Background Trachoma is a common disease in ophthalmology,but few reports about the pathogenetic genotype are reported.Objective This study was to investigate the genotypes of Chlamydia trachomatis.Methods Conjunctival specimens were collected in 16 patients with trachoma in Beijing Tongren Eye Center from January,2003 and August,2006.Variable sequence 4 (VS4) of ompl fragment was amplified by nested PCR(n-PCR) using specific primer of Chlamydia trachomatis,and then the PCR products were sequenced.The DNA sequences were analyzed by software Clustal X and MEGA2,and the genetic characteristics were compared with the known sequences of GenBank.Results The PCR product fragment of MOMP gene of trachoma was 277 bp.Three types of Chlamydia trachomatis strains were idcntified in the 16 specimens,including B-genotype in 9 strains (56.3％),C-genotype in 4 strains(25.0％) and D-genotype in 3 strains(18.7％).High homology was seen in the gene sequences of Chlamydia trachomatis strains between the B-genotype or C-genotype strains and the same genotypes of GenBank or those from some districts of China.However,some differences were exhibited among the Dgenotype strains.Conclusions Identification of genotype of Chlamydia trachomatis has differential effect on trachoma and inclusion conjunctivitis.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the prognostic factors of ureter transitional cell carcinoma (TCC).

METHODSBetween January 2001 and December 2005 133 TCC patients were treated. And the data was retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTSA mean age of the 133 patients was 68 years (range 43 - 87 years) at diagnosis. Altogether the non-invasive ureter TCC was found in 42 patients (31.6%) and the invasive ureter TCC in 91 patients (68.4%). Invasive ureter TCC growth was more common in distally located tumors (82.5%) compared to mid (62.5%) and proximal ureter (47.1%). Tumor stage, grade and location of the tumor were all correlated with disease specific survival in a univariate analysis. In a multivariate Cox analysis, tumor stage and grade were significantly associated with disease specific survival.

CONCLUSIONSMore invasive tumors are found in ureter than in bladder. Ureter cancer is more frequently found in the distal part. Distally located ureteral tumors are more likely invading into the muscular cell layers compared to proximally located tumors. Tumor stage and grade are still the more important prognostic factors for ureter TCC.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Carcinoma, Transitional Cell ; pathology ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Analysis ; Ureteral Neoplasms ; pathology ; surgery

AIMTo investigate the influence and mechanisms of 17beta-estradiol on the CTP: phosphorylcholine cytidylyltransferase (CCT) activity from cultured lung explants without serum.

METHODSWe detected the amount of [M-14C] choline incorporation into phosphatidylcholine so as to reflect CCT activity by liquid scintillation.

RESULTS(1) 17beta-estradiol increased the CCT activity in dose-dependence and time-dependence. (2) Both the protein kinase C inhibitor H-7 and calmodulin antagonist W-7 abolished the stimulatory effect of 17beta-estradiol (3 x 10(-6) mol/L) on the CCT activity.

CONCLUSION17beta-estradiol can increase CCT activity in cultured lung explants, its mechanism is related to protein kinase C and calmodulin.

Animals ; Calmodulin ; metabolism ; Choline-Phosphate Cytidylyltransferase ; metabolism ; Culture Media, Serum-Free ; Estradiol ; pharmacology ; In Vitro Techniques ; Lung ; drug effects ; enzymology ; Male ; Protein Kinase C ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

OBJECTIVETo investigate the mechanism of serum testosterone reduction, its relationship with metabolism, changes in the number and morphology of Leydig cells and endocrine function in aging male rats.

METHODSThe levels of serum total testosterone (tT), LH, FSH, HDL, LDL, TG, TC, Glu, INS, IRG and LP were determined in young (9 mo) and aging rats (12, 15, 18 and 21 mo), with 6 in each group. The morphological changes of Leydig cells were observed under the microscope. The concentrations of testosterone secreted from the cultured Leydig cells with the stimulation of hCG and Forskolin were assayed. The apoptosis rates of Leydig cells were detected by TUNEL. The visceral fat was isolated and weighed, and the Lee's index calculated. All the above indexes were recorded and compared among different age groups.

RESULTSThe aging rats showed a significant decrease in the levels of serum tT and TSI ([1.26 +/- 0.65] ng/ml and [0.07 +/- 0.65] ng/mIU) as compared with the young rats ([3.24 +/- 0.38] ng/ml and [0.21 +/- 0.01] ng/mIU) (P < 0.01). Obvious differences were found in the morphology of Leydig cells among different age groups. The T secretion of Leydig cells at 24, 48 and 72 h in aging rats was markedly decreased (P < 0.05) while their TUNEL positive rate remarkably increased in the aging rats (17.36% +/- 1.31%) compared with the young ones (7.02% +/- 1.05%) (P < 0.05). There were statistically significant differences between the young and aging rats in all the biochemical parameters including IRG, HDL, LDL, TG, TC and visceral fat content (P < 0.05), except the levels of serum Glu, INS and LP (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe serum T level and secreting capacity of Leydig cells are significantly lower in aging rats than in young ones, and the metabolic parameters undergo regular changes with the decreasing level of serum T. The reduction of testosterone in aging male rats may be associated with the decreased secreting capacity and number of Leydig cells and declined function of the pituitary.

Aging ; Animals ; Leydig Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; secretion ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Testosterone ; blood ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo study the expression of Mucin1 gene and tumor infiltrating dendritic cells(TIDC) in the tissues of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer.

METHODSMucin1 and TIDC were detected in 20 specimens of BPH and 30 specimens of prostate cancer by immunohistochemistry SP method.

RESULTSMUC1 expressed in both prostate cancer and BPH. The staining patterns were significantly associated with tumor pathological grade (P < 0.001). The number of TIDC was negatively correlated with tumor pathological grade, the higher the grade, the smaller the number of TIDC (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONSThe expression pattern of MUC1 and the number of TIDC could be considered as useful markers to evaluate the malignant degree and prognosis of prostate cancer. The decrease of TIDC plays an important role in tumor immune evasion and immune tolerance. Highly expressed MUC1 could lead to the failure of hormonal treatment for prostate cancer, and contribute much to tumor infiltration and metastasis.

Antigens, Neoplasm ; biosynthesis ; Dendritic Cells ; immunology ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating ; immunology ; Male ; Mucin-1 ; Mucins ; biosynthesis ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; immunology ; metabolism ; pathology ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; immunology ; metabolism ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the function of abnormal fibrinogen in two inherited dysfibrinogenemia pedigrees.

METHODSRoutine coagulation tests were conducted in the probands and related family members. The antigen and activity levels of fibrinogen were detected by immunoturbidimetry assay and clauss assay, respectively. All the exons and exon-intron boundaries of the three fibrinogen genes and antithrombin gene（AT3）were analyzed by PCR amplification and direct sequencing. Routine thrombelastography (TEG) test and functional fibrinogen TEG test were both used to make a comprehensive evaluation of coagulation status and functional fibrinogen level in patients. The molecular weights of the three peptides from fibrinogen were measured by Western blot. The function of abnormal fibrinogen was assessed by fibrinogen dynamic polymerization and fibrinolysis velocity.

RESULTSThe coagulation routine tests were normal in two probands except for prolonged thrombin time (TT) and reptilase time (RT), as well as reduced activity levels of 0.5 g/L and 0.6 g/L fibrinogen, respectively. The antigen levels of fibrinogen were 2.32 g/L and 2.66 g/L in two probands, which were in the normal reference range. The genotype analysis showed that Arg275His in fibrinogen γ chain (γ Arg275His) existed in both probands and patients in these two pedigrees. Meanwhile, proband B's grandfather and aunt also carried heterozygote g.5876T>C (Ser116Pro) mutation in AT3. The results of routine TEG test demonstrated that the α values of proband B and his father were close to and lower than the lower limit of reference range, respectively, while the MA values were normal in both of them. However, functional fibrinogen TEG test revealed obviously reduced MA value. All the probands and patients demonstrated prolonged lag-off time and reduced peak value in fibrinogen dynamic polymerization tests. Meanwhile, most of fibrin formed from the patients' plasma could not be dissolved completely by plasminogen (PLG) and urokinase-typeplasminogenactivator (u-PA) at a certain time.

CONCLUSIONWe first reported cases of inherited dysgibrinogenemia associated with inherited AT deficiency. γArg275His mutation caused the abnormal fibrinogen in terms of fibrin mono polymerization and possibly in fibrinolysis. Combined use of routine TEG test and functional fibrinogen TEG test with comprehensive analyses of the parameters in both tests could better evaluate the level of functional fibrinogen and predict the risk of hemorrhage and thrombosis in patients with inherited dysfibrinogenemia.

Adult ; Afibrinogenemia ; genetics ; Child ; Female ; Fibrinogen ; genetics ; Fibrinogens, Abnormal ; genetics ; physiology ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Mutation ; Pedigree ; Phenotype

OBJECTIVETo investigate the incidence of late onset of hypogonadism (LOH) in males as well as the sensitivity, specificity and applicability of the androgen deficiency in aging males (ADAM) questionnaire and the aging males' symptoms (AMS) scale in Chinese males based on the community population data.

METHODSA total of 1 498 old and middle-aged healthy males attended the ADAM and AMS investigations, of whom 434 received the measurement of the concentration of serum reproductive hormones, the positive rate of LOH screening, the rate of androgen deficiency, the clinical incidence of LOH, and the sensitivity and specificity of ADAM and AMS by tT and fT cut-off. The symptom evaluation cut-off value of the AMS score was optimized using the ROC curve.

RESULTSAlthough 5 of the subjects had previously received irregular testosterone supplement, none of them was given or actively sought for androgen therapy at the time of the investigation. Among the 40 - 69 years old males, the mean positive rates of LOH screening by ADAM and AMS were 80.77% and 32.34%, and the mean androgen deficiency rates obtained by tT and fT cut-off were 14.02% and 43.69%. The mean clinical incidences of LOH in the ADMA- and AMS-positive subjects were 37.85% and 15.42%. According to the fT cut-off, the sensitivities of ADAM and AMS were 86.63% and 35.29%, and their specificities were 24.48% and 63.49%, respectively. The symptom evaluation cut-off value of the AMS score optimized by the ROC curve was 19.5.

CONCLUSIONThe sensitivity and specificity of ADAM and AMS in the Chinese population are basically consistent with the results of most studies abroad, while the positive rate of LOH screening, the rate of androgen deficiency and the clinical incidence of LOH obviously higher in the former than those reported in other studies. Both ADAM and AMS are applicable to the Chinese population. The former is advantageous for its high sensitivity, time saving and easy operation, and therefore suitable for screening LOH, while the latter can be used for monitoring therapeutic efficacy.

Adult ; Aged ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Humans ; Hypogonadism ; diagnosis ; Male ; Mass Screening ; methods ; Middle Aged ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Surveys and Questionnaires

To investigate the influence of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) on chemotaxis of bronchial epithelial cells (BECs). Rabbit chemotactic migration of primary BEC was assessed in a blind-well Boyden chamber. Radioimmunoassay and radio-ligand affinity analysis were used for determining VIP secretion and vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor (VIPR) expression. The results showed: (1) the method for determining chemotaxis of BECs by using insulin as chemotactic factor was stable and reproducible (r=0.9703, P<0.01). (2) VIP (0.001-1 micromol/L) elicited chemotaxis of BECs which was substantial and concentration-dependent. The effects of VIP were inhibited by W-7 and H-7 (P<0.01). (3) Heat stress enhanced the secretion of VIP (P<0.01) and upregulated the expression of VIPR on BECs (P<0.05). These results indicate that VIP in the lungs may play an important role in the repair of damaged epithelium, accelerating restoration of the airway to its normal state. Calmodulin and protein kinase C may be involved in the signal transduction of VIP effects.
Animals ; Bronchi ; cytology ; Cells, Cultured ; Chemotaxis ; drug effects ; physiology ; Epithelial Cells ; drug effects ; physiology ; Female ; Insulin ; pharmacology ; Male ; Rabbits ; Receptors, Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide ; biosynthesis ; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo explore the program of preoperative evaluation, preoperative preparation and separation operation of pygopagus conjoined twins.

METHODSClinical data of one case of pygopagus (male, gestational age 37 weeks, uterine-incision delivery, 3.5 months old; twins of triplets; total body weight 8.0 kg. The twins have self-governed extremities, anus, penis. Four limbs can move independently). Separated successfully were analyzed. The auxiliary examination of X-rays, MRI, ultrasound, CT and 3D reconstruction, sensory evoked potential showed that there were process hypoplasia and lamina bifid of lumbosacral vertebrae below L3. Dural sac connected below L3 and conus medullaris located at L3. There were no conjunction of spinal cord and cauda equine. The decision of direct suture of dural sac was made by preoperative evaluation through measurement of circumference and area of conjoined dural sac. The separation surgery program was decided through team debate and sham operation. Separation operation was performed under the general anaesthesia. Crossing V-shaped skin flap was used to cover the wound surface. The dura of conjoined twins were sutured directly. The tension of skin flap was normal postoperative with continuing negative pressure drainage under the flap and pressure sterilized dressing.

RESULTSSuccessful separation of pygopagus conjoined twins was achieved. Lower extremities movements of separated twins were normal 6 h after operation. The drainage was removed 1 day postoperative, blood supplies of skin flap were normal. There were no complications of infection, cerebrospinal fluid leakage and neurological deficit. The healing of the skin flap was good. With 6 months follow-up, the growth and neurological function were normal.

CONCLUSIONConsummate preoperative preparation, accurate preoperative investigations, meticulous operative management, careful postoperative administration and good team cooperation are the keys to successful separation of pygopagus conjoined twins.

Buttocks ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Infant ; Male ; Prognosis ; Surgery, Computer-Assisted ; Surgical Flaps ; Treatment Outcome ; Twins, Conjoined ; surgery

Clinical target volume (CTV) delineation is crucial for tumor control and normal tissue protection. This study aimed to define the locoregional extension patterns of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and to improve CTV delineation. Magnetic resonance imaging scans of 2366 newly diagnosed NPC patients were reviewed. According to incidence rates of tumor invasion, the anatomic sites surrounding the nasopharynx were classified into high-risk (>30%), medium-risk (5%-30%), and low-risk (<5%) groups. The lymph node (LN) level was determined according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group guidelines, which were further categorized into the upper neck (retropharyngeal region and level II), middle neck (levels III and Va), and lower neck (levels IV and Vb and the supraclavicular fossa). The high-risk anatomic sites were adjacent to the nasopharynx, whereas those at medium-or low-risk were separated from the nasopharynx. If the high-risk anatomic sites were involved, the rates of tumor invasion into the adjacent medium-risk sites increased; if not, the rates were significantly lower (P<0.01). Among the 1920 (81.1%) patients with positive LN, the incidence rates of LN metastasis in the upper, middle, and lower neck were 99.6%, 30.2%, and 7.2%, respectively, and skip metastasis happened in only 1.2% of patients. In the 929 patients who had unilateral upper neck involvement, the rates of contralateral middle neck and lower neck involvement were 1.8% and 0.4%, respectively. Thus, local disease spreads stepwise from proximal sites to distal sites, and LN metastasis spreads from the upper neck to the lower neck. Individualized CTV delineation for NPC may be feasible.
Female ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; pathology ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; pathology ; Neck ; pathology ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Tumor Burden