[Effects of repeated ultrasound on expression of NR1, NR2B subunit of NMDA receptor and synaptic structure in prenatal rats].

Objective: To explore the effects of different doses of repeated ultrasound on the expressions of NR1 and NR2B subunits of NMDA receptor and synaptic structure so as to understand the molecular mechanisms of ultrasound on learning and memory in prenatal rats.

Methods: The pregnant rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 8, each) and exposed to ultrasound for 0, 4 and 20 minutes at Days 6, 12 and 18 of gestation respectively. Their offspring were tested by Morris water maze (MWM) for evaluating the learning and memory abilities at an age of 2 months.

The phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor Ro 20-1724 reverses learning and memory impairments, and downregulation of CREB in the hippocampus and cortex induced by ketamine anesthesia in immature rats.

Aim: The objective of the study was to examine the effects and possible mechanisms of phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor Ro 20-1724 on learning and memory impairments induced by ketamine anesthesia. Further, expression the cAMP response element binding proteins (CREB), transcription factors involved in long-term memory, were analyzed in conjunction with these effects of Ro 20-1724.

Methods: Ninety-six immature (21-day-old) Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into eight groups.

A stress-induced cellular aging model with postnatal neural stem cells.

Aging refers to the physical and functional decline of the tissues over time that often leads to age-related degenerative diseases. Accumulating evidence implicates that the senescence of neural stem cells (NSCs) is of paramount importance to the aging of central neural system (CNS). However, exploration of the underlying molecular mechanisms has been hindered by the lack of proper aging models to allow the mechanistic examination within a reasonable time window.

[Effects of neural stem cells transplanted into an animal model of Alzheimer disease on Aβ plaques].

Objective: To explore the effects on Aβ plaques of neural stem cells transplanted into an Alzheimer disease mouse model.

Methods: A total of twenty 12-months-old APP+PS1 double transgenic AD mice were randomly divided into two groups.One group received neural stem cells transplantation, that was NSC group, another mice received an equal quantity 0.

[Effect of Qingyi Decoction on gene expression profiles of severe acute pancreatitis rats by gene chip technique].

Objective: To investigate the effect of Qingyi Decoction (QYD) on pancreatic gene expression profiles in rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).

Methods: Totally 60 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into the sham-operation group (SO group), the SAP group, and the QYD group, 20 in each group. SAP model was replicated by the pancreatic duct retrograde injection with 4% sodium taurocholate.

Association of LRP5 gene polymorphism with type 2 diabetes mellitus and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

This study was to explore the association of low-density lipoprotein receptor related protein 5 (LRP5) gene polymorphism with bone mineral density (BMD), bone turnover markers and glycometabolism in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and/or osteoporosis (OP) in Shanghai. 354 unrelated Han Chinese post-menopausal women were recruited from Shanghai and divided into 4 groups: OP group (n=90), T2DM group (n=96), T2DM + OP group (n=90) and control group (n=78). The LRP5 genotypes were determined by DNA sequencing.

A new surgery for recurrent or persist stress urinary incontinence in females after primary mid-urethral slings.

Objective: To retrospectively evaluate the efficacy of a new complementary mid-urethral sling surgery (Tong's hammock anterior, THA) in treatment of recurrent or persist stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in females after primary synthetic mid-urethral slings (MUSs).

Methods: THA was performed in 27 females with recurrent or persist SUI after primary MUSs from June 2005 and July 2010. These patients were followed up for one year, and clinical data including main complaints, operation duration, blood loss, efficacy and complications were reviewed.

Two novel mutations in the DSRAD gene in two Chinese pedigrees with dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria.

Background: Dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria (DSH) is a highly penetrant autosomal dominant cutaneous disorder characterized by a mixture of hyperpigmented and hypopigmented macules localized on the back of the extremities. Genetic studies have identified pathogenic mutations in the double-stranded RNA-specific adenosine deaminase (DSRAD) gene as responsible for this disorder.

Objectives: To identify additional gene mutations of DSRAD in patients with DSH.

Association between the g.296596G > A genetic variant of RELN gene and susceptibility to autism in a Chinese Han population.

Autism is a childhood neuro-developmental disorder, and Reelin (RELN) is an important candidate gene for influencing autism. This study aimed at investigating the influence of genetic variants of the RELN gene on autism susceptibility. In this study, 205 autism patients and 210 healthy controls were recruited and the genetic variants of the RELN gene were genotyped by the created restriction site-polymerase chain reaction (CRS-PCR) method.

Cardiac-specific Traf2 overexpression enhances cardiac hypertrophy through activating AKT/GSK3β signaling.

Tumor necrosis factor superfamily ligands provoke a dilated cardiac phenotype signal through a common scaffolding protein termed tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 2 (Traf2); however, Traf2 signaling in the adult mammalian cardiac hypertrophy is not fully understood. This study was aimed to identify the effect of Traf2 on cardiac hypertrophy and the underlying mechanisms. A significant up-regulation of Traf2 expression was observed in mice failing hearts.

VEGFR, RET, and RAF/MEK/ERK pathway take part in the inhibition of osteosarcoma MG63 cells with sorafenib treatment.

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the leading primary malignant bone tumor in children and young adults. It is response for a high mortality rate. Nowadays, few researches have been performed on sorafenib against OS and no tools are available to guide the use of sorafenib in the OS treatment.

[Diagnosis and treatment of yolk sac tumor of the testis with hydrocele in children: report of 7 cases].

Objective: To study the clinical characteristics of yolk sac tumor of the testis with concomitant testicular hydrocele in children and the association between the two conditions in order to improve the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 7 cases of stage-I yolk sac tumor of the testis with concomitant testicular hydrocele. The patients ranged in age from 6 to 14 (mean 11) months.

[Mechanisms of antimicrobial peptide LL-37 in macrophage-promoted ovarian cancer cell proliferation].

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of macrophages in promotion of ovarian tumor cell proliferation mediated by over-expression of antimicrobial peptide LL-37.

Methods: To co-culture ovarian tumor cells SKOV3, 3AO and HO-8910 with macrophages. The Transwell(®) inserts system was used in the co-culture model.

Optical coherence tomography reveals a non-spasm pseudo-coronary artery stenosis: a case report and review of literature.

We described a case of angiographic stenosis that was highly suitable for stenting and it remained even after repeated intracoronary administration of nitroglycerin. However, optical coherence tomography showed the stenosis disappeared and the artery wall was smooth. It was therefore speculated that this was a just non-spasm pseudo-coronary artery stenosis.

Correlation between microalbuminuria and cardiovascular events.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between microalbuminuria (MAU) and cardiovascular events.

Methods: A total of 1259 hospitalized patients who received urinary albumin detection were recruited from Tongji Hospital of Tongji University in 2012. They were divided into two groups according to the level of urinary albumin: normal albuminuria (NAU) group (n=907) and MAU group (n=352).

A new type of aortic valved stent with good stability and no influence on coronary artery.

Background: To evaluated the feasibility and safety of new aortic valved stents in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) using retrograde approach by in vitro testing and animal implantation.

Materials And Methods: The fluid passing test, expanding and releasing tests, static and releasing tests in tube were performed for new valved stents. Transvalvular pressure gradient, effective orifice area, pre-implantation and post-implantation regurgitant volume for the new stents were detected.

Functional modules analysis based on coexpression network in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common epithelial, exocrine pancreatic malignancy, accounting for more than 80 % of the malignant neoplasms of the pancreas. Although the molecular basis of pancreatic cancer is now better understood than ever before, there remains a long distance from being completely understood. In this study, we identified the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in PDAC tissue compared with normal tissue and constructed a co-expression network by computing the pairwise correlation coefficient between the DEGs.

Nanocomposite-siRNA approach for down-regulation of VEGF and its receptor in myeloid leukemia cells.

Background: Efficient modulation of aberrant vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor-1 (Flt-1) expressions have become a potential therapeutic strategy for hematologic malignancies including myeloid leukemia. In this study, we explored the safety and efficacy of chitosan nanoparticle siRNA-VEGF and Flt-1 in leukemic U973 cells.

Methods: Cell transfection efficiencies were analyzed by fluorescence microscope, quantitative Real Time PCR; cell growth inhibitory rates were analyzed by CCK-8 assays and flow cytometry.

Relationship of serum homocysteine level with nutritional status and HbA1c level in elderly inpatients.

Background: Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for vascular diseases. This study aimed to investigate the serum total homocysteine (tHcy) level and nutritional status in elderly inpatients and determine the relationship between tHcy level and nutritional status.

Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in the Tongji hospital, and 142 subjects were consecutively recruited.

Expression changes of ionic channels in early phase of cultured rat atrial myocytes induced by rapid pacing.

Background: Recent studies have demonstrated that atrial electrical remodeling was an important contributing factor for the occurrence, persistence and maintenance of atrial fibrillation. The expression changes of ionic channels, especially L-type calcium channel and potassium channel Kv4.3, were the important molecular mechanism of atrial electrical remodeling.

Risk factors for pulmonary complications following cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.

Background: Pulmonary complications following cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) are often associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, few reports have focused on evaluating intra- and post-operative independent risk factors for pulmonary complications following cardiac surgery with CPB. This study aimed to evaluate peri-operative independent risk factors for postoperative pulmonary complications through investigating and analyzing 2056 adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB.

[Clinical features and comorbidities of Asperger syndrome in children].

Objective: To investigate and summarize the clinical features and comorbidities of Asperger syndrome (AS) in children and to provide a theoretical basis for improving the understanding and diagnosis of AS.

Methods: Inquiry of medical history, physical examination, behavioral observation, psychiatric examination, questionnaire survey, and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale were used to summarize and analyse the clinical data of 95 children with AS, including chief complaint, symptoms, perinatal and familial conditions, family genetic history, and common comorbidities.

Results: AS was more common in male children, with hyperactivity, inattention, and social withdrawal as frequent chief complaints.

Abnormal intrinsic brain activity in amnestic mild cognitive impairment revealed by amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation: a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study.

Background: Previous studies have shown that brain functional activity in the resting state is impaired in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. However, alterations in intrinsic brain activity patterns in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients are poorly understood. This study aimed to explore the differences in regional intrinsic activities throughout the whole brain between aMCI patients and controls.

The association of matrix metalloproteinase-1 genetic polymorphism (-1607 1G>2G) with colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis.

Several case-control studies on the relation between matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 gene -1607 1G>2G polymorphism and colorectal cancer do not have similar conclusions. The previous two meta-analyses focusing on the same issue also were inconsistent. To further evaluate the relation between the MMP-l gene polymorphism and colorectal cancer, we selected eight case-control studies related to MMP-1 gene polymorphism and colorectal cancer by searching MEDLINE, Embase, CANCERLIT, American Association for Cancer Research, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Chinese CNKI, and Wanfang database.