Objective To establish a model for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma by irradiation of SKH-1 hairless mice with solar-simulated ultraviolet (solar UV), and to explore the biological characteristics of the model. Methods A total of 91 SKH-1 hairless mice were randomly divided into seven experimental groups (n = 10) and seven control groups (n = 3). The mice in experimental groups were irradiated with minimal erythema dose of solar UV 4 times per week for various durations (4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28 weeks), while the control mice received no irradiation. The general status and skin appearance of mice were observed during the treatment process. Mice were killed immediately after the last irradiation at different time points and pathological examination was carried out to observe the histological changes of skin lesions. Results Papules measuring equal to or more than 1 mm in diameter began to develop in some mice in experimental group 10 weeks after the first irradiation; tumors began to appear in 39.3% (11/28) of the remaining mice in experimental group on week 20, and in 100% (10/10) of the remaining mice on week 28. The cumulative dose approximated to 26.99 J/cm2 for UVB and 242.91 J/cm2 for UVA after 28-week irradiation. No tumor was observed in the control mice. Pathological examination revealed characteristic changes of squamous cell carcinoma in 30% of the mice on week 12, 33.3% on week 16, 60% on week 20, 87% on week 24, and 100% on week 28. Conclusions Ultraviolet could induce the hyperplasia of skin in SKH-1 hairless mice, and even cause the development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma after prolonged irradiation.

Objective To investigate the effects of hydrocortisone (HC) on proliferation and killing activity of NK cells against pancreatic cancer SW1990 cells in vitro.Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy people were isolated and cultured with NK cells medium containing IL-1S.When the purity of NK cells reached above 70％,different concentrations of HC (10-6,10-5,10-4,10-3 μmol/L) were added and co-cultured with NK cells for 7 days.And NK cells without HC were used as control.CD3-CD56 + NK cell numbers of each group were countered by trypan blue staining.Perforin,granzyme B and IFN-γ expression of CD3-CD56+ + NK cells were verified by flow cytometry.NK cells and SW1990 cells were co-cultured with a 20∶1effector to target ratio,then the cytotoxic activity of NK cells against SW1990 cells were analyzed by CCK-8 kit.Results After treatment with different concentration of HC for 7 days,NK cells purity of each group reached 70.72％ ～ 76.39％,and it was not significantly different with that in control group [(72.61 ± 3.76) ％].The proliferation folds of NK cells treated with 10-6,10-5,10-4,10-3 μmol/L HC were (9.13 ± 0.94),(9.67 ±1.51),(10.33±1.07),(8.40±1.47) times,respectively,while it was (4.23 ±0.82) times in control group (all P ＜0.01).The killing effects of NK cells on SW1990 cells were (58.58 ± 4.89) ％,(62.27 ± 5.63) ％,(64.02 ± 5.79) ％,(63.88 ± 3.61) ％,which were higher than that in control group [(57.46 ± 5.11) ％],moreover,the difference between NK cells of 10-4 μmol/L HC treatment group and control group was statistically significant(P ＜ 0.05).The expressions of perforins of 10-4,10-3 μmol/L HC treatment group were (96.71 ± 3.04) ％,(97.56 ± 2.18) ％,which were significantly higher than that in control group [(92.40 ±3.53)％,P ＜0.05 or 0.01].The expression of granzyme B in 10-5 μmol/L HC treatment group was (78.23 ±2.94)％,which were significantly higher than that in control group [(73.68 ±3.52) ％,P ＜0.05].The expressions of IFN-γ in 10-5,10-4,10-3 μmol/L HC treatment group were (96.61 ±2.04)％,(97.58 ± 2.17)％,(98.00 ± 1.77)％,which were significantly higher than that in control group [(92.44 ± 2.74)％,P＜0.01].Conclusions HC can promote IL-15 activated NK cells proliferation and enhance NK cells mediated killing activity against SW1990 cells with proper concentration,and up-regulation of perforin,granzyme B and IFN-γ expression may be the main mechanisms.

Objective To explore whether ultrasound-mediated microbubbles destruction could enhance anti-sense RNA transfection and expression. Methods Phospholamban antisense RNA eukaryon vector PcDNA 4. 1-asPLB was successfully constructed and it was transfected into cardiac myocytes by various methods including calcium phosphate precipitation, ultrasound exposure and ultrasound-mediated microbubbles destruction. The expression of PLB and sarcoplasmic retculum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA2a) in cardiac myocytes was tested by RT-PCR and western blot. Results The transfection and expression of PcDNA 4. 1-asPLB increased significantly in cells treated with ultrasound-mediated microbubbles destruction compared to other transfer groups( P ＜0.05). The expression of PLB was inhibited specifically after cardiac myocytes were transfected with PcDNA 4. 1-asPLB. There was no change of PLB expression after cardiac myocytes transfected with PcDNA 4. 1 ( P ＜0.05). Though the expression of SERCA2a never exhibited any changes after PcDNA 4. 1-asPLB transfection, the PLB/SERCA2a ratio decreased markedly. Conclusions As a highly effective antisense RNA transfer method, ultrasound-mediated microbubbles destruction can enhance the transfection and expression of the PcDNA 4. 1-asPLB significantly. The PcDNA4. 1-asPLB transfection inhibits the expression of PLB and result in decrease of PLB/SERCA2a ratio in cardiac myocytes.

BACKGROUNDCathepsin S and its endogenous inhibitor cystatin C are implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, especially in the plaque destabilization and rupture leading to acute coronary syndrome. However, whether circulating cathepsin S and cystatin C also change in association with coronary plaque morphology is unknown yet.

METHODSWe recruited 98 patients with unstable angina (UA, n = 6) or stable angina (SA, n = 2) who had a segmental stenosis resulting in > 20% and < 70% diameter reduction in one major coronary artery on coronary angiography. Thirty-one healthy subjects served as controls. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) was used to evaluate plaque morphology. Plasma cathepsin S and cystatin C were measured as well.

RESULTSAt the culprit lesion site, plaque area ((7.85 +/- 2.83) mm(2) vs (6.53 +/- 2.92) mm(2), P = 0.027), plaque burden ((60.92 +/- 11.04)% vs (53.87 +/- 17.52)%, P = 0.025), remodeling index (0.93 +/- 0.16 vs 0.86 +/- 0.10, P = 0.004) and eccentricity index (0.74 +/- 0.17 vs 0.66 +/- 0.21, P = 0.038) were bigger in UA group than in SA group. Plasma cathepsin S and cystatin C were significantly higher in patients than in controls (P < 0.01). Plasma cathepsin S was higher in UA group ((0.411 +/- 0.121) nmol/L) than in SA group ((0.355 +/- 0.099) nmol/L, P = 0.007), so did the plasma cystatin C ((0.95 +/- 0.23) mg/L in UA group, (0.84 +/- 0.22) mg/L in SA group; P = 0.009). Plasma cathepsin S positively correlated with remodeling index (r = 0.402, P = 0.002) and eccentricity index (r = 0.441, P = 0.001), and plasma cystatin C positively correlated with plaque area (r = 0.467, P < 0.001) and plaque burden (r = 0.395, P = 0.003) in UA group but not in SA group.

CONCLUSIONSPlasma cathepsin S and cystatin C increased significantly in UA patients. In angina patients, higher plasma cathepsin S may suggest the presence of vulnerable plaque, and higher plasma cystatin C may be a clue for larger atherosclerotic coronary plaque.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cathepsins ; blood ; Coronary Artery Disease ; blood ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Cystatin C ; blood ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Ultrasonography, Interventional ; methods

Adult ; Balloon Occlusion ; instrumentation ; Cardiac Catheterization ; methods ; Coronary Angiography ; Coronary Vessel Anomalies ; therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Vascular Fistula ; therapy

Adult ; Dextrocardia ; surgery ; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent ; surgery ; Fluoroscopy ; Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Surgical Instruments ; Vena Cava, Inferior ; abnormalities

Antibodies, Monoclonal ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; diagnosis ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; methods ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Lung Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; genetics ; metabolism ; Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases ; genetics ; metabolism ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

OBJECTIVETo retrospectively analyze the effects of different chemotherapy regimens for concurrent chemoradiation on locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODSThe data from 106 patients diagnosed as locally advanced NSCLC (IIIa: 29, IIIb: 77), who received various chemotherapy regimens for concurrent chemoradiotherapy, were retrospectively analyzed. Paclitaxel-based chemotherapy regimen was administered in 55 patients, topotecan regimen in 21 patients, PE (cisplatin and etopside) regimen in 26 patients, and other regimens in the remaining 4 patients. The effect of different chemotherapy regimens on overall survival and toxicity was analyzed.

RESULTSThe median survival time was 18.6 months, and the overall 1- and 3-year survival rates were 72.2% and 27.5%, respectively. The median survival time of 102 patients treated with paclitaxel-containing, topotecan-containing or PE regimens was 16.3, 27.3 and 29.1 months, respectively. The overall survival times of topotecan and PE groups were superior to that of paclitaxol-based group, but not significantly different (P = 0.32). Both univariate and multivariate analysis showed that paclitaxol-based chemotherapy regimen was significantly associated with a poorer survival (P < 0.05). N stage was another significant prognostic factor determined by COX multivariate regression model. Compared with the other regimens (10.6%), paclitaxel-based regimen (27.3%) had more acute radiation pneumonitis (grade >or= 2, P = 0.03), but no significant differences were observed in blood toxicity and esophagitis.

CONCLUSIONThere is a correlation between different chemotherapy regimens for concurrent chemoradiotherapy and the overall survival and acute radiation pneumonitis in patients with locally advanced NSCLC.

Adult ; Aged ; Antineoplastic Agents ; therapeutic use ; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; therapeutic use ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; drug therapy ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; Cisplatin ; therapeutic use ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Etoposide ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Neoplasm Staging ; Paclitaxel ; therapeutic use ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Radiation Pneumonitis ; etiology ; Radiotherapy, Conformal ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate ; Topotecan ; therapeutic use

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the surgical outcome for acute central cervical spinal cord injuries without fracture and dislocation.

METHODSA retrospective study was performed on 52 patients with acute central cervical cord injuries without fracture and dislocation from 2000 to 2005. All of patients underwent cervical anterior or posterior decompression, fusion and inter fixation. Spinal function was evaluated by ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association) guidelines. Pre- and post-operation ASIA scores were analyzed using liner correlation and regression. The neurological function was recorded during followed-up. The average follow-up was 29 months (range, 12 to 42).

RESULTSAfter operation, the ASIA scores increased significantly (P<0.01). Finally, ASIA motor, pin pricking and light touching scores of the 41 patients were 91 +/- 7, 107 +/- 6 and 107 +/- 6 respectively.

CONCLUSIONDecompression and inter fixation for injured segment can make a stable and broad space for spinal cord, promoting early neurological recovery and long-term improvement.

Acute Disease ; Adult ; Aged ; Cervical Vertebrae ; Decompression, Surgical ; instrumentation ; methods ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Cord Compression ; etiology ; prevention & control ; Spinal Cord Injuries ; complications ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Spinal Fusion ; instrumentation ; methods ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo observe the characteristics of uterine contraction and stages of labor during delivery under continuous epidural block anesthesia.

METHODSTotaling 213 parturients in spontaneous labor under epidural block anesthesia with dilated cervical orifice of 3 cm were monitored for the contraction cycle, duration, intensity and curve types of uterine contraction, and recordings were made for 30 min before and 30, 60 and 120 min after the anesthesia took effect, respectively. The duration of the active phase in the first, second and third stages of labor was compared between 421 cases with anesthesia and 237 without anesthesia.

RESULTSSignificant difference was noted in the objective indexes of uterine contraction recorded after anesthesia had taken effect (P<0.05) in comparison with those before anesthesia, suggesting significantly attenuated uterine contraction after anesthesia, whereas these indexes underwent no significant further variation as compared between different time points after anesthesia (P>0.05). The average active phase in the first stage was significantly shorter in anesthesia group than that in the control group (P<0.05), but the average duration of the second and third stages of labor differed little between the two groups with appropriate use of oxytocin under strict monitoring (P>0.05). The rates of obstetric forceps utilization and use of oxytocin were higher in anesthesia group than in the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONEpidural block anesthesia produces certain influences on uterine contraction and stages of labor during delivery, for which appropriate treatment measures may prove beneficial.

Adult ; Anesthesia, Epidural ; methods ; Anesthesia, Obstetrical ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Labor, Obstetric ; physiology ; Pregnancy ; Time Factors ; Uterine Contraction ; drug effects ; Uterus ; drug effects ; physiology