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ObjectiveTo explore the effect of Wuzhishan Callicarpa nudiflora （LHZZ） on the sensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma （NPC） cells to cisplatin （DDP） and the mechanism. MethodCell counting kit-8 （CCK-8） assay was used to detect the survival rate of NPC HNE1 cells after treatment with different concentration of DDP （0，2，4，8，16，32 mg·L-1） and different concentration of LHZZ （0，25，50，75，100 mg·L-1）. The following groups were designed： control group （normal HNE1 cells），DDP group （8 mg·L-1 DDP，24 h），LHZZ group （50 mg·L-1 LHZZ，24 h），DDP + LHZZ group （8 mg·L-1 DDP + 50 mg·L-1 LHZZ，24 h），DDP + LHZZ + nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 （Nrf2） activator sulforaphane （SFN） group （8 mg·L-1 DDP + 50 mg·L-1 LHZZ，24 h， 10 μmol·L-1 SFN，24 h）. Then CCK-8 assay was employed to examine cell survival rate，colony formation test the colony-forming ability，flow cytometry and in situ terminal end-labeling（TUNEL） staining cell apoptosis，fluorescent probe 2'，7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate （DCFH-DA） the level of reactive oxygen species （ROS） in cultured cells，Western blot the expression of apoptosis-related proteins in cells，such as B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 （Bcl-2），Bcl-2 associated X protein （Bax），and cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-3 （Caspase-3），and Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） the expression of Nrf2 and antioxidant response element （ARE） mRNA in cells. ResultThe survival rates of cells treated with different concentration of DDP and different concentration of LHZZ decreased compared with that in the control group （P<0.05）. Compared with the DDP group and the LHZZ group，DDP + LHZZ group demonstrated decrease in cell survival rate，number of cell colonies，and Bcl-2 level，and increase in the apoptosis level and the expression of Bax and Caspase-3 （P<0.05）. However，after the addition of SFN，the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway was activated and the above variation was inhibited （P<0.05）. In addition，the level of intracellular ROS in the LHZZ group was lower than that in the control group （P<0.05） and the level in the DDP + LHZZ group was lower than that in the DDP group （P<0.05）. Moreover，the ROS level in the DDP + LHZZ + SFN group was higher than that in the DDP+LHZZ group （P<0.05）. ConclusionLHZZ can enhance the sensitivity of DDP-induced NPC apoptosis，possibly by blocking the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway and inhibiting the level of ROS.
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Objective:To investigate the balance in young adult with scoliosis. Methods:From June to December, 2020, 30 college students with scoliosis in the outpatient department of Rehabilitation Department of Kunming Medical University Hospital were as the patients, and 30 normal peers were as the controls. They were measured with Pro-Kin balance test system to assess the static stability of both feet standing with eyes opened and closed, and the static and dynamic limit of stability (LOS) of both feet standing. Results:The moving distance of center of pressure (COP) on the Y-axis was longer in the patients than in the controls with both eye-opened and eye-closed (t > 2.022, P < 0.05). The static and dynamic LOS was less in the patients than in the controls (t > 3.365, P < 0.01). For static LOS, it was less in all the directions except left-forward and backward (t > 2.410, P < 0.05); for dynamic LOS, it was less in the directions of forward, right, left and left-forward (t > 2.446, P < 0.05). Conclusion:Both static and dynamic balance is deficient for yong adults with scoliosis, which may result in risk of fall.
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Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) is an effective orally administered antibody used to protect against various intestinal pathogens, but which cannot tolerate the acidic gastric environment. In this study, IgY was microencapsulated by alginate (ALG) and coated with chitooligosaccharide (COS). A response surface methodology was used to optimize the formulation, and a simulated gastrointestinal (GI) digestion (SGID) system to evaluate the controlled release of microencapsulated IgY. The microcapsule formulation was optimized as an ALG concentration of 1.56% (15.6 g/L), COS level of 0.61% (6.1 g/L), and IgY/ALG ratio of 62.44% (mass ratio). The microcapsules prepared following this formulation had an encapsulation efficiency of 65.19%, a loading capacity of 33.75%, and an average particle size of 588.75 μm. Under this optimum formulation, the coating of COS provided a less porous and more continuous microstructure by filling the cracks on the surface, and thus the GI release rate of encapsulated IgY was significantly reduced. The release of encapsulated IgY during simulated gastric and intestinal digestion well fitted the zero-order and first-order kinetics functions, respectively. The microcapsule also allowed the IgY to retain 84.37% immune-activity after 4 h simulated GI digestion, significantly higher than that for unprotected IgY (5.33%). This approach could provide an efficient way to preserve IgY and improve its performance in the GI tract.
Subject(s)
Alginic Acid/chemistry , Chitin/chemistry , Chitosan , Delayed-Action Preparations , Digestion , Drug Compounding , Drug Liberation , Gastrointestinal Tract/metabolism , Immunoglobulins/metabolism , OligosaccharidesABSTRACT
Objective To compare the image quality of sinus coronal CT scan before and after the involvement of quality control circle (QCC) to explore QCC's effect.Methods A QCC team was founded in April 2014,in which 10 key steps of QCC activities were executed,and the related data from April to November 2014 were analyzed to determine the effect of QCC on coronary sinus CT examination.Results The rate of excellent film was increased from 69.5％ to 96.3％ after the involvement of QCC,and the desired requirement was met.Conclusion QCC contributes to improving coronary sinus CT examination and enhancing the ability of the members,and thus is worthy promoting clinically.
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Objective To compare the image quality of sinus coronal CT scan before and after the involvement of quality control circle (QCC) to explore QCC's effect.Methods A QCC team was founded in April 2014,in which 10 key steps of QCC activities were executed,and the related data from April to November 2014 were analyzed to determine the effect of QCC on coronary sinus CT examination.Results The rate of excellent film was increased from 69.5％ to 96.3％ after the involvement of QCC,and the desired requirement was met.Conclusion QCC contributes to improving coronary sinus CT examination and enhancing the ability of the members,and thus is worthy promoting clinically.
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The mice models of blood stasis were established by injecting dexamethasone into the intramuscular of side the thigh for successive 15 days, and giving related drugs via an intragastric administration. Firstly, the method of blocking the bilateral common carotid artery (CCA) was used for 10 minutes, and then perfusion restore for 5 days. Secondly, the method of CCA was used for 30 minutes, and then reperfusion for 24 hours. The whole blood viscosity and plasma viscosity, the activity of NOS and ATPase and the level of NOS, and the content of Glu in the ischemic brain were measured. The morphological changes of brain tissue were observed by eosin (HE) staining technique. The results showed that compared with IPC model group the large doses of the flavonoids could reduce the viscosity of whole blood significantly (P<0.01). The small and medium doses of flavonoids could reduce the whole blood viscosity low-shear obviously (P<0.01). The medium doses of flavonoids could reduce the midst-shear obviously (P<0.05). The large and medium dose of flavonoids could significantly improve the ATP activity (P<0.01). The medium dose of flavonoids could improve the Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity significantly (P<0.01). The small dose of flavonoids could improve the Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity obviously (P<0.05). The large doses of flavonoids could reduce the content of gluin the ischemic brain significantly (P<0.01). And the others does of flavonoids could reduce the content of gluin the ischemic brain obviously (P<0.05). The large doses of flavonoids could reduce the activity of TNOS and iNOS significantly (P<0.01). The medium doses of flavonoids could reduce the activity of TNOS and iNOS obviously (P<0.05). The small doses of flavonoids could reduce the activity of iNOS obviously (P<0.05). Total flavonoids could obviously or significantly decrease the whole blood viscosity, the activity of NOS and the content of gluin the ischemic brain, increase the activity of ATPase significantly or obviously, could significantly relieve the degree of pathological injury of brain tissue of animal models.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the viral etiology of human breast cancer to determine whether there are novel molecular targets for gene therapy of breast cancer and provide evidence for the research of gene therapy and vaccine development for breast cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>PCR was used to screen HPV16 and HPV18 oncogenes E6 and E7 in the SKBR3 cell line and in 76 paraffin embedded breast cancer tissue samples. RNA interference was used to knock down the expression of HPV18 E6 and E7 in SKBR3 cells, then the changes in the expression of cell-cycle related proteins, cell viability, colony formation, metastasis, and cell cycle progression were determined.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>HPV18 oncogenes E6 and E7 were amplified and sequenced from the SKBR3 cells. Of the patient samples, 6.58% and 23.68% were tested to be positive for HPV18 E6 and HPV18 E7. In the cell culture models, the knockdown of HPV18 E6 and E7 inhibited the proliferation, metastasis, and cell cycle progression of SKBR3 cell. The knockdown also clearly affected the expression levels of cell cycle related proteins.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>HPV was a contributor to virus caused human breast cancer, suggesting that the oncogenes in HPV were potential targets for gene therapy of breast cancer.</p>
Subject(s)
Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Base Sequence , Breast Neoplasms , Genetics , Therapeutics , Genetic Therapy , Methods , Oncogene Proteins, Viral , Genetics , Metabolism , Papillomaviridae , Physiology , Papillomavirus Infections , Genetics , Therapeutics , Sequence AlignmentABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate how network education can improve college students' knowledge on sexual and reproductive health in Ningbo city.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From December 2012 to June 2013, we conducted a questionnaire investigation among college students in Ningbo city about the effects of network education on their knowledge about sexual psychology, sexual physiology, sexual ethics, and reproductive health.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 7 362 college students accomplished the investigation, of whom 2 483 (42.1% males and 57.9% females) received network education, while the other 4 879 (24.1% males and 75.9% females) did not. Approximately 47.1% of the male and 28.0% of the female students acquired sexual and reproductive knowledge via network education. Reproductive health-related network education significantly enriched the students' knowledge about the reproductive system and sex, pubertal development, sexual physiology, conception and embryonic development, methods of contraception, sexual psychology, sexually transmitted diseases and their prevention, pregnancy care and eugenics, and environment- and occupation-related reproductive health (P < 0.01). It also remarkably improved their cognitive attitude towards reproductive health knowledge (P < 0.01). Those who received reproductive health-related network education showed a significantly higher rate of masturbation (P < 0.01) but markedly later time of the first masturbation (P < 0.01) than those who did not.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Network education can enhance the effect of reproductive health education among college students and improve their sexual experience and health.</p>
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Male , Pregnancy , China , Contraception , Health Education , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Masturbation , Reproduction , Reproductive Health , Sexual Behavior , Physiology , Psychology , Sexually Transmitted Diseases , Students , Surveys and Questionnaires , UniversitiesABSTRACT
In some cases infertile men showed small deletions of specific genes in the Y chromosome. It had been confirmed, these deleted genes are greatly associated with spermatogenic failure. However, the frequency and the patterns of such microdeletions among infertile men are not clearly clarified. We sought to determine the frequency and the patterns of Y chromosome microdeletions in azoospermic and oligozoospermic infertile men in Northeast China, and try to optimize the selection of sequence tagged sites [STSs] of AZF microdeletions in multiplex polymerase chain reaction [PCR]. 720 azoospermic and 330 oligozoospermic infertile men, from Northeast China were included in this retrospective study during May 2008 to November 2012. Semen analysis was performed according to the World Health Organization guidelines. Y chromosome microdeletions were detected by polymerase chain reaction assays. G-banding method was used for chromosome Karyotype analysis. Chi-square tests were used to compare patterns of Y chromosome microdeletions in azoospermic and oligozoospermic patients. Of 1050 infertile men, 12.95% cases had shown Y chromosome microdeletions, and 19.43% of cases showed abnormal chromosomal karyotype. Deletions in AZFc region was the most frequent 75.00%, followed by deletions in AZFb region 13.33%, AZFbc region 09.62%, and AZFa region 2.22%. All oligozoospermic patients showed presence of sY84, sY86, sY127, and sY134. Deletion of sY127 [p=0.0101] and sY157 [p=0.0043] showed significant difference between azoospermic group and oligozoospermic group. Deletions of sY127 may relate to azoospermia while sY84, sY86, sY127 can be ignored in AZF screening for oligozoospermic patients
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the expression and promoter methylation status of p73 gene in ovarian epithelial tumors and their clinicopathological correlations.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Tissue microarrays (TMA) consisting of 68 ovarian cancers, 37 ovarian borderline tumors and 21 ovarian benign tumors were constructed. p73 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry (EnVision method). Fresh-frozen tissue samples from 13 cases of ovarian carcinomas and 5 cases of borderline tumors were evaluated for the presence of p73 promoter methylation using bisulfite sequencing.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Overall, 92.6% (63/68) ovarian carcinomas expressed p73, with a mean value of 32% (percentage of p73 positive cells in the tumor). The mean value of p73 expression rate (40%) in serous carcinoma (26/26) was higher than those of other cancer types (P = 0.006). The mean value of p73 expression rate (40%) in type II ovarian carcinoma was significantly higher than that in type I ovarian carcinoma (24%, P = 0.010). The expression of p73 was not associated with FIGO stage and histological grade (both P > 0.05). The mean values of p73 expression in ovarian borderline tumor (30/37) and benign tumor (12/21) were 16% and 15%, respectively. Of the two groups, the mean value of p73 expression rate in serous type was higher than that in mucous type (P = 0.003, P = 0.026). Ovarian carcinomas had a higher level of p73 expression than borderline tumors and benign tumors (both P < 0.05), while that between ovarian borderline tumors and benign tumors had no statistical difference (P > 0.05). Among serous tumors (49/53), the mean value of p73 expression in the carcinoma group (26/26) was significantly higher than those in the borderline tumor group (12/14) and benign tumor group (11/13; P = 0.024 and P = 0.002, respectively), while that between borderline tumor group and benign tumor group had no statistical difference (P = 0.428). Among mucous tumors (15/27), the mean value of p73 expression in carcinoma group (6/7) was higher than that in benign tumor group (1/8; P = 0.032). No statistical difference of p73 expression was seen between the carcinoma group and ovarian borderline tumor group (8/12) and between the borderline tumor group and benign tumor group (P = 0.234, P = 0.201, respectively). p73 promotor methylation was found in 8 of 13 cases of carcinomas but at different methylation levels with a mean value of 8.0%. Two of 5 ovarian borderline tumors showed detectable p73 promotor methylation with a mean value of 9.0%. Compared with the borderline tumors, ovarian carcinomas showed a similar p73 methylation level (P > 0.05). The p73 methylation level in ovarian carcinomas was not associated with histological type, pathogenetic type, histological grade and FIGO stage (all P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Most of ovarian epithelial tumors express p73 protein with mean values higher in ovarian carcinomas than those in the borderline and benign tumors. Ovarian serous carcinomas have the highest expression level of p73. A simple linear correlation does not exist between the promoter methylation and protein expression of p73.</p>
Subject(s)
Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Cystadenocarcinoma, Mucinous , Metabolism , Pathology , Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous , Metabolism , Pathology , Cystadenofibroma , Metabolism , Pathology , Cystadenoma, Mucinous , Metabolism , Pathology , Cystadenoma, Serous , Metabolism , Pathology , DNA Methylation , DNA-Binding Proteins , Metabolism , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , Immunohistochemistry , Neoplasm Grading , Neoplasm Staging , Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial , Metabolism , Pathology , Nuclear Proteins , Metabolism , Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis , Ovarian Neoplasms , Metabolism , Pathology , Promoter Regions, Genetic , Tumor Protein p73 , Tumor Suppressor Proteins , MetabolismABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To study the morphologic changes of fallopian tubal epithelium in patients with ovarian serous epithelial tumors and to explore the relationship between the tubal epithelial changes and tumorigenesis of serous ovarian carcinoma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The fallopian tubes in 79 cases of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma, 12 cases of low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma, 16 cases of serous borderline ovarian tumor and 11 cases of non-ovarian benign tumors were serially examined under light microscope. Immunohistochemical study with EnVision method was used to detect the expression of p53 and bcl-2 protein in the fallopian tubal epithelium in all cases. The occurrences of secretory cell outgrowth (SCOUT), p53 signature, serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC) and serous invasive carcinoma were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>SCOUT in tubal epithelium was observed in 60.8% (48/79) of the high-grade serous carcinoma group, 4/12 of the low-grade serous carcinoma group, 3/16 of the serous borderline tumor group and 2/11 of the non-ovarian benign tumor group (P = 0.001). P53 signature, STIC and serous invasive carcinoma occurred only in the fallopian tubal epithelium of patients with high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma, with the positive rates being 29.1% (23/79), 15.2% (12/79) and 44.3% (35/79), respectively. Of the 23 cases with p53 signature, 17 cases had solitary lesion and 6 cases involved more than two sites. A total of 33 p53 signature positive foci were found, with 22 foci located at fimbria and 11 at ampulla. Bcl-2 expression was demonstrated in 90.9% of those foci (30/33). Of the 12 patients with STIC, 7 cases were solitary and 5 cases involved more than two sites. A total of 18 STIC foci were found, with 16 foci located at fimbria and 2 at ampulla. All of them were positive for bcl-2.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>SCOUT is found in fallopian tubal epithelium in patients with serous ovarian epithelial tumors, especially high-grade serious carcinoma. On the other hand, p53 signature, STIC and invasive serous carcinoma of tubal epithelium are observed only in patients with high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma, with a predilection of fimbrial involvement. Correlation exists between SCOUT, p53 signature, STIC and high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas. Bcl-2 and p53 immunostaining is helpful for demonstrating such lesions.</p>
Subject(s)
Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Cell Transformation, Neoplastic , Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous , Metabolism , Pathology , Epithelial Cells , Pathology , Epithelium , Pathology , Fallopian Tube Neoplasms , Metabolism , Pathology , Fallopian Tubes , Pathology , Immunohistochemistry , Neoplasm Staging , Ovarian Neoplasms , Metabolism , Pathology , Precancerous Conditions , Metabolism , Pathology , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 , Metabolism , Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 , MetabolismABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the clinicopathologic features and differential diagnosis of perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas) occurring in the urinary system.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinicopathologic features of 21 cases of PEComa from September 2002 to September 2010 occurring in the urinary system were retrospectively reviewed. Immunohistochemical study for HMB 45, S-100 protein, smooth muscle actin, desmin, Melan A and Ki-67 was carried out.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Amongst the 21 cases studied, there were 5 males and 16 females. The age of patients ranged from 16 to 76 years (median = 51.3 years). Twenty cases occurred in the kidney and 1 in the bladder. The predominant histopathologic subtype of renal PEComas was classic type (10/20), followed by epithelioid type (5/20), smooth muscle type (3/20), inflammatory type (1/20) and sclerosing type (1/20). Immunohistochemical study showed that HMB 45 and smooth muscle actin were positive in 95.2% (20/21) and 80.9% (17/21) cases, respectively. Melan A, desmin and S-100 protein were expressed in 71.4% (15/21), 61.9% (13/21) and 33.3% (7/21) cases, respectively. The mean proliferative index was 1.29% (range = 0 to 5%). HMB 45 and Melan A were expressed in all of the 5 cases of epithelioid PEComas, whereas smooth muscle actin and desmin were only expressed in one of them. There was no significant difference between epithelioid PEComas and non-epithelioid PEComas in the expression of HMB 45, Melan A, smooth muscle actin and desmin. Positive staining for HMB 45 and smooth muscle actin was demonstrated in the case of bladder PEComa.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>PEComas of the urinary system predominantly affect the kidney. Epithelioid renal PEComas and bladder PEComa are relatively rare and have unique pathologic features. It is necessary to distinguish PEComas from other malignant tumors. Immunohistochemical study for HMB 45, Melan A and smooth muscle actin is helpful for confirmation of diagnosis.</p>
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Actins , Metabolism , Carcinoma, Renal Cell , Metabolism , Pathology , Desmin , Metabolism , Diagnosis, Differential , Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors , Metabolism , Pathology , Immunohistochemistry , Kidney Neoplasms , Metabolism , Pathology , Leiomyosarcoma , Metabolism , Pathology , MART-1 Antigen , Metabolism , Melanoma , Metabolism , Pathology , Melanoma-Specific Antigens , Metabolism , Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Neoplasms , Metabolism , Pathology , S100 Proteins , Metabolism , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms , Metabolism , PathologyABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the role of p57 and p53 immunohistochemistry in the differential diagnosis of hydropic abortion, partial hydatidiform mole and complete hydatidiform mole.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Immunohistochemical stains (EnVision method) for p57 and p53 were performed in tissue samples of normal placenta chorionic villi (n=10), abortion chorionic villi (n=12), partial hydatidiform (n=23) and complete hydatidiform moles (n=20).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expression of p57 was predominantly localized in the nuclei of villous cytotrophoblasts and stromal cells. The positive rates of p57 in normal placenta, hydropic abortion and partial hydatidiform mole were 10/10, 12/12, and 100% (23/23), respectively, with no significant difference among the groups (P>0.05). However, none of the complete hydatidiform moles analyzed exhibited p57 positivity in cytotrophoblasts and stromal cells. There was a significant difference between partial and complete hydatidiform moles (P<0.05). The expression of p53 was observed in the nuclei of cytotrophoblastic cells and intermediate trophoblasts. No p53 expression was seen in normal placenta and only 1 of 12 hydropic abortion showed p53 positivity. The positive rates of p53 expression in partial and complete hydatidiform mole were 60.9% (14/23) and 85.0% (17/20) respectively. It was significantly higher in partial hydatidiform mole than that in hydropic abortion. A significant difference was also found between partial and complete hydatidiform moles (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Our findings confirm that p57 immunohistochemistry assists the differential diagnosis of complete hydatidiform mole from partial hydatidiform mole. Expression of p53 may be helpful in distinguishing partial hydatidiform mole from hydropic abortion.</p>
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Abortion, Spontaneous , Diagnosis , Metabolism , Pathology , Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p57 , Metabolism , Diagnosis, Differential , Hydatidiform Mole , Diagnosis , Metabolism , Pathology , Immunohistochemistry , Stromal Cells , Metabolism , Trophoblasts , Metabolism , Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 , Metabolism , Uterine Neoplasms , Diagnosis , Metabolism , PathologyABSTRACT
Background The quantitative analysis of the relationship between the vitreous volume with diopter and axial length in high myopic eye can offer a valuable basis for relevant clinical research. However, how to measure the ocular volume in vivo is a problem. Objective This study was to measure the eyeball volumes with magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI) and compare the difference of ocular volume between emmetropic and high-myopic eyes in order to explore the influent factors of changes of eyeball volumes. Methods The volumes of ocular anterior segment,lens and vitreous were measured using MRI( 1.5-T) in 60 emmetropic eyes and 60 high-myopic eyes. The ocular axial lengths of the subjects were measured by A-scan ultrasonography. The alterations of vitreous volumes with the changes of axial lengths and diopters were evaluated by linear regression analysis. Written informed consent was obtained from each patient before any medical examination. Results The mean diopters of high myopic eyes was ( - 15. 62 ± 8. 27 ) D and the mean axial lengths were ( 28. 68 ± 2. 68 ) mm, showing a significantly positive correlation between them(R2=0. 830,P = 0. 000). The mean total ocular volumes were(7.46±0. 89)ml3 and those of vitreous were ( 6. 90 ± 0. 8 ) ml3 in the high-myopic eyes with a significant increase in comparison with emmetropic eyes [ ( 6. 00 ± 0. 35 ) ml3 and ( 5. 41 ±0. 32 ) ml3 ] ( t = - 11. 846, P = 0. 000; t = - 12. 1, P = 0. 000 ). However,no significant differences were found in the anterior segment volumes and lens volumes between high myopic eyes and emmetropic eyes (t = 1. 23, P = 0. 220; t = -0. 483 , P = 0. 630 ). The vitreous volumes of high myopic eyes were significantly correlated with the diopters and the axial lengths (R2 =0. 75 ,P = 0. 000 ;R2 =0. 85 ,P = 0. 000) ,and so were the total ocular volumes (R2 = 0. 7543, P = 0. 000; R2 = 0. 8413, P = 0. 000). Conclusion The alteration of vitreous volumes is a mainly cause of difference of total ocular volume in ammetropic eyes. In high myopic eye, vitreous volume has a good linear correlation with refractive error and axial length, which may offer valuable information for vitrectomy.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the correlation of sexual dysfunction with psychological abnormalities by analyzing the sexual function and mental state of the patients with redundant prepuce or phimosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This study included 216 randomly selected patients with redundant prepuce or phimosis and 85 normal male controls. We conducted investigations among the subjects using a questionnaire on the general data of the patients, Chinese Index of Sexual Function for Premature Ejaculation (CIPE), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), and Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90). Then we assessed the status of premature ejaculation (PE) and erectile dysfunction (ED), calculated the incidence of psychological abnormalities, such as depression and anxiety, and analyzed the correlation of PE and ED with the mental state of the patients.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The PE and ED patients scored significantly higher than normal controls on SCL-90, somatization, compulsion, depression, anxiety and other factors (P < 0.05). CIPE scores were correlated with the scores on SCL-90, somatization, compulsion, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety and other factors, while ED-related scores showed no correlation with the scores on SCL-90 and other factors.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Patients with redundant prepuce or phimosis have poor mental health, and there is an interaction between PE and the mental state of the patient.</p>
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Adult , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Case-Control Studies , Erectile Dysfunction , Phimosis , Psychology , Sexual Behavior , Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological , PsychologyABSTRACT
Apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) is a mitochondrial flavoprotein that mediates both NADH-oxidizing and caspase-independent apoptosis. Further, the proapoptotic activity of AIF is located in the C-terminus of AIF, although the precise minimum sequence responsible for apoptosis induction remains to be investigated. In the present study, we generated two truncated AIFs, AIFΔ1-480-FLAG, which is a FLAG-tagged C-terminal peptide comprising amino acids from 481 to 613, and AIF360-480 containing amino acids from 360 to 480 of AIF. We used confocal microscopy to demonstrate that both the truncated proteins are expressed and located in the cytoplasm of transfected cells. AIFΔ1-480 but not AIF360-480 induces apoptosis in transfected cells. We also found that the expression of AIFΔ1-480 could initiate the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria. The suppression of caspase-9 via siRNA blocked the proapoptotic activity of AIFΔ1-480. Therefore, AIFΔ 1-480 is sufficient for inducing caspase-9-dependent apoptotic signaling, probably by promoting the release of cytochrome c. At last, we generated a chimeric immuno-AIFΔ 1-480 protein, which comprised an HER2 antibody, a Pseudomonas exotoxin A translocation domain and AIFΔ 1-480. Human Jurkat cells transfected with the immuno-AIFΔl-480 gene could express and secrete the chimeric protein, which selectively recognize and kill HER2-overexpressing tumor cells. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of the immuno-AIFΔl-480 gene as a novel approach to treating HER2-overexpressing cancers.
Subject(s)
Humans , Alcohol Oxidoreductases/drug effects , Apoptosis Inducing Factor/pharmacology , Apoptosis/drug effects , DNA, Complementary/drug effects , DNA-Binding Proteins/drug effects , Alcohol Oxidoreductases/genetics , Alcohol Oxidoreductases/metabolism , Apoptosis Inducing Factor/genetics , Apoptosis Inducing Factor/metabolism , Apoptosis/genetics , Blotting, Western , DNA, Complementary/genetics , DNA, Complementary/metabolism , DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics , DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism , Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect , Jurkat Cells , Microscopy, Confocal , Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction , TransfectionABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) combining transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with primary hepatocarcinoma (PHC), and its influence on patients' immunity, quality of life and adverse reaction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty-seven patients with mid-advanced stage PHC were assignd to two groups: the 35 patients in Group 1 treated with TCM combined TACE and the 32 in Group 2 treated with TACE alone. TACE with Gemzar (GEM) and Cisplatinum (DDP) were applied once in both groups, and followed by conventional post-operational management as hydration. The TCM used was prescribed according to syndrome differentiation. Peripheral blood T-lymphocyte subsets and natural killer (NK) cells of patients were measured before treatment (as the base line) and at the end of the 1st and 4th week after treatment (W1, W4), patients' quality of life (QOL) was estimated at the sametime by Karnofsky sore (KPS). Moreover, CT or MRI examination was performed at end of the 4th week to evaluate the short-term efficacy of treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Short-term efficacy analyses showed that the effective rate was 51.4% (18/35) in Group 1 and 37.5% (12/32) in Group 2, showing insignificant difference between them (P > 0.05). The levels of CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+, NK cells actionties and KPS score reduced slightly in both groups at W1, with no significant intergroup difference; but at W4, they did show significant differences between groups, and all indices in both groups were significantly different to those of the baseline and at W1 (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Aduerse reaction occurred were mainly fever, digestive reaction and lowering of peripheral white blood cell counting, platelet counting, etc. and the incidence of fever in Group 1 was lower than in Group 2.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>TCM treatment combined with TACE can enhance the immunity and QOL of PHC patients, and alleviate the adverse reaction of chemotherapeutic agents.</p>
Subject(s)
Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular , Therapeutics , Chemoembolization, Therapeutic , Methods , Combined Modality Therapy , Drugs, Chinese Herbal , Therapeutic Uses , Hepatic Artery , Liver Neoplasms , Therapeutics , PhytotherapyABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the outcomes of laparoscopic colorectal surgery in elderly (> or = 70 years) and younger(< 70 years) patients, and to evaluate the safety of laparoscopic colorectal surgery in elderly.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From Aug. 2007 to Dec. 2007, 25 patients with colorectal cancer undergone laparoscopic colorectal surgery were studied prospectively. Ten patients aged 70 years or older(Elder Group), and 15 patients less than 70 years(Younger Group). The parameters of perioperative hemodynamics, blood chemistry, and intraabdominal organs perfusion were recorded periodically during operation and compared between the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Elder group had a higher ASA degree(P<0.01). Mean age, height, weight, the classification of the disease, operative time, blood loss and complication were not significantly different between the two groups. The HCO(3) value and PaCO(2) value increased significantly intraoperatively, while the pH value decreased significantly. These parameters returned to basal line at the end of operation, with the decreased electrolytes, especially the kaliopenia and hypocalcemia. The CVP increased significantly at the beginning of operation and after fluid expansion, and decreased postoperatively. Gastric mucosal pH(pHi) decreased when the operation began. The partial pressure of gastric mucosa(PgCO(2)) increased significantly at the end of operation. Other parameters of hemodynamics including HR, CI, and SI were not significantly different during operation. The CVP of elder group was higher than that of younger group at 5 min after the beginning of the operation, while the MAP of elder group was lower than that of younger at 15 min after the end of the operation. Other parameters of hemodynamics including oxygenation, perfusion, and blood chemistry were not significantly different.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>For laparoscopic colorectal surgery, no significant adverse response attributes to elderly patients. The compensation capacity of the elderly is lower. With the reasonable anesthesia administration, the adverse response can be controlled effectively.</p>
Subject(s)
Aged , Humans , Middle Aged , Age Factors , Colorectal Neoplasms , General Surgery , Laparoscopy , Prospective StudiesABSTRACT
Objective To discuss the expansion model of the eyeball and investigate the morphologic characteristics of high-my- opic eyeball through the dimensional measurement in high-myopia and emmetropia by MRI. Design Case controll study. Participants Thirty-two emmetropes (60 eyes) and 33 high myopes (60 eyes) were enrolled, without eye diseases and history of ocular surgery or in- jury. Methods 60 high-myopic eyes and 60 emmetropic eyes were measured with MRI (I.5T,PHILIPS) to get the data of three inner ocular dimensions, intraocular volume and the volume of different parts. Main Outcome Measures Three dimensions and volumes of eyeballs. Results The average value of axial (28.16?2.80 mm), horizontal (22.87+1.23 mm) and vertical length (23.40?0.99 ram) of high-myopic eyes were much bigger than those of emmetropic eyes(P=0.000), especially the axial length( with difference of 5.38 mm); The axial length was correlated with refractive error (0.36 mm/D,r~2=0.88, P=0.000). The average value of the whole ocular volume (7. 46?0.89 ml) and vitreous volume(6.90?0.8 ml) of the high myopic eyes were bigger than those of emmetropic eyes(P=0.000), while ante- rior segment volume and lens volume were about the same as that of emmetropic eyes (P=0.220, P=0.630). Conclusions The three di- mensions of high-myopic eyes were significantly longer than that of emmetropic eyes. In high myopes, the increased vitreous volume lead to the increase of the whole ocular volume. There may be two models in the ocular expansion of high myopia: global expansion and axial elongation expansion. More serious refractive error cause more obvious expansion in axial elongation.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of gene Af116609 on gastric cancer multi-drug resistance (MDR) by introducing it into gastric cancer multi-drug resistant (MDR) cell line SGC7901/VCR.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Gene Af116609 was cloned from SGC7901/VCR by RT-PCR and its differential expression between gastric cancer MDR cells and its parental cells was displayed by Northern blot. The gene was introduced to gastric cancer cells by transfection of recombinant eukaryotic expression vector by electroporation. MTT assay in vitro was applied to investigate its effect on multi-drug resistance phenotype of gastric cancer cells.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The full length CDS of gene Af116609, as long as 327 bp, was cloned from gastric cancer MDR cell line SGC7901/VCR and its sequence was coincident with the hypothetical gene Af116609 in GenBank. It was overexpressed in MDR cells than its parental cells at mRNA level. In the MTT assay in vitro, the drug sensitive cells transfected with sense eukaryotic expression vector showed upregulated targeted gene, with increased resistance to vincristine, 5-fliorouracil and arabinoside, and decreased resistance to adriamycin, but no influence on resistance to methotrexate. However, the drug resistant cells transfected with anti-sense eukaryotic expression vector, showed down regulated targeted gene, with less resistance to all the five anticancer drugs to different degrees.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Gene Af116609 is related to MDR phenotype of gastric cancer cells and may become a candidate molecular target to reverse the MDR of gastric cancer.</p>