases calcium in hypothalamus neurons via plasma membrane Ca(2+) pumps.

In our previous studies, we occasionally found that high-dose glucocorticoids (GC) induced decrease in [Ca(2+)](i) in hypothalamus neurons. In previous articles, modulation of Ca(2+) channels by GC has been shown to contribute to the elementary regulation of several neuronal functions. However, little is known about the regulation of the Ca efflux pathways that counterbalance the Ca(2+) influx in neurons caused by high-dose GC. In this study, we demonstrate that a high-dose of GC (10 M dexamethasone) caused a 20% decrease in [Ca(2+)](i) within 2 s in cultured hypothalamic neurons; furthermore, we show that an antagonist of the GC receptor blocks this action. To ascertain the temporal sequence of relevant calcium transport mechanisms we selectively blocked the main calcium transporters, including sodium/calcium exchanger (NCX), plasma membrane calcium pumps (PMCA), and P-type Ca(2+)-ATPases of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SERCA). The GC-induced [Ca(2+)](i) decrease disappeared completely when PMCA was blocked, but not when NCX and SERCA were blocked. These results suggest that high-dose GC (10(-6) M) rapidly decreases [Ca(2+)](i) by activating PMCA but not NCX or SERCA.

[The variation trend of fluorescence characteristics of DOM in the acetophenone degradation process by electro-Fenton].

In the acetophenone degradation process by electro-Fenton, the variation trend of fluorescence characteristics of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in acetophenone synthetic wastewater was detected by excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectra. The fluorescence spectra characteristics of acetophenone were studied, and the fitting line of fluorescence intensity and acetophenone removal efficiency was discussed in detail. The results show that the locations of the two fluorescence centers of acetophenone synthetic wastewater are at lambda(Ex/Em) = 270/305 nm (Peak A) and lambda(Ex/Em) = 215/305 nm (Peak B), respectively, and the ratio of Peak A/Peak B is 1.22. In the electro-Fenton treatment process, firstly, acetophenone was decomposed into unsaturated fatty acid which had stronger fluorescence intensity, further, it was degraded into short-chain small molecular compounds which have weaker fluorescence intensity. Therefore, the fluorescence intensity of synthetic wastewater was increased at first and decreased afterwards in the entire 180 min electro-Fenton treatment process. The two-dimensional fluorescence peak at 285-375 nm of emission wavelength (at lambda(Ex) = 250 nm) had a good linear relationship with the removal efficiency of acetophenone, therefore, it could reflect effectively the removal efficiency of acetophenone in the whole electro-Fenton treatment process.

[Comparative study of protein markers in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from patients with lung cancer by surface-enhanced laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry].

OBJECTIVE: To detect the protein markers in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of the patients with lung cancer by surface-enhanced laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS) technology, and to explore if they can be used as markers for the diagnosis of lung cancer. METHODS: SELDI-TOF-MS technology and protein chips weak cation exchange (WCX-2 chip) were used to detect the protein mass spectrum in serum and BALF of 35 patients with lung cancer and 18 cases of benign pulmonary diseases. The different protein markers were analyzed by Biomarker Pattern Software and the initial diagnosis models were set up. The diagnosis models were verified further by blind screen to confirm the efficacy of diagnosis. RESULTS: Five protein peaks in the sera of the patients with lung cancer were significantly higher (P < 0.05). The protein peak with a mass/charge ratio (M/Z) of 5639 was selected to establish the classification tree model. The sensitivity of diagnosis was 80% (28/35) and the specificity was 78% (14/18). The results verified by blind screen showed a sensitivity of 85% (17/20), a specificity of 90% (9/10), a crude accuracy (CA) of 87% (26/30) and Youden's index (γ) of 0.7. Eight protein peaks in the BALF of the patients with lung cancer were significantly higher (P < 0.05). The different protein peaks with M/Z of 7976 and 11 809 respectively were selected to establish the classification tree model. The sensitivity of diagnosis was 86% (30/35) and the specificity was 72% (13/18). The results verified by blind screen showed a sensitivity of 90% (18/20), a specificity of 90% (9/10), a CA of 90% (27/30) and γ of 0.8. There was a complementary role in combination of differential proteins in serum and BALF and the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of diagnosis for lung cancer were 100% by parallel test. CONCLUSIONS: The SELDI-TOF-MS technology can screen out the differential protein markers in serum and BALF of the patients with lung cancer, which show high sensitivity and specificity as tumor markers. The differential proteins in the BALF may be more promising for clinical application.

[The study of differential proteins in patients with peripheral lung cancer by surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass technology].

OBJECTIVE: To scan the protein mass spectra in the sera and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from patients with peripheral lung cancer, screen out the differential proteins, and explore the clinical significance of the differential proteins. METHODS: SELDI-TOF-MS was used to detect the protein mass spectra and to screen out the differential proteins in the sera and BALF collected before and after lung biopsy in 20 patients with peripheral lung cancer and 20 patients with benign pulmonary diseases. The differential proteins were analyzed and the initial diagnostic models were set up. RESULTS: (1) There were 6 differential protein peaks in the sera of the 2 groups (P < 0.05). The protein with a mass/charge ratio (M/Z) of 6637 was selected to establish the diagnostic model. The sensitivity of diagnosing peripheral lung cancer was 70% (14/20), the specificity 90% (18/20), the accuracy 80% (32/40), the positive predictive value (PV+) 88% (14/16), the negative predictive value (PV-) 75% (18/24), and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.73. (2) There were 11 differential protein peaks in the BALF collected before lung cancer biopsy of the 2 groups (P < 0.05). The protein with a M/Z of 7982 was selected to establish the diagnostic model. The sensitivity of diagnosing peripheral lung cancer was 85% (17/20), the specificity 90% (18/20), the accuracy 88% (35/40), the PV+ 89% (17/19), the PV- 86% (18/21), and the AUC was 0.94. (3) There were 14 differential protein peaks in the BALF collected after lung cancer biopsy of the 2 groups (P < 0.05). The protein with a M/Z of 7671 was selected to establish the diagnostic model. The sensitivity of diagnosing peripheral lung cancer was 85% (17/20), the specificity 100% (20/20), the accuracy 93% (37/40), the PV+ 100% (17/17), the PV- 87% (20/23), and the AUC was 0.93. CONCLUSIONS: There were more differential proteins in BALF as compared with sera. There were more differential proteins in the BALF collected after lung biopsy as compared to that before lung biopsy. The AUC of the diagnostic models set up by proteins in BALF collected before and after lung biopsy were all above 0.9 and showed higher efficiency for the diagnosis of peripheral lung cancer as compared to proteins in sera. These differential proteins may be better tumor markers for the diagnosis of peripheral lung cancer at the early stage.

X-ray observation on how axial compression stimulates tibial fracture healing.

OBJECTIVE: To validate the hypothesis that there exists an optimal axial compression stress range to enhance tibial fracture healing. METHODS: Rabbits with a surgically induced V-shaped tibial fracture were separated into 2 main groups: the control group (C Group, n equal to 6) without application of any axial compression stress stimulation postoperatively and the stimulation group (S Group, n equal to 90). The S Group was further divided into 20 subgroups (S11 to S54) in terms of 5 axial compression stress stimulation levels (112.8 kPa, 289.8 kPa, 396.5 kPa, 472.7 kPa, and 602.3 kPa) and 4 experimental endpoints (1, 3, 5 and 8 weeks after operation). A custom made circular external fixator was used to provide the axial compression stress of the fracture sites. Based on X-ray observation, a fracture healing scoring system was created to evaluate the fracture healing process. RESULTS: At 8 weeks after operation, there existed a "arch shape" relationship between healing score and axial compression stress stimulation level of fracture site. The optimal axial compression stress stimulation ranged from 289.8 kPa to 472.7 kPa, accompanying the best fracture healing, i.e. the fracture line became indistinct or almost disappeared, and a lot of callus jointed the two fracture ends. Meanwhile, at 5 weeks after operation, corresponding to the relatively low healing scores, there was a fracture healing performance similar to that at 8 weeks. Besides, at 1 or 3 weeks after operation, for all the axial compression stress levels (0-602.3 kPa), no obvious healing effect was found. CONCLUSIONS: It is implied from the stated X-ray observation results in this study that the potential optimal axial compression stress stimulation and optimal fracture healing time are available. The axial compression stress level of 289.8-472.7 kPa and fracture healing time of more than 8 weeks jointly comprise the optimal axial compression stress stimulation conditions to enhance tibial fracture healing.