Objective To explore CT features of thin-wall cavity change of pulmonary metastases from renal clear cell carcinoma after molecular targeted treatment and its clinical significance.Methods Clinical and imaging data of 2 patients with thin-wall cavity of pulmonary metastases originating from renal clear cell carcinoma after molecular targeted drug Pazopanib were reported and analyzed retrospectively.Results After resection of primary renal tumors,multiple solid metastatic lesions in the lung were detected and the lesions showed ring enhancement on the post-contrast images.After 3-month Pazopanib treatment,most of the lesions presented thin-wall cavity change.Case 1 showed slowly disease progression while case 2 suffered from spontaneous pneumothorax and died 2 months later.Conclusion Necrosis of pulmonary metastases originated from renal carcinoma can be impelled by molecular targeted Pazopanib treatment,which helped to the formation of cystic thin-wall cavity,but the influence on the prognosis still remains uncertain.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the influence of intrauterine infection caused by lipopolysaccharide on Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway in fetal and neonatal rat lungs in order to explore immunomodulating activity of innate immunity responding to intrauterine infection and its effect on lung development.

METHODSOn day 17 of pregnancy, 30 pregnant Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into two groups: LPS group and saline group. For LPS group, LPS (10 microl, 40 microg/ml) was intrauterine injected between every two embryonic sacs of the pregnant rats, while the rats in the control group were injected with the same volume of pyrogen-free saline. Lung tissues of fetal rats and corresponding placental tissues were collected on the embryonic day 18 (E18), E20, and E22. Neonatal lung tissues were also harvested on postnatal day 1 (P1), P3, and P7. Lung sections and placental tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histological examination. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis was performed to test mRNA expression for TLR4, myeloid differentiation 88 (MyD88) and IL-1beta, while immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate TLR4 and MyD88 expression in lung tissues. All data were analyzed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and q test.

RESULTS(1) Placental hematoxylin-eosin staining showed a great number of neutrophils infiltration, obvious interstitial hyperplasia and narrow capillaries in placental tissues in the LPS group which indicated that intrauterine infection occurred. However, there were no obvious inflammatory cells in the control group. (2) On E18, E20 and E22, the lung of LPS group showed no obvious pathological changes, and there were no apparent neutrophils infiltrated in alveoli, then some structural changes appeared. On P7, we found that the number of alveoli decreased, space of alveoli was larger than ever, septa thickened, but without significant constructive disorder. (3) In the LPS group, the TLR4, MyD88 and IL-1beta mRNA levels increased compared with control group, higher than control group at E20 and E22 (P < 0.05), and peaked at E22. Then the expression levels of these substances decreased slowly. (4) The result of immunohistochemistry showed that in lung tissues of the two groups at E18, there was no remarkable positive staining of TLR4 and MyD88, which mainly expressed in cytoplasm of bronchiole and alveolar epithelial cells, then positive cells increased slowly.

CONCLUSION(1) For perinatal rat lungs, intrauterine LPS infusion can induce an increased expression levels of TLR4 and MyD88 to a certain extent, which then returned to normal level gradually. At the same time, lung tissues showed a mild pathological change and inflammatory reaction. We propose that innate immune system of fetal lungs controls the magnitude of the LPS-induced cytokine response during the perinatal period. (2) The findings confirmed that LPS-activated signaling transduction pathway was the MyD88-dependent pathway.

Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Female ; Infection ; metabolism ; Interleukin-1beta ; metabolism ; Lipopolysaccharides ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Lung ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88 ; metabolism ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious ; metabolism ; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; Toll-Like Receptor 4 ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the inhibitory effect of RNA interference on chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) bcr/abl oncogene expression.

METHODSThe small interference RNAs (siRNAs) were synthesized in vitro. K562 cells stably expressing bcr/abl gene were transfected with the siRNA by electroporation, both the non-transfected cells and non-specific siRNAs transfected cells were taken as controls. The enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) plasmid was used as positive control and the transfection efficiency was detected by flow cytometry. Inhibitory effect of siRNAs was demonstrated by real-time quantitative RT-PCR and Western blots. Cell proliferation was measured by MTT assay and apoptosis by Annexin V-FITC assay.

RESULTSThe transfection efficiency was about 70%. The synthesized siRNAs inhibited CML bcr/abl oncogene expression at both mRNA and protein levels. siRNAs could inhibit K562 cell proliferation to 47% and 56% at 24 h and 48 h after transfection, respectively, and induce cell apoptosis from 1.00% in control group to 15.05% and 19.4% at 24 h and 48 h respectively.

CONCLUSIONAt the cell level, inhibition of CML bcr/abl oncogene expression by chemically synthesized siRNAs provides the new method for anti-leukemia study.

Apoptosis ; genetics ; Cell Proliferation ; Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl ; genetics ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; RNA, Small Interfering ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of incorporating three different zinc oxide (ZnO) on the antibacterial activity of composite resin.

METHODSThe minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of nano-ZnO, tetrapod-like zinc oxide whiskers (T-ZnOw), micro-ZnO against Streptococcus mutans were examined by the broth dilution test. Then the three different ZnO were added to the powder of one kind of bicomponent self-cured composite resin at 5% respectively, and the antibacterial activities of the resin specimens were evaluated using the membrane covering method before and after 3-month accelerating aging.

RESULTSThe MIC values of the three different ZnO against Streptococcus mutans were 78.13, 312.50 and 1 250.00 microg/mL respectively and the MBC values were 156.25, 625.00, 1,250.00 microg/mL respectively. The antibacterial ratios of the resin specimens incorporating with 5% of the three different ZnO were (93.58+/-5.95)%, (89.42+/-4.11)% and (78.97+/-3.90)% respectively, while after 3-month accelerating aging those were (89.01+/-7.91)%, (84.63+/-4.72)% and (72.27+/-3.89)%.

CONCLUSIONThe three different ZnO could improve the antibacterial activity of the composite resin. The nano-ZnO exhibit the strongest antibacterial activity, while the micro-ZnO weakest. The T-ZnOw presents comparatively strong antibacterial activity although with smaller specific surface area.

Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Composite Resins ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Streptococcus mutans ; Zinc Oxide

OBJECTIVETo investigate the renal protective activity of Hsian-tsao Mesona procumbens Hemsl. water extracts in diabetic rats.

METHODSThirty Sprague-dawley female rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10 each), "control group" with intraperitoneal saline injection, "diabetic group" with 60 mg of intraperitoneal streptozotocin injection per kg of body weight and "Hsian-tsao group" with intragastric administration of Hsian-tsao extraction everyday for 4 weeks after intraperitoneal streptozotocin injection. The body weight and blood sugar were measured before and after model induction in the three groups. Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) expressions in the kidney were monitored by immunohistochemistry. Kidney ultrastructural changes were also analyzed by using transmission electron microscopy.

RESULTSBefore diabetic model induction, there were no significant differences among the three groups in body weight and blood sugar. Four weeks after the induction of diabetes, the differences became statistically significant. Electron microscopy also revealed disruption of the foot processes of the podocytes and other damages in diabetic group. These damages were significantly less severe in Hsian-tsao group when compared with the diabetic group. TSP-1 expressions in the kidney were significantly increased in both the diabetic group and Hsian-tsao group, but it was relatively lower in Hsian-tsao group than in diabetic group.

CONCLUSIONOur results showed that Hsian-tsao treatment in the diabetic rats effectively prevented the pathological alterations in the kidney and decreased the TSP-1 expression. It was suggested that Hsian-tsao had protective effect on the kidneys of the diabetic rats.

Animals ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; Diabetic Nephropathies ; metabolism ; pathology ; prevention & control ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Kidney ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; ultrastructure ; Lamiaceae ; chemistry ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Thrombospondin 1 ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of autocontrol micromotion locking nail (AMLN) on experimental fracture healing and its mechanism.

METHODS16 goats undergoing both sides of transverse osteotomy of the femoral shafts were fixed intramedullary with AMLN and Gross-Kempf (GK) nail, respectively. The follow-up time was 7, 14, 28 and 56 days. Roentgenographic, biomechanical, histological, scanning electromicroscopic and biochemical analyses were done.

RESULTS(1) The strength of anticompression, antiflexion and antitorsion in the fractural end in the AMLN-fixed group was higher than that of GK nail-fixed group; whereas, the rate of stress shelter in the fractured end decreased significantly (P<0.01). (2) The content of the total collagen, insoluble collagen, calcium and phosphate in the AMLN-fixed group was higher than that in the GK nail-fixed group (P<0.05). (3) Histological observation and quantitative analysis of calluses revealed that AMLN could promote the growth of bridge calluses and periosteum calluses. Hence the fracture healing and remolding process achieved early, which was much better than traditional GK nail fixation. (P<0.05). (4) 7-14 days postoperation, the calluses of AMLN-fixed group was flourish and camellarly arranged and the collagen fibril formed constantly in the absorption lacuna of bone trabecula. 28-56 days postoperation, the collagen fibril was flourish around the absorption lacuna and was parallel to the bone's longitudinal axis. Active bony absorption and formation were seen, so was remolding and rebuilding. Haversian system was intact and the bony structural net was very tenacious because of the deposition of calcium salt. None of the above findings was observed in the GK nail-fixed group.

CONCLUSIONSThe design of AMLN accords well with the plastic fixation theory. As the geometry ametabolic system constituted by the intramedullary fixation instruments and the proximal and distal end of the fracture is very firm and stable, the disturbance to the physical stress distributed in the fractural end is light. The generation and conduct of the intermittent physical stress between the fractural parts could reach the balance between stress conduct and stress protection. The feature that the healing and remolding take place at the same time speeds up the fractural healing process.

Animals ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Bone Nails ; Femoral Fractures ; surgery ; Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary ; instrumentation ; Fracture Healing ; physiology ; Goats ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Stress, Mechanical

Animals ; Cells, Cultured ; Connective Tissue Cells ; metabolism ; pathology ; Connective Tissue Growth Factor ; Humans ; Immediate-Early Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Lipopolysaccharides ; pharmacology ; Liver ; metabolism ; pathology ; Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental ; metabolism ; pathology ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

OBJECTIVETo investigate the differences between the Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP) data from the infants at 38-58 weeks of postconceptual age in three hospitals in Chongqing, China and the America norms, and to provide a reference for the introduction and application of TIMP in China.

METHODSTIMP was used to assess 642 infants with 38-58 weeks of postconceptual age who visited the departments of preterm infants or child healthcare in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Shapingba Maternal and Child Health Hospital in Chongqing, and Chongqing Maternal and Child Health Hospital between January and December, 2016. The assessment scores were analyzed and compared with the America norms.

RESULTSThe TIMP scores increased with the increasing postconceptual age, with 37±5 points in the 38-39week group and 83±12 points in the 56-57week group. All age groups had a significantly lower mean score than the America norms (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONSTIMP scores can reflect the motor performance in infants with various postconceptual ages. The TIMP scores from the infants with a postconceptual age of 38-58 weeks in three hospitals in Chongqing are significantly different from the America norms, suggesting that it is very necessary in China to establish the Chinese norms for assessing motor performance in infants using TIMP.

Gestational Age ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant Behavior ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; Motor Skills

OBJECTIVETo screen the differentially expressing genes between silicotic lung tissue and normal lung tissue, to identify the differentially expressing genes of matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP-12) and Cathepsin E and to explore the roles of those genes in silicosis development.

METHODSThirty male SD rats were divided randomly into two groups: control group (6 rats) and exposure group (24 rats) which was exposed to SiO2 by intra-tracheal perfusion. On the 30 th, 60 th and 90 th days after exposure, 8 rats in model group and 2 rats in control group were executed and the lung tissues were obtained. The morphologic changes of lung tissues were observed with HE staining and VG staining under a light microscope. The gene microarrays were used to identify differentially expressing genes of lung tissues in rats exposed to SiO2 for 60 days. Two significantly up-regulated genes, MMP-12 and Cathepsin E, were validated using RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and Western Blot assay.

RESULTSA total of 338 differentially expressing genes were identified from the 26 962 genes between silicotic rats and normal rats, including 267 up-regulated genes and 71 down-regulated genes. The results of RT-PCR showed that in the lung tissues of exposure group on the 30 th, 60 th and 90 th days, the mRNA expression levels of MMP-12 were 4.306, 5.338, 6.713 times higher than those in the control group, the mRNA expression levels of Cathepsin E were 1.434, 2.974, 3.889 times higher than those in the control group, respectively. The results of immunohistochemical showed that in the lung tissues of exposure group on the 30th, 60th and 90th days, the mRNA expression levels of MMP-12 were 1.435, 1.746, 2.069 times higher than those in the control group, the mRNA expression levels of Cathepsin E were 1.372, 1.663, 2.103 times higher than those in the control group, respectively. The results of immunohistochemical showed that in the lung tissues of exposure group on the 30th, 60th and 90th days, the expression levels of MMP-12 protein were 1.214, 1.531, 1.959 times higher than those in the control group, the expression levels of Cathepsin E protein were 1.262, 1.828, 1.907 times higher than those in the control group, respectively. Compared with the control group, the mRNA and protein expression levels of MMP-12 and Cathepsin E in lung tissues of exposure group were significantly up-regulated (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe differentially expressing genes in rat lung tissues screened by gene chip were validated, which suggested that a complex gene regulatory network may be contributed to occurrence of silicosis. MMP-12 and Cathepsin E genes may be involved in the development of silicotic pulmonary fibrosis by degrading the basement membrane of alveolar wall and participating in the immune response.

Animals ; Cathepsin E ; genetics ; metabolism ; Gene Expression ; Lung ; metabolism ; Male ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 12 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Silicosis ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the changes in proliferation, invasiveness, clone sphere formation and chemosensitivity of human gastric cancer cell lines of KATO-III CD133(+) cells transfected with small interfering RNA (siRNA) against CD133 gene.

METHODSCD133(+) cells of KATO-III cell lines were isolated by magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS). CD133 siRNA was designed and synthesized, and then transfected into KATO-III CD133(+) cells. Cell fluorescence counting under confocal laser scanning microscope was used to determine the transfection efficiency after transfection with the CD133 FITC-siRNA. The knock-down effect of the CD133 gene and expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related factors were detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Cell counting kit-8 assay (CCK-8), transwell chamber and colony sphere forming assay were performed to measure the variation of cell proliferative, invasive, colony formation viability and chemosensitivity to 5-FU after the above-mentioned treatment.

RESULTSThe transfection efficiency was (87.7±8.1)%. The CD133 mRNA and protein expression levels in the interference group were lower than those in negative control group. Twenty-four, 48 and 72 hours after transfection, cells proliferation activity was significantly inhibited in the interference group compared with negative control group, (all P<0.01). Seventy-two hours after transfection, compared with negative control group, cells proliferation activity was reduced by (52.1±8.0)%. The invasive cell number reduced (41.7±6.0 vs. 130.3±11.0, P<0.05) and clone formation rate decreased significantly [(24.3±4.3)% vs. (45.1±6.4)%, P<0.01] in the interference group. EMT-related gene E-cadherin protein expression increased, while the Snail and N-cadherin protein expression reduced in the interference group (all P<0.01). The cells sensitivity to 5-FU was significantly enhanced in the interference group, and the cell inhibition rate of 5-Fu was (62.4±3.3)%, higher than that in negative control group [(21.5±2.2)%, P<0.01].

CONCLUSIONSThe expression of CD133 gene plays an important role in cell proliferation, invasiveness, colony formation and resistance to chemotherapy of KATO-III CD133(+) gastric cancer cells. It suggests that CD133 can be used as one of surface markers for detection of gastric cancer stem cells. Inhibition of CD133 expression may be a promising way for gastric cancer biotherapy.

AC133 Antigen ; Antigens, CD ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Movement ; Cell Proliferation ; Fluorouracil ; pharmacology ; Glycoproteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Peptides ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Stomach Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Transfection