Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics of children with medulloblastoma (MB). Methods The correlations amongst MB histopathological subtype,age at diagnosis,gender,primary tumor locations, relapsed tumor and relapsed tumor locations were analyzed retrospectively in 83 children who were diagnosed as MB by histopathology subtypes from February 2012 to April 2015 in Beijing Shijitan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical Uni-versity.The data was conducted by using SPSS 22.0 statistical software.Results Among the 83 cases (53 boys and 30 girls),there were 14 patients younger than 3 years old (9 boys and 5 girls)and 69 patients (44 boys and 25 girls)ol-der than 3 years old,including 28 relapsed (19 boys and 9 girls)and 55 non -relapsed cases (34 boys and 21 girls). The median age was 80.2 (13.1 -184.7)months at diagnosis.Of these 83 cases,48.2% (40 /83 cases)was classic medulloblastoma (CMB)(2 cases less than 3 years old),24.1 % (20 /83 cases)was desmoplastic /nodular medullo-blastoma (DMB)(6 cases less than 3 years old),12.1 % (10 /83 cases)was large cell/anaplastic medulloblastoma (LC /AMB)(1 case less than 3 years old),3.6% (3 /83 cases)was extensive nodular medulloblastoma (MBEN)(1 case less than 3 years old),and 12.1 % (10 /83 cases)(3 cases less than 3 years old)was mixed subtype.The rela-tionships between age at diagnosis and histopathological subtype,gender and primary tumor location were all statistically significant (χ2 =0.014,0.013,all P <0.05).Conclusions The incidence of boys with MB is higher than girls.CMB is the main histopathologic subtype in children over 3 years old.The primary tumor location involving the cerebellar vermis or cerebellar vermis and the fourth ventricle is higher in girls with MB.The primary tumor location involving the fourth ventricle,the fourth ventricle and other parts of the central nervous system,Cerebellar vermis and other parts of the central nervous system or other parts of the central nervous system is higher in boys with MB.

OBJECTIVETo determine serum levels of resistin and visfatin in the patients with acute Kawasaki disease before and after intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) treatment.

METHODSA total of 50 children with acute Kawasaki disease were treated with IVIG for 48 hours between January 2011 and January 2013. As controls, 30 healthy children and 30 children with acute infectious diseases were included. Serum levels of resistin and visfatin were measured by ELISA both before and after the treatment.

RESULTSThe baseline serum levels of resistin and visfatin were significantly higher in patients with acute Kawasaki disease than in the two control groups of subjects (i.e., healthy children and patients with acute infectious diseases; P<0.05). In the 50 patients with Kawasaki disease, 38 were not responding and 12 were responding. Serum resistin levels before treatment were significantly higher in non-responders than those in responders (P<0.05). A significant decrease in serum levels of resistin after treatment was observed in IVIG responders (P<0.05). Serum visfatin levels were not significantly different between IVIG responders and non-responders (P>0.05). Additionally, serum resistin and visfatin levels were not significantly different between acute Kawasaki disease patients with and without coronary artery lesions.

CONCLUSIONSResistin and visfatin may play important roles in the development of Kawasaki disease and serum resistin may be used as a novel outcome indicator of the IVIG treatment.

Acute Disease ; Child, Preschool ; Cytokines ; blood ; Female ; Humans ; Immunoglobulins, Intravenous ; therapeutic use ; Infant ; Male ; Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome ; blood ; drug therapy ; Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase ; blood ; Resistin ; blood

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Renal Cell ; complications ; mortality ; Humans ; Kidney Neoplasms ; complications ; mortality ; Male ; Neoplastic Cells, Circulating ; Prognosis ; Thrombosis ; etiology ; Vena Cava, Inferior

Objective The aim of this study was to explore the regulatory effects and mechanism of autophagy on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EMT) in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF). Methods The experiment was divided into two group: control group and experimental group(IPF group, autophagy induction group, autophagy inhibition group). A549 cells were cultivated by the conventional method in control group. The A549 cells of the experimental group were induced by TGF-β1(5 ng/mL). Then, no further treatment was given to IPF group. Rapamycin(10 μg/L) or 3-Methyladenine(10mmol/L) was given to autophagy induction group or autophagy inhibition group respectively. The hydroxyproline content of lung tissue was measured, and the mRNA and protein levels of α-SMA, LC3-Ⅱ or LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ, Beclin1, E-cadherin and Vimentin were tested by Realtime PCR and Western blot. Results At each time point, the hydroxyproline content of lung tissue and the mRNA and protein levels of α-SMA and Vimentin in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group（all P<0.05）. The above detections in autophagy induction group or autophagy inhibition group were significantly lower or higher than those in the IPF group（all P<0.05）. The mRNA and protein levels of LC3-Ⅱor LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ, Beclin1 and E-cadherin in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group（all P<0.05）. Moreover, the same detections in autophagy induction group or autophagy inhibition group were significantly higher or lower than those in the IPF group（all P<0.05）. Conclusion The autophagy and EMT played an important role in IPF. Induction of autophagy might inhibit the development of IPF by inhibiting EMT, and Inhibition of autophagy could promote the development of IPF by activating EMT.

OBJECTIVETo observe the sensitivity change of SMMC-7721 cells transfected with antisense DNMT1 gene fragment to tumor necrosis factor related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) and its mechanism.

METHODSCell survival rate was measured by trypan blue, apoptosis rate by TUNEL method and the expression of bcl-2, bax and bad by flow cytometry.

RESULTSCell survival rate of SMMC-7721 cells transfected with antisense DNMT1 gene fragment was markedly lower than that transfected with sense DNMT1 gene fragment or empty vector (P < 0.05 and 0.01), but the apoptosis rate was on the contrary (P < 0.05 or 0.01). The expression of bax and bad (especially the former), but not bcl-2 of SMMC-7721 cells transfected with antisense DNMT1 gene fragment was markedly higher than those of SMMC-7721 cells transfected with sense DNMT1 gene fragment or empty vector.

CONCLUSIONThe sensitivity of SMMC-7721 cells to TRAIL can be enhanced by the transfection of antisense DNMT1 gene fragment, which may be related to the increase of bax and bad expression.

Antisense Elements (Genetics) ; genetics ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins ; Carrier Proteins ; analysis ; Cell Line, Tumor ; DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferase 1 ; DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases ; antagonists & inhibitors ; genetics ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Membrane Glycoproteins ; pharmacology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins ; analysis ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; pharmacology ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; bcl-Associated Death Protein

OBJECTIVETo establish a pig model of chronic external counterpulsation.

METHODSTwelve pigs were anaesthetized with sodium pentobarbital (< or =30 mg/kg.b.w.) and 846 mixture (< or =0.1 ml/kg.b.w.) and counterpulsed in a lateral position for 2 h every two days (totally 36 h) with 0.025 to 0.04 MPa/cm(2) pressure.

RESULTSExternal counterpulsation was successfully completed in all the animals. Combined administration of sodium pentobarbital and 846 mixture resulted in good anesthetic effect with reduced anesthetic dosage and minimal side effect on the viscera (the liver, kidney and heart, etc).

CONCLUSIONThe pig model of chronic external counterpulsation has been successfully established. Combined use of sodium pentobarbital and 846 mixture is recommended for chronic external counterpulsation.

Anesthesia, General ; methods ; Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Assisted Circulation ; Counterpulsation ; methods ; Models, Animal ; Pentobarbital ; administration & dosage ; Swine

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical efficacy of L-asparginasum, ASP) combined with CHOP for treating patients with extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma.

METHODSA total of 68 patients with extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma in our hospital from August 2007 to May 2009 were enrolled in this study, out of them 34 patients received CHOP regimen (CHOP group) and other 34 patients received CHOP regimen combined with L-Asparaginasum (ASP+CHOP group). The clinical efficacy of both groups was analyzed and compared after treatment.

RESULTSIn CHOP group 16 patients achieved CR+PR, the total remission rate (TRR) was 47.06%; in ASP+CHOP group 24 patients achieved CR+PR, the TRR was 70.58%, and the TRR in ASP+CHOP group was higher than that in CHOP group, there was statistical significance between these 2 groups (X(2) = 3.886, P < 0.05). The time of PFS in CHOP group was 24.7 months, and the time of PFS in ASP+CHOP group was 47.5 months which was significantly longer than that in CHOP group, and there was statistical siguificance between these 2 groups (P < 0.05). The incidence of anemia with grade I-II and III-IV blood cell reduction in ASP+CHOP group was higher than that in CHOP group (P < 0.05). The incidence of fever with grade I-II and albumin decrease in ASP+CHOP group was higher than that in CHOP group (P < 0.05). The abnormality of coagulation function in ASP+CHOP group was higher than that in CHOP group (P < 0.05). The anaphylactic reaction was found in 6 cases. The increase of serum amylase was observed in 1 case of aggressive NK/T cell lymphoma, the acute pancreatitis occured in 1 case who was inproved after treatment, but this patients died due to rapid progression of disease caused by poor general condition and untolerance to chemotherapy. The incomplete intestinal obstruction was found in 3 patients who recovered after conservative treatment. The grade II serum creatinine was elevated in 2 cases of ASP+CHOP group and in 1 case of CHOP group who was inproved after symptomatic therapy.

CONCLUSIONL-Asparaginasum combined with CHOP for treating patients with extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma is effective, and may be used in clinic.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; Asparaginase ; Aspartic Acid ; Cyclophosphamide ; Doxorubicin ; Humans ; Lymphoma, T-Cell ; Prednisolone ; Treatment Outcome ; Vincristine

Objective To determine the efficient cut-off points of fasting fingertip blood glucose test for undiagnosed diabetes mellitus(DM), impaired glucose tolerance(IGT), and impaired fasting glucose(IFG)in community-based residents aged above 45 years old. Methods A cluster-randomized study was conducted from May 2008 to January 2009. A total of 3250 subjects aged above 45 years in two communities of Baoding city received questionnaire investigation and tested for fingertip blood glucose. Those subjects whose capillary blood glucose level ≥5.1 mmol/L were subjected to 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. Undiagnosed diabetes mellitus and pre- diabetes were identified by fasting plasma glucose and OGTT. In this study, the cut-off points of fasting capillary blood glucose for detecting undiagnosed diabetes and pre-diabetes were evaluated, using receiver operator characteristic curve(ROC). Results Of 1351 subjects that having had oral glucose tolerance test, 230 cases were diagnosed as diabetes mellitus(7.3%), 166 cases(5.2%)as IFG, and 204(6.7%)as IGT under fasting capillary blood glucose as test variable and state variables according to the following criteria.(1)FPG≥7.0 mmol/L or/and 2hPG≥11.1 mmol/L(2)FPG<5.6 mmol/L (3)FPG<7.0 mmol/L and 7.8 mmol/L≤2hPG≤ 11.1 mmol/L, areas under three ROC curves were 0.905, 0.633 and 0.719, respectively. The cut-offvalues of screening for undiagnosed DM, IGT and IFG were 6.0 mmol/L, 5.7 mmol/L, and 5.7 mmol/L, respectively. When cut-off value of screening for undiagnosed DM was 6.0 mmol/L, the maximal sensitivity was 78.0% and specificity was 89.3%.But there were both lower sensitivity and specificity in screening for IFG and IGT according to the best predicting value(5.7 mmol/L)from the ROC curves(50.3% and 28.0% vs. 60.8% and 28.0%). Conclusion Fasting capillary blood glucose with the lower cut-point of 6.0 mmol/L in screening for undiagnosed diabetes mellitus alone, was relatively reliable, whereas for both IFG and IGT the fasting fingertip blood glucose tests were fallible. It was convenient and could be used in screening the DM at the community level.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of chronic enhanced external counterpulastion (EECP) on gene expression profiles of arterial endothelial cells (ECs) of pigs fed with high-cholesterol diet.

METHODSEight male pigs were fed with high-cholesterol diet for 12 weeks to induce arteriosclerosis and subjected to EECP for accumulative 36 h (2 h every other day for 18 sessions). Another 8 pigs on cholesterol-enriched diet and 6 normally fed pigs served as the arteriosclerosis model group and normal control group, respectively, and the high-cholesterol diet was maintained until the end of EECP treatment. The coronary artery was then isolated for transmission electro microscopy, and the abdominal aorta was observed using Sudan III staining. The gene expression profiles in ECs from the thoracic aorta using cDNA microarrays.

RESULTSMacrophages and foam cells were detected beneath the ECs in the coronary artery of pigs in the model group, but not in the other two groups. The ratios of Sudan III-positive area in the celiac aorta were significantly lower in normal control and EECP groups than in the model control group (P<0.05). Compared with the normal control group, the gene expressions of integrins-beta1 and CTGF were up-regulated in the model group. Compared with the model group, the expressions of integrins-beta1, CTGF and VCAM-1 were down-regulated and eNOS up-regulated in EECP group.

CONCLUSIONChronic EECP may reduce endothelial injury, down-regulate the gene expression level of integrin-beta1, CTGF and VCAM-1, lower cholesterol uptake and attenuate arterial endothelial inflammation to protect the pigs fed with high-cholesterol diet from arteriosclerosis.

Animals ; Aorta, Abdominal ; metabolism ; pathology ; Arteriosclerosis ; etiology ; genetics ; pathology ; Coronary Vessels ; metabolism ; pathology ; Counterpulsation ; methods ; Diet, Atherogenic ; Endothelial Cells ; metabolism ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Male ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; methods ; Swine

Objective: To explore the protective effect and its molecular mechanism of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) inhibitor (GS-459679) on acetaminophen-induced liver injury in mice. Methods: The model of liver injury was established by administration of acetaminophen (APAP) (300 mg/kg, i.p.) on C57BL/6 mice. Forty-eight male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups, consisting of control group, GS group (GS-459679, 30 mg/kg, i.p.), APAP-induced group, and GS combined with APAP-induced group. For GS combined with APAP-induced group, mice were treated with GS 30 min prior to administration of APAP. After mice were euthanized at 6 h or 12 h, respectively, serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were analyzed, and mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β were tested. The activity of glutathione (GSH), oxidized GSH (GSSG) and malondialdehyde were quantified. In addition, ASK1, P-ASK1, JNK and P-JNK protein levels were tested in all groups. Results: The ASK1 and P-ASK1 levels were up-regulated in APAP-induced group. Compared to the control group, serum levels of ALT and AST, and mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β were increased in APAP-induced group. Meanwhile, the levels of MAD and GSSG, and the ratio of GSSG/GSH were higher and the JNK was activatedin APAP-induced group compared with that in control group. However, compared to APAP-induced group, GS combined with APAP-induced group displayed a decrease of protein expression levels of ASK1, P-ASK1 and P-JNK, a reduction of serum levels of ALT and AST, a decrease in TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β mRNA levels, and a low ration of GSSG/GSH. Conclusions: GS-459679 treatment effectively down-regulates ASK1 and P-ASK1 expression. Addition of GS-459679 decreases the generation of liver metabolites and inflammatory factors, reduces oxidative stress reaction, inhibits JNK activation, and then protects the responsiveness to APAP-induced liver injury.