Objective To understand the status of Ascaris eggs pollution in soil at national monitoring spots of soil-transmit-ted nematodiasis,so as to provide the evidence for making countermeasures and evaluating the control effect. Methods Ten households were selected from each of the 22 national monitoring spots annually according to the National Surveillance Program of Soil-Transmitted Nematodiasis(Trial),and the soil samples from vegetable gardens,toilet periphery,courtyards and kitchens were collected and examined by using the modified floatation test with saturated sodium nitrate. Fertilized or unfertilized eggs as well as live or dead fertilized eggs were discriminated and identified. In addition,a SWOT analysis of monitoring of Ascaris eggs pollution in the soil of rural China was carried out. Results A total of 1 090 households were monitored in 22 monitoring spots from 2006 to 2010. The total detection rate of Ascaris eggs in the soil was 30.73%,and the detection rates of fertilized,unfertilized and live fertilized eggs were 13.21%,26.42%and 20.28%,respectively. The total detection rates of Ascaris eggs in the vegetable garden,toilet periphery,courtyard and kitchen were 16.51%,13.49%,14.22% and 10.73% respectively. The SWOT analysis demonstrated that the monitoring work had both advantages and disadvantages,and was faced with opportunities as well as threats. Conclusion The pollution status of Ascaris eggs in the soil is still quite severe at some national monitoring spots,and the counter-measures such as implementing hazard-free treatment of stool,improving water supply and sanitation and reforming environment should be taken to protect people from being infected.

Hypoxia-induced erythropoietin signaling plays an important role in tumor growth and invasion. In the present study, we investigated the contribution of erythropoietin signaling pathway to castration-resistant prostate cancer and the development of a neuroendocrine phenotype. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the erythropoietin and erythropoietin receptor scores in castration-resistant prostate cancer and androgen-dependent prostate cancer were 7.55 versus 4.5 and 7.45 versus 5.9,respectively (P < 0.001). Furthermore, a cell proliferation assay was conducted, and the differential expression of erythropoietin and erythropoietin receptor in LNCaP cells and hypoxia-induced LNCaP cells was evaluated using western blot and quantitative real-time PCR. The proliferation capacity of hypoxia-induced LNCaP cells was similar in cultures of both fetal bovine serum and charcoal-stripped fetal bovine serum, suggesting that LNCaP cells acquired hypoxia-induced androgen-independent growth. After 2 weeks of hypoxic culture, LNCaP cells showed a neuroendocrine cell change and increased expression of neuron-specific enolase, erythropoietin, and erythropoietin receptor; knockdown of erythropoietin receptor reversed the hypoxia-induced upregulation of neuron-specific enolase in the LNCaP cells. In conclusion, the concurrent upregulation of erythropoietin and erythropoietin receptor in castration-resistant prostate cancer suggests that the erythropoietin/erythropoietin receptor autocrine loop plays an important role in the progression of castration resistance and is responsible for the development of a neuroendocrine phenotype.

Objective To prepare a novel collagen scaffold material using Basa fish (Pangasisus haniltoa) skin as the ingredient and to analyze the structural characteristics, physical properties and degradability of the prepared material, so as to explore whether Basa fish can replace terrestrial mammals for preparing a novel collagen scaffold material. Methods Basa fish skins were lyophilized to obtain the membrane material after repeated degreasing, decolorization and dedoping. Crude protein content was determined by the Kjeldahl method. Structure of the materials and its pore size and distribution were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Porosity was measured by the liquid displacement technique, and tensile strength was tested using universal testing machine. The changes of viscosity with temperatures were detected to determine the denaturation temperature of the material.The material was immersed in the phosphate-buffered solution (0.1 mol/L, pH 7.4), which was placed in a constant temperature shaker at 37°, and the water absorption and weight loss rates of the material were detected. Results The crude protein content of the collagen scaffold material was 95.2%, with visually uniform thickness. SEM photographs showed that one side of the material had a rough surface and porous structure, on which varying sizes of pores distributed uniformly; the other side was smooth with dense pores. The porosity of the material was (55.50±1.94)%, thickness was (0.66±0.10) mm and tensile strength was (18.82±0.94) MPa. The denaturation temperature of the material was 34° before thermo-crosslinking and 36° after thermo-crosslinking. The water absorption of the material was (379.77±77.81)% at 48 h. At 28 d after thermo-crosslinking, the degradation rate was (80.22±2.49)%, and the pH value of buffer was 6.67±0.05. Conclusion The collagen scaffold material from Basa fish skin can be made into the biological membrane with uniform thickness, and the membrane comprises double structures: dense layer and loose layer. This material exhibits excellent mechanical strength and appropriate denaturation temperature, but its degradation is fast, which needs further improvement.

Prostate cancer is the most common malignant tumor in men of western countries and its incidence is increasing in China. However, the traditional methods of screening and diagnosing of prostate cancer are of limited value. Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an examination which combines morphologic sequences with one or more functional sequences. Multiparametric MRI can not only display the anatomical structures and morphologic changes of organs, but also reflect some histological components, providing pathophysiological and biochemical information of tissues and guiding prostate targeted biopsy at the same time. These advantages give multiparametric MRI high application value in the diagnosis and evaluation of prostate diseases. This review summarized the recent progress in multiparametric MRI diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Objective To establish a novel transgenic mouse model of human PRKAG2 cardiac syndrome that overexpresses a PRKAG2G100S mutation, so as to lay a foundation for further studying the role of human PRKAG2 gene in the development, morphology, and function of mouse heart. Methods Human PRKAG2 with G100S mutation was sub-cloned into a multiple cloning site located in the downstream of α-myosin heavy chain (a-MHC) promoter of the plasmid. After the construction of the transgenic expressing vector, C57BL/6J mice were selected as the genetic background, and the transgenic mouse model of PRKAG2-G100S mutation was buitt by microinjection. Genotype was further confirmed using specific primer PCR. Real time PCR and Western blotting analysis were used to examin the expression of human PAKAG2(G100S) mRNA and protein, respectively. Results Two strains of transgenic mice were successfully developed using backcross breeding, which specifically overexpressed the human PRKAG2-G100S mutation in the cardiac tissues of F2 generations by the methods qPCR and Western blotting at both mRNA and protein levels. Moreover, the PRKAG2-G100S mutation was successfully passed steadily. Conclusion We have successfully established a human PRKAG2-G100S transgenic mouse model, which can help to further explore the role of PRKAG2-G100S mutation in the development and function of mouse cardiac tissue in the PRKAG2- G100S cardiac syndrome.

Objective To establish a cardiomyocyte model over-expressing mutant human PRKAG2 by infecting neonatal SD rat myocardial cells with constructed recombinant adenovirus vector Ad-PRKAG2 (R302Q)-IRES2-EGFP. Methods PRKAG2 (R302Q)-IRES2-EGFP was directly cloned into entry vector pDONR221 by using Invitrogen GatewayTM technology. Then BP and LR recombination reactions yielded the recombinant adenovirus vector containing human PRKAG2 (R302Q) gene. The pAd-PRKAG2 (R302Q)-IRES2-EGFP was digested by Pac , and transfected into 293 cells. After packaging, amplification and purification, the virus was used to infect neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Then the expression of PRKAG2 protein was assayed by Western blotting analysis in the infected neonatal SD rat cardiomyocytes. Results Restriction enzyme digestion analysis and the sequence analysis confirmed that PRKAG2(R302Q) gene was successfully inserted into the adenovirus vector. The myocardial cells infected with Ad-PRKAG2(R302Q)-IRES2-EGFP gave off strikingly bright green fluorescence and PRKAG2 protein was proven significantly over-expressed by Western blotting analysis (P<0.05). Conclusion The recombinant adenovirus containing human PRKAG2(R302Q) gene has been successfully constructed and expressed in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, which paves a way for further study of PRKAG2 (R302Q) gene mutation.

Objective To study the clinical characteristics and differentiation of stroke mimics during super early intravenous thrombolysis of acute ischemic stroke. Methods The clinical data of patients who received intravenous thrombolysis between Sep. 2013 and Feb. 2015 in Changhai Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. And those with stroke mimics were identified and were compared with those with strokes; the clinical symptoms and laboratory findings were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 212 patients received intravenous thrombolysis, and 7(3. 3%) of them were identified as having stroke mimics. There were no notable differences in the baseline characteristics between mimics and stroke groups. Psychiatric and dementia history were of great value for differentiation of stroke mimics from strokes. MRI, vascular assessment, electroencephalogram (EEG), blood and cerebrospinal fluid assay greatly contributed to the final diagnosis of stroke mimics. Conclusion Only few patients receiving intravenous thrombolysis have been confirmed to have stroke mimics. Medical history combined with MRI may be of great value for differentiation of mimics and strokes.

Objective To evaluate the functions of a new balloon-expandable valved stent for transcatheter aortic valve implantation and the delivery system, so as to provide evidence for future animal study. Methods A new tube-like balloon- expandable valved stent was designed and made of cobalt-base alloys. Bovine pericardium was sutured by hand into the stent to prepare valved aortic stent, which was placed on the instrument to test the pulsating flow and fatigue property of prosthetic valve. The valved stent, which was compressed on a balloon catheter and pulled into a delivery sheath, was placed in the native aortic valve of isolated goat heart via the ascending aorta, and water was injected into the ascending aorta by a silicon tube to evaluate the competence of the prostheticheart valves. Results Plusating flow examination showed that the artificial valve opened and closed well, without noticeable reflow, and accorded with human physiology. The prosthetic heart valves also performed well in the testing of fatigue property. The valved stent could be stably placed in the native valves of goat heart by delivery sheath, and the prosthetic heart valves showed satisfactory function. Conclusion The aortic valved stent is wel-designed and has satisfactory function. It can be used for animal study of transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Objective To establish a new animal model of chronic cervical compressive myelopathy and to assess its feasibility. Methods Eighteen Chongming goats were divided into two groups: control group (n=3) and experimental group (n=15). The balloon was placed into the C3 intervertebral space by anterior approach operation, and the syringe valve was fixed subcutaneously. Contrast agent was injected percutaneously into the valve (0.1 ml/week) to inflate the balloon progressively to produce chronic compression. In the control group, the balloon compression system was placed and immediately removed; percutaneous puncture was performed each week without injecting anything. The Tarlov scores were assessed in each group every four weeks. The goats underwent X-ray, CT and MRI under general anesthesia every four weeks. The spinal cord specimens were pathologically examined at test level at the end of experiment. Results The Tarlov scores were 5 (normal) at all time points in the control group. Tarlov scores were not changed in the experimental group four weeks after surgery (n=13); at eight weeks after surgery (n=11) the Tarlov scores were 4 in 2 goats and 5 in 9 goats; and at twelve weeks after surgery (n=9) the Tarlov scores were 2 in 3 goats, 3 in 4 goats and 4 in 2 goats. The balloon compression system was stable in the experimental group. Radiological findings showed that the cervical spinal cord compressed progressively in the experimental group as time went by, and those in the control group underwent no noticeable change. Pathological examination showed neuronatrophy, increased gap around the neurons, mild demyelinated and vacuolar degeneration in the experimental group at eight weeks after surgery, and these changes were deteriorated twelve weeks after surgery. There were no noticeable pathological changes in the control group and four weeks after surgery in the experimental group. Conclusion The postoperative behavior, radiological and pathological findings of the animals consist with the character of chronic cervical compressive myelopathy, indicating that the balloon compression system in the present study can be used to establish a reliable and stable animal model of chronic cervical spinal cord compression.

Objective To evaluate the influence of interferon adjuvant therapy on immune parameters in postoperative patients with localized clear cell renal cell carcinoma (LCCRCC) and explore the related clinical significance. Methods Thirty-five patients with LCCRCC were treated with interferon α-2b hypodermic injection after surgery (6 MIU/time, three times per week for three months). Immune parameters, including CD4+,CD8+,CD4+/CD8+,CD16+56+,CD19+, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-8, and TNF-α, were determined before and at the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 8th, and 16th week after therapy. And the results were compared before and after therapy. ResultsThree months after therapy, the levels of CD4+, CD8+ and CD4+/CD8+ were not significantly different from those before therapy. The of CD16+56+ was increased significantly during the first two weeks' of treatment (P<0.05) and was significantly declined at the end of therapy (P<0.01). Compared with that before therapy, CD19+ levels were decreased in the 1st, 2nd and 4th week after treatment (all P<0.01), and was significantly increased at the 16th week (P<0.01). The level of IL-8 was significantly decreased at the 4th week after therapy (P<0.05) and TNF-α level was increased at the 8th week after therapy (P<0.01); the levels of other humoral immune parameters were not significantly different from those before therapy. Conclusion Treatment with interferon α-2b hypodermic injection (6 MIU/time, three times/week for three months) has a limited effect on promoting the immunity of patients with LCCRCC, and its influence on the long-term survival patients also needs further study.