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Previously, we discovered that cells contain a 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) degradation system (5DS), which includes 5-HT2A receptor (5-HT2AR), 5-HT synthase, and monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A). Among these, 5-HT2AR has the ability to regulate the expression of 5-HT synthase and MAO-A, and activation of 5DS causes upregulation of these proteins at the same time, resulting in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the mitochondria. In this study, we investigated the relationship between interstitial pneumonia (IP) and 5DS activation, as well as the therapeutic effect of inhibiting 5DS on IP. Animal models of bleomycin (BLM)-induced IP in mice and radiation (Rad)-induced IP in rats were established, and the models were treated with the 5-HT2AR antagonist sarpogrelate hydrochloride (SH), 5-HT synthesis inhibitor carbidopa (CDP), and their combination (SH∶CDP = 2∶1). The animal experiments were carried out in accordance with the regulations of the Animal Ethics Committee of China Pharmaceutical University. In the two IP models, immunohistochemistry staining and Western blot analysis showed that the expression of 5-HT synthase was significantly upregulated in all cells of lung tissue, while the expression of 5-HT2AR and MAO-A was most significantly upregulated in the macrophages. Treatment with SH or CDP significantly reduced pulmonary interstitial thickening, alveolar atrophy with collapse, massive macrophage infiltration and interstitial fibrosis in the two IP models, as measured by HE and Masson staining, and a combination of both almost eliminated the lung tissue lesions. Moreover, treatment with the combination of SH and CDP almost completely eliminated increased ROS and malondialdehyde levels, decreased superoxide dismutase activity, increased tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β levels, and upregulated nuclear factor-κB phosphorylation and α-smooth muscle actin, matrix metalloproteinase-2, and collagen expression. SH and CDP worked together to create a synergistic effect. The findings suggested that the activation of 5DS, as evidenced by increased 5-HT synthesis in all cells of lung tissue and increased 5-HT synthesis and degradation in macrophages, is probably related to the occurrence of IP and that inhibition of 5DS can effectively treat IP.
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Adipose tissue is not only involved in energy metabolism, but also recognized as an important endocrine organ.With declining ovarian function, endogenous estrogen levels decrease, leading to body fat mass accumulation and centripetal redistribution in postmenopausal women.Furthermore, energy metabolism, adipokine levels, local estrogen synthesis and the expression of estrogen receptors in adipose tissue also undergo changes, which may induce adipose tissue dysfunction.Changes in body fat mass and fat distribution and adipose tissue dysfunction are associated with increased risk of metabolic diseases and cardiovascular diseases in postmenopausal women, which have a negative impact on their health and quality of life.In this paper, the impact of menopause on body fat mass, regional distribution and adipose tissue functions and the underlying mechanisms are reviewed.
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Objective To discuss the application value of diatom examination in lung tissue for the forensic diagnosis of drowning. Methods The experimental animals were divided randomly into drowning, postmortem submergence and dying on land group. Diatoms in lung tissue and drowning fluid were analyzed quantitatively by microwave digestion-vacuum filtration-automated scanning electron microscopy diatom examination method. The ratios of content of diatoms in lung tissue and drowning fluid （CL/CD ratio） were recorded. Results The CL/CD ratios of experimental rabbits in the drowning group （5.82±3.50） were much higher than that of postmortem submergence group （0.47±0.35）; the CL/CD ratios of different parts of the lung lobes of experimental pigs in the drowning group were higher than that of postmortem submergence group （P<0.05）; in seawater, brackish water, river fresh water and lake fresh water, the CL/CD ratios of experimental pigs in the drowning group were higher than that of postmortem submergence group （P<0.05）. In animal experiments, all the cases with CL/CD ratio >1.6 were from drowning group. Conclusion CL/CD ratio is an indicator with good application prospects in the diagnosis of drowning.
Subject(s)
Animals , Rabbits , Autopsy , Diatoms/cytology , Drowning/diagnosis , Lung , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning , Random Allocation , SwineABSTRACT
@#AIM:To observe the clinical value of digital nonmydriatic funds photography in screening diabetic retinopathy and early intervention of hospitalized diabetic patients. <p>METHODS: Totally 130 diabetic patients hospitalized in Department of Endocrinology of our hospital were selected from January 2015 to December 2016. All patients were underwent non-mydriatic digital fundus photography and fundus fluorescein angiography(FFA). <p>RESULTS: There were 82 eyes diagnosed as non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy(NPDR)and 28 eyes as proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR)by non-mydriatic digital fundus photography. There were 89 eyes diagnosed as NPDR and 29 eyes as PDR by FFA. Compared with the result of the gold standard, the Kappa value of non-mydriatic digital fundus photography was 0.87(>0.61), and the test was consistency. There was no significant difference between the two methods in the detection of diabetic retinopathy in different stages(<i>P</i>>0.05). The positive rate of diabetic retinopathy was significantly higher in patients with diabetes mellitus over 10a(<i>P</i><0.05). <p>CONCLUSION: Digital fundus photography is an effective method for early detection of DR in hospitalized diabetic patients. It is of great significance to reduce the blindness rate of diabetic retinopathy.
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Objective To investigate epidemiological characteristics and incidence trend of gonorrhea in Nanshan District of Shenzhen, and provide a scientific basis for making control strategies.Methods An epidemiological analysis was performed on gonorrhea cases reported in Nanshan District of Shenzhen from January 2005 to December 2016, the autoregressive integrated moving average(ARIMA)model was used to predict the incidence trend.Results In Nanshan District, a total of 9 590 cases of gonorrhea were reported from2005 to 2016, the reported incidence ranged from59.45/100, 000to 102.74/100, 000, the average annual reported incidence was 78.79/100, 000. 88.06％of cases mainly concentrated in 20-45 years old, 70.23％ of occupations were mainly workers, official staff and houseworks.The monthly incidence of gonorrhea ranged 2.84/100, 000-10.56/100, 000.The ARIMA (1, 1, 1)model was constructed to predict the incidence of gonorrhea in Nanshan District of Shenzhen in 2017, it showed that the fluctuation of predicted incidence and actual incidence of gonorrhea in January-May 2017 was basically the same, the actual incidence was slightly higher than the predicted value, but it was in the 95％confidence interval of the predicted value.Conclusion The epidemic situation of gonorrhea in this area is serious, ARIMA model can more accurately predict the trend of gonorrhea, the prediction results suggest that the incidence of gonorrhea is maintained at a high level, so effective measures based on epidemiological features are urgently needed to control gonorrhea.
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Objective To isolate endophytic fungi from the fresh leaves of Dioscorea nipponica Makino,and to determine their antimicrobial activities.Methods Endophytic fungi from the fresh leaves of Dioscorea nipponica Makino were isolated by tissue isolation method,and the preliminary identification was carried out by slide plate culture,tissue culture,and plug culture.After isolating the endophytic fungi,the antimicrobial activity from the isolated endophytic fungi was detected using filter paper method with Staphylococcus aureus,Staphylococcus albus,Staphylococcus citreu,Micrococcus tetragenus,Escherichia coli,Salmonella typhi,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Bacterium termo,Bacillus endocarditidiscapsulatus,Shigella flexneri,Bacterium paratyphosum B indicator microorganisms.Results A total of 52 strains of the endophytic fungi were isolated.According to morphological characteristics,10 endophytic fungi producing spores were identified as two orders,three families,and nine genera.The extracts of fungal mycelium had the antibiotic activity of strains of C37,C30,and C50.With the identification by morphology and molecular biology,strain C37 was determined to belong to the genus Gibberella,and C30,C50 to Alternaria.Conclusion The antibacterial activity of these endophytes in the leaves ofDioscorea nipponica Makino could be exploited for the development of new antibacterial biological agents.
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DNA methylation is one of the most important epigenetic mechanism and molecular biological basis in tumor suppressor gene silencing.It is now well recognized that solid malignant tumors can release a significant amount of genomic DNA into systemic circulation,and with more than 90％ of this total circulating cell-free DNA derived from tumor tissue,which can reflect the overall cell heterogeneity of the tumor itself.In breast cancer,the presence of abnormally high DNA concentrations in plasma has been reported,and changes in the levels of these circulating DNA associated with tumor burden and progression have been confirmed repeatedly.Accumulating data strongly suggested that DNA methylation patterns found in circulating cell free DNA were similarly with the primary tumor,and could be a useful biomarker in early diagnosis,prognosis assessment,and recurrence monitoring for breast cancer patients.Here,we summarize the latest advances in this research field.
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Objective To investigate the anatomical relation between Zuckerkandl's tubercle and recurrent laryngeal nerve and the superior parathyroid glands anatomy in endoscopic thyroidectomy.Methods From Jul.2012 to Jun.2014 implementation of the 120 cases of endoscopic thyroid surgery (at least one side of the line lobectomy) intraoperative Zuckerkandl tubercle of the presence, all the patients from Subei People's Hospital and location of the relationship between anatomy recurrent laryngeal nerve and superior parathyroid glands.Zuckerkandl tubercle identified by intraoperative recunent laryngeal nerve to expose and superior parathyroid glands.Results Zuckerkandl tubercle appear in the vast majority of cases: on the left is 86％ (51/59), 88％ in the right side (65/74), most of superior parathyroid glands were located on the top of Zuckerkandl tubercle.Looking for recurrent laryngeal nerve by Zuckerkandl tubercle method is more direct, can reduce surgical bleeding and shmten the operation time.Conclusion Recurrent laryngeal nerve and superior parathyroid glands and have close anatomical relationship with Zuckerkandl tubercle.In endoscopic thyroidectomy by intraoperative discern Zuckerkandl tubercle can better avoid injury recurrent laryngeal nerve and superior parathyroid glands.
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Objective To discuss the clinical values of two-dimensional and three-dimensional diagnoses of nontraumatic esophageal hiatal hernia (HH) in middle-aged and elderly people. Methods Thirty-two cases underwent two-dimensional and three-dimensional ultrasonic examination with fasting and water iflling methods in half-sitting, standing, supine and supine right anterior oblique positions. The ifndings were compared with X-ray barium meal examination, endoscopy and operation. Results There were 27 cases sliding HH, 3 cases paraesophageal HH and 2 cases short HH. Traditional two-dimensional manifestations were as follows:widening of hiatal diaphragmatic muscles (1.6±0.4 cm) and echoes of gastric mucosa in superior hernial sac and inside hernial sac. Real-time three-dimensional surface image formations were as follows: along the long axis of diaphragmatic hiatus, superior phrenic sac was showed as mushroom-shaped or pond-shaped and the neck of hernial sac was showed as irregular tunnel-shaped or ditch-shaped;looking upward from the fundus of stomach, superior phrenic hiatus was showed as caved-shaped or louver-shaped;looking downward from mediastinal surface of lung, uperior phrenic hiatus was showed as piercer-shaped. Conclusions Two-dimensional abdominal ultrasound can diagnose nontraumatic HH in middle-aged and elderly people conveniently and accurately. Real-time three-dimensional abdominal ultrasound can display the range, size, and shape clearly. Compared with the former, the latter can provide more information for diagnosis and help ultrsound doctors and clinical doctors to understand and master the anatomical and morphopathological features of this disease.
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Tumor markers can reflect tumor existence,and open an entrance to diagnose tumor at early stage.Recent researches reveal that gastric cancer related tumor markers such as microRNAs,enzymes,cytokines and antibodies-antigens are significant for the diagnosis,treatment,relapse surveillance,prognosis evaluation of gastric cancer.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the clinical effect of indwelling the anterior urethral stent in the treatment of anterior urethral stricture.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We included 38 patients with anterior urethral stricture in the treatment group, and another 38 in the control, the former treated by indwelling the anterior urethral stent, and the latter by urethral dilatation. Then we analyzed the clinical results by comparing the Qmax, urinary hesitancy and numbers of urethral dilations between the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the controls, the patients of the treatment group showed an obvious increase in Qmax, a significant decrease in the number of urethral dilatations, and a marked improvement of the quality of life. Six months after the stent removal, there were significantly more patients with Qmax > 15 ml/s in the treatment group than in the control (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Indwelling the anterior urethral stent is a desirable option for the treatment of anterior urethral stricture, which is simple, safe, effective and reliable, and can be applied to general clinical practice.</p>
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Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Child , Child, Preschool , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Stents , Treatment Outcome , Urethra , General Surgery , Urethral Stricture , General SurgeryABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the relationship between Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines (DARC) and the metastasis potential in human breast cancer. METHODS Breast cancer tissue sections from 75 patients, grouped according to the local lymph node status were examined immunohistochemically for protein level of DARC. Microvessel density (MVD) was counted by endothelial cells immunostained using anti-CD34 antibody.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Strong positive DARC immunostaining in lymph node negative and positive groups was detected in 31 cases (81.6%) and 18 cases (48.6%), respectively (P < 0.01). MVD was (35.67 +/- 17.96)/HP and (53.38 +/- 20.29)/HP in DARC strong positive and less positive cases (P < 0.01). In those patients with lung, bone, hepatic distant metastasis (13 cases), 9 cases (69.2%) were DARC less positive, 4 cases (30.8%) were DARC strong positive. The correlation coefficient was -0.412 between DARC expression and MVD and the corresponding value was -0.346 between DARC expression and lymph node status and -0.333 between DARC expression and distant metastasis in breast cancer.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>DARC may play a negative role in the process of neoangiogenesis, and probably has an association with the lymph node status.</p>
Subject(s)
Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Antigens, CD34 , Bone Neoplasms , Metabolism , Breast Neoplasms , Metabolism , Pathology , Down-Regulation , Duffy Blood-Group System , Metabolism , Immunohistochemistry , Liver Neoplasms , Metabolism , Lung Neoplasms , Metabolism , Lymphatic Metastasis , Neovascularization, Pathologic , Metabolism , Pathology , Receptors, Cell Surface , Metabolism , Survival AnalysisABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the anti-tumor immunotherapeutic effect induced by the suicidalcancer vaccine FC/TK, and to evaluate the safety of this vaccine.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The suicidal cancer vaccine, named FC/TK, was prepared by fusion of suicide gene (HSVI,-TK gene) -modified ovarian carcinoma NuTu-19 cells with rat bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs). The morphology of FC/TK was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. The stimulatory effect of FC/TK on T cells was determined by T cell proliferation assay. In immunotherapeutic studies in vivo, Fischer344 rats were injected subcutaneously with NuTu-19 cells, followed by treatment of FC/TK on days 7 and 14, compared to controls treated with irradiated FC/TK, FC or PBS, respectively. Tumor incidence and volume were measured in 90 days after challenge. To determine the killing effect of FC/TK in vivo, TUNEL assays were applied to detect apoptotic cell death in spleen of vaccinated rats with prodrug ganciclovir administration.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>FC/TK cells were of irregular shape with surface membrane processes. Compared to the control groups, FC/TK significantly promoted T cell proliferation (P <0.01). The rats vaccinated with FC/TK and FC significantly inhibited the tumor growth compared to rats vaccinated with irradiated FC/TK (P <0.05) or with PBS ( P <0.01). The immunotherapeutic effect induced by FC/TK was similar to that using FC. Fluorescence microscopy showed that fluorescein-stained FC/TK cells migrated into spleen also showed to be TUNEL-positive, suggesting that the FC/TK cells were killed by ganciclovir in vivo.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Our data indicate that suicidal cancer vaccine is an effective and safe therapy for ovarian carcinoma and may serve as a broadly applicable approach for other cancer vaccines in the future.</p>
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Animals , Female , Rats , Apoptosis , Cancer Vaccines , Allergy and Immunology , Cell Fusion , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Proliferation , Dendritic Cells , Cell Biology , Allergy and Immunology , Ganciclovir , Pharmacology , Genes, Transgenic, Suicide , Herpesvirus 1, Human , Genetics , Immunotherapy , Methods , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning , Microscopy, Fluorescence , Neoplasms, Experimental , Pathology , Therapeutics , Ovarian Neoplasms , Pathology , Therapeutics , Rats, Inbred F344 , Survival Analysis , T-Lymphocytes , Metabolism , Pathology , Thymidine Kinase , Genetics , Metabolism , TransfectionABSTRACT
<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The number of immunosuppressed patients has increased in the past decades. Among them Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is one of the leading bacteria for pneumonia that are associated with poor prognosis. However, the pathogenesis of P. aeruginosa pneumonia in immunosuppressed patients is not understood completely. Previous reports showed keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) is associated with lung injury in immunocompetent hosts. In this study, we investigated the different reactions of lung injury, lung pathology and KGF expressions in P. aeruginosa pneumonia between immunosuppressed and immunocompetent rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Immunosuppression of male rats was induced by injecting immunosuppressive subcutaneously. Pneumonia was established by instilling P. aeruginous tracheally. The immunocompetent rats were the control group. Survival rate, lung histopathology, pulmonary permeability and oedema, KGF mRNA and protein expressions in lungs of both groups were investigated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The survival rate of immunosuppressed group was lower than that of immunocompetent group (33.3% vs 83.3%). After exposure to bacteria, pulmonary permeability and wet/dry ratio in immunosuppressed group were higher than those in immunocompetent group. Pulmonary congestion and haemorrhage were more intensive in immunosuppressed group compared to immunocompetent group. Apoptosis and necrosis were also observed in infected lungs of immunosuppressed rats. Although we detected KGF expressions in lungs of both groups after infection, the expressions of KGF protein and mRNA gene in immunosuppressed group were much lower than in immunocompetent group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Compared with immunocompetent group, there was more intensive lung injury in immunosuppressed group. Severe lung injury may contribute to the poor prognosis of pneumonia. KGF expressions of pneumonia in immunosuppressed rats were less than those in immunocompetent ones.</p>
Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Rats , Capillary Permeability , Fibroblast Growth Factor 7 , Genetics , Immune Tolerance , Leukocyte Count , Lung , Metabolism , Pathology , Pneumonia, Bacterial , Metabolism , Pseudomonas Infections , Metabolism , Mortality , Pathology , Pulmonary Edema , RNA, Messenger , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Survival Rate , Up-RegulationABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To detect the short-term clinical and side effects of cryosurgical ablation for prostate cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The ENDOCAm cryosurgical system with 2 mm Cryo-probes was used to treat the prostate cancer guided by rectal ultrasonic. 1. Completeness of freeze; 2. Complications; 3. The changes of PSA and PSMA before and after operation were observed respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>1. The completeness of freeze rate and non-completeness of freeze rate were 34.8% (8/23) and 65.2% (15/23) showed by MRI 3 weeks later after operation; the biopsy results showed that tumor positive rates in completeness of freeze group and non-completeness of freeze group were 0 and 20% (3/15) respectively after 6 months. 2. The incontinence rate was 13%, and all recovered during 1 month; and the erectile dysfunction rate post-operation was 56.2% (9/16). 3. The levels of PSA before and after cryosurgical ablation were (32.98 +/- 35. 50) microg/L, (11.65 +/- 26. 51) microg/L respectively (P < 0.05). PSMA increased significantly after the cryosurgical ablation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The short-term curative effects of cryosurgical ablation, which guided by rectal ultrasound for prostate cancer is satisfied with low complication rate and minor vulnus.</p>