A mutant strain L05 was screened from its parent strain Penicillium sp. PT95 by laser irradiation of protoplast. When LOS strain was incubated in Czapek' s agar plates for 20 d, both the sclerotia biomass and carotenoid content accumulated in sclerotia increased significantly compared with that of PT95 strain, and the increase rate reached respectively 98.6% and 28.3% . The carotenoid yield of L05 strain reached 381ug/plate, which was 2.54 times higher than that of PT95. The character of both sclerotia and carotenoid high productivity remained stable after three times of subculture. No sectored colony appeared during subculture.

Objective To investigate the clinical skill and experience of laparoscopic herniorrhaphy in the treatment of abdominal hernia. Methods Clinical data of 30 cases of abdominal hernia undergoing laparoscopic her-niorrhaphy in Shengjing Hospital from May 2004 to December 2008 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 23 in-guinal hernia,4 incision hernia and 3 hiatal hernia. TEP in 20 cases,TAPP in 3 cases,lPOM in 4 cases and Nissen hiatal hernia repair in 3 cases were performed. Results The mean operating duration was 72 min for TEP, 127 for TAPP,150 min for IPOM,and ]60 min for hiatal hernia repair and the mean time for hospitalization was 4.6,5.8, 7.5, and 5.3 days. No conversion to open surgery happened among these cases. No recurrence was found. Conclu-sions Laparoscopic herniorrhaphy appears to be an effective and convenient technique for the treatment of abdomi-nal hernia and has many advantages of minimally invasive surgery.

Objective:To investigate the effect of DKK1 on linearly patterned programmed cell necrosis (LPPCN) and vasculogenic mim-icry (VM) and the related molecular mechanism in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods:A total of 173 human NSCLC speci-mens were collected to detect LPPCN by H&E staining, detect VM with CD31/PAS double staining, and investigate DKK1 and related protein expression by immunohistochemistry. The clinical pathological significance of LPPCN, VM, and DKK1 and the correlation of them were analyzed. Human NSCLC H460-DKK1 cells were engrafed in nude mice to evaluate the influence of DKK1 up-regulation on VM and LPPCN in vivo. Results:Approximately, 14.45%(25/173) of NSCLC had VM and 49.71%(86/173) had LPPCN. 25.6%(22/86) of NSCLC cases in LPPCN-positive group formed VM. Both of VM and LPPCN were all correlated with poor differentiation, late TNM stage, easy recurrence and metastasis and poor prognosis in NSCLC. DKK1 expression in the VM-positive group and the LPPCN-positive group was higher than that in the VM-negative group and the LPPCN-negative group, respectively. DKK1, LPPCN, and VM were positive-ly correlated with VE-cadherin, MMP-2,β-catenin nuclear expression and Twist1. H460-DKK1 transplantation tumor model confirmed that DKK1 promotes the expression of VM and LPPCN and related proteins in NSCLC. Conclusion:The increase of theβ-catenin and Twist1 expression induced by DKK1 may promote the formation of LPPCN and VM in NSCLC.

Objective:To discuss the influence of ALDH1+and CD133+phenotypic breast cancer stem-like cells in TA2 triple negative breast cancer on promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) occurrence in TA2 mice with triple-negative breast cancer and on their biological behavior. Methods:Flow cytometry was performed to analyze the markers ALDH1 and CD133 in TA2 mice triple nega-tive breast cancer and breast cancer stem-like cells with ALDH1+, ALDH1?, CD133+, and CD133?phenotypes, which were sorted out. Then, the TA2 mice were inoculated with sorted tumor cells according to cell type. The mice were divided into ALDH1+, ALDH1?, CD133+, and CD133-groups. The tumor-growing conditions were observed. A tumor tissue was sliced for the immunohistochemical testing of ALDH1?, CD133?, and EMT-related Twist1, E-cadherin, and VE-cadherin proteins. The expression difference of breast cancer stem cell surface markers ALDH1 and CD133 in triple-negative breast cancer and EMT-related proteins Twist1, E-cadherin, and VE-cad-herin was analyzed. Results:The expression rates of breast cancer stem cell markers ALDH1 and CD133 in TA2 mice triple negative breast cancer were 31.2%and 6.5%, respectively. The tumor growth ability of TA2 mice from ALDH1+group was obviously stronger than that from ALDH1?group. The CD133+group was evidently stronger than CD133?group. The immunohistochemical results showed that ALDH1, Twist1, and VE-cadherin expression levels in the ALDH1+group were evidently higher than that in the ALDH1?group (all P<0.05). E-cadherin expression decreased (P<0.05). CD133?, Twist1, and VE-cadherin expression levels in CD133+group were higher than that in CD133?group (all P<0.05). Conclusion:In TA2 mice triple negative breast cancer, ALDH1+and CD133+phenotypic breast cancer stem-like cells may influence the expression of EMT-related proteins, and promote the formation of triple-negative breast cancer.

Objective To study the three-dimensional topography of the hepatic vein(HV),the inferior vena cava(IVC)and the inferior right hepatic vein(IRHV)in the retrohepatic and pre-IVC tunnel in human beings,and to provide an anatomic reference for liver surgery.Methods One hundred and ten volunteers underwent CT scanning at 60 to 75 s after injection of contrast medium,and their HV,IVC and IRHV were reconstructed into MPR and 3D-MIP images.The hepatic veins were grouped according to the way by which the hepatic vein enters IVC.The angle between the right hepatic vein and the middle hepatic vein or the trunk of hepatic vein was measured,and the width from right hepatic vein to middle hepatic vein or to the trunk of hepatic vein on IVC was recorded.The frequency of IRHV was observed,and the length of the tunnel was measured.Results Among the 110 volunteers,there were 6 cases(5.45%)with three hepatic veins respectively entering IVC,98 cases(89.10%)with right hepatic vein and a common trunk of the middle hepatic vein and the left hepatic vein entering IVC,and 6 cases(5.45%)with left hepatic vein and a common trunk of the right hepatic vein and the middle hepatic vein entering IVC.The mean value of the angles between the right hepatic vein and the middle hepatic vein or the trunk of hepatic vein was(55? 18)?.The width from the fight hepatic vein to the middle hepatic vein or to the trunk of hepatic vein was (21?7)mm.The IRHV was observed in 30 cases(27.27%).The mean value of the tunnel length was (53?11)mm.Conclusion The parameters of the retrohepatic and pre-IVC tunnel in human beings can be measured accurately by the imaging of MPR,which can provide an anatomic reference for the liver surgery.

OBJECTIVEThe purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of frontal recess cells in Chinese patients who did not have frontal sinus disease related symptoms.

METHODSForty-nine Chinese patients without frontal sinus disease symptoms were undergone spiral computed tomography (CT). Then multiplanar reconstruction images were evaluated using a standard triplanar reconstruction protocol on a computer workstation.

RESULTSThe prevalence of agge rnasi cell was 94% (92/98). Sixty-four uncinate processes (65%, 64/98) had one superior attachment for each uncinate process, the other thirty-four uncinate processes (35%, 34/98) had two superior attachments for each uncinate process. The uncinate process' single superior attachment into the surrounding structures was identified to have the following distribution: 53% (52/98) to the lamina papyracea, 9% (9/98) to the middle turbinate, 3% (3/98) to the skull base. Most of the uncinate process' two superior attachments were either into the lamina papyracea and the skull base (24%, 23/98) or into the lamina papyracea and the middle turbinate (10%, 10/98). Only one uncinate process (1%) superiorly attached to the skull base and the middle turbinate. The prevalence of recessus terminalis was 87% (85/98). Of all the frontal cells identified in 32 sides (33%) of frontal recesses, the prevalence of type I, type II, type II and type IV cells were 23% (23 sides), 2% (2 sides), 7% (7 sides) and 0% (0 side) respectively. Supra bullar cell, frontal bullar cell and interfrontal septal cell were identified in 30 sides (31%), 7 sides (7%) and 7 patients (14%) respectively.

CONCLUSIONSThe result characterized normal frontal recess pneumatization in Chinese. That, together with the variations of the uncinate process' superior attachment emphasized the roles of agger nasi cell and the uncinate process in endoscopic frontal sinus surgery.

Adult ; Anatomy, Regional ; Female ; Frontal Sinus ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical outcomes of minimally invasive posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) assisted by X-Tube system for the management of degenerative lumbar diseases.

METHODSA total of 31 patients, 17 male and 14 female with ages from 38 to 75 (average 54.2 years), underwent minimally invasive PLIF assisted by the X-Tube system from May 2005 to March 2006. The index diagnosis was lumbar spondylolisthesis in 14 cases, spinal stenosis in 8 cases, separation of the posterior ring apophysis in 5 cases, intervertebral space stenosis with disk herniation in 4 cases. Before operation, conservative management for at least 6 months was proved to be failure in all these patients. The operative duration and blood loss were estimated . The changes of postoperative serum level of creatinine kinase was measured as well, and compared with the control group of 31 cases who were managed with traditional open PLIF operation during the same period at our department. The clinical functional outcomes were evaluated according to Oswestry disability questionnaire.

RESULTSThe operation lasted for 140-225 min, with a mean duration of (176 +/- 22) min. Blood loss during the operation was 270-750 ml, with a mean of (406 +/- 96) ml. Postoperative serum level of creatinine kinase was obviously lower in minimally invasive PLIF cases than in the open control cases. Although 2 pedicle screws in 2 cases were not in ideal position, there was no nerve root irritation or fixation failure and hence no revision was required. One case with spinal stenosis complained of numbness in the area dominated by left L5 nerve root after operation, but the symptom was relieved within 2 weeks through conservative management. All the 31 patients were followed up for 7-17 months, with a mean duration of 12.2 months. Lumbar radiography, and three-dimensional CT reconstruction in some cases, was performed and revealed solid fusion of the surgical segments half a year after the operation. The average Oswestry scores decreased from preoperative 40.6 +/- 5.1 to 17.4 +/- 6.5 at the first postoperative day and to 9.5 +/- 4.0 at the final follow-up. The outcome of this operation were rated as excellent.

CONCLUSIONSMinimally invasive PLIF assisted by X-Tube system has the characteristics of less blood loss, tissue trauma and operative time, quick recovery and bony fusion. The short-term outcomes are excellent.

Adult ; Aged ; Endoscopy ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures ; Spinal Fusion ; instrumentation ; methods

To explore the possible linkage between telomerase and acute leukemia, we detected telomerase activity expressed in 3 leukemia cell lines, 22 acute leukemia bone marrow and 6 normal bone marrow with PCR ELISA assay. Results showed that telomerase activities of three leukemia cell lines were positive with the average (1.57 +/- 0.056) U, normal bone marrow samples average was (0.085 +/- 0.081) U, telomerase value from 22 acute leukemia patients was (0.512 +/- 0.294) U. Telomerase activity is higher expressed in acute leukemia than normal samples and decreased significantly after chemotherapy (P < 0.01). The results suggested that telomerase activity was related to some malignant diseases and might be used as a marker for tumor diagnosis and therapy.

OBJECTIVETo study the role of N-methyl-D-aspartate-receptor (NMDAR) expression in the development of hearing damage in neonatal rats with hyperbilirubinemia.

METHODSSixty seven-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly injected with bilirubin of 100 microg/g (low-dose treatment group) or 200 microg/g (high-dose treatment group) or normal saline (control group). Auditory brainstem response (ABR) was examined. The concentrations of bilirubin in blood and brain were measured. NMDAR expression in the cochlear nucleus slices was examined by immunohistochemistry assay.

RESULTSABR reflecting threshold obviously increased, and I, II and III wave latency as well as I-II, II-III and I-III interval were more prolonged in the two bilirubin treatment groups when compared with the control group. The NMDAR expression in the cochlear nucleuse in the two bilirubin treatment groups was obviously lower than that in the control group. The NMDAR expression in the cochlear nucleuse was negatively correlated with the brain bilirubin content and the ABR reflecting threshold in the two bilirubin treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONSAn increased NMDAR activity may play an important role in hearing damage following hyperbilirubinemia.

Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Bilirubin ; analysis ; Cochlear Nucleus ; chemistry ; Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem ; Female ; Hearing Disorders ; etiology ; Hyperbilirubinemia ; complications ; metabolism ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate ; analysis

AIMTo detect effect of the different frequency of chronic electrical stimulation (CES) on myofibrillar isoform, myosin heavy chain (MHC) and metabolic enzyme activities.

METHODSThe histochemical method and SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis were respectively employed.

RESULTS(1)There were a significant increase in I myo-fibrillar isoform and I MHC isoform and decrease in II B myofibrillar isoform and II B MHC isoforms in the chronic low frequency electrical stimulation (CLFES) 10 Hz and 20 Hz groups, but opposite results were found in the chronic high frequency electrical stimulation (CHFES) 50 Hz and 100 Hz groups. (2) There were a significant increase in the aerobic-oxidative enzyme activities and capacity, and a concomitant significant drop in glycolysis enzyme activities in CLFES groups, but opposite results were found in CHFES 50 Hz and 100 Hz groups.

CONCLUSIONIt was suggested that there was a significant dependent relation between chronic electrical stimulation frequency and myofibrilla isoforms, myosin heavy chain (MHC) and metabolic enzyme activities.

Adaptation, Physiological ; Animals ; Diaphragm ; enzymology ; metabolism ; physiology ; Electric Stimulation ; Muscle Contraction ; Myosin Heavy Chains ; metabolism ; Nonmuscle Myosin Type IIB ; metabolism ; Protein Isoforms ; Rabbits