Association between ErbB3 genetic polymorphisms and coronary artery disease in the Han and Uyghur populations of China.

Background: ErbB3 is a member of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR/ERBB) family of receptor tyrosine kinases. Recent research has shown that amplification of this gene is related to prostate, bladder and breast cancers, as well as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) metabolism. LDL-C plays a considerable role in the development of cardiovascular disease.

Role of multi-mode ultrasound in the diagnosis of level 4 BI-RADS breast lesions and Logistic regression model.

Objective: This study is to investigate the diagnostic role of multi-mode ultrasound in level 4 BI-RADS breast lesions and to establish a Logistic regression model.

Methods: Totally 179 patients with 182 sites of breast lesions were enrolled in this study. Preoperatively, the examinations of routine ultrasonography, elastography, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and three-dimensional color Doppler were performed.

Multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis of Brucella isolates from patients in Xinjiang China.

Objective: This study is to characterize and identify the human Brucella strains in Xinjiang, China with multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat (VNTR) analysis (MLVA) scheme.

Methods: Brucella strains were isolated and cultured from 62 brucellosis patients. The bacteria strains were subjected to the oxidase, catalase, rapid urease, and nitrate reduction tests, and the species identification was performed using the VITEK-2 Compact system.

Cone beam CT for determining breast cancer margin: an initial experience and its comparison with mammography and specimen radiograph.

Purpose: To assess the ability of cone beam CT (CBCT) in determining the breast cancer margin using, to compare the results with mammography and specimen radiography, and to explore the clinical potential of CBCT for breast imaging.

Methods: Specimens of 46 breast cancer patients were imaged by using a prototype CBCT system. Each patient underwent mammography, CBCT and X-ray of breast surgical specimen within 6 months.

Mild cognitive impairment risk factor survey of the Xinjiang Uyghur and Han elderly.

To understand risk factors of the Xinjiang Uyghur, Han two ethnic elderly with mild cognitive impairment (mild cognitive impairment, MCI), and provide evidence for in-depth study of the causes and prevention of MCI. The MCI epidemiological survey was based on Xinjiang Uyghur and Han residents with 60 years of age or older. The total number of participants is 5398, including 3931 Uyghur residents, and 1467 Han residents.

Effect of nucleoprotein factor-kB (NF-κB) in endothelial cells during high blood flow-associated pulmonary vascular remodeling on vasoactive substances adrenomedullin and prostacyclin.

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of nucleoprotein factor-kB (NF-κB) on the production and secretion of vasoactive substances adrenomedullin (ADM) and prostacyclin (PGI2) by endothelial cells in a high blood flow, pulmonary hypertension in vivo model. Fifty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: 15 rats received shunt surgery (Tn group); 15 rats received shunt surgery + NF-κB inhibitor [pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC)] (Ti group); 10 rats received sham surgery (Co group); and 10 rats were negative controls (Cn group). A left to right shunt pulmonary hypertension model was established in groups Tn and Ti.

Relationships between genetic polymorphisms of E670G in PCSK9 gene and coronary artery disease: a meta-analysis.

Objective: Proprotein convertase subtilisin-like kexin type 9 (PCSK9) gene E670G Polymorphism has been reported to be associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) and risk factors. However, the results remain controversial. We sought to perform a meta-analysis to investigate the relationships between genetic polymorphisms of E670G in PCSK9 gene and the risk of CAD.

Rapid prototyping for tissue-engineered bone scaffold by 3D printing and biocompatibility study.

The prototyping of tissue-engineered bone scaffold (calcined goat spongy bone-biphasic ceramic composite/PVA gel) by 3D printing was performed, and the biocompatibility of the fabricated bone scaffold was studied. Pre-designed STL file was imported into the GXYZ303010-XYLE 3D printing system, and the tissue-engineered bone scaffold was fabricated by 3D printing using gel extrusion. Rabbit bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) were cultured in vitro and then inoculated to the sterilized bone scaffold obtained by 3D printing.

Correlation between polymorphism of FTO gene and type 2 diabetes mellitus in Uygur people from northwest China.

Background: To explore the correlation between FTO (fat mass and obesity associated) gene, which is associated with 3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of fat mass and obesity, type 2 diabetes and body mass index (BMI) in the Uygur population in northwest China.

Methods: A total of 849 Uygur patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were selected from the hospitalized patients in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, the First People's Hospital of Kashi and the hospitals in the Turpan areas. At the same time, 873 cases of healthy persons who conducted a medical checkup in the physical examination centre of the above hospitals were enrolled as controls.

Association of COX-2 -765G>C genetic polymorphism with coronary artery disease: a meta-analysis.

Background: Previous studies suggested the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of COX-2 -765G>C (rs20417) is associated with coronary artery disease (CAD), but the results were conflicting. In order to derive a more precise estimation of the associations, we performed a meta-analysis of the relationship between rs20417 and CAD in all published studies.

Method: Databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Wanfang, SinoMed and CNKI were systematically searched.

Simultaneous detection of peripheral mononuclear cell and plasma tissue factor expression for prevention and treatment of ischemic cardiocerebrovascular diseases.

Objectives: This study aimed to simultaneously observe the expression of mononuclear cells (Mo) and plasma tissue factor (TF) in patients with ischemic cardiocerebrovascular diseases during the stage of acute onset and after the following three weeks and three months for exploration of the clinical implications concerned.

Methods: MoTF mRNA and plasma TF antigen (TFAg) from 76 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) together with 46 patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and 61 healthy controls were quantitated respectively through RT-PCR and ELISA.

Results: Compared with the results in the control group, the level of MoTFmRNA and plasma TF in the other groups increased simultaneously and dramatically in the acute stage, which showed a good correlation among the groups (P<0.

The influence of cardiac autonomic nerve plexus on the electrophysiological properties in canines with atrial fibrillation.

Background: This study sought to examine the effect of the cardiac autonomic nerve plexus, which originates from the vagus nerve trunk, on atrial vulnerability.

Methods: Dogs in group I (n = 6) underwent ganglionated plexi (GP) sequential ablation following six hours of left atrial appendage rapid atrial pacing (RAP). The monophasic action potential duration at 90% of repolarization (APD90), effective refractory period (ERP), and the atrial fibrillation inducing rate of bilateral atria and pulmonary veins were recorded at baseline, l h, 3 h and 6 h after pacing, as well as after sequential ablation (RAGP + RIGP ablation, LSGP + RIGP ablation).

Protective effects of calcitriol on diabetic nephropathy are mediated by down regulation of TGF-β1 and CIP4 in diabetic nephropathy rat.

Objective: To explore the protective effects of calcitriol on diabetic nephropathy by modulating the expressions of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) and Cdc42 interacting protein-4 (CIP4).

Methods: Streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy rats (n=36) were randomly divided into control group (control-H, control-M, control-L) and calcitriol group (calcitriol-H, calcitriol-M, calcitriol-L). The expression of TGF-β1 gradually decreased in control-H, control-M and control-L subgroups by injection of different virus vectors.

Cystic echinococcosis accompanied by hepatocellular carcinoma in a female herdsman.

Human cystic echinococcosis is a zoonosis caused by the larval cestode Echinococcus granulosus. Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common types of cancer in the whole world including China. A few reports about cystic echinococcosis concurrent with hepatocellular carcinoma were noted until now.

Polymorphisms of COL4A1 gene are associated with arterial pulse wave velocity in healthy Han Chinese and Uygur subjects.

Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a noninvasive index of arterial stiffness and an independent predictor of cardiovascular outcomes. Type IV collagen is an important structural component of the vascular basement membrane, thus it is important for the integrity and functions of basement membrane. However, the relationship between genetic polymorphisms of COL4A1 gene and PWV in healthy Han Chinese and Uygur subjects remains unclear.

Application of the myocardial tissue/silicon substrate microelectrode array technology on detecting the effection of Zhigancao Decoction medicated serum on cardiac electrophysiology.

Background: Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that the total extract of Zhigancao Decoction, either as a single active compound or in combination, can inhibit arrhythmia. In this study, the myocardial tissue/silicon substrate microelectrode array (MEA) was used to detect the Zhigancao Decoction medicated serum of the New Zealand white rabbits right atrial appendage after rapid right atrium pacing (RAP).

Methods: New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into four groups, with eight rabbits per group.

Polymorphisms of interleukin-10 genes on the risk of ischemic stroke in a meta-analysis.

Background: Previous studies have investigated the associations between polymorphisms of interleukin-10 (IL-10) gene and risk of ischemic stroke (IS). However, the results were inconsistent. The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between IL-10 polymorphisms and IS risk by a meta-analysis approach.

Relationship between vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism and mild cognitive impairment in elderly Uygur people.

To explore the relationship between vitamin D receptor gene (ApaI, BsmI) genotypes and allele frequency and mild cognitive impairment in Xinjiang Uygur population. The polymorphisms of the VDR genotypes (ApaI and BsmI) were analyzed by Snapshot method in 124 MCI patients and 124 controls. A allele of ApaI gene increased the risk of MCI [OR = 1.

Expression and prognostic value of estrogen receptor beta in breast cancer patients.

This study is to determine the expression of estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) in breast cancer patients and to evaluate its relationship with clinicopathological parameters of breast cancer and its effects on the prognosis of breast cancer patients. Paraffin-embedded primary tumor tissue sections from 490 breast cancer patients were collected consecutively from January 2000 to December 2010. They had complete clinical data and follow-up records.

Relationship between expression of toll-like receptors 2/4 in dendritic cells and chronic hepatitis B virus infection.

Objective: This study is to explore the relationship between the chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and the expressions of toll-like receptor 2/4 (TLR2/4) in peripheral blood dendritic cells (DCs), to find out the immunological significance of TLR2/4 in HBV progression.

Methods: Patients had been divided into the HBV, HBV-related liver cirrhosis (HBV-LC), and HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC) groups. Healthy individuals served as normal controls (NC).

Identification, expression and phylogenetic analysis of EgG1Y162 from Echinococcus granulosus.

Objective: This study was to clone, identify and analyze the characteristics of egG1Y162 gene from Echinococcus granulosus.

Methods: Genomic DNA and total RNAs were extracted from four different developmental stages of protoscolex, germinal layer, adult and egg of Echinococcus granulosus, respectively. Fluorescent quantitative PCR was used for analyzing the expression of egG1Y162 gene.

Prokaryotic expression and identification of B- and T-cell combined epitopes of Em95 antigen of Echinococcus multilocularis.

Objective: This study is to clone and identify B- and T-cell combined epitopes from Em95 antigen.

Methods: The B- and T-cell combined epitopes were predicted using bioinformatic software. Two DNA sequences of Em95-1 (which contained the coding region of one B- and T-cell combined epitope) and Em95-2 (which contained the coding regions of two B- and T-cell combined epitopes) were amplified by PCR.

Effects of vitamin D on renal fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy model rats.

This study is to investigate the effects of vitamin D on renal fibrosis in rat diabetic nephropathy models, as well as the changes and interactions in the expressions of renal fibrogenesis- and inflammation-related genes. Rat diabetic nephropathy models were established by high-fat diets, which were subjected to TGF-β1 manipulation, as well as vitamin D treatment. H&E staining, Masson staining, and TEM detection were performed to assess the effects of vitamin D treatment and/or TGF-β1 manipulation on pathological changes in the renal tissues in these rat diabetic nephropathy models.