Dyspnea ; diagnosis ; Humans ; Inhalation

The whole length of exon 11 of BRCA1 was sequenced (total 3427 bp) in 59 patients and 10 healthy female blood donors. To allow a rapid determination of the different BRCA1 alleles, a sequence-specific primer PCR method (PCR-SSP) was established and was applied to 57 additional female donors. Finally, the full-length coding region of BRCA1 was analyzed through reversed-transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) and cDNA sequencing (total 5554 bp) in one donor with wild-type allele and 2 patients with one or two mutated alleles. By genomic DNA sequencing, 5 homozygous polymorphisms were observed in 18 patients: 2201C>T, 2430T>C, 2731C>T, 3232A>G and 3667A>G All of them were previously observed in Caucasians, Malay and Chinese, but for the first time the mutations were found in one allele (GenBank AY304547). Twenty-six patients and 4 donors were heterozygous at these 5 nucleotide positions. The remaining 15 patients and 6 donors showed a sequence identical with the standard BRCA1 gene. Combined the PCR-SSP results and in a summary, 6 of 67 (9.0 %) healthy individuals were homozygous for the mutated allele, whereas 18 of 59 (30.5 %) breast cancer patients were homozygous. A Chi-square test showed a significant correlation between homozygous mutated BRCA1 allele and breast cancer. The cDNA sequencing showed that 2 additional mutations, 4427T>C in exon 13 and 4956A>G in exon 16, were found. A new BRCA1 allele, which is BRCAI-2201T/2430C/2731T/3232G/3667G/4427C/4956G (GenBank AY751490), was found in Chinese. And the homozygote of this mutated allele may implicate a disease-association in Chinese.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones ; blood ; Adult ; Exercise ; physiology ; Gonadal Hormones ; blood ; Humans ; Luteinizing Hormone ; blood ; Male ; Pituitary-Adrenal System ; Serum ; metabolism ; Students ; Testosterone ; blood

Diagnosis, Differential ; Hemangiopericytoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Hemangiosarcoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Histiocytoma, Malignant Fibrous ; metabolism ; pathology ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Leiomyosarcoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Nerve Sheath Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive ; metabolism ; pathology ; Rhabdoid Tumor ; metabolism ; pathology ; Rhabdomyosarcoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Soft Tissue Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Urinary Bladder ; metabolism ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of Qiling Decoction (QD) combined highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) on expression levels of peripheral blood Th17 and Treg cells in HIV/AIDS patients.

METHODSTotally 55 HIV/AIDS patients were randomly assigned to the treatment group (28 cases) and the combination group (27 cases). Besides, 21 HIV negative patients were recruited as the healthy control group. Those in the treatment group received HARRT alone, while those in the combination group received HAART combined QD. The observation lasted for 24 weeks. Meanwhile, according to peripheral blood CD4+ T cell counts before treatment, HIV/AIDS patients were assigned to three subgroups. For patients in subgroup 1, 1 cells/microL < CD4+ T cell counts < or = 100 cells/microL; For patients in subgroup 2, 101 cells/microL < CD4+ T cell counts < or = 200 cells/lL; For patients in subgroup 3, 201 cells/microL < CD4+ T cell counts < or = 350 cells/microL. Expression of peripheral blood Th17 and Treg cells, and number of CD4+ T cell counts were detected using flow cytometry (FCM)in HIV/AIDS patients at the pre-treatment baseline, week 4, 12, and 24, as well as those in the healthy control group.

RESULTSCompared with the healthy control group, CD4+ T cell counts and the baseline expression level of Th17 cells in the peripheral blood of HIV/AIDS patients significantly decreased, the expression level of Treg cells significantly increased P < 0.01). Compared with before treatment in the same group, CD4+ T cell counts all increased at week 4, 12, and 24 in the two treatment groups, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). There was no statistical difference in the effective rate at various CD4+ T cell levels between the two groups (P > 0.05). There was no statistical difference in expression levels of Th17 and Treg cells between the combination group and the treatment group at any time point (all P >0.05). The Th17/Treg ration significantly increased in the combination group after 24 weeks of treatment, showing statistical difference when compared with the treatment group (U = 2.135, P = 0.038).

CONCLUSIONQD could improve the immune balance of Th17/Treg cells, which might be one of its mechanisms for improving HIV/AIDS patients' immunity.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ; drug therapy ; immunology ; Adult ; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active ; CD4 Lymphocyte Count ; Case-Control Studies ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; HIV Infections ; drug therapy ; immunology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory ; cytology ; Th17 Cells ; cytology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the correlation between enhanced computed tomography (CT) findings and pathological results of rare parotid gland tumors, and improve diagnosis accuracy.

METHODSThe enhanced CT manifestations of 22 cases with pathologically documented rare parotid gland tumors, which included 6 cases of basal cell tumor, 5 cases of myoepithelioma, 4 cases of vascular invasion, 3 cases of lymphatic cyst, 3 cases of lipoma, and 1 case of chondrosarcoma, were retrospectively analyzed. The location, size, shape, density, and relationship with surrounding structure were evaluated on CT images.

RESULTSThe enhanced CT showed that basal cell tumors occurred in the superficial lobe of the parotid gland, with clear boundary, within the cystic lesion. The lesions were moderate to obviously enhanced, which may be accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes. Myoepithelial tumors were located in the superficial lobe of the parotid gland, with a small cystic prone and microcalcification within a few cases. The lesions were moderate to obviously enhanced. Hemangiomas of soft tissue mass prominent in the parotid gland surface were mild to significantly enhanced. Larger lesions may occupy the entire parotid gland, with uneven density and visible vein stone. The CT density values of the lymphatic cyst were usually higher. Chondrosarcoma mainly manifested cystic mass at the calcification edge. Lipoma with fat density mass exhibited clear boundary without enhancement. Fiber separation could be observed in the lesion.

CONCLUSIONCT can reflect the pathological features of rare parotid gland tumors by demonstrating their corresponding imaging features. Enhanced CT is the most effective means of imaging to identify the nature of rare tumor of the parotid gland lesions.

Chondrosarcoma ; Hemangioma ; Humans ; Lipoma ; Parotid Gland ; Parotid Neoplasms ; Retrospective Studies ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Objective: To study the effect of flavonoids from seed residues of Hippophae rhamnoides L.( FSH) and Hippophae rhamnoides L. oil(HRO)on serum lipid in female rats with obesity. Methods Female aged rats with obesity were given FSH and HRO by oral administration for 6 w. Serum triglyceride(TG) and cholesterol(TC) were determined every 2 w. The serum free fatty acid (FFA), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C),body weight and Lee’s index were measured after 6 w. Results: Serum TG and FFA level decreased significantly in rats given FSH. At the same time, FSH could inhibit the increase in body weight and Lee’s index. HRO could regulate the lipid metabolism and decrease serum TG level significantly in female aged rats with obesity. Conclusion: Both FSH and HRO can improve lipid metabolism in female aged rats with obesity.

BACKGROUND:Studiesin vitro have suggested that icarin can attenuate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute pneumonia. Is the anti-inflammatory effect of icarin stil valid in the presence of wear particles? OBJECTIVE:With studiesin vivo andin vitro, to investigate the regulatory effect of icarrin on titanium particle-induced inflammatory reaction. METHODS:(1) Studiesin vivo: Eighty male C57BL/6 mice aged 6-8 weeks were randomly divided into four groups: control group, icarin group, titanium particle group, and titanium particle+icarin group. Mice in the titanium particle group and titanium particle+icarin group received surgical procedure, and sterile and endotoxin-free titanium particles were implanted on the calvaria surfaces to induce inflammatory reaction. Mice in the control group and icarin group received the same surgery, but no wear particles were implanted. Then icarin was given oraly to mice in the titanium particle group and titanium particle+ icarin group with a dose of 200 mg/kg per day for 2 weeks from the day of modeling. Mice in the control group and icarin group were given oraly the same dose of placebo. Two weeks later, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β at protein and mRNA levels were respectively detected with enzyme-linked immunohistochemical (ELISA) and quantitative real time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis. (2) Studiesin vitro: Mouse monocyte/macrophage RAW264.7 cels were cultured with different conditioned media: control group, nuclear factor receptor ligand кB (RANKL); icarin group, RANKL+icarin; titanium particle group, RANKL+titanium particles; titanium particle+icarrin group, RANKL+icarin+titanium particles. Titanium particles stimulated RAW264.7 cels were co-cultured with RANKL and icarin for 72 hours. Tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β at protein and mRNA levels in the supernatant were detected with ELISA analysis and qRT-PCR, respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Resultsin vivo: icarin treatment obviously decreased titanium particle-induced inflammatory cellinfiltration and made the thickness of periosteum thinner, down-regulated tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β expressions at protein and mRNA levels. (2) Results in vitro: when RAW264.7 cels were stimulated with titanium particles for 72 hours, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β expressions at protein and mRNA levels in culture media increased obviously; when icarin was administrated, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1βexpressions at protein and mRNA levels down-regulated significantly. These results suggest icarin can obviously suppress titanium particle-induced inflammatory reactionin vivo andin vitro.

Objective To study the tolerance to 188Re-1-hydroxy-1 ,1-ethylidene disodium phosphonate(HEDP) in patients with bone pain caused by osseous metastases. Methods Thirty-one patients(10with prostate cancer, 9 with breast cancer, 3 with lung cancer, 5 with liver cancer, 2 with rectal cancer, 1with esophageal cancer and 1 with renal cancer) received a single injection dose of 188Re-HEDP. The patients were divided into four groups according to the injection dose: 20 MBq/kg (6 patients), 30 MBq/kg(6 patients), 40 MBq/kg (9 patients), and 50 MBq/kg (10 patients). Haematological toxicity (WHO grading) of grade Ⅲ- Ⅳ was considered unacceptable. Vital signs and adverse effects after injection were recorded for 8 weeks. Blood counts were measured weekly during a period of 8 weeks. Biochemical parameters and electrocardiogram were assayed at week 4 and 8. Statistical analysis was performed for per-protocol (pp) population (t-test). Results Twenty-seven patients belonged to PP population with 5 in the group of 20 MBq/kg, 5 in the group of 30 MBq/kg, 8 in the group of 40 MBq/kg and 9 in the group of 50 MBq/kg.No obvious adverse effects and no significant change of vital signs, electrocardiogram, liver and renal function were found after injection. Alkaline phosphatase was slightly higher than baseline at week 4 and 8 after therapy, but the difference was not statistically significant. In the 20 MBq/kg group, reversible grade Ⅰ leucopenia was noted in 1 patient. In the 30 MBq/kg group, 2 patients showed reversible grade Ⅰ leucopenia including 1 alone with reversible grade Ⅲ thrombopenia. In the 40 MBq/kg group, reversible grade Ⅰ leucopenia and thrombopenia was observed in 1 patient and reversible grade Ⅱ leucopenia and thrombopenia in another patient. In the .50 MBq/kg group, 3 patients showed reversible grade Ⅱ leucopenia. The lowest level of thrombopenia was at week 4(143.5 × 109/L), leucopenia at week 6 (5.4 × 109/L) and anaemia at week 8(t = 3.1325, 3.3156, 3.4917, all P ＜ 0. 05 compared with baseline). At week 8, the mean level of platelet and leucocyte recovered to baseline. "Bounce pain" was found in 2 of 27 patients (7.41%).Conclusions The dose of 20 MBq/kg, 30 MBq/kg, 40 MBq/kg or 50 MBq/kg of 188Re-HEDP do not cause significant side effects on cancer patients with bone metastases, though there is a tendency that the haematological toxicity may increase as the dose of 188Re-HEDP increases.

Objective To investigate the effect of liraglutide combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) on glucose metabolism in experimental type 1 diabetic (T1DM) rats.Methods T1 DM rats were established by injecting 60 mg/kg streptozotocin.According to random number table,they were divided into T1DM group (n =10),BM-MSCs group (n =10),LIRA group (n =10),and LIRA+BM-MSCs group (n =10),and were treated for 8 weeks respectively.Random blood glucose,24 h urine volume and protein excretion were tested.Serum concentrations of insulin,C-peptide,glucagon,gastrin,cholecystokinin,and glucagon-like peptid 1 (GLP-1) were assayed by ELISA.Expressions of insulin and glucagon in pancreas were measured by immunohistochemistry.Results After 8 weeks,the levels of random blood glucose,HbA1C,24 h urine volume and 24 h urinary protein excretion in group 4 were significantly decreased compared to the other three groups (P＜0.05).Compared to T1DM group and BM-MSCs group,the levels of insulin,C-peptide,gastrin,cholecystokinin and GLP-1 in LIRA+BM-MSCs group were significantly increased,while glucagon was decreased (P＜0.05).Compared to group LIRA,the levels of insulin,C-peptide,gastrin,and cholecystokinin in LIRA + BM-MSCs group were increased (P ＜ 0.05),there was no significantly difference in glucagon or GLP-1 (P＞0.05).The analysis revealed that the level of insulin was positively correlated with gastrin (r =0.544,P＜0.01),cholecystokinin (r =0.710,P＜0.01) and GLP-1 (r =0.669,P＜ 0.01),but was negatively correlated with glucagon (r =-0.506,P＜0.01);the level of glucagon was negatively correlated with gastrin (r =-0.364,P＜0.05),cholecystokinin (r =-0.433,P＜0.01) and GLP-1 (r =-0.591,P＜ 0.01).Compared to the other three groups respectively,immunohistochemistry displayed that the positive area of insulin in pancreas was significantly increased in LIRA + BM-MSCs group,while that of glucagon was decreased (P＜ 0.05).Conclusions By means of regulating gastrointestinal hormones efficiently,combination of liraglutide withBM-MSCs may improve glucose metabolism more efficaciously than treatment with a single agent in T1DM rats.