Objective To evaluate the diagnosis and therapy of intestinal obstruction caused by multiple jejunal diverticula.Methods Clinical data of intestinal obstruction caused by multiple jejunal diverticula in 18 cases admitted from Jan 2001 to Aug 2012 were analyzed retrospectively.Results All patients experienced the symptoms of abdominal pain and abdominal distension,5 cases experienced nausea and vomit,2 cases had a fever.Plain abdominal X-ray series demonstrated distension of small bowel and multiple air-fluid levels,5 cases with anemia,the average value of hemoglobin was (9.5 ± 1.0) g/L,B-ultrasonography revealed bowel dilatation in 7 out of 15 cases,9 cases underwent abdominal computed tomography and all had positive sign of small bowel distension and multiple air-fluid levels,mesenteric volvulus was suspected in 1 case.All patients underwent laparotomy,the diagnosis of multiple jejunal diverticula were confirmed clinically and by the pathology.In a follow-up ranging from 2 to 25 months,1 case died,the others were symptoms free.Conclusions Multiple jejunal diverticula was a less common disorder,occurring mainly in old man,with a low preoperative definite diagnosis.Resection of affected intestinal segment with primary anastomosis results in satisfactory prognosis.

Humans ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; pathology ; Neoplasm Staging ; methods ; Neoplasms ; classification ; pathology ; therapy

We aimed to develop a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection method for the Reston subtype of the Ebola virus. The NP gene of the Reston subtype of the Ebola virus was selected as the detection object. Sequences of different subtypes of Ebola viruses were aligned using Clustal W software. The most unique and conserved regions of the Reston subtype of the Ebola virus were recruited as candidate sequences for specific primers. Primer Express and Primer Premier 5. 0 software were used to filter the optimal pair of primers for detection. Real-time PCR was carried out using optimized parameters and positive DNA prepared by serial (tenfold) dilution of a recombinant plasmid and by plotting a standard curve. In addition, the reproducibility, accuracy, and specificity of the assay were tested. Results showed that the sensitivity of detection of the Reston subtype of the Ebola virus by real-time PCR could reached 10(2) copies/microL. The linear relationship (R2) reached 0.997, the slope of the standard curve was -0.3101, and amplification efficiency was 110.145%. A sharp and narrow melting peak appeared at 79.94 degrees C for all standards in different dilutions. In conclusion, a fast and sensitive real-time PCR detection system for the Reston subtype of the Ebola virus was developed. This system could be used as a supplementary diagnostic and monitoring approach for basic and clinical studies on the Reston subtype of the Ebola virus. The detection system does not require expensive technology or specialist operators.
DNA Primers ; genetics ; Ebolavirus ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola ; virology ; Humans ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Sensitivity and Specificity

Objective To investigate the feasibility and safety of autologous tumor tissue lysate loading den-dritic cells(DC) for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods The monocytes-derived DC were induced and antigen loaded with tumor tissue lysate to produce DC vaccine. Vaccination and clinical observation were conducted in 12 HCC patients for 41 times. Results The average output of DC was 1.69×107(1.69×107±9.44×106>) from 90 ml peripheral blood. 63.41% (26/41)patients appeared to develop delayed-type hypersensitivity after intradermal injection. After an average of 9 months follow up, 1 patient out of 4 recurrence and metastasis pa- tients survived for 17 months. The other three patients progressed. Out of 8 patients undergoing immunotherapy post- operatively,6 patients had no signs of recurrence and the others were found to have liver rceurrence and progression. Conclusion DC based immunotherapy is safe and feasible,with no side effects,which can be applied in the immu- notherapy strategy of HCC patients.

Objective:To investigate the most effective strategy for mature induction of dendritic cells.Methods:Human monocyte-derived dendritic cells were induced in the presence of cytokines GM-CSF and IL-4. On day 6, the immature DCs were pulsed with each of CD40L, LPS, TNF-? or a cocktail of cytokines(TNF-?, IL-6, IL-1?, PGE2). DCs were harvested after 24 h induction. The surface markers for maturation CD80,CD83,CD86 and HLA-DR were detected by FCM. FITC-Dextra endocytic activity was measured by FCM. IL-12 production was detected by ELISA. The capacity of DCs for T cell activation was detected by MTT assay.Results:CD40L,LPS,TNF-? and the cocktail of cytokines all could induce DCs’ maturation. The most effective scheme for induction of maturation was the cocktail of cytokines, and the expression rate of CD83 was up to 66.91%(P

BackgroundSmad4,a key intracellular mediator in transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)signaling,plays a critical role in the normal development of many tissues/organs.However,its functional role in the development of lacrimal gland has rarely been reported.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the role that Smad4 may play in the development of lacrimal glands using Smad4 conditional knockout (CKO) mice( C57BL/6 mouse line),MethodsSmad4 in lacrimal glands,as well as in the lens,cornea and ectoderm of the eyelids,was conditionally inactivated by the Pax6 promoter-driven Cre transgenic mice and Smad4 conditional gene mice,LacZ reporter was used to visualize the developing lacrimal gland by X-gal staining,and standard histological approaches were used to reveal morphological changes.Six or more mice or embryos in each group were used for comparisons at the same stage.ResultsLacZ staining showed that E15.0,Smad4 CKO mice could still develop primary lacrimal bud,but much shorter than the wild-type ones.At E16.5,the primary lacrimal bud in wild-type mice began branching,but no branching was found in Smad4 CKO mice except that the primary lacimal bud became blunt at the tip.At E18.0,although Smad4 CKO mice develop some acini,the branching and size and number of acini were obviously less than ones in Smad4 wild-type mice.Based on histological findings,lacrimal glands in Smad4 CKO mice developed slowly,and the size was considerably smaller,and the numbers of lobes as well as the numbers of acini were much fewer than those of Smad4 wild-type mice lacrimal glands at various stages.Pigment and adipose tissue were also observed within the lacrimal glands starting from P7 in Smad4 CKO mice and increased with age growing.Lacrimal glands in mutant adult mice were eventually replaced by adipose tissue and accumulation of pigments.Conclusions These results support the notion that Smad4 is essential for the normal development and maintenance of the mouse LG and may be involved in the metabolism of pigment and adipose tissue in LG.

Objective To investigate the efficacy of ventral bladder mucosa onlay graft urethroplasty for the management of panurethral stricture.Methods From August of 2005 to July of 2013,11 cases of panurethral stricture were treated by ventral bladder mucosa onlay graft urethroplasty.The median age of the patients was 53 years (22-72 year),The median stricture length was 15 cm (12-18 cm).The patient was placed in the lithotomy position,Penile urethra was exposed by circumcoronal incision and degloving of skin,Bulbar urethra was exposed by inverted Y-shaped perineal incision.The strictured urethral segment was then opened ventrally in the midline up to at least 1 cm proximally into the healthy urethra.An appropriate size bladder mucosa graft was harvested,and was quilted to the splited urethra edge,the graft width was 1.5-2.0 cm.Two F10 fenestrated silicone catheters were left as urethral stents,a suprapupic cystostomy tube was left.The urethral stent was removed 4 weeks postoperatively.Follow-up was performed every 3 months for the first year,and annually thereafter.Success was defined as normal voiding with a maximum flow rates ≥ 15 ml/s,and the patients required no further instrumentation,including dilation or urethrotomy.Results The mean follow-up was 18 months (range,9-36 months),the overall success rate was 10/11.One patient developed urethral meatus stenosis 3 months postoperatively,and was managed by meatal dilatation.Conclusion Ventral bladder mucosa onlay graft urethroplasty can be used for the management of panurethral stricture,Bladder mucosa is an alternative substitution for complex urethral reconstruction.

Objective To investigate the effect of GDNF on pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and chemotaxis.Methods The cell counting, MTT and flow cytometry were employed to investigate whether the neurotrophic factor GDNF can stimulate the proliferation of pancreatic carcinoma cells.Meanwhile, the trans-well invasion chamber was used to observe the chemotactic effect of GDNF on pancreatic cancer cells.Results The cells were exposed to incremental concentrations of human re-combinant GDNF (0-120 ng/mL).We found that the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells was stim-ulated by GDNF in a dose-dependent manner and the number of cells in "S" phenotype was increased;The count of cells was increased by GDNF in a dose-dependent manner.Conclusion GDNF can stimu-late the proliferation and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner.

OBJECTIVEThe purpose of the present study was to investigate the in vitro effects of baicalin on induction of apoptosis in human prostate cancer cell line DU145.

METHODHuman prostate cancer cell line DU145 was treated with different concentration of baicalin in vitro. The apoptosis rate was determined by FACS analysis, cell cycle distribution was detected by flow cytometry, morphological changes and protein analysis were determined by means of electron microscope techniqueand immunohistochemical techniquerespectively.

RESULT50micromol x L(-1) and 125 micromol x L(-1) of baicalin dose-dependently induced apoptosis and inhibited the proliferation of prostate cancer cell DU145 in a dose and time-dependent manner. DNA flow cytometric analysis indicated that baicalin induced a arrest in G1 phase, showing a typical apoptosis peak. Electron microscopy detected a characteristic appearance of the apoptotic cells morphology. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that induction of apoptosis by ways of inhibition of the bcl-2, loss of the Bax, and upregulation of Fas.

CONCLUSIONThe results indicate that baicalin may induce apoptosis and inhibit proliferation of prostate cancer cells, and has direct anti-tumor effects on human prostate cancer cells.

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Flavonoids ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; G1 Phase ; Humans ; Male ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; metabolism ; Scutellaria ; chemistry ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; fas Receptor ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo explore the prophylactic effect of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP) on acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in a murine model.

METHODSThe murine model of aGVHD after allo-HSCT was established by using female C57BL/b (H-2b) mouse as the donor, and male BALB/c (H-2b) as the recipient. After allo-HSCT, recipient mice were divided into 3 groups. For aGVHD prophylaxis group A was given TIMP (2 mg/d) , group B CsA (5 mg x kg(-1) x d (-1)) was given, and group C nothing. Physical signs, mean survival time (MST), peripheral blood counts and aGVHD histopathology were observed.

RESULTSMice in group C developed typical aGVHD and 100% of mortality, with a MST of 8 days, and those in group A and B had longer survival, the MST being (4.8 +/- 1.4) d and (4.3 +/- 0.9) d respectively, with no statistical difference in peripheral blood count between these two groups. Mice in group A showed less severe signs.

CONCLUSIONSTIMP markedly prolongs MST of allo-HSCT recipients, delays the onset of aGVHD signs, and has no adverse effect on hematopoiesis reconstitution.

Animals ; Female ; Graft vs Host Disease ; prevention & control ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; adverse effects ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases ; therapeutic use