Objective To investigate the value of transvaginal contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS)in the diagnosis of adnexal masses.Methods Thirty patients with adnexal mass were examined by conventional 2D imaging and contrast tuned imaging(CnTI)technology.The results were compared with pathological results and the CEUS features wet concluded.Results There were 21 cases of benign adnexal masses and 9 cases of ovarian malignancies among 30 patients.The CnTI technology can distinguish between solid and cystic parts in masses.CEUS showed that malignant tumor had the high microvessel density and these vessels were irregular in shape.Partial malignant masses had the characteristic in-out phases in CnTI imagine.Conclusions Transvaginal CEUS is benefit to improve the accuracy of diagnosis of pelvic adnexal masses.

The potential impacts of future climate changes on human health are having been widely paid more attention to.The direct and indirect potential impacts of future possible changes of climate on human health were reviewed in this paper.The methods for assessing the impacts of climate changes on human health were introduced also

Objective To evaluate the ultrasonographic ( US ) findings of granulomatous lobular mastitis( GLM ) ,and to compare the diagnostic accuracy among US ,mammographic ,and magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI) . Methods Imaging characteristics of 56 patients who were pathologically comfirmed as GLM were reviewed .All the lesions were assessed by BI‐RADS ( Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System) . Results Fifty‐eight lesions were found in 56 patients . Thirty ( 51 .7% ) were irregular ,20 (34 .5% ) were lobular and 8(13 .8% ) were round or oval in shape . Forty two lesions (72 .4% ) were hypoechoic ,14 (24 .1% ) were mixed echoic textur ,including 6 lesions (10 .3% ) with tubular connections and 8 lesions ( 13 .8% ) with irregular markly hypoechoic internal echoes . Two ( 3% ) were isoechoic .No calcification were found . Color Doppler signals were detected in 33 cases(56 .9% ) ,and the resistance index ( RI) ranged from 0 .61 to 0 .79 . Forty patients underwent mammography ,there were no distinct lesions in 6 cases(15% ) ,suspicious calcification in two(5% ) , asymmetric density in twenty(50% ) ,and solitary masses in twelve(30% ) . MRI was performed in 36 patients ,and revealed no abnormality in two patients(5 .6% ) , twenty nine lesions ( 80 .6% ) showed hypointensity on T1‐weighted images and hyperimensity on T2‐weighted images ,five lesions ( 13 .9% ) showed isointensity on T1‐weighted images and hyperimensity on T2‐weighted images ,and all the lesions showed heterogeneous enhancement after contrast .The diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography , mammography and MRl was 63 .8% , 45% and 61 .1% , respectively . Conclusions There were no specific imaging characteristics of GLM ,the combination of ultrasonography , mammography and MRI might benefit the diagnosis of GLM .

Objective To study the value of ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) in the diagnosis of axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer,and to compared with conventional ultrasound in the diagnosis of metastatic lymph nodes of breast cancer.Methods Five hundred patients were enrolled into study prospectively from our hospital.The set of standard for patients into study:patients were diagnosed by BI-RADS and classified into class 4 or class 5 preoperative,the maximum diameter of the tumor was less than 2 cm,and there was no case of distant metastasis.Ultrasound guided FNA was performed in each case,and the results were compared with conventional ultrasound diagnosis results,using pathological findings as gold standard.Results The sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value,negative predictive value and accuracy in the diagnosis of axillary lymph node by conventional ultrasound were 60.6%,67.6%,77.2%,48.7%,and 63.1%,respectively,and by ultrasound-guided FNA were 78%,100%,100%,71.6%,and 85.6%,respectively.There were significant differences between the two diagnostic methods statistically(χ2=113.2,P<0.001).Conclusions Ultrasound-guided FNA can effectively reduce the number of sentinel lymph node biopsy,which displays a certain clinical value.

Objective To analyze the ultrasonographic characteristics of breast cystic-solid lesions and to investigate the diagnostic value of BI-RADS breast imaging reporting and data system in this kind of disease Methods Imaging characteristics of 105 breast cystic-solid lesions of 93 patients were analyzed All the lesions were assessed by BI-RADS Histopathologic examination was used as the reference standard Results Among 105 lesions 57 54 3% were benign and 48 45 7% were malignant Differences in orientation shape margin calcification and vascularity were statistically significant between the benign and malignant lesions P < 0 05 whereas the echo pattern and the posterior acoustic feature did not show significant differences P >0 05).There were 5 1 predominantly solid mass,which appeared as solid mass with little dispersed or centralized cystic regions or solid mass with surrounding cystic regions,including 33 benign lesions and 1 8 malignant lesions.The area under the curves of ROC was 0.956 in this type.There were 25 lesions predominantly cystic,which had regular or irregular thick walls or septa,or had nodules protruding to the cystic component,including 1 1 benign lesions and 14 malignant lesions.The area under the curves of ROC was 0.753.There were 29 mixed solid-cystic mass,in which the solid component equaled to the cystic,including 13 benign lesions and 16 malignant lesions.The area under the curves of ROC was 0.887.The area under curves of ROC was 0.873 for the all breast cystic-solid lesions.The rates of malignant cystic-solid lesions in the three types had no significant difference(P >0.05).Conclusions Ultrasound is a useful tool for diagnosing breast cystic-solid lesions.The proportion of the cystic component is not helpful to differentiate malignancy from benignancy.

Objective To investigate the value of shear wave elastography (SWE)for differential diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid nodules.Methods A total of 1 56 patients referred for surgery of thyroid nodules underwent standard ultrasound as well as elastography.The following characteristics of all the nodules were assessed:location,size,shape,margin,echogenicity,calcification and blood flow.The SWE elasticity indices of maximum (Emax),mean (Emean),minimum (Emin),and standard deviation (Esd) were automatically calculated by the US system.Thresholds were calculated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC ) curve analysis.The diagnostic performance of conventional US and SWE were compared.Histopathologic examination was used as the reference standard.Results Among a total of 1 56 nodules,1 1 8 were malignant and 38 were benign.SWE elasticity indices were significantly higher in malignant than in benign nodules (P ≤0.001 ).Sensitivity and specificity for predicting malignancy were 83.9%,92.1 % respectively using Emean with a threshold of 32.1 kPa,the specificity was significantly higher than using conventional ultrasound (P <0.05 ).Area under the ROC curve (Az)of Emean was highest (0.880,95% CI:0.81 7,0.943),however the differences were not significant(P >0.05).Conclusions SWE provides higher specificity for predicting malignancy without losing sensitivity.

Objective To investigate the effect of the serum of patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome on the myogenic differentiation,proliferation and migration of human lung fibroblasts.Methods The human lung fibroblasts were seeded in plates or flasks and randomly divided into 2 groups (n =31each) using a random number table:serum of patients with hepato-pulmonary syndrome group and serum of healthy volunteer group.The human lung fibroblasts were incubated in the DMEM culture medium containing 10％ serum of patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome or in the DMEM culture medium containing 10％ serum of healthy volunteers.At 24,48 and 72 h of incubation (T1-T3),the expression of smooth muscle-α-actin (SM-α-actin) and smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SM-MHC) in human lung fibroblasts was determined by Western blot,the proliferation of the human lung fibroblasts was determined using 3H-TDR incorporation assay,and the migration of the human lung fibroblasts was determined by Transwell chamber assay.Results Compared with serum of healthy volunteer group,the expression of SM-α-actin and SM-MHC in human lung fibroblasts was significantly up-regulated at each time point,and the proliferation and migration of the cells were significantly enhanced at T2,3 in serum of patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome group (P＜0.05).Compared with the value at T1,the expression of SM-α-actin and SM-MHC in human lung fibroblasts was significantly up-regulated,and the proliferation and migration of the cells were significantly enhanced at T2,3in serum of patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome group (P＜0.05).Compared with the value at T2,the expression of SM-α-actin and SM-MHC in human lung fibroblasts was significantly up-regulated,and the proliferation and migration of the cells were significantly enhanced at T3 in serum of patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome group (P＜0.05).Conclusion The serum of patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome can promote the myogenic differentiation,proliferation and migration of human lung fibroblasts.

OBJECTIVETo study the clinicopathologic features and possible molecular mechanisms of adenoid cystic carcinoma with high-grade transformation.

METHODSFour cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma with high-grade transformation were enrolled into the study. Immunohistochemical study for smooth muscle actin, p63, p53 and Ki-67 was carried out. C-myc gene status was analyzed by fluorescence in-situ hybridization.

RESULTSThere were altogether 3 males and 1 female. The mean age of the patients was 55.5 years. Two patients died 17 months and 29 months after operation, respectively. One patient had distant metastasis 23 months after operation and was still alive at 26-month follow up. The remaining patient remained tumor free at 3-month follow up. High-grade transformation in adenoid cystic carcinoma presented either as poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma or undifferentiated carcinoma. Histologic examination showed sheets of pleomorphic tumor cells occupying more than one low-power field. The high-grade carcinoma cells showed increased nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio, prominent eosinophilic nucleoli and active mitosis (ranging from 8 to 25 per high-power field). Comedo necrosis was observed in 2 cases and multiple foci of calcifications in 3 cases. Immunohistochemical study demonstrated loss of myoepithelial differentiation, overexpression of p53 and high proliferative index by Ki-67. No c-myc translocation or copy-number changes were observed.

CONCLUSIONSHigh-grade transformation in adenoid cystic carcinoma is rare. The histopathologic features are rather distinctive and the biologic behavior is aggressive. C-myc gene mutation does not seem to play a key role in the pathogenesis.

Actins ; metabolism ; Adenocarcinoma ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic ; Eye Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Genes, myc ; Humans ; Ki-67 Antigen ; metabolism ; Lacrimal Apparatus ; Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Lung Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Maxillary Sinus Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Membrane Proteins ; metabolism ; Middle Aged ; Mutation ; Parotid Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Survival Rate ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo explore the mechanism of prevention and treatment of post-PTCA restenosis with Xinmaitong (XMT).

METHODSRabbit carotid endothelial injury model was established using Fishman air drying method. Effect of XMT on model rabbits wild-type p53 gene expression was observed by tissue in situ hybridization.

RESULTSp53 gene expression appeared on the 3 days after operation, enhanced on the 7 days, reached the peak on the 14th day, weakened on the 21th, and still showed on the 28th day. The strongest expression was shown in rabbits treated by XMT, second in those treated by Warfarin, and the weakest in the operated control group.

CONCLUSIONXMT could promote the high expression of wild-type p53 gene expression in rabbit with carotid endothelial injury, which is possibly one of the important mechanism of XMT in preventing and treating arterial restenosis.

Animals ; Carotid Arteries ; pathology ; Coronary Restenosis ; prevention & control ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Endothelium, Vascular ; metabolism ; pathology ; Phytotherapy ; Rabbits ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 ; biosynthesis ; genetics

Objective To explore the clinical effect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) dialectical therapy for treatment of gastrointestinal dysfunction in patients with acute lung injury / acute respiratory distress syndrome(ALI/ARDS)undergoing mechanical ventilation. Methods A prospective,randomized controlled trial was conducted. Ninety-six ALI/ARDS patients admitted in intensive care unit(ICU)and treated with mechanical ventilation in Tianjin First Central Hospital were chosen and randomly divided into traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) group and conventional therapy group using a random number table,48 patients in each group. Conventional therapy alone was used in conventional therapy group,and TCM therapy of primarily using Dachengqi decoction combined with conventional therapy was applied in TCM group〔Dachengqi decoction was composed of mongolian milkvetch root 15 g, pilose asiabell toot 15 g,Chinese angelica 10 g,officinal magnolia bark 10 g,tangerine peel 10 g,immature tangerine fruit 10 g,peach seed 10 g,white peony root 12 g,red peony root 12 g,immature bitter orange 6 g,mongolian dandelion herb 30 g,radish seed(stir-fried)30 g,foxtail millet sprout 20 g,barley sprout 20 g,glauber salt 9 g (with water),rhubarb 10 g(added in water at last)〕,one dose orally taken daily for 28 days. The intra-abdominal pressure(IAP),gastrointestinal diseases in TCM symptom score and the incidence of gastrointestinal dysfunction were compared between the two groups before treatment and on the 3rd,6th and 8th day after treatment. Results There were no statistical significant differences in IAP and TCM symptom scores between the two groups before treatment (both P>0.05),but after treatment with the prolongation of therapeutic time the IAP and TCM symptom scores were decreased gradually compared with those before treatment,having reached the valley value on the 18th day and the changes in TCM group were more remarkable〔IAP(mmHg,1 mmHg=0.133 kPa):0.91±0.69 vs. 2.08±0.92, TCM symptom score:48.33±10.41 vs. 88.33±20.21,both P<0.05〕. In the TCM group,the incidences of the untoward symptoms and signs of gastrointestinal dysfunction such as bleeding of stress ulcer,toxic intestinal paralysis, abdominal distension,diarrhea and so on were lower than those in conventional therapy group〔stress ulcer bleeding:16.7%(8/48)vs. 39.6%(19/48),toxic intestinal paralysis:16.7%(8/48)vs. 43.8%(21/48),abdominal distension:10.4%(5/48)vs. 37.5%(18/48),diarrhea:6.3%(3/48)vs. 33.3%(16/48),all P<0.05〕. Conclusion Addition of TCM Dachengqi decoction on conventional treatment can effectively lower the incidence of gastrointestinal dysfunction in treatment of patients with ALI/ARDS undergoing mechanical ventilation.