Objective:To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of double-J catheter in treatment of renal tuberculosis(TB)and in rescuing the structure and function of the kidney.Methods:Thirty-four patients with renal TB(22 combined with single side hydronephrosis)were divided into 2 groups randomly.Group A were treated with antituberculous therapy and group B with antituberculous therapy combined with pre-treatment with double-J catheter.All 34 patients were followed up for 3 months and were re-examined.Results:The results of B ultrasound,intravenous urogram(IVU),CT and isotope nephrogram were comparable between the 2 groups before treatment,and the results were significantly different between the two groups after 3 months'drug treatment(P

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of PC-1 gene knockdown on the biological action of prostate cancer cell line C4-2.

METHODSRecombinant plasmids of expressing short hairpin RNA targeting PC-1 mRNA were constructed using DNA recombinant technology and transfected into C4-2 cells via liposome. The positive cell clones were selected by G418. The expression of PC-1 gene was analyzed by RT-PCR and Western blotting technology. MTT and soft agar cloning formation were applied to observe the changes of the growth rate and independent anchor ability of C4-2 cells.

RESULTSPC-1 RNA interference severely affected the expression of PC-1 gene and reduced the growth and colony formation ability of C4-2 cells.

CONCLUSIONRNA interference-mediated PC-1 gene knockdown can decrease the growth and cloning formation ability of C4-2 cells.

Cell Line, Tumor ; Down-Regulation ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Male ; Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Pyrophosphatases ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo investigate the usefulness of percentage of free prostate specific antigen (FPSA/TPSA) in serum/PSA density [(F/T)/PSAD] in the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

METHODSTwo hundred and four patients who had been carried out transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy, were involved in this study. Among them, 90 patients were proved to be suffering from prostate cancer, and other 114 patients were identified as benign prostate hypertrophy. The effect of total serum PSA level, FPSA/TPSA, PSAD and (F/T)/PSAD in the diagnosis of prostate cancer were investigated, and at the same time, selecting patients who should be carried out a prostate biopsy.

RESULTSThe mean values of (F/T)/PSAD were significantly lower for patients with prostate cancer in different PSA levels (<4.0, 4.0-, 10.1-, >20.0 microg/L), when compared with benign prostate hypertrophy patients. This difference has arrived statistical significance (P < 0.05). (F/T)/PSAD could provide higher specificity for diagnosing prostate cancer than FPSA/TPSA or PSAD. Among all patients, at the same higher sensitivity (about 90%), the specificity of FPSA/TPSA, PSAD and (F/T)/PSAD was 31.6%, 45.6% and 64.0%, respectively. At the same time, it was suggested that clinicians use different cutoffs for (F/T)/PSAD in different PSA level. When PSA level of patients was no more than 4.0 microg/L, 2.5 as the commended cutoff for (F/T)/PSAD was preferred; if PSA level was between 4.0 microg/L and 20.0 microg/L, 0.8 was a more suitable cutoff; 0.5 also could be taken as an appropriate cutoff in case of PSA level being higher than 20.0 microg/L.

CONCLUSIONSKeeping high sensitivity, using of (F/T)/PSAD can improve the diagnostic specificity of prostate cancer significantly.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Biopsy ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prostate ; pathology ; Prostate-Specific Antigen ; blood ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; blood ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Retrospective Studies ; Sensitivity and Specificity

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the detection of prostate cancer in different prostate specific antigen (PSA) level and the predict value of PSA, digital rectal examination (DRE), transrectal ultrasound scan (TRUS) and PSA density (PSAD).

METHODSThe clinical data of 634 cases who had underwent transrectal ultrasound guided systematic sextant prostate biopsies between April 1996 to December 2002 due to being suspicious of prostate cancer were retrospectively analyzed. The detection of prostate cancer in different PSA groups, namely PSA < or = 4.0, 4.1-, 10.1-, > 20.0 microg/L, and the predict values of PSA, DRE, TRUS and PSAD were statistically analyzed using t test, chi2 test and logistic regression analysis.

RESULTSThe rates of prostate cancer detection in different PSA groups were 11.6%, 26.8%, 39.8% and 68.6%, respectively. The higher the PSA, the higher the rate of prostate cancer detection, the same was the positive predictive value of DRE and TRUS. The sensitivity and specificity of PSA > 4.0 microg/L were 93.0% and 33.0%, and the efficiency of DRE and TRUS were very low. Logistic regression analysis indicated that PSAD was the most risk factor of prostate cancer in the group of PSA 4.1-20.0 microg/L (OR = 687.09 +/- 646.96, P = 0.000).

CONCLUSIONSThe rates of prostate cancer detection in different PSA groups are different compared with other countries. The screening roles of DRE and TRUS are dependent on PSA level. Utilization of the screening protocol which to stratify cases into three PSA groups, namely PSA < or = 4.0, 4.1 - 20.0, > 20.0 microg/L, can elevate the positive rate of prostate biopsies without sacrificing cancers detected.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Biopsy, Needle ; methods ; Digital Rectal Examination ; methods ; Early Diagnosis ; Endosonography ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Mass Screening ; Middle Aged ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Prostate ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Prostate-Specific Antigen ; blood ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; blood ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Retrospective Studies ; Ultrasonography ; methods

In this study, the recombinant adenovirus (Ad) vector containing dual reporter gene [i.e. human transferrin receptor gene (TFRC) and firefly luciferase reporter gene] was constructed to provide a novel experimental tool for magnetic resonance (MR) and bioluminescence dual-modality molecular imaging. The cDNA of TFRC was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and cloned into the multiple cloning site of pShuttle-CMV-CMV-Luciferase vector. After identification by Sfi I digestion and sequencing, pShuttle-TFRC-Luciferase vector and the adenoviral backbone vector (pAdeno) were subjected to homologous recombination. The correct recombinant plasmid was then transfected into 293 packaging cells to produce adenoviral particles and confirmed by PCR. After infection of human colorectal cancer LOVO cells with Ad-TFRC-Luciferase, the expressions of transferrin receptor (TfR) and luciferase protein were detected respectively by Western blotting and bioluminescence imaging in vitro. The results showed that TFRC gene was successfully inserted into the adenoviral shuttle vector carrying luciferase gene. DNA sequence analysis indicated that the TFRC gene sequence in the shuttle plasmid was exactly the same as that reported in GenBank. The recombinant plasmid was identified correct by restriction digestion. Ad-TFRC-Luciferase recombinant adenovirus was constructed successfully, and the virus titer was 1.6×10(10) pfu/mL. Forty-eight h after dual reporter gene transfection, the expressions of TfR and luciferase protein were increased significantly (P<0.01). It was concluded that the recombinant adenovirus vector with dual reporter gene was successfully established, which may be used for in vivo tracing target cells in multimodality imaging.
Adenoviridae ; genetics ; Genes, Reporter ; genetics ; Genetic Engineering ; methods ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; Molecular Imaging ; methods

Ebola virus (EBOV) causes outbreaks of a highly lethal hemorrhagic fever in humans and there are no effective therapeutic or prophylactic treatments available. The glycoprotein (GP) of EBOV is a transmembrane envelope protein known to play multiple functions including virus attachment and entry, cell rounding and cytotoxicity, down-regulation of host surface proteins, and enhancement of virus assembly and budding. GP is the primary target of protective immunity and the key target for developing neutralizing antibodies. In this paper, the research progress on genetic structure, pathogenesis and immunogenicity of EBOV GP in the last 5 years is reviewed.
Animals ; Antibodies, Viral ; immunology ; Ebolavirus ; genetics ; immunology ; physiology ; Glycoproteins ; genetics ; immunology ; metabolism ; Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola ; immunology ; virology ; Humans ; Viral Envelope Proteins ; genetics ; immunology ; metabolism ; Virus Assembly

OBJECTIVETo improve the treatment of renal neoplasm with tumor thrombus in the inferior vena cava.

METHODSFrom May 2005 to May 2006, 9 cases of renal neoplasm with tumor thrombus were treated with balloon catheters to block inferior vena cava under the level of liver vena during the operations. Among the patients, 6 were male and 3 were female. The patients were from 20 to 76 years old (average 53).

RESULTSAll cases were succeed by transabdominal incisions. The average length of tumor thrombus was 5.0 cm (3.0 - 6.7 cm). The blood pressure and heart rate were stable during operations. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. The follow up ranged from 6 to 18 months. One patient died at 6 months after surgery. The others lived well.

CONCLUSIONThe use of balloon catheter during surgical treatment of renal neoplasm with inferior vena cava thrombus is suitable for type II and III tumor thrombus.

Adult ; Aged ; Balloon Occlusion ; Embolectomy ; methods ; Embolism ; etiology ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Kidney Neoplasms ; complications ; surgery ; Liver ; blood supply ; pathology ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nephrectomy ; Treatment Outcome ; Vena Cava, Inferior

OBJECTIVETo study the expression of Livin, an apoptosis inhibitor gene, in prostate cancer, and to investigate its clinical and pathological implications.

METHODSThe expressions of Livin were detected in 62 cases of neoplastic prostate tissues and 10 cases of normal prostate tissues by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry (SP method).

RESULTSThe Livin gene was highly expressed in neoplastic prostate tissues, but not in normal ones. Positive expression of Livin proteins was observed in 37 of the 62 (59.7%) tumor samples and accounted for 28.6%, 60.0% and 83.3% in the high, middle and low differentiation prostatic carcinoma groups respectively, with significant difference between the high and low groups. Livin positivity was also significantly correlated with tumor stages, increasing with tumor progression.

CONCLUSIONLivin may play an essential role in prostate carcinogenesis and serve as a marker for the prognosis of prostate cancer.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Aged ; Disease Progression ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Neoplasm Staging ; Prognosis ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

BACKGROUNDMetformin is the most widely used anti-diabetic drug in the world. An increasing body of evidence shows metformin also blocks cell cycle progression and selectively induces apoptosis via caspase activation in some breast tumor cells. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and bioluminescence imaging (BLI) have great potential in the evaluation of the early response to cancer therapies. We used DWI and BLI in evaluating the response of breast cancer to metformin.

METHODSThe luciferase-engineered human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 was inoculated into the mammary fat pad of nude mice. Twelve female nude mice bearing tumors were divided into two groups. The mice in the treatment group received metformin (2 mg/ml in drinking water daily) after tumor inoculation, and the mice in the control group were offered drinking water without any drug added. We performed 7T magnetic resonance imaging and optical imaging every week. Imaging included T1- and T2-weighted imaging, DWI, and BLI. After imaging. The tumors were collected and subjected to histological analysis.

RESULTSThe mean photons/second of tumors in the treatment group was (3.00 ± 0.43)× 10(6) at day one, (1.01 ± 0.14)× 10(7) at 2 weeks, (5.79 ± 1.42)× 10(7) at 4 weeks, and (2.33 ± 0.70)× 10(7) at 8 weeks. The mean photons/second of tumors in the control group was (3.29 ± 0.59)× 10(6) at day one, (3.59 ± 0.63)× 10(7) at 2 weeks, (3.87 ± 0.56)× 10(8) at 4 weeks, and (4.12 ± 1.72)× 10(8) at 8 weeks. Compared to the control group, the treatment group showed an obvious decrease in the mean bioluminescence (photons/s) of the tumors and fewer metastases. Histological examination confirmed the presence of fewer metastases. DWI showed the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value of the tumors; the mean ADC value was (0.9287 ± 0.04346)× 10(-3) mm(2)/s in the treated tumors and (0.7553 ± 0.01804)× 10(-3) mm(2)/s in the untreated tumors. The ADC value of tumors in the treatment group was significantly higher than the control tumors (P = 0.0013).

CONCLUSIONSThe growth and metastasis of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer may be inhibited by metformin. DWI and BLI have great potentials in the evaluation of the early response to metformin treatment. BLI has a high degree of sensitivity and is able to detect micrometastasis, thus can be used for identifying tumor metastasis in vivo.

Animals ; Breast Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Female ; Luminescent Measurements ; Metformin ; therapeutic use ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Multimodal Imaging ; Neoplasm Metastasis

OBJECTIVETo determine the risk factors in the development of central nervous system (CNS) congenital malformations.

METHODSA hospital-based 1:2 matched case-control study was conducted. Each case was matched with two normal controls on sex and residential area, date of birth, within half a year. By means of simple and multivariable conditional logistic regression, 48 factors were analyzed.

RESULTSMaternal exposure to pesticide or having cold with fever, family history of positive congenital malformations, preference eating pickled vegetables, negative life events, large consumption of meat, eggs, beans and milk during pregnancy and paternal exposure to poisonous chemicals were significantly associated with CNS congenital malformations, with odds ratios 16.471, 12.621, 10.246, 7.274, 3.730, 0.229, 5.616, respectively.

CONCLUSIONSMaternal exposure to pesticides, cold with fever, positive congenital malformations family history, preference of eating pickled vegetables, negative life events during pregnancy, and paternal exposure to poisonous chemicals were the key risk factors contributing to CNS congenital malformations, while maternal exposure to big consumption of meat, eggs, beans and milk during pregnancy was protective factors that reducing CNS congenital malformations.

Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; China ; epidemiology ; Environmental Exposure ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Maternal Exposure ; Nervous System Malformations ; epidemiology ; etiology ; Neural Tube Defects ; epidemiology ; etiology ; Paternal Exposure ; Pregnancy ; Risk Factors