Objective To evaluate the value of SPECT/CT in differentiating malignancy from benign spinal disease. Methods Fifty-three patients with foci of abnormally increased uptake in the spine detected by 99Tcm-MDP planar whole body bone scan subsequently underwent bone SPECT/CT. The final diagnosis was determined by pathological examination or clinical follow-up ( ≥6 months), which was applied to calculate the diagnostic efficacy of bone SPECT/CT. Results A total of 25 patients were confirmed to have bone malignancy. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, false positive rate, false negative rate, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for 99Tcm-MDP bone SPECT/CT were 96.00% (24/25), 96.43% (27/28), 96.23% (51/53), 3.57% ( 1/28), 4.00% ( 1/25), 96.00% (24/25) and 96.43% (27/28), respectively. Conclusion 99Tcm-MDP bone SPECT/CT imaging provides good clinical value for the differential diagnosis of spinal diseases.

Mongolian folk medicine resource is the origin of Mongolian medicine development, even more important of which is the specialized Mongolian folk medicine resources with regional and high medicine quality, it processes distinctive national characteristics with irreplaceable important position in traditional Mongolian medicine. Nevertheless, due to the serious destroy of ecological environment and sharp increase of demands, etc. A lot of specialized Mongolian folk medicine resources were endangered, and there still existed some problems in the protection and exploitation and utilization. This paper intends to provide comprehensive insight into the species protection and exploitation and utilization states of specialized Mongolian folk medicine resources. The application and protection status and the existing problems were reviewed, and the development strategies of Mongolian folk medicine resource were analyzed.
Conservation of Natural Resources ; methods ; Environment ; Medicine, Mongolian Traditional ; Mongolia ; Plants, Medicinal ; classification ; growth & development

Bacillus anthracis collagen-like protein(BclA) is a structural component of the exosporium filaments,as well as the immunodominant antigen on the spore surface.The genes encoding BclA proteins were cloned and sequenced from three Bacillus anthracis strains separated from China.It was founded that the BclA proteins of strain A16R and 40048,containing 388 and 322 amino acids,72 and 50 copies of GXX repeat,5 and 3 copies of 21-amino-acid sequence(GPT)_(5)GDTGTT(BclA repeat) respectively,are different from those reported by foreign scholars;while the BclA protein of strain 40022,containing 370 amino acids,66 copies of GXX repeat,and 5 copies of BclA repeat,is identical with that of strain 53169 reported by others.The results are helpful for the molecular typing of B.anthracis strains,and provide a basis for the elucidation of the pathogenesis and immunogenicity of B.anthracis spore.

OBJECTIVETo investigate Bartonella infections in small mammalian reservoir hosts from different environments and types of climate in Yunnan.

METHODSFemoral blood samples were collected from the anesthetic captured animals from five counties including three types of climate. All isolates were grown on brain and heart infusion agar plates containing 5% defibrinated rabbit blood. The agar plates were incubated at 35 degrees C in a humidified with 5% CO2 environment for at least 4 weeks. Bartonella-like isolates were confirmed by the polymerase chain reaction and visualizing the target gene fragment by gel electrophoresis.

RESULTSBartonella species were isolated from 69 of 176 small animals including 4 species of 3 genera from 4 counties and the total prevalence in rodents was 39.2%. The maximal prevalence was 42.0% of Rattus tanezumi flavipectus usually inhabiting indoors and courtyard and contacting closely to human. Moreover, Bartonella isolates were obtained from Rattus noruegicus, Eothenomys miletus and Mus pahari. Life environments of captured animals involved indoors, courtyard, brush and forest in mountain.

CONCLUSIONThe finding in this study suggested the characteristic of diversity of Bartonella infections in rodent hosts in southern China included Bartonella species parasiting in a wide range of animal hosts in different environments as well as climate types. Further investigations were needed in different areas in China to confirm more mammalian reservoir hosts with Bartonella infections.

Animals ; Bartonella ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Bartonella Infections ; epidemiology ; veterinary ; China ; epidemiology ; Disease Reservoirs ; Mice ; Rats ; microbiology ; Rodent Diseases ; microbiology ; Rodentia ; microbiology ; Species Specificity

OBJECTIVETo study the feasibility and effect of substituting esophagus with stomach or colon without thoracotomy in the treatment of cervical esophageal carcinoma with laryngeal function preserved.

METHODSTwenty-four patients with cervical esophageal carcinoma were retrospectively reviewed. The esophagus was resected and substituted with 19 gastric pull-up and 5 colon interposition. Nineteen patients received radiotherapy postoperatively (dose 50 - 70 Gy).

RESULTSTwenty two patients were follow up over 3 years. The 3- and 5-year survival rates for T2 were 3 and 1, for T3, T4 8 and 3, respectively. The laryngeal function preservation rate was 77% (17/24) and the decannulation rate was 75% (12/16). The complication rate was 29%.

CONCLUSIONSurgical resection of cervical esophageal carcinoma with removal of the extraesophageal invaded tissues while preserving the laryngeal function is possible. The continuity of the esophagus is restored by stomach transposition and colon interposition. Combined with radiotherapy, the survival rate and life quality of the patient might be improved.

Adult ; Aged ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; mortality ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Esophagoplasty ; methods ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Larynx ; physiopathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Quality of Life ; Survival Rate ; Thoracotomy

PURPOSE: To report the results of switching treatment to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) Trap-Eye (aflibercept) in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) refractory to anti-VEGF (ranibizumab and bevacizumab). METHODS: This is a retrospective study involving 32 eyes from 29 patients; 18 were cases of neovascular AMD and 14 were cases of PCV. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography were evaluated. RESULTS: BCVA and CMT improved from 0.58 to 0.55 (p = 0.005) and from 404 to 321 microm (p < 0.001), respectively, after switching to aflibercept. The 14 eyes that received 6 or more aflibercept injections remained stable at 0.81 to 0.81 and 321 to 327 microm (p = 1.0, 0.29), respectively, after 3 aflibercept injections. The 10 eyes that received 3 or more bevacizumab injections after 3 or more aflibercept injections worsened, from 0.44 to 0.47 and from 332 to 346 microm (p = 0.06, 0.05), respectively. The results showed similar improvement of BCVA and CMT in neovascular AMD and PCV. CONCLUSIONS: Aflibercept seems to be effective for improvement and maintenance of BCVA and CMT for neovascular AMD and PCV refractory to anti-VEGF. Switching from aflibercept back to bevacizumab treatment may not be a proper strategy.
Angiogenesis Inhibitors/administration & dosage ; Bevacizumab/administration & dosage ; Choroid/*blood supply ; Choroid Diseases/complications/diagnosis/*drug therapy ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Intravitreal Injections ; Male ; Ranibizumab/administration & dosage ; Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor/*administration & dosage ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins/*administration & dosage ; Retinal Neovascularization/complications/diagnosis/*drug therapy ; Retrospective Studies ; Tomography, Optical Coherence ; Treatment Outcome ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/*antagonists & inhibitors ; *Visual Acuity ; Wet Macular Degeneration/diagnosis/*drug therapy/etiology

OBJECTIVETo explore the mechanism of acupoint sticking of "Hua yutie" in improving ischemic stroke.

METHODSEighty rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, a model group, an acupoint sticking group, an acupuncture group, a Nimodipine group and a normal group. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was used for preparation of focal cerebral ischemic rat model. After modeling, any treatment was not given to the model group; for the acupoint sticking group, "Hua yutie" was applied at "Dazhui" (GV 14) ,"Qihai" (CV 6) and "Mingmen" (GV 4); for the acupuncture group, acupuncture was given at the same acupoints as those in the acupoint sticking group; the Nimodipine group received intragastric administration of Nimodipine. And the normal group did not receive any treatment. Their infarction volume, the cerebral water content, expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the protein level were observed.

RESULTSThe infarction volume coincided with the dominative scope of the middle cerebral artery of the electric coagulation. There were significant differences in the cerebral water content as the various treatment groups compared with that of the model group (all P<0.05). The VEGF positive cell number and the protein level around the infarction area in the acupoint sticking group were increased as compared with those in the model group (P<0.01), with no significant difference as compared with the Nimodipine group and the acupuncture group (all P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONAcupoint sticking of "Hua yutie" alleviates the cerebral damage after ischemia possibly through enhancing the expression and protein level of VEGF.

Acupuncture Points ; Administration, Cutaneous ; Animals ; Brain Ischemia ; drug therapy ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cerebral Infarction ; drug therapy ; genetics ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Gene Expression ; drug effects ; Humans ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo carry out a genetic detection and analysis of Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) gene in Chinese patients with sporadic pheochromocytoma.

METHODSDNA samples were extracted from peripheral blood cells and fresh pheochromocytoma specimens from 41 patients with sporadic pheochromocytoma were assayed by polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing. The DNA samples of 50 healthy volunteers were extracted from peripheral blood as a control. The PCR products of exon 1, exon 2 and exon 3 were used for molecular analysis of the VHL gene. The genetic detection of family members of VHL gene mutations was also performed.

RESULTSOne of mutations was located at nucleotide 572 (G-->C) in exon 2, presenting a codon 120 from arginine (R) to threonine (T). Tow small insertions were locatated at nucleotide 623T (TTTGTtG) in exon 2, leading to a frameshift mutation. There were also three carriers of G572C and three carriers of 623T (TTTGTtG) in family members of the three cases.

CONCLUSIONThere are some Chinese patients with sporadic pheochromocytoma with tumorigenic VHL gene mutations. It is recommended to use the genetic detection and analysis of VHL gene as a routine examination for patients with sporadic pheoehromoeytoma under the age of 50 years with questionable family history. The genetic detection and analysis of VHL gene may be useful as a marker for the diagnosis of hereditary pheochromocytoma.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms ; genetics ; Adult ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; DNA, Neoplasm ; genetics ; Exons ; Family ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mutation ; Pedigree ; Pheochromocytoma ; genetics ; Von Hippel-Lindau Tumor Suppressor Protein ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo establish an porcine model of whole pancreaticoduodenal transplantation with portal venous drainage and enteric drainage for ensuring physiologically normal function without hyperinsulinemia and reducing postoperative complications.

METHODSTwenty sichuan native outbreding white pigs weighing 25-30 kg were divided equally into two groups to serve as the donors and recipients. Cooling of the grafts was accomplished with in situ flush with 4 degrees C UW preservation solution via an aortic cannula. A whole pancreatoduodenal graft with the segment of abdominal aorta and the portal vein was harvested from the donor pigs. Type I diabetes model was established by complete removal of the recipient pancreas. The whole pancreatoduodenal graft was preserved and shaped in UW solution, and the subphrenic abdominal aorta of the recipient was joined with the donor abdominal aorta via a side-to-end anastomosis, and venous reflux was reconstructed between the donor portal vein and the recipient superior mesenteric vein. Side-to-side intestinal anastomosis was performed between the donor duodenum and the recipient jejunum.

RESULTSTen pancreaticoduodenal transplantations (PVE+ED style) were done, and pancreatic graft thrombosis and embolism occurred only in 1 pig 6 days after transplantation.

CONCLUSIONThe model of whole pancreaticoduodenal transplantation with portal venous drainage and enteric drainage is stable and reliable.

Animals ; Drainage ; methods ; Duodenum ; transplantation ; Female ; Intestines ; surgery ; Male ; Models, Animal ; Pancreas Transplantation ; Portal Vein ; surgery ; Swine ; Transplantation, Homologous

OBJECTIVETo investigate the co-culture of keratinocytes with Malassezia isolates which cause the pityriasis versicolor with different color and to analyze the changes of cytokines associated with melanogenesis.

METHODSThe effects of Malassezia species with different proportions on the growth rate of keratinocytes was assessed with 5 g/L methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT). Co-culture of keratinocytes and Malassezia species were performed with isolates from hyer- and hypo-pigmentation areas of pityriasis versicolor. The supernatants were collected at different time points, and the changes of basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF), endothelin-1 (ET-1), nerve growth factor-beta (NGF-beta), interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), stem cell factor (SCF) were recorded. Three control groups were established accordingly.

RESULTSWhen the ratio between keratinocytes and Malassezia species was lower than 1: 10, the growth rate of keratinocytes was not affected by Malassezia (P > 0.05). When the ratio was increased above 1:20, the growth rate of keratinocytes was significantly inhibited by Malassezia (P < 0.01). The secretions of IL-1alpha, IL-6, TNF-alpha, and ET-1 was significantly increased after the co-culture of keratinocytes and Malassezia (P < 0.01), while those of b-FGF, NGF-beta, and SCF had no significant changes (P > 0.05). Compared with the isolates from the hypo-pigmentation area, ET-1 induced by isolate from hyperpigmentation area significantly increased (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONWhen Malassezia isolates are co-cultured with keratinocytes, the secretions of cytokines associated with melanogenesis may differ from each other. ET-1 may play certain role in the hyper-pigmentation of pityriasis versicolor.

Cell Proliferation ; Cells, Cultured ; Cytokines ; biosynthesis ; Humans ; Keratinocytes ; cytology ; metabolism ; microbiology ; Malassezia ; isolation & purification ; physiology ; Melanins ; biosynthesis ; Tinea Versicolor ; microbiology