Objective To appraise the bowel control and quality of life after transanal improvement of Soave one-stage pull-through operation for Hirschsprung′s disease(HD) in infants.Methods Twenty-five patients(aged from 2 months to 3 years old) with HD underwent improved endorectal pull-through procedure and postoperative follow-up for 5 months to 6 years(average 4.5 years) including the occurrence of operation related complications sush as bowel control,constipation or postoperative enterocolitis and quality of life.Results Twenty-one patients completed the study were with a mean follow-up.The assessment of anal continence was graded as normal(4 scores),good(3 scores),and fair(2 scores) according to the previous study of other investigators.Of the 21 patients,16 were graded as normal,whereas 4 were as good and 1 fair.One patient developed constipation and 2 patients had postoperative enterocolitis.Conclusion Modified Soave procedure for Hirschsprang′s disease can get a good bowel control outcome and quality of life.

A series of cycloberberine derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their anti-cancer activities in vitro. Among these analogs, compounds 6c, 6e and 6g showed strong inhibition on human HepG2 cells. They afforded a potent effect against DOX-resistant MCF-7 breast cells as well. The primary mechanism showed that cell cycle was blocked at G2/M phase of HepG2 cells treated with 6g using flow cytometry assay. It significantly inhibited the activity of DNA Top I at the concentration of 0.1 mg mL-1. Our results provided a basis for the development of this kind of compounds as novel anti-cancer agents.
Antineoplastic Agents ; chemical synthesis ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Berberine ; analogs & derivatives ; chemical synthesis ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; DNA Topoisomerases, Type I ; metabolism ; Doxorubicin ; pharmacology ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; Hep G2 Cells ; Humans ; MCF-7 Cells ; Molecular Structure ; Structure-Activity Relationship

OBJECTIVETo explore whether condom use is influenced by power relation in commercial sex behaviors.

METHODSVariables were designed to measure the power relation in commercial sex behaviors based on the theory of gender and power relation and data were collected from male sexually transmitted diseases (STD) patients and female commercial sex workers (FSWs) working at recreation centers or being detained in a women education center to identify the relationship between condom use and power relation in male and female respondents using bivariate and multiple regression analysis.

RESULTSA significant relationship was identified between power relation and female condom use, the higher the score of power relations, the higher frequency the condom use, but no similar result was found in males. Females got a higher score of power relation than males.

CONCLUSIONSPower relation is one of the factors that influence condom use, which should be considered when relevant theories are used to study the rate of condom use. It is worthwhile exploring the relationship between safe sex and power relation in spouses and regular sex partners when interventions are adopted to prevent HIV/AIDS spreading from high risk groups to the general population.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Condoms ; utilization ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Power (Psychology) ; Sexual Behavior

OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study was to investigate the expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and its signaling pathway molecules in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and analyze the association between these factors and genesis and metastasis of OSCC.

METHODSThe express of TGF-beta1, TbetaRI, TbetaRII and Smad4, a pivotal downstream molecule of its signaling, in 10 normal oral mucosa tissues and 108 OSCC was detected by SP immunohistochemistry, and thier correlation with genesis and metastasis of OSCC were assessed.

RESULTSThe expressions of TbetaRII and Smad4 were lower in the tumors (34.3%, 38.9%) than those in the normal oral epithelium (80.0%, 100.0%, P < 0.05). The positive expression rates of TGF-beta1 and TbetaRI in the normal oral epithelium and OSCC were not significantly different (P > 0.05). There was an inverse correlation between TGF-beta1, Smad4, TbetaRII, TbetaRI expression and clinical stages (P < 0.01). The expression of TGF-beta1 was related with histological differentiation and tumor localization (P < 0.05). There was a relationship beteween Smad4 expression and histological differentiation and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). The expression of TbetaRII in the samples with lymph node metastasis was less than that in the ones without lymph node metastasis (P < 0.01), although there was no association between expression of TbetaRII and lymph node metastasis status.

CONCLUSIONThere is an important relationship between the abnormal TGF-beta1/Smad4 signal pathway and genesis and development of OSCC, while the low expressed Smad4 and TbetaRII may promote the metastasis of OSCC.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Membrane ; metabolism ; Cytoplasm ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mouth Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Neoplasm Staging ; Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases ; metabolism ; Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; Smad4 Protein ; metabolism ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the inhibitory effect of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β₁ on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) Tb cell line.

METHODSCell counting method was used to examine the inhibitory effect of TGF-β₁ on Tb cell and flow cytometry (FCM) assay performed to measure the changes of cell cycle. Superarray was used to screen the changing expression of genes in TGF-β₁/Smads signaling pathway.RT-PCR method was used to detect the results of Superarray.

RESULTSTGF-β₁ showed significant inhibiting effect on OSCC Tb cell line. TGF-β₁ blocked the cell cycle at G₁ phase. The expression level of activin receptor-like kinase-1 (ACVRL-1), anti-mullerian hirmine (AMH), cyclim-dependent kinase inhibitor-2B (CDKN-2B) and transforming growth factor-beta-indnced factor (TGIF) was higer in the cells treated with TGF-β₁ than in control, while TDGF-1 expression was down-regulated. ACVRL-1 and CDKN-2B gene expression was consistent with the results of Superarray.

CONCLUSIONSTGF-β₁ can inhibit the growth of OSCC Tb cell line. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of cell cycle and the expression of ACVRL-1 and CDKN-2B in TGF-β₁-Smads signaling pathway.

Activin Receptors, Type II ; metabolism ; Anti-Mullerian Hormone ; metabolism ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; pathology ; Cell Cycle Checkpoints ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p15 ; metabolism ; Humans ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Signal Transduction ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo study the changes and significance of Toll-like receptor-2 (TLR2) and Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) on platelets, CD86 on lymphocytes and concentrations of IL-2, IFN-gamma, IL-4 and IL-10 in serum in children with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).

METHODSPeripheral blood samples were collected from 24 children with acute idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (AITP), 21 children with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (CITP) and 20 normal children (control group). Expression of TLR2 and TLR4 on platelets and CD86 on lymphocytes were detected by flow cytometry. Serum concentrations of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-gamma were measured using ABC-ELISA.

RESULTSThe expression of CD41+TLR2+ and CD61+TLR4+ in the AITP and the CITP groups were significantly lower than those in the control group (p<0.01). The AITP group had lower expression of CD41+TLR2+ and CD61+TLR4+ than the CITP group (p<0.01). The expression of CD86+ in the AITP and the CITP groups was significantly higher than that in the control group (p<0.01). The serum concentrations of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-gamma in the AITP and the CITP groups were significantly higher than those in the control group (p<0.05). There was a positive correlation between CD41+TLR2+ and CD61+TLR4+ expression. CD41+TLR2+ and CD61+TLR4+ expression were negatively correlated with CD86+ expression and serum concentrations of IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10.

CONCLUSIONSThe detections of TLR2 and TLR4 on platelets, CD86 on lymphocytes and serum concentrations of IL-2, IFN-gamma, IL-4 and IL-10 are of great value in understanding the pathogenesis and predicting types of ITP in children.

Adolescent ; B7-2 Antigen ; blood ; Blood Platelets ; chemistry ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cytokines ; blood ; Humans ; Infant ; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic ; immunology ; Toll-Like Receptor 2 ; blood ; Toll-Like Receptor 4 ; blood

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between chromosome anomaly and spontaneous abortion, and to provide useful information for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis in reproductive clinic. METHODS: A total of 1 780 patients who had a history of spontaneous abortion before 24 weeks of gestation were enrolled. The lymphocyte culture and harvest were performed according to standard methods. Karyotypes were analyzed by G-banding in all cases and C- banding in some cases in addition. RESULTS: Altogether 57 abnormal karyotypes were found and the overall incidence of chromosomal abnormalities was 3.20% (women 3.32%; men 2.12%). Among them 23 cases were the balanced translocation; 14 cases were the Robertsonian translocation, 3 cases were the complex chromosomal rearrangement, and the other 17 cases were the other abnormalities. In women with 1, 2, 3 or more spontaneous abortion, the incidence of chromosomal abnormalities was 1.7%, 2.3%, and 5.8%, respectively. CONCLUSION Translocations are the major abnormal karyotpes associated with spontaneous abortions. The chance of finding chromosomal aberration increases with the number of abortions. Chromosomal abnormalities are more common in women with 3 or more spontaneous abortions.
Abortion, Spontaneous ; genetics ; pathology ; Adult ; Chromosome Aberrations ; Cytogenetic Analysis ; Female ; Humans ; Karyotyping ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Diagnosis ; Translocation, Genetic

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Huxin Formula on expressions of the chief reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) associated genes, caveolin-1 and scavenger receptor-BI (SR-BI) in ApoE-gene knockout [ApoE (-/-)] mice.

METHODSThirty ApoE (-/-) mice of 4-6 weeks old were randomly divided into three groups (A-C). After being fed with high-fat diet for 16 weeks, they were treated with HXF (1 mL/100 g), pravachol (0.3 mg/100 g), and saline in equal volume respectively for 16 weeks successively; in addition, a blank group was set up with 10 C57BL/6J mice of 6-week old received 16-week high-fat feeding and saline treatment. Animals were sacrificed at the termination of the experiment, their paraffin sections of aortic tissue were used to measure the size of plaque, expressions of cavolin-1 and SR-BI were detected by immunological histochemical method.

RESULTSAs compared with the blank group, levels of caveolin-1 and SR-BI were increased in Groups A and B (P<0.01); but the increase in Group A was more significant than that in Group B (P<0.05). The plaque/aorta area ratio decreased significantly in Groups A and B, but showed insignificant difference between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONHXF could obviously increase the expressions of RCT associated genes, caveolin-1 and SR-BI, promote the RCT process, so as to reduce the formation of aorta atherosclerotic plaque in ApoE (-/-) mice.

Animals ; Aorta ; drug effects ; pathology ; Apolipoproteins E ; deficiency ; genetics ; Atherosclerosis ; pathology ; Biological Transport ; drug effects ; Caveolin 1 ; metabolism ; Cholesterol ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Female ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mice, Knockout ; Plaque, Atherosclerotic ; pathology ; Receptors, Scavenger ; metabolism

BACKGROUNDOverwhelming evidences on chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) indicate that patients harbor quiescent CML stem cells that are responsible for blast crisis. While the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) origin of CML was first suggested over 30 years ago, recently CML-initiating cells beyond HSCs are also being investigated.

METHODSWe have previously isolated fetal liver kinase-1-positive (Flk1(+)) cells carrying the BCR/ABL fusion gene from the bone marrow of Ph(+) patients with hemangioblast property. In this study, we isolated CML patient-derived Flk1(+)CD31(-)CD34(-) mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and detected their biological characteristics and immunological regulation using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis, fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS), enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay, mixed lymphocyte reaction assays; then we compared these characters with those of the healthy donors.

RESULTSCML patient-derived Flk1(+)CD31(-)CD34(-) MSCs had normal morphology, phenotype and karyotype while appeared impaired in immuno-modulatory function. The capacity of patient Flk1(+)CD31(-)CD34(-) MSCs to inhibit T lymphocyte activation and proliferation was impaired in vitro.

CONCLUSIONSCML patient-derived MSCs have impaired immuno-modulatory functions, suggesting that the dysregulation of hematopoiesis and immune response may originate from MSCs rather than hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). MSCs might be a potential target for developing efficacious treatment for CML.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Antigens, CD34 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Flow Cytometry ; Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Immunomodulation ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Karyotype ; Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive ; enzymology ; immunology ; metabolism ; Male ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; immunology ; Middle Aged ; Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 ; genetics ; metabolism ; T-Lymphocytes ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Young Adult

BACKGROUNDTumstatin is a recently developed endogenous vascular endothelial growth inhibitor that can be applied as an anti-angiogenesis and antineoplastic agent. The study aimed to design and synthesize the small molecular angiogenesis inhibition-related peptide (peptide 21), to replicate the structural and functional features of the active zone of angiogenesis inhibition using tumstatin and to prove that synthesized peptide 21 has a similar activity: specifically inhibiting tumor angiogenesis like tumstatin.

METHODSPeptide 21 was designed and synthesized using biological engineering technology. To determine its biological action, the human umbilical vein endothelial cell line ECV304, the human ovarian cancer cell line SKOV-3 and the mouse embryo-derived NIH3T3 fibroblasts were used in in vitro experiments to determine the effect of peptide 21 on proliferation of the three cell lines using the MTT test and growth curves. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and flow cytometry (FCM) were applied to analyze the peptide 21-induced apoptosis of the three cell lines qualitatively and quantitatively. In animal experiments, tumor models in nude mice subcutaneously grafted with SKOV-3 were used to observe the effects of peptide 21 on tumor weight, size and microvessel density (MVD). To initially investigate the role of peptide 21, the effect of peptide 21 on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) by tumor tissue was semi-quantitatively analyzed.

RESULTSThe in vitro MTT test and growth curves all indicated that cloned peptide 21 could specifically inhibit ECV304 proliferation in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.01); TEM and FCM showed that peptide 21 could specifically induce ECV304 apoptosis (P < 0.01). Results of in vivo experiments showed that tumors in the peptide 21 group grew more slowly. The weight and size of the tumors after 21 days of treatment were smaller than those in the control group (P < 0.05), with a mean tumor inhibition rate of 67.86%; MVD of the tumor tissue in the peptide 21 group was significantly lower than in the control group (P < 0.05); the number of cells positive for VEGF in the peptide 21 group was significantly fewer than in the control group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSSimilar to the activity of tumstatin in specifically inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, peptide 21 may specifically inhibit tumor endothelial cell proliferation and induce their apoptosis, thereby suppressing tumor angiogenesis and indirectly inhibit the growth, infiltration and metastasis of tumors. Peptide 21 may exert its effect through down-regulating the VEGF expression of tumor cells and vascular endothelial cells.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Autoantigens ; chemistry ; genetics ; Cell Line ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Collagen Type IV ; chemistry ; genetics ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; ultrastructure ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; NIH 3T3 Cells ; Neoplasms, Experimental ; blood supply ; pathology ; prevention & control ; Neovascularization, Pathologic ; pathology ; prevention & control ; Peptides ; chemistry ; genetics ; pharmacology ; Recombinant Proteins ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays