Objective To compare the efficacy of 18F-FDG PET/CT, 99Tcm-MDP bone scintigraphy (BS), and combination of the two techniques (PET/CT + BS) for detecting bone metastasis by ROC curve analysis. Methods All 296 patients with various cancers, who underwent both 99Tcm-MDP BS and 18F-FDG PET/CT within two months, were retrospectively analyzed. These images were interpreted according to 5-point scale (0: definitely negative, 1: probably negative, 2: equivocal, 3: probably positive, 4:definitely positive for bone metastasis), and the scale of PET/CT + BS was the sum of PET/CT and BS. In light of the confirmed diagnosis derived from pathology or follow-up, ROC curve analysis was performed.The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was compared by z-test. Results Of 296 cases, 61 (20.6%) were confirmed as bone metastases and 235 (79.4%) were negative. The AUC were 0. 919 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) :0. 867 - 0. 971) for BS, 0. 949 (95% CI: 0. 906 - 0. 991) for PET/CT, and 0. 994 (95% CI: 0.988-0.999) for PET/CT + BS, rctrospectively. The AUC of PET/CT + BS was statistically significantly larger than that of BS (z=2. 866, P=0.004) or PET/CT (z =2.027, P=0.043), while the AUC of PET/CT was larger than that of BS, but no statistically significance (z = 0. 881, P = 0. 378) was showed. The optimal sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value(NPV) were 90. 2% (55/61), 85. 1% (200/235), 86. 1% (255/296), 61. 1% (55/90), 97. 1%(200/206) for BS, 88.5% (54/61), 97.0% (228/235), 95.3% (282/296), 88.5% (54/61), 97.0% for PET/CT, and 98.4% (60/61), 95.7% (225/235), 96.3% (285/296), 85.7% (60/70) for PET/CT + BS,respectively. The specificity (χ2 = 19.862, P<0. 001), accuracy (χ2 = 23. 361, P<0.001) and PPV (χ2 =11. 791, P =0.001) of PET/CT + BS were significantly higher than those of BS, the sensitivity of PET/CT +BS was significantly higher than that of PET/CT (χ2 =4.167, P=0.031). Compared with BS, PET/CT had a higher specificity (χ2 = 19.600, P<0. 001), accuracy (χ2 = 13. 755, P <0. 001), PPV (χ2 = 13. 608, P <0. 001), but their sensitivity showed no statistically significant difference (χ2 = 0, P = 1. 000). Conclusions The efficacy of 18F-FDG PET/CT for detecting malignant bone metastasis was superior to that of 99Tcm-MDP BS alone. The detection ability can be obviously improved by combination of the two techniques.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the changes of the mRNA expressions of myocardial cytoskeletal proteins in endotoxemic rats.

METHODSThirty-seven Wistar rats were randomized into two groups with injection of 10 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or normal saline through the femoral vein. The cardiac function of the rats was monitored continuously for 24 h, and the morphological changes of the cardiac myocytes were observed with HE staining and electron microscope. The mRNA levels of myocardial cytoskeletal proteins including actin, tubulin and desmin were determined by RT-PCR.

RESULTSNo significant difference was found in the number of CD3(+)T lymphocytes in the TILs between different groups. After the immunotherapy, the peLPS injection resulted in significant impairment of the cardiac function and myocardial microstructure of the rats with reduced heart rate and left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP). The mRNA expression of actin in the cardiac myocytes measured by fluorescence optical density was reduced significantly 8 h after LPS injection, and that of tubulin was decreased significantly 24 h after LPS treatment; desmin mRNA expression showed no significant variation after LPS injection.

CONCLUSIONLPS can significantly impair the cardiac function of the rats possibly by inducing damages of the myocardial cytoarchitecture and causing changes in the mRNA expressions of such cytoskeletal proteins as actin and tubulin.

Actins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Animals ; Cytoskeletal Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Endotoxemia ; chemically induced ; metabolism ; Female ; Lipopolysaccharides ; Myocardium ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Tubulin ; genetics ; metabolism

To develop an analytic method for qualitative and quantitative analysis of dodecatetraenamides A, B in 42 samples of two official species of Asari Radix et Rhizoma( ARR) (37 samples of Asarum heterotropoides var. mandshuricum with different collection time and 5 samples of Asarum sieboldiivar. seoulense). The HPLC-IT-TOF-MS/MS methods for the qualitative and UPLC-PDA methods for the quantitative analysis were established. Dodecatetraenamides A, B were identified by comparing the retention time, UV absorption spectrum and quasi-molecular ion peak [ M + H]+ with the reference compound using HPLC-IT-TOF-MS/MS. The content of dodecatetraenamides A and B in ARR were determined by UPLC-PDA. The separation was successfully carried out on a ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 (2.1 mm x 100 mm, 1.7 µm) column eluted with mobile phases of water (A) and acetonitrile (B) in gradient program (0-3 min, 35% B; 3-5 min, 35%-36% B; 5-6 min, 36%-43% B; 6 min-11 min 43% B; 11-12 min, 43%-100% B). The column temperature was 45 °C, and the detection wavelength was set at 254 nm. The flow rate was 0.6 mL · min(-1). On one level mass spectrometry scanning, the results showed that the quasi-molecular ion [M + H] + of both dodecatetraenamides A and B were m/z 248.20. The quantitative method with UPLC-PDA has made the baseline separation of the constituents, which were reported as mixtures in the most literatures. The average recovery of dodecatetraenamides A and B were 97.90% and 99.86%, the relative standard deviation were 0.4% and 1.1%, respectively. The contents of dodecatetraenamides A, B in all ARR samples was in the range of 0.11-3.89 and 0.24-6.65 mg · g(-1). Their contents reduced with the extension of storage time. Compared with the samples of 2013, the average content of the two constituents in the samples collected in year 2002-2003 reduced 34% and 36%, respectively (P < 0.05). Compared the A. sieboldii var. seoulense and A. heterotropoides var. mandshuricum with the same collective time and production area, the average contents of the two constituents in latter were up to (1.59 ± 0.75) mg · g(-1) and (2.90 ± 1.17) mg · g(-1), respectively, significantly higher than that in A. sieboldii var. seoulense (dodecatetraenamide A were (0.78 ± 0.52) mg · g(-1), dodecatetraenamide B were (1.69 ± 0.83) mg · g(-1)) (P < 0.05). The content of the dodecatetraenamide A in overground part was in the range of 0.11-0.33 mg · g(-1), dodecatetraenamide B was 0. 24-0.60 mg · g(-1), which were much lower than that of the underground part of ARR (dodecatetraenamide A was in the range of 0.73-3.89 mg · g(-1), dodecatetraenamide B was 2.11-6.24 mg · g(-1)). The method was certified to be simple, accurate and reliable and could be used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of dodecatetraenamide A and B in different species of ARR, also can be used for the comprehensive quality control of traditional Chinese medicine, Asari Radix et Rhizoma.
Amides ; chemistry ; Asarum ; chemistry ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Mass Spectrometry ; Molecular Structure ; Rhizome ; chemistry

Breast Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Carcinoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Fibroma ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Humans ; Keratins ; metabolism ; Middle Aged ; Vimentin ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo discuss the causes of unsatisfied cervical posterior decompression surgery and describe the overhauling strategies and precaution.

METHODSThe clinical data of 14 patients required revision surgery were retrospectively analyzed, and these patients with unsatisfied effects were due to cervical posterior decompression surgery from January 2012 to December 2014. Overhauling reasons were analyzed and then different revision procedures were performed. The functions of cervical cord and ambulation were evaluated respectively by modified Japanese Orthopedic Association(mJOA) score and Nurick grade according to the course order:preoperative for the first time, pre-revision and at final follow-up. Improvement rate of nerves function were calculated before and after operation for the first time, before and after revision. Above data were statistically analyzed by SPSS16.0 software.

RESULTSReoperation reasons including 2 patients with the insufficiency width of laminectomy, 2 patients with the inadequate length of decompression, 2 patients with nerve root and spinal cord compression caused by fractured collapse, 4 patients with closed the door of vertebral lamina, 1 patient with less open-door angle, 2 patiens with ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (1 case complicated with close the door), 2 patients with cervical spine kyphotic deformity aggravating (1 case complicated with close the door), 1 patient with nerve root canal stenosis caused by uncovertebral joint hyperplasia. Preoperative for the first time, pre-revision and at final follow-up, mJOA scores were 11.89±1.67, 13.11±1.09, 15.61±0.59, and Nurick grades were 4.21±0.58, 3.57±0.51, 1.71±0.47, respectively. There was significant difference between final follow-up and preoperative for the first time, pre-revision(<0.05). Improvement rate of nerve function was (22.33±9.49)% with bad before and after operation for the first time, and (64.60±9.88)% with good before and after revision, with statistical significance(<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSIndividualized revision surgery based on different causes for unsatisfied cervical posterior decompression can improve the function of spinal cord. Preoperative carefully analyzing the etiological factors, thoroughly decompression can reduce the revision rate.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the diagnostic value of dual-head (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose ((18)F-FDG) imaging in metastatic lesion with unknown primary tumour (UPT).

METHODSSeventy patients with UPT underwent dual-head (18)F-FDG imaging after iv (18)F-FDG 1.85 MBq/kg. The primary tumour was diagnosed according to the FDG uptake and T/N value.

RESULTSOf the 70 patients, the primary tumour was identified by positive FDG imaging and finally confirmed pathologically in 58 patients (82.9%), and 12 patients had a negative FDG imaging (17.1%). Forty-two of the 58 positive patients were found to have lung cancer (72.4%). Among the 12 negative patients, their primary tumour was then identified by other diagnostic procedures in 5 patients (41.7%), in 1 patient, the primary site was detected during follow-up, however, the primary tumour was never detected in the rest 6 patients.

CONCLUSIONDual-probe (18)F-FDG imaging is a simple, quick, non-invasive and sensitive technique with an accuracy over 80% in the diagnosis of unknown primary tumour. The lung is found to be the most frequent primary site. Dual-probe (18)F-FDG imaging can be recommended as the first diagnostic choice for UPT.

Female ; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Lymph Nodes ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Neoplasms, Unknown Primary ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Positron-Emission Tomography

OBJECTIVETo explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of abdominal acupuncture for cervical spondylosis of vertebral artery type.

METHODSThirty cases of cervical vertigo, in which the color ultrasonography indicated vertebral arterial blood insufficiency, were treated with abdominal acupuncture therapy. The points were Zhongwan (CV 12), Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4), Xiawan (CV 10), Shangqu (KI 17) and Huaroumen (ST 24). The treatment was given once every day and five continuous treatments made one session. Separately, before treatment and in the 1st and 5th treatments, the cervical vertigo symptom and functional assessment scales were adopted for scoring. Simultaneously, the color ultrasonography was applied to observe the blood flow changes of the bilateral cervical arteries.

RESULTSExcept the score for headache in the 1st treatment, the scores in cervical vertigo and function assessment scale in the 1st and 5th treatments were all improved significantly in 30 patients as compared with those before treatment (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). In the 1st and 5th treatments, on the affected side, the vertebral artery diameter, mean velocity and blood flow per minute were all improved significantly as compared with those before treatment (all P < 0.01). In one session treatment, the total effective rate was 100.0% (30/30) and the curative rate was 60.0% (18/30).

CONCLUSIONAbdominal acupuncture therapy not only relieves the clinical symptoms, but also improves vertebral arterial blood supply for the patients of cervical spondylosis of vertebral artery type.

Abdomen ; Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Regional Blood Flow ; Spondylosis ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Treatment Outcome ; Vertebral Artery ; physiopathology ; Young Adult

BACKGROUNDPancreatic islet cell transplantation is an effective approach to treat type 1 diabetes. However, this therapy is not widely used because of the severe shortage of transplantable donor islets. This study investigated whether mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from human umbilical cord blood (UCB) could be transdifferentiated into insulin producing cells in vitro and the role of extracellular matrix (ECM) gel in this procedure.

METHODSHuman UCB samples were collected and MSCs were isolated. MSCs specific marker proteins were analyzed by a flow cytometer. The capacities of osteoblast and adipocyte to differentiate were tested. Differentiation into islet like cell was induced by a 15-day protocol with or without ECM gel. Pancreatic characteristics were evaluated with immunofluorescence, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and flow cytometry. Insulin content and release in response to glucose stimulation were detected with chemiluminescent immunoassay system.

RESULTSSixteen MSCs were isolated from 42 term human UCB units (38%). Human UCB-MSCs expressed MSCs specific markers and could be induced in vitro into osteoblast and adipocyte. Islet like cell clusters appeared about 9 days after pancreatic differentiation in the inducing system with ECM gel. The insulin positive cells accounted for (25.2 +/- 3.4)% of the induced cells. The induced cells expressed islet related genes and hormones, but were not very responsive to glucose challenge. When MSCs were induced without ECM gel, clusters formation and secretion of functional islet proteins could not be observed.

CONCLUSIONSHuman UCB-MSCs can differentiate into islet like cells in vitro and ECM gel plays an important role in pancreatic endocrine cell maturation and formation of three dimensional structures.

C-Peptide ; analysis ; Cell Differentiation ; Cell Separation ; Cells, Cultured ; Extracellular Matrix ; physiology ; Fetal Blood ; cytology ; Flow Cytometry ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique ; Glucagon ; analysis ; Humans ; Insulin ; analysis ; secretion ; Insulin-Secreting Cells ; cytology ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

OBJECTIVEThis study aimed to explore the scene-trait coping style of military rescuers in Wenchuan earthquake in an effort to provide scientific evidences for mental intervention program for Chinese military personnel.

METHODSBy cluster sampling, a total of 151 military rescuers and 331 control servicemen were administered the military personnel scene-trait coping style scale (MPSTCSS).

RESULTSAll active coping factor scores, and passive coping factor scores of affection, health and economy in the rescuer group were significantly higher than those in control group (P < 0.05). The 21-above age subgroup, the 3-year plus service subgroup, and the officer subgroup had significantly higher active coping factor scores on military tasks, military experience and personal development than those of the 21-below age subgroup, 3-year minus service subgroup and the soldier subgroup, respectively (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe earthquake relief servicemen can cope with stressful situations better than control group by taking active coping style. The officers, servicemen older than 21 years, and servicemen with more service duration than 3 years could usually take active coping style.

Adaptation, Psychological ; Disasters ; Earthquakes ; Humans ; Military Personnel ; psychology ; Stress, Psychological

OBJECTIVEThe multiple levels fragmentations of five furocoumarine (psoralen, xanthotoxin, bergapten, oxypeucedanin, and byakangelicol) in Angelica dahurica have been demonstrated using LTQ-Orbitrap mass spectrometry with high resolution and high mass accuracy to discover the possible,fragmentation regularity.

METHODDuringcollsion-induced dissociation (CID), the MS(n) data of the five compoundswhich were gained in the positive ion mode at 35ev collision energy by direct injection syrings method were analyzed using Xcalibar 2.0 Software to infer the formula of these fragmentations.

RESULTThe results indicated that the five compounds have similar fragmentation process with CO meutral lost at C5,C8-subsituents and furan ring, meanwhile the meutralloss of CO2 occurred easily at lactone group.

CONCLUSIONThis method is helpful in identifying the structures of other furocoumarinein Angelica dahuricaand their metabolites in vivo.

Angelica ; chemistry ; Chemical Phenomena ; Coumarins ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Mass Spectrometry ; methods ; Molecular Structure