PurposeStruma ovarii (SO) is rare and has no typical symptoms, which is likely to be misdiagnosed before procure. The present study aimed to evaluate multi-sliced CT (MSCT) findings of struma ovarii so as to improve its imaging diagnosis.Materials and Methods The clinical and radiological data of 25 patients with struma ovarii confirmed pathologically patients were retrospectively analyzed and further compared with the pathological results after procure.Results For 25 SO patients, 22 (88%) had unilateral lesions and the rest 3 (12%) had bilateral ones; 11 lesions (44%) were cystic, 8 lesions (32%) were cystic-solid, and 6 lesions (24%) were solid. The CT images of 8 lesions showed high density cystic lumens. Twenty-five tumors had smooth margins, which appeared round, ellipse or irregular. The pathological findings showed that most of the cystic portions were filled with high proteinaceous gelatinous fluid and eosinophiclic colloid, and the solid portions consisted of thyroid tissue and stoma containing abundant blood vessels and fibrous tissue.Conclusion SO has the MSCT features such as cystic solid mass with unilateral and smooth margin, capsular space with high density, calcification, and solid parts with obvious enhancement.

AIM: To investigate the molecular mechanism by which the SARS-CoV S protein induces chemokine IP-10 in airway epithelial cells.METHODS: cDNA microarrays were used to screen the gene expression profiles of human bronchial epithelial cells(16HBEs) stimulated by SARS-CoV S protein.In addition,RT-PCR,EMSA,and Western blotting were performed to analyze the phosphorylation of JAK/STAT signal pathway.The changes of IRF-1 and IP10 gene expression and the influence by the corresponding inhibitors were analyzed.RESULTS: IRF-1,a key transcription factor of the JAK/STAT signal pathway,was activated in human bronchial epithelial cells after stimulation by the S protein of SARS-CoV.The IP-10 gene expression was detected 2 h following the phosphorylation of STAT1 after 15 min,which was blocked by STAT1or JAK2 inhibitors.Electrophoretic mobility shift assay(EMSA) demonstrated that the nuclear proteins bound to ISRE and GAS but not NF-?B DNA motif.CONCLUSION: The SARS-CoV S protein induces IP-10 gene expression in human bronchial epithelial cells through activation of the JAK/STAT signal pathway,suggesting that the JAK/STAT signal pathway activated by virus plays key roles in virus infection related acute lung injury.

Objective To investigate the changes of bone mineral density (BMD) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients in Changsha,and take intervention measures to prevent the occurrence of osteoporosis and fracture.Methods A total of 278 HIV-infected patients and 154 cases of healthy adults from March 2011 to May 2015 were selected.Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to detect BMD,T-score and Z-score of all the research objects,including the whole body,lumbar spine (L2～4),and left hip joint.The height and weight were measured at the same time.Results The HIV infection group had an average age of (31.53 ± 8.56) years old,and the healthy control group was (34.45 ± 8.22) years old.Height between two groups had no significant difference.The average weight of HIV infection group was 6.93 kg [95％ CI,-9.01,-4.97;P ＜0.001] lighter than that in the normal control group.BMD,T-score and Z-score of HIV infection group were significantly lower than those in norrmal control group (P ＜ 0.001).The occurrence rate of osteopenia (Z ≤-1.0)and osteoporosis (Z ≤-2.0)in HIV infection group were correspondingly 43.53％ ～ 54.68％ and 9.71％ ～23.74％,which is about 4 times of that in the healthy control group (14.28％ ～ 20.13％,0.65％ ～ 5.84％).Conclusions The average body weight of HIV-infected patients was significantly lower than that of normal control group,and the incidence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in HIV-infected group was significantly higher than that in normal control group.

Objective To study the relationship between cardiovascular diseases (CVD)and 24-h peritoneal protein losses (PPL) in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD)patients. Methods One hundred and seventy-eight CAPD patients in our department were enrolled in this study. Their 24-h PPL was measured and other clinical data were recorded at the beginning. Meanwhile, Doppler ultrasound examination was performed. They were then followed-up prospectively for the development of CVD. Results The average of 24-h PPL was (5.0±1.8) g.Patients with diabetic status or preexisting CVD or carotid arteries arteriosclerosis had higher 24-h PPL than those without (t=2.082, P=0.039; t=2.601, P=0.010; t=2.217, P=0.029). 24-h PPL was positively correlated with left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVDd), interventricular septal thickness (IVSTd), posterior wall diameter of left ventricle at end-diastolic (LVPWd) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) (r=0.222, P=0.040; r=0.217, P=0.043; r=0.339, P=0.002; r=0.305, P=0.007). It was negatively correlated with ejection fraction of left ventricle (r=0.221, P=0.040). One hundred and fourteen CAPD patients were prospectively followed-up for at least twelve months. Patients developing CVD were 40.4% and 19.3% for high and low PPL groups respectively (x2=6.035, P=0.014). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, the 24-h PPL was one of the independent factors for developing CVD. Conclusions There is a significant and independent relationship between 24-h PPL and new cardiovascular events. 24-h PPL may be an important predictor of cardiovascular disease.

Objective To evaluate the effect of aminoguanidine on cell apoptosis induced by acute myocardial ischemia in rats.Methods Thirty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats,weighing 250-290 g,were randomly divided into 3 groups (n =10 each):sham operation group (group S),myocardial ischemia group (group Ⅰ),and aminoguanidine group (group AG).The model of acute myocardial ischemia was established by ligating the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery of rats anesthetized with chloral hydrate.Aminoguanidine 100 mg/kg was intraperitoneally administrated at 6 h of ischemia in AG group,while the equal volume of normal saline was given instead of aminoguanidine in group Ⅰ.The chest was opened at 3 h after aminoguanidine administration and hearts were quickly removed for detection of apoptosis in cardiomyocytes (by TUNEL) and expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in cardiomyocytes (by immuno-histochemistry),and for microscopic examination with light microscope.Apoptotic rate was calculated.Results Compared with group S,the apoptotic rate was significantly increased,the expression of Bax was up-regulated,and the expression of Bcl-2 was downregulated and the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax was decreased in group Ⅰ.Compared with group Ⅰ,the apoptotic rate was significantly decreased,the expression of Bax was down-regulated,and the expression of Bcl-2 was up-regulated,and the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax was increased in group AG.The pathological changes of myocardial cells were significantly attenuated in AG group as compared with group Ⅰ.Conclusion Amionguanidine can inhibit apoptosis in cardiomyocytes and is helpful in mitigating injury induced by acute myocardial ischemia in rats.

AIM:To establish a screening model based on muscarinic receptor type 1(M1) for drugs against Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHOD: Human M1 receptor was expressed in HEK293 (human embryonic kidney) cells, and its activation was measured by the intracellular cAMP (cyclic AMP) level. Exogeneous 3H-cAMP was used to compete the intracellular cAMP binding sites. Acetylcholine chloride was used as a positive drug to ensure the sensitivity of this model. RESULT: HEK293 cell expressing system of human M1 receptor was established. Different concentrations of acetylcholine chloride (10-9～10-4 mol/L) activation of M1 receptor leads to an increase of intracellular cAMP 10.343×10-4～33.754×10-4 pmol/μl. CONCLUTION:This screening model has positive response to M1 receptor agonist and can be used for drug screening.

Objective To determine the diagnostic value of two and three dimensional ultrasound in detecting fetal hand malformations. Methods In the retrospectively analysis,the severe fetal hand malformations detected by prenatal ultrasound during the recent three years in our hospital were classified according to the prenatal sonographic characteristics,family history,karyotype analysis and autopsy results,etc.Results Fourteen fetuses with hand-anomaly were detected during the 16-28th week of gestation,both hands were affected in 10 cases,with the same morphology bilaterally in 8 cases.Thirteen cases had other abnormal sonographic findings.They were detected and classified into three categories,Wrist deformity (9 cases),three fetuses were associated with total absence of radius and radial clubhand,and six fetuses had palmar deviated hands,with various etiologies including familial hereditary arthrogryposis multiplex congenita,distal type 1 (AMCD1),amniotic band syndrome,body stalk anomaly,trisomy18 and micromelia.Hand (figer) hypoplasia or aphasia (3 cases),one hand was absent in one fetus without associated anomaly,absence of five fingers with ipsilateral multicystic dysplastic kidney in the second fetus,and the third fetus had split hand/foot malformation (SHFM).Overlapping fingers (4 cases),three of them were trisomy18,and two fetuses had both wrist deformity and overlapping fingers.Conclusions Prenatal two and three dimensional ultrasound play an important role in detecting and diagnosing severe type of fetal hand malformations.

Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of prenatal ultrasonography in the fetal hemivertebra. Methods The ultrasonographic findings of three fetuses with hemivertebra diagnosed in our hospital were reviewed and compared with those of postnatal ultrasonography,other image modalities,and autopsy. Results In all fetuses,a distortion of the spine was observed where only one half of the vertebra could be identified. The parents opted for termination of the pregnancy in one case and the deformity was confirmed by autopsy. The other two fetuses were delivered and in one fetus the diagnosis was confirmed by radiological assessment. Conclusions Hemivertebra can be diagnosed accurately by second-trimester ultrasonography. The prognosis is mostly favorable when no other anomalies are associated. Meticulous examination may disclose the lesion and help decide the fate of pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the method of the controlled synechiae technique to maintain the stability of middle turbinate (MT), reduce the incidence of middle meatus synechia formation and improve the treatment effect of endoscopy surgery. METHOD: Eighty-six patients with chronic sinusitis were randomly divided into control group and treatment group in this study. In control group, the patients received extended nasal packing in middle meatus until 1 week after surgery. In treatment group, the patients received the controlled synechiae technique. RESULT: The MT position was described as stable, slight drifting laterally and synechia formation. And the incidence of synechia between MT and the nasal lateral wall was 29.4% and 14.9% in control group and treatment group,respectively. The differences were significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION For those patients with anatomic variation, destruction or weak supporting structures resulted from previous surgery, the controlled synechiae technique is very useful in preventing lateralization of the middle turbinate after endoscopy surgery.
Adult ; Aged ; Endoscopy ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nasal Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Postoperative Complications ; prevention & control ; Suture Techniques ; Tissue Adhesions ; Turbinates ; surgery ; Young Adult

Objective To summarize the experience of nursing six patients who showed pitch-off syndrome when the port was implanted and to analyze the causes of pitch-off syndrome so as to guide the nursing and observation of patients who received port implantation.Methods By observing the patients' symptoms and physical signs based on X-ray reports, pitch-off syndrome was diagnosed. Then correct treatment methods were chosen according to the severity of pitch-off syndrome.Results The six patients with pitch-off syndrome were treated based on their severity. The port-cath was removed in two patients since it cracked. The port-cath was removed in two patients who showed level one pitch-off syndrome after two cycles of chemotherapy. And the port-cath of the remaining two patients was also removed to prevent it from cracking since their level one pitch-off worsened to level three.Conclusions Pitch-off syndrome is the most dangerous complication caused by port implantation. Nursing staff should promptly assess and identify the risks of pitch-off syndrome. The port-cath should be used with great caution when the patients suffer from pitch-off syndrome but badly need venous access. In the event of in vivo cath cracks, nursing staff should work together with doctors to remove the port immediately. Pitch-off syndrome prevention is an important measure to reduce cath cracks.