Objective To observe the influence of tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNFα) on skeletal muscle protein catabolism in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the effects of indomethacin (IND) on it. Methods Duplicated COPD model rats were divided into two groups: the malnutrition group and the normal nutrition group. The malnutrition group were further divided by randomized block design into four groups. Isotonic physiologic saline was administered to group A, the control and the normal nutrition group, and different doses of oral IND were administered to groups B, C, and D weight, concentrations of TNFα, contents of 3-methyl-histidine ( 3- M H ) and tyrosine (Tyr) in the diaphragm and extensor digitorum longus muscle homogenates were measured before and after the intervention. Results Before the intervention, the concentrations of TNFα in the serum of malnutrition groups were all significantly higher than those of normal nutrition group and the control group. After the intervention: (1) The concentrations of TNFα in the serum of the rats of group B, C and D were significantly lower than the group A, especially in group C. The levels of TNFα in serum and body weight of model group rats were negatively correlated ( r = -0. 846, P ＜0. 01 ), as well as the diaphragm and extensor digitorum longus muscle weights ( r = - 0. 778, P ＜ 0. 01; r = - 0. 772, P ＜ 0. 01 ). (2) The levels of 3-methyl-histidine in the diaphragm and extensor digitorum longus muscles of the intervention group C was lower than the COPD normal nutrition group, as well as the intervention groups B and D. The contents of tyrosine in the diaphragm and extensor digitorum longus muscles of the intervention group C was lower than that of the COPD normal nutrition group,as well as the groups B and D. The body weight growth value of the intervention group B were slightly higher than the group A, without significant difference( P ＞ 0. 05 ), while the group C was significantly higher than the group A ( P ＜ 0. 01 ). Conclusions TNFα is involved in the occurrence of COPD malnutrition and skeletal muscle amyotrophy. IND can reduce the TNFα levels in the serum and the catabolic rates of the skeletal muscle proteins in malnutrition rats with COPD, so as to improve partly the skeletal muscle atrophy.

· AIM: To inspect and compare the functional vision of an aspheric intraocular lens (Tecnis) with those of conventional monofocal silicone and acrylic intraocular lens and multifocal intraocular lens (Array).· METHODS: The IOLs were tested in the eye model, which was designed to be optically equivalent to the theoretical eye model. The eye model is a combination of a spherical photographic lens with 35mm focal length ( IOL put in a water cell)and a charge coupled device (CCD) camera. The images constructed by the lenses are observed on a monitor of personal computer and the contrasts of the images are analyzed by using commercial image processing software.· RESULTS: The modulation transfer function of the eye model equals the scale produced by the theoretical eye model. The images constructed by changing the diameter of aperture stop and IOL.· CONCLUSION: The proposed eye model is useful for testing functional vision and for inspecting differences of intraocular lens.

The depositions of immunoglobulins on the retina of diabetic rat were studied with immunohistochemistry,immunofluorecence and computer analysing system.In comparison with control group, depositions of IgG,IgA and IgM on the retina of diabetic rat induced by streptozotocin were significantly increased (all P＜0.05 ).So the immunoglobulin depositions may contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy.

Objective To choose proper proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy(~1XH-MRS) parameters to fit for practical femoral marrow cavity and to produce short-timed,well-repeated and excellent ~1H-MRS images.Methods The tentative study of ~1H-MRS on the normal femoral bone marrow in 26 volunteers was performed with a 1.5 T MR after the informed consent.The single-voxel spectroscopy and stimulated echo acquisition mode were used for ~1H-MRS collection.~1H-MRS parameters for 12 volunteers were 128 acquisitions,1 cm?1 cm?1 cm volume of interest(VOI)size and repeatedly 2—3 times within the same location.~1H-MRS parameters for another:14 volunteers were different numbers of acquisition (128 and 256 times,respectively)and different VOI sizes(2 cm?2 cm?2 cm and 1 cm?1 cm?1 cm, respectively).Results For ~1H-MRS with 1 cm?1 cm?1 cm size of VOI and 128 times of acquisition with the full width haft max of water≤8—12 Hz,the base-line was steady and the signal-noise ratio was high up to 11.31.~1H-MRS was different in the different femoral locations showing the maximum peak sites at near 0.90 ppm(?10~(-6))or 1.65 ppm,but~1H-MRS within the same location was always same or similar with different VOI sizes(1 cm?1 cm?1 cm or 2 cm?2 cm?2 cm)or different numbers of acquisition(128 or 256 times).~1H-MRS acquisition time was not related with the size of VOI but with the numbers of acquisition.128 and 256 times of acquisition cost 199 s and 391 s,respectively.Conclusion With the technique of small size of VOI(1 cm?1 cm?1 cm)and decreased numbers of acquisition(128 times),it is propable to get well-repeated and excellent ~1H-MRS within less time.It is also more practical for clinics to achieve ~1H-MRS of the femoral marrow with the proper technique.

Objective:To analyze the relationship between hepatitis B virus(HBV)gene mutation at 1896 in precore region with genotype and replication of HBV and the liver function of patients.Methods:HBV precore 1896 site mutation,the genotype of HBV and serum content of HBV DNA were determined by PCR in 60 patients positive of HBV DNA.Chemiluminescence miacropaticle immunoassay(CMIA)was used for detection of serum HBeAg and HBeAb.Liver function parameters were ob- tained by routine biochemistry method.Results:The alanine aminotransferase(ALT)level in HBV with 1896 site mutation was significantly higher than that in the wildtype virus.Site mutation at 1896 had no correlation with HBeAg,HBV genotype and HBV DNA content.HBV DNA content in patient with genotype C was significantly higher than that with genotype B(P

ObjectiveTo explore the application of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWMRI) in precise radiotherapy of esophageal carcinoma.MethodsThirty-seven patients with biopsy proven esophageal cancer from March 2010 to January 2011 were included.To delineate the gross tumor volume (GTV) using CT and DWMRI images,each patient was examined by DWMRI and CT scan using the same position before radiotherapy.To compare the maximum diameters and volumes of tumor between CT and DWMRI. The tumor lengths measured by esophagogram,esophagoscope,CT and DWMRI were compared.ResultsTumor lengths under esophagogram,esophagoscope,CT and DWMRI were 5.70 cm,6.06 cm,7.97 cm and 5.79 cm respectively. The lengths between CT and esophagogram,CT and esophagoscope,CT and DWMRI had statistical significance respectively (F=4.88,P=0.003).The maximum diameters of tumor shown on CT and DWMRI were 3.79 cm and 3.81 cm respectively ( t =-0.32,P=0.751 ).The GTV were 45.75 cm3 and 38.05 cm3 in CT and DWMRI respectively (t=5.30,P =0.001 ).53 lymph nodes were assessed positive on both CT and DWMRI.DWMRI excluded 25 positive lymph nodes assesed by CT; also confirmed 15 negative lymph nodes excluded by CT,6 of which were paraesophageal lymph nodes.The addition of DWMRI information altered the clinical stage in 6 patients.ConclusionsTumor lengths measured on DWMRI and esophagogram had the optimal approximation.It was easy to find paraesophageal lymph nodes via DWMRI.With the addition of DWMRI information,the target range and clinical stage were alerted in some patients.

ObjectiveTo analyze the prognosis of 784 patients according with clinical staging of esophageal carcinoma treated with non-surgical methods,investigate the predictive value and deficiency of the clinical staging.MethodsFrom July 2003 to January 2009,784 patients with esophageal carcinoma received 3DCRT treatment.The prescribed doses ranged from 50 Gy-70 Gy with median dose of 60 Gy,1.8-2.0 Gy/fraction,1 fraction/day,5 fractions/week.65 patients received prescription dose of＜60 Gy and all the others'≥60 Gy.All the patients were divided into subgroups according to different T,N and TNM stages.Therapeutic effect was evaluated.ResultsThe follow up rate was 97.1％,503 patients were followed up for more than 3 years and 122 were followed up for more than 5 years.The 1-,3-,5-year local control rates and overall survival rates were 77.2％,54.2％,46.5％ and 69.5％,34.9％,23.9％,respectively,with median survival time of 21 months.There were significant differences of survival curves for different T stages,N stages and TNM stages.For the groups of stage Ⅰ,Ⅱ and Ⅲ,the 1-,3-,5-year survival rates were 86.4％,47.6％,45.1％ ;84.7％,46.3％,36.4％ and 64.0％,30.9％,19.1％,respectively ( x2 =29.34,P =0.000).There were 752 patients with squamous cell carcinoma ( 95.9％ )and 32 patients with non-squamous cell carcinoma (4.1％ ),the median survival time were 21 and 16 months,respectively ( x2 =4.44,P =0.035 ).There were significant difference of survival rates for the subgroups whose GTV volume ≤20 cm3,20 -40 cm3,40 -60 cm3 and ＞60 cm3 (54 months,29 months,21months and 14months,x2 =68.71,P =0.000).ConclusionsThe clinical staging of esophageal carcinoma treated with non-surgical methods could predict the prognosis accurately,for patients with different pathology and GTV volumes,there were variance in the prognosis,so we advised the complement of the two factors in the draft of clinical stages.

Background Stromal-derived factor 1α /chemokine receptor 4(SDF-1α/CXCR4) axis is one of the important signals which mediates several different activities such as chemotaxis,adhesion,proliferation and survival resulting in recruitment to sites of immune and inflammatory reactions.Considerable evidence suggests that CXCR4/SDF-1α axis is involved in tumor angiogenesis and plays a key role in the development of ocular neovascularization.Objective The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of CXCR4 antagonist on the development of cxperimental corneal neovascularization(CNV).Methods CNV model was established in the left eye of 8-weekold clean BALB/c mouse by putting the filter with 1 mol/L NaOH at the central cornea for 40 seconds.The animals were randomizcd into hyaluronate group and CXCR4 antagonist group,and the edydrops was topically administered respectively on the day of modeling 4 times per day for 14 days.CNV was examined under the slit lamp at the fourteenth day,and then the corneal suspension and section were made.Expressions of CXCR4 mRNA and protein in corneas were detected using RT-PCR and Western blot.The CD31 level in cornea was assayed by flowcytometry and immunochemistry.The expression of VEGF in burned corneas and suspension from mouse peritoneal macrophages stimulated with CXCR4 antagonist in vitro was detected by ELISA.The use of the animal followed Ragulations for the Administration of Affairs Concerning Experimental Animals by State Science and Technology Commission.Results Two weeks after corneal alkali burn,the growth of CNV peaked under the slit lamp.Compared with hyaluronate group,CNV was obviously decreased in the CXCR4 antagonist group.Immunochemistry showed that intensity of positive staining for CD31 in cornea in the CXCR4 antagonist group was weaker than the hyaluronate group.Flowcytometry clarified that CD31 positive cells rate was 9.50％ ±2.34％ in the CXCR4 antagonist group and 17.50％ ±3.16％ in the hyaluronate group,showing a significant difference between them (t=-7.312,P＜0.05).In 2,4,7 days after cornea alkali burn,the expressions of CXCR4 mRNA and protein were significantly enhanced in burn corneas compared with normal corneas(P＜0.01 ;P＜0.05).ELISA showed that the VEGF expression level in corneal tissue and supernatant of mouse peritoneal macrophages in vitro were significantly lower in the CXCR4 antagonist group than that of hyaluronate group(t =10.927,5.151,P＜0.05).The expression level of VEGF in corneal suspension was lower in the GM-CSH+CXCR4 antogonist group than that in the GM-CSH group (P＜0.05).Conclusions CXCR4 antagonist can reduce experimental CNV by down-regulating VEGF expression in cornea.

Objective To observe the relationship between computed tomography-gross tumor volume (GTV) and non-surgical T stage in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and the survival rates of patients with different GTVs,and to investigate the impact of GTV on the prognosis of ESCC after three-dimensional radiotherapy.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 223 ESCC patients without lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis who were hospitalized from July 2003 to January 2009.The prescribed doses of three-dimensional radiotherapy ranged from 50-70 Gy.These patients were divided into 3 or 4 groups according to different percentile intervals of GTVs.The Spearman rank correlation analysis was used for investigating the relationship between non-surgical T stage and GTV.The Kaplan-Meier method was used for calculating survival rates,and the log-rank test was used for survival difference analysis.Results The follow-up rate was 98.2％.A total of 163 patients were followed up for at least 3 years.The median GTVs of patients with T1 +2 ESCC,T3 ESCC,and T4 ESCC were 19.31 cm3,33.69 cm3,and 41.25 cm3,respectively,exhibiting a positive correlation between non-surgical T stage and GTV (P =0.000).The 5-year survival rates were 59％,43％,and 24％ (P =0.000) in 3 GTV-based groups and were 55％,51％,31％,and 24％ (P =0.004) in 4 GTV-based groups.The primary cause of death for the patients with GTVs of ≤35 cm3 and ＞35 cm3 was failure of local control (57.9％ vs 52.1％) ; 21.9％ and 13.8％ of the patients with a GTV of ＞ 35 cm3 died of uncontrol and excessive bleeding,versus 9.4％ and 3.1％ of the patients with a GTV of ≤ 35 cm3 (P =0.046 ; P =0.029) ;2 of the patients with a GTV of ＞ 35 cm3 died of grade 5 radiation pneumonitis.Conclusions GTV is positively correlated with nonsurgical T stage in esophageal cancer patients who receive radiotherapy.The 3-level and 4-level grading of GTV can be used for prognostic evaluation,and the 3-level grading of GTV is more closely related to prognosis.The patients with a larger GTV have higher incidence of uncontrol and bleeding and risk of treatment-related death than those with a smaller GTV after radiotherapy.

Objective To investigate the effects of dosimetric differences in gross tumor volume ( GTV ) on local control and survival rates in patients with esophageal carcinoma undergoing three?dimensional ( 3D) radiotherapy,and to provide a basis for clinical treatment. Methods From January 2004 to December 2010, 548 patients with esophageal carcinoma received conventional fractionated 3D radiotherapy with a prescribed dose of 60 Gy. All patients were divided into low?dose group and high?dose group according to the dosimetric differences in GTV. The survival and local control rates were compared between the two groups. The survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan?Meier method and analyzed using the logrank test. The Cox regression model was used for the multivariate prognostic analysis. Results The number of sample were 456 and 216 patients at 5 and 7 years followed time. The 1?,3?,5?,and 7?year local control rates were significantly higher in the high?dose group than in the low?dose group ( 83?5% vs. 71?3%, 62?6% vs. 44?8%,57?5% vs. 41?7%,52?9% vs. 38?8%,P=0?000).The 1?,3?,5?,and 7?year survival rates were also significantly higher in the high?dose group than in the low?dose group ( 79?6% vs. 66?3%, 44?3% vs. 29?7%, 34?0% vs. 21?8%, 26?1% vs. 17?0%, P=0?000 ) . The univariate prognostic analysis using the Cox regression model showed that Dmin , Dmean , and D100 for GTV were prognostic factors ( P=0?000,0?001,0?000).In all the 548 patients,201 were assigned to the high?dose group and the others to the low?dose group. Compared with the high?dose group, the low?dose group showed significantly larger GTV (38?2 vs. 48?1 cm3,P=0?002) and more advanced T stages (P=0?035).The stratified analysis showed that the 1?,3?,5?,and 7?year local control and survival rates were significantly higher in the high?dose group than in the low?dose group,regardless of tumor location,GTV,TNM stage,or chemotherapy. The multivariate analysis using the Cox regression model indicated that tumor location and grouping based on the radiation dose to GTV were independent prognostic factors. Conclusions In 3D radiotherapy for treating esophageal carcinoma,a high?quality treatment plan and GTV dose assurance improve the survival rates in patients. The patients with lower Dmin ,Dmean ,and D100 for GTV than the prescribed dose have a poor prognosis.