Objective To explore the inhibitory effect of pulsed ultrasound on skeletal muscle fibrosis after injury.Methods Thirty elderly male rats with gastrocnemius muscle injury were divided into an ultrasound group (UG) and a control group (CG) using a random number table.The injured muscles in the UG were treated using pulsed ultrasound (frequency 1 MHz,average strength 40 mW/cm2,duty cycle 20％) for 10 min daily from day 3 after the injury.The CG was given no treatment.On days 3,7,14,21 and 28 after the injury,histological and immunohistochemical analyses of the gastrocnemius muscles of both groups were performed.Results The collagen fiber mean optical density of the muscles increased gradually after the injury and reached its peak on day 21.It was significantly lower in the UG than in the CG on each test day.The expression of α-SMA increased gradually after the injury,but it too remained significantly lower in UG than that in CG.Conclusion Pulsed ultrasound may reduce collagen formation and α-SMA expression in injured skeletal muscle,and then inhibit muscle fibrosis.

Objective To explore any effect of calorie restriction on the proliferation of satellite cells in the skeletal muscles of elderly rats.Methods Twelve male C57BL rats aged 12 or 13 months were randomly divided in to an experimental group and a control group,each of 6.The control group was fed 75.09 kJ/d as normal,while the experimental group was provided with 45.05 kJ/d (60％ of normal).The intervention lasted for 15 weeks and each rat's weight was measured every week.After the intervention,limb muscle satellite cells were sorted by fluorescenceactivated cell sorting after digestion,and the cell cycle was analyzed.Western blotting was used to assess the expression of cyclin A,D1 and E.Results There was no significant difference in the average weight of the two groups before the experiment.After the 15 weeks the average weight of the experimental group had decreased significantly (to 19.5±0.4 g),and it was significantly lighter than that of the control group (31.9±0.5 g).The average percentage of the satellite cells in the G0/G1 phase had decreased significantly in the experimental group,but the percentage in the S phase had increased significantly.The expression of cyclin A and E was significantly greater in the experimental group compared with the control group,but the expression of cyclin D1 had decreased significantly.Conclusion Caloric restriction can delay the proliferation of satellite cells in the skeletal muscles of elderly mice.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in patients with autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP).

METHODSThe imaging findings of pancreas and extra-pancreas in 24 patients with AIP were retrospectively reviewed. Among them, CT scan was performed in 18 patients, MRI in 11, and bGth CT and MRI in 10.

RESULTSThe pancreas showed diffuse enlargement (25%, 6/24), focal enlargement (37. 5%, 9/24), combined enlargement (25%, 6/24) ,and no enlargement (12. 5%, 9/24). Unenhanced CT showed hypoattenuation in AIP area (n = 2) . After intravenous injection of contrast medium, 17 patients showed abnormal contrast enhancement in the affected pancreatic parenchyma, including hypoattenuation during the arterial phase (50%, 9/18) and hyper attenuation during the delayed phase (94. 4%, 17/18). Precontrast MRI showed abnormal signal intense (n =9), including hypointense on T1-weight images (T1 WI) (n = 7), hyperintense (n = 7) and hypointense (n = 2) on T2-weight images (TIWI). Enhanced MRI demonstrated abnormal contrast enhancement within lesions (n = 11), including hypoattenuation during the arterial phase (81. 8%, 9/11) and good enhancement during the delayed phase (100%, 11111). A capsule-like rim was seen around pancreas (37. 5%, 9/24), among which CT detected in 6 out of 18 patients and MRI found in 7 out of 11 patients.The main pancreatic duct lumen within lesions has no visualization (100%, 24/24) and upstream dilation of the main pancreatic duct (n = 8) , ranging from 2. 2 to 4. 5 mm(mean 3. 1 0. 47 mm) in diameter. Narrowing of the common bile duct was shown in 14 patients. Miscellaneous findings were: infiltration of extrapancreatic vein (n = 9) and artery (n = 1); mild fluid collection around pancreas (n = 2); pseudocysts (n = 3). Fourteen patients also presented one or more of the following extrapancreatic imaging findings: narrowing of the intra-hepatic bile duct or hilar duct (n = 5); thickening of gallbladder wall (n = 5); fibrosis in mesenteric (n = 2), in retroperitoneal (n = 2) and in ligamentum teres hepatis (n = 1); renal involvement (n = 3); peri-pancreatic or para-aortic lymphadenopathy (n = 10); and ulcerative colitis (n = 3).

CONCLUSIONAIP display some characteristic CT and MRI imaging features: sausage-like change of the pancreas; capsule-like rims around lesions; delayed contrast enhancement in the affected pancreatic parenchyma; segment or diffuse pancreatic duct stenosis but mild upstream dilation and extrapancreatic organs involvement. CT and MRI findings combining with serological tests and pancreas biopsy can assist physicians to make accurate and timely diagnosis.

Adult ; Aged ; Autoimmune Diseases ; diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pancreas ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Pancreatitis ; diagnosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Objective　To investigate the role of cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated molecule-4Ig(CTLA-4Ig) in the prevention of C57BL/6 mice autoimmune hepatitis. Methods　The C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally immunized with C57BL/6 mice liver-specific protein in complete Freund's adjuvant. At the same time CTLA-4Ig were given to observe the pathologic alteration of C57BL/6 mice liver. Results　With the increase of time of immunization, the results in the treatment group were similar to those of the control group; but inflammatory cell infiltration, hepatic cell swelling, focal necrosis and severe hepatocyte damage were found in the pathologic model group. There was a significant difference between the pathologic model group and control one. Conclusion　Autoimmune hepatitis of C57BL/6 mice can be effectively prevented by CTLA-4Ig.

ObjectiveTo detect the concentration and distribution of fluoride ions in osteoblasts exposed to fluoride in vitro culture,and to provide basic information for studying the effect of fluoride on osteoblast injury.MethodsIn vitro cultured osteoblasts were exposed to 0,5,10,20,40 mg/L fluoride for 3,10,30 d (n =6),respectively.Concentration and distribution of fluoride ions in the cytoplasm and the nucleus of these osteoblasts were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.Results(①) After cultured for 3 d,fluoride ion content of the bone cytoplasm exposed to different concentrations of fluoride 0,5,10,20,40 mg/L were (0.83 ±0.65),(0.54 ± 0.23),(0.65 ± 0.77),(0.59 ± 0.87),(3.64 ± 1.21 )mg/L,respectively,and the values of exposed to 40 mg/L fluoride group was significantly higher than that of exposed to 0,5 mg/L groups (all P ＜ 0.05).(②)after cultured for 10 d,the composition of the fluoride ion in cytoplasm of exposed to fluoride 10,20,40 mg/L groups were (4.03 ± 1.23),(3.66 ± 0.98),(6.26 ± 2.10)mg/L,respectively,which were higher than that of exposed to 0,5 mg/L groups [(0.78 ± 0.75),(2.69 ± 0.89)mg/L,respectively,all P ＜ 0.05].Of fluoride 20,40 mg/L groups,the composition of the fluoride ion in nucleus were (1.63 ± 1.19),(2.17 ± 1.21 )mg/L,respectively,which were higher than that of 0,5 mg/L groups[(0.65 ± 0.46),(1.57 ± 0.33) mg/L,all P ＜ 0.05].(③)After cultured for 30 d,of the exposed to fluoride 10,20,40 mg/L groups,the composition of the fluoride ion in cytoplasm were (3.99 ± 0.84),(4.33 ± 1.67),(5.80 ± 1.38)mg/L,respectively,which were higher than that of 0,5 mg/L groups[(0.88 ± 0.44),(2.84 ± 0.43)mg/L,all P ＜ 0.05].The composition of the fluoride ion in nucleus of the fluoride 20,40 mg/Lgroups were (3.33 ± 1.46),(3.53 ± 1.22)mg/L,respectively,which were significantly higher than that of 0,5mg/L groups [(0.70 ± 0.66),(1.99 ± 0.76)mg/L,all P ＜ 0.05].ConclusionsWhen osteoblasts are exposed to fluoride environment,fluoride ions enter into the osteoblasts quickly,and quickly accumulate in the nucleus,showing a special affinity between fluoride and bone tissue.Intracellular fluoride ions increase with the increase of contact time and exposure dose.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVEThe brain is one of the most common metastatic sites of breast cancer. Brain metastases develop in 10%-15% of patients with breast cancer and are associated with poor prognosis. The purpose of this retrospective study was to analyze the clinical characteristics and survival of patients with brain metastases due to breast cancer of different subtypes and to identify the prognostic factors that affect clinical outcome.

METHODSA total of 89 patients with breast cancer brain metastases diagnosed between October 1997 and July 2008 at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center were included in this study. Among the 89 patients, the number of luminal A, luminal B, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2), and triple-negative (TN) subtypes were 30, 20, 16, and 14, respectively; 9 patients had an unknown subtype. The clinical characteristics, pathologic features, and prognostic factors were analyzed both at the initial diagnosis and at the diagnosis of brain metastases. Endocrine therapy for patients with luminal subtypes was further studied.

RESULTSThe median age of patients was 46 years (range 28-74 years). The median survival time was 8.0 months (range, 0-80 months), the 1-year survival rate was 32% and the 5-year survival rate was 4%. The time to brain metastasis differed according to clinical stage at the initial diagnosis, and the time for patients with the luminal A subtype was the longest (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that performance status score > 1, multiple brain metastases and without whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) in combination with chemotherapy were associated with poor prognosis. Compared with the luminal A subtype, features of the HER-2 and TN subtypes included early metastases, rapid progression after first-line treatment (8.0 months vs. 11.0 months), and poor overall survival (25.0 months vs. 63.0 months). The luminal A subtype showed a tendency for good prognosis and slow growth. Tamoxifen could improve the survival of luminal A/B subtypes (median survival 24.0 months vs. 7.0 months, respectively, P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONSThe prognosis of brain metastases from breast cancer was poor, especially in patients with HER-2 and TN subtypes. Generally, WBRT in combination with chemotherapy was the standard treatment modality. Patients with the luminal subtypes could benefit from tamoxifen.

Adult ; Aged ; Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal ; therapeutic use ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Brain Neoplasms ; secondary ; therapy ; Breast Neoplasms ; classification ; pathology ; therapy ; Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast ; classification ; pathology ; secondary ; therapy ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Cranial Irradiation ; methods ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Mastectomy ; methods ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Radiotherapy, Adjuvant ; Receptor, ErbB-2 ; blood ; Receptors, Estrogen ; blood ; Receptors, Progesterone ; blood ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate ; Tamoxifen ; therapeutic use

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical implications of relationship between myeloperoxidase and acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

METHODS176 consecutive patients who underwent coronary angiography for coronary atherosclerosis were divided into four groups according to the quartile of MPO Level. The characters and the relationship between MPO and the elements were studied in every group.

RESULTS(1) ACS rate (36.2%) in the fourth quartile group of MPO level was 6 times higher than that (5.2%) in the first quartile group of MPO level, P < 0.01. (2) Gensini score (65.6 +/- 30.3) in the fourth quartile group of MPO level was significantly higher than that (17.3 +/- 10.2) in the first quartile group (P < 0.01). WBC [(7.7 +/- 1.6) x 10(9)/L] in the fourth quartile group was also significantly higher than that [(6.6 +/- 1.8) x 10(9)/L] in the first quartile group, P < 0.05. (3) When TnI < or = 0.05 ng/ml, MPO level had a positive correlation with Gensini score (r = 0.321, P = 0.002) and WBC (r = 0.230, P = 0.025). (4) Kaplan-meier event rate curve showed that there was a significant difference of the terminus incident (death, no causing death AMI, vessel reestablish and incidence rate of CABG add up) between the groups > or = 62.9 AUU/L and < 62.9 AUU/L of MPO serum level at 6-month follow-up visit (chi(2) = 13.5, P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONActivity level of MPO in human serum seems a good biomarker for diagnosing and predicting ACS, which may be especially helpful in predicting the risk of myocardial infarction in patients with acute chest pain during 6-month follow up.

Acute Coronary Syndrome ; diagnostic imaging ; enzymology ; physiopathology ; Adult ; Angina, Unstable ; diagnostic imaging ; enzymology ; Coronary Angiography ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myocardial Infarction ; enzymology ; Myocardial Ischemia ; diagnostic imaging ; enzymology ; Peroxidase ; blood ; Troponin I ; metabolism

Objective　To investigate the actions of extra cellular medium in growth and differentiation of hair follicle and to look for growth adjusting factors for dermal papilla cells (DPC). Methods　Dermal papilla cells were isolated and cultivated with two steps method and the cells were identified by immunohistochemical staining for actin. Influence was examined on the adhesion and growth of dermal papilla cells by chondroitin sulfate A, chondroitin sulfate C and heparin sulfate. Results　Two steps method of enzyme digestion for isolating and cultivating dermal papilla cells was an efficient method and large amount of dermal papilla of high purity were harvested with this method. The method is very simple and easy to manege with. Increased adhesion and growth of dermal papilla cells were observed in specimen treated with chondroitin A and heparin sulfate. No significant effects was observed in the cells treated with chondroit in sulfate C. Conclusion　Some extra cellular medium can regulate the adhesion and growth of dermal papilla cells and therefore influence the growth and development of hair follicle.

Objective To explore the changes in neuroglobin(NGB)expression in rat cerebral cortex induced by acute and chronic hypoxia at high altitude.Methods Seventy SD rats were randomly divided into normal control and experimental groups,and in the latter group,the rats kept in a high-altitude research base in Kekexili(4600 m),while the control rats were kept in a facility at the altitude of 2295 m.The rats in the experimental group were divided into 6 groups with the exposure time of 12,24,48,72 h,1 week and 1 month.An oximeter was used to measure the SaO2 level.Semi-quantitative PCR and Western blotting were performed to detect the expression levels of NGB mRNA and protein in the cortical neurons of the rats after the exposure.Results After explosure of the rats to hypoxia at high altitude for 12h,the SaO2 was lowered to(70.70±2.83)%and increased gradually as exposure time prolonged,but remained lower than that in the control group throughout the exposure.RT-PCR showed a rapid increase of NGB mRNA expression after 24-h exposure to hypoxia,followed by gradual decrease till recovery of the normal level at 1 week;the expression slowly increased after 1 week and maintained a high level till 1 months.showing significant difference from that in the control group(P＜0.05).Western blotting showed an identical pattem of NGG protein expression alterations during the experiment.Conclusion NGB expressions in the cerebral cortex increase significantly after acute and chronic hypoxia at an altitude of 4600 m to enhance the tolerance to hypobaric hypoxia,suggesting the possible role of NGB as an important endogenous mechanism for protecting the neural tissues against hypoxic injuries.

ObjectiveTo observe the morphological changes of bone in the progress of chronic fluorosis.MethodsWistar rats were randomly divided into three groups,30 rats in each group:normal control group,experimental group Ⅰ and experimental group Ⅱ according to body weight.Rats in normal control group drank distilled water freely.Experimental group Ⅰ and group Ⅱ drunk distilled water with sodium fluoride preparation of fluorine containing ion 100,150 mg/L solution for six months,respectively.Bone mineral density was detected by X-ray,bone morphological changes were observed under light microscope and bone histomorphometric parameters were calculated using image analysis software.ResultsThe bone mineral density values were different statistically between the three groups after feeding for 2 and 4 months(F =19.79,3.28,all P ＜ 0.05).However no significant difference was found after feeding for 6 months(F =1.80,P ＞ 0.05).The bone mineral density of experimental group Ⅰ (0.20 ± 0.03,0.21 ± 0.03) was significantly higher than that of the normal control group(0.17 ± 0.03,0.20 ± 0.04) after feeding for 2 and 4 months.The bone mineral density of experimental group Ⅱ (0.21 ± 0.02) was lower than that of normal control group(0.22 ± 0.03) after feeding for 6 months.The bone lamella in experimental group Ⅰ was arranged disorderly,the number of osteocytes increased with their nucleus atrophy and the osteoblasts were more than that of control grouo which arranged in layers observed under light microscooy.In exoerimental group Ⅱ,the bone lamella was bent deformation,the number of osteocytes had decreased with their nucleus shrinking or even disappeared and the number of osteoclasts had increased significantly observed under light microscopy.In experimental group Ⅰ,the mean trabecular density [(0.33 ± 0.03)％] increased and the mean trabecular separation,thickness [( 163.57 ± 1.99),(59.26 ± 7.18 ) μm] decreased compared with that of normal control group [(0.31 ± 0.02)％,(186.60 ± 2.90)μm,(86.42 ± 1.48)μm,all P ＜ 0.05].In experimental group Ⅱ,the mean trabecular density[(0.26 ± 0.02)％] decreased,the mean trabecular thickness[(71.42 ± 10.77)μm] reduced compared with that of normal control group[(0.31 ± 0.02)％,(86.42 ± 1.48)μm].ConclusionsExcess fluoride can damage bone tissue.Low doses of fluoride can stimulate osteoblast activity and enhance osteogenesis.The activity of osteoblasts is great than that of osteoclasts.High doses of fluoride can stimulate both osteoblasts and osteoclasts activity,but mainly the activity of osteoclasts,and bone resorption increases.