Objective To investigate the imaging characteristics of both intra- and extrathoracic sarcoidosis on 18F-FDG PET/CT.Methods From 2007 Aug.to 2009 Nov.,22 patients( 10 males,12 females) with sarcoidosis,confirmed by pathological study and clinical follow-up,underwent 18 F-FDG PET/CT imaging.The imaging patterns of intrathoracic and extrathoracic lesions were analyzed.The patterns were classified as the typical or atypical ( symmetrical or asymmetrical FDG accumulation and enlargement of hilar lymph nodes) based on PET and CT separately.Nonparametric McNemar test,independent t-test and Fisher exact test were applied for statistical analysis.Results For typical pattern vs atypical pattem identification,PET was significantly different from CT ( 18 and 4 vs 12 and 10,P =0.031 ).In those with atypical pattern demonstrated by CT alone at hilar region,PET showed either symmetrical or asymmetrical accumulation of FDG.Except for mediastinal lymph nodes involvement,lung parenchyma was the second common site ( 19/22,86.4％ ),followed by lymph nodes at abdomen and (or) pelvis ( 12/22,54.5％ ).Conclusion The imaging characteristics of both intra- and extrathoracic sarcoidosis on 18F-FDG PET/CT may be helpful for the diagnosis of atypical sarcoidosis on CT image alone.

ObjectiveTo analyze the effect of temporal distance parameters on comfortable and maximal walking speed of hemiplegic stroke patients.MethodsThe comfortable and maximal walking speed of 85 hemiplegic stroke patients were tested by 10 m walking speed and temporal distance parameters of gait cycle were obtained. The effect of step length and walking rate on comfortable and maximal walking speed was analyzed.ResultsStep length and walking rate were significantly positive related to comfortable and maximal walking speed (r=0.849-0.915,P<0.001).The step regression analysis selected step length as a significant variable for comfortable and maximal walking speed (R2=0.835,R2=0.827,respectively). ConclusionThe important parameter that influences comfortable and maximal walking speed of hemiplegic stroke patients is step length.

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) on bcl-2 and TGFbeta1 expression in rat testes.

METHODSForty male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups at random: Group A (normal control), Group B (fed on 10(-8) mol/L PBC), Group C (feb on 10(-7) mol/L) and Group D (feb on 10(-6) mol/L). After three months, all the rats were killed, the animal model established, and observations made on the expression of bcl2 and TGFbeta1 in the rat testis using the optical microscope and immunohistochemical techniques.

RESULTSThe damage to the structure of the testis was related to the dosage of PCB: the higher the dodage, the more serious the damage. PCB induced the expression of bcl-2 and TGFbeta1. The TGFbeta1 expression was significantly higher in the highest dosage group than in others (P < 0.01 ), and the bcl-2 expression was dramatically higher in Group C than in other groups (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONPCB can cause injury in rat testes.

Animals ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Male ; Polychlorinated Biphenyls ; toxicity ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; biosynthesis ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Testis ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; biosynthesis

OBJECTIVETo assess the features of fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in patients with benign pulmonary nodules.

METHODSFrom October 1998 to July 2004, 47 patients with benign pulmonary nodules were imaged with FDG-positron emission tomography (PET). Diagnoses were confirmed by surgery. FDG-PET data was analyzed by visual method and semi-quantitive method. When pulmonary nodules with abnormal FDG intake appeared in PET scans confirmed by visual method, their maximum and mean standard uptake value (SUVmax and SUVmean) and SUV of normal lung (SUVlung) were measured using semiquantitative method.

RESULTSTwenty-one cases showed nothing abnormal in PET scans, including 17 calcification and fibrosis, 2 hamartomas and 2 sclerosing hemangiomas. 26 pulmonary nodules were detected by FDG-PET (17 active tuberculous, 6 inflammatory pseudotumors, 3 cryptococcosis). FDG uptake of these 26 nodules was higher than that of normal lung (SUVmax, SUVmean and SUVlung were 3.04 +/- 1.65, 2.48 +/- 1.35 and 0.40 +/- 0.07, respectively, P < 0.001). Correlations were not found between FDG uptake and nodule size or SUV of normal lung or age or blood glucose level in these 26 patients (P > 0.05). SUV in 9 cases (9/26, 35%) were beyond 2.5.

CONCLUSIONSSome benign pulmonary nodules were FDG avid.

Adult ; Aged ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 ; pharmacokinetics ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radionuclide Imaging ; Radiopharmaceuticals ; pharmacokinetics ; Retrospective Studies ; Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary ; diagnostic imaging ; Solitary Pulmonary Nodule ; diagnostic imaging ; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary ; diagnostic imaging

OBJECTIVETo study the changes of body composition in females patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related lipodystrophy (LD) syndrome (HIV-LD).

METHODSTotally 25 female patients who were treated in our hospital from January 2002 to December 2009 were divided into LD group and non-LD group based on the existence of LD. All these patients were receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). In addition, 12 healthy women were set as the controls. Total and regional body composition were measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry in all three groups.

RESULTSThe fat mass (FM) was correlated negatively with the duration of HAART (r=-0.431, P=0.029). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that FM had positive correlation with weight and negative correlation with lean mass (LM) (r = - 0. 973, P =0. 000). Total, trunk and leg FM were significantly lower in LD patients than that in controls (P <0.05).Meanwhile, total, trunk and leg bone mineral contents were statistically lower in LD patients than that in controls (P <0. 05). Lumbar bone mineral density of LD patients was lower than that of non-LD patients and controls, and there was significant difference between LD patients and controls (P = 0. 001). LM of LD patients was higher than that of non-LD patients but without statistical difference (P > 0. 05).

CONCLUSIONSThe peripheral and central FM and bone mineral contents remarkably decrease in female patients with HIV-LD. How-ever, HIV-LD patients tend to have higher LM than non-LD patients. .

Adipose Tissue ; metabolism ; Adult ; Body Composition ; physiology ; Bone Density ; physiology ; Female ; HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy Syndrome ; metabolism ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult

BACKGROUNDIntra-articular fractures of the fingers are common problems to emergency physicians and hand surgeons. Inappropriate management of these injuries may result in chronic pain, stiffness, deformity, or post traumatic arthritis. Ideal treatment necessitates the restoration of a stable and congruent joint that will allow early mobilization. The purpose of this study was to investigate the results of intra-articular fracture of the fingers by mini external fixator combined with limited internal fixation.

METHODSFrom May 2005 to May 2007, a total of 26 patients with intra-articular fracture of the fingers were treated by mini external fixator combined with limited internal fixation. Of the 26 cases, 11 involved in metacarpophalangeal joint, and 15 interphalangeal joint in proximal interphalangeal. Kirschner wire, mini wire and absorbable suture were used for limited internal fixation. All patients were followed up and patients were accomplished with total active motion (TAM) of fingers.

RESULTSAll patients were reviewed by an independent observer. The mean follow up was 13 months (range 9 to 24 months). Subjective, objective and radiographic results were evaluated. X-ray films revealed fracture union and the average radiographic union time was 7 weeks with a range of 5 - 12 weeks and the phalange shortening or rotation in 2 cases, joint incongruity (less than 1 mm) and joint space narrowing in 3 cases respectively. Phalangeal shortening or rotation was observed in 2 cases and joint incongruity or joint space narrowing was observed in 3 cases. An artificial implant was performed on one case for traumatic arthritis 1.5 years after surgery. Based on TAM the overall good-excellent rate of joint motion function was 80.8%.

CONCLUSIONMini external fixator combined with limited internal fixation is a reliable and effective method for treatment of intra-articular fracture of the fingers.

Adolescent ; Adult ; External Fixators ; Female ; Finger Joint ; surgery ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Intra-Articular Fractures ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

Objective :To explore influence of oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL ) on migration function of THP-1 macrophages ,expression of microRNA 21 (miR-21) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) path-way.Methods :Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) of 160nmol/L was used to induce THP-1 cells to differentiate into macrophages.According to application of ox-LDL treatment and liposomes-mediated miR-21 inhibitor transfecting THP-1 macrophages (transfection for short) or not ,THP-1 macrophages were divided into blank control group (re-ceived neither ox-LDL treatment nor transfection ) ,ox-LDL group (received 50mg/L ox-LDL treatment without transfection) ,miR-21 inhibitor group (received 50mg/L ox-LDL treatment after transfection ) and miR-21 inhibitor negative-control group (received 50mg/L ox-LDL treatment after negative-control transfection ).THP-1 macro-phage migration number was measured by transwell method ,miR-21 expression was measured by real-time quantita-tive PCR ,and expression of dual specific phosphate 8 (DUSP-8) and phosphorylation level of MAPK pathway were measured by Western-blot method .Results :Compared with blank control group ,there were significant rise in mi-gration number of THP-1 macrophages [(74.10 ± 15.10) vs.(184.10 ± 26.28)] ,miR-21 expression [(1.00 ± 0.21) vs.(2.02 ± 0.27)] and phosphorylation levels of JNK and P38 protein ,and significant reduction in expression of DUSP-8 protein in ox-LDL group ,P＜0.01 all.Compared with ox-LDL group ,there were significant reductions in migration number of THP-1 macrophages [ (184.10 ± 26.28) vs.(58.50 ± 10.24)] ,miR-21 expression [ (2.02 ± 0.27) vs.(0.66 ± 0.16)] and phosphorylation levels of JNK and P38 protein ,and significant rise in expression of DUSP-8 protein in ox-LDL group , P＜0. 01 all .Conclusion : Ox-LDL enhances migration function of macrophages , which may be related to its effects of upregulating miR-21 expression ,enhancing phosphorylation of JNK and P38 protein of MAPK pathway and reducing DUSP-8 expression .

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and safety of pegylated interferon alpha 2a (PEG-IFN alpha-2a) in treating patients with chronic hepatitis B.

METHODSeventy-two patients with chronic hepatitis B were assigned to a PEG-IFN alpha-2a (experimental) group (n=42) and an interferon alpha (control) group (n=30) randomly. Each patient in the experimental group received 180 microg PEG-IFN alpha-2a every week. Each patient in the control group received 500 MU interferon alpha every day. All the patients were treated for 48 weeks, and then were followed for another 48 weeks with no treatment.

RESULTSAt the end of the 12th week, the rate of HBeAg negative cases was 30% in the PEG-IFN alpha-2a group, which was much higher than in the control group (x2 = 4.162, P < 0.05). The values of HBeAg and the log value of HBV DNA in the PEG-IFN alpha-2a group were much lower than the values before the treatment (t = 2.689, t = 4.080, P <0.01), but there was no difference between before and after treatment in the control group ( t = 1.229, t = 1.009, P > 0.05). At the end of the 24th week, the rate of HBeAg negative cases in the PEG-IFN alpha-2a group was much higher than that in the control group (x2=6.190, P < 0.05). The value of HBeAg and the log value of HBV DNA in the PEG-IFN alpha-2a group were much lower than in the control group (t=2.215, t=2.122, P < 0.05). At the end of the 48th week, besides the reduction mentioned above, the rate of cases with HBeAg/antiHBe seroconversion and normalization of ALT and complete responsiveness in the PEG-IFN alpha-2a group were all much higher than those in the control group (x2=5.771, x2=5.617, x2=5.308, P < 0.05). At the end of 48 weeks with no treatment, all the parameters mentioned above in the PEG-IFN alpha-2a group were much better than those in the control group and they remained so, but they were different in the control group (x2=11.943, t=3.439, t=6.111, x2=9.930, x2=9.522, x2=7.920, P < 0.01). Nine patients in the PEG-IFN alpha-2a group had liver biopsies before their treatment and also at the end of their treatment. The expressions of HBsAg and HBcAg were decreased at the end of the treatment. The rate of expression of HBsAg in the liver tissues before the treatment was 88.9% but only 22.2% at the end of the treatment (x2=8.001, P < 0.01). The rate of expression of HBcAg in the livers before treatment was 66.7% but only 33.3% at the end of the treatment. Before and at the end of the PEG-IFN alpha-2a treatment, there were no significant changes in the degrees of inflammation and fibrosis and the quantity of collagen in the liver tissues. Three patients in the PEG-IFN alpha-2a group (10%) were HbsAg negative. Two of them were found so at the end of 32 weeks with treatment and one patient was found at the end of 24 weeks with no treatment, but there were no HBsAg negative patients in the control group. The adverse reactions that occurred in the PEG-IFN alpha-2a and in the control groups were similar.

CONCLUSIONPEG-IFN alpha-2a was effective in inhibiting HBV replication. The effect of PEG-IFN alpha-2a was lasting. PEG-IFN alpha-2a was well tolerated during our treatment.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Antiviral Agents ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Interferon-alpha ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polyethylene Glycols ; therapeutic use ; Recombinant Proteins ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo explore the inhibitory effect of estrogen against metastasis of human hepatocellular carcinoma MHCC97H cells and explore the molecular mechanism.

METHODSThe inhibitory effect of estrogen on the migration and invasion of MHCC97H cells was evaluated with wound healing assay and Transwell assay. Western blotting was used for investigating the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, AKT and p-AKT in the cells treated with estrogen.

RESULTSEstrogen treatment significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of MHCC97H cells in a dose-dependent manner. Estrogen significantly down-regulated the protein expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and lowered the phosphorylation level of AKT.

CONCLUSIONThe anti-metastatic effect of estrogen involves inhibition of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in MHCC97H cells probably by regulating AKT signal pathway.

OBJECTIVETo investigate sperm DNA integrity in male infertility patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

METHODSThis study included 90 infertile men with HBV infection (group A), 82 infertile men without HBV infection (group B) and 70 normal fertile men (group C). We detected sperm DNA integrity among the subjects, including DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and high DNA stainability (HDS), by sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA), and compared them among the three groups.

RESULTSDFI was higher in group A ([28.17 +/- 13.06]%) than in B ([26.64 +/- 9.79]%) and C ([15.67 +/- 4.73]%), significantly higher in A and B than in C (P < 0.05) but with no significant difference between A and B (P > 0.05). HDS was higher in group A ([10.83 +/- 5.601]%) than in B ([9.04 +/- 3.48]%) and C ([8.04-2.25]%), with significant difference between A and C (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSperm DNA integrity of infertile males is significantly different from that of normal fertile men, and infertility with HBV infection further impairs sperm DNA, which is manifested by abnormal sperm nuclear maturity.

Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; Chromatin ; DNA ; genetics ; DNA Damage ; Hepatitis B ; pathology ; Hepatitis B virus ; Humans ; Infertility, Male ; genetics ; virology ; Male ; Sperm Count ; Spermatozoa ; pathology ; Young Adult