Objective To evaluate the relationship between carotid artery plagues and the clinical risk factors in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 by observing the ultrasonic characteristics of carotid atherosclerosis plagues.Methods The ultrasound results of carotid arteries in 665 patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 from January 2009 to December 2011 in Beijing Amery General Hospital were retrospectively analyzed.The location and quantity of carotid atherosclerotic plaques were observed .The relationship between the occurrence and risk factors of diabetes such as hypertension ,family history of diabetes and age were analyzed.Single factor and multi-factor analysis were applied for the related risk factors .Results The ultrasonography showed 405 cases of carotid artery plaques.Most carotid artery plaques were located in the posterior wall of carotid sinus and were hyperechoic ,hypoechoic or isoechoic.The single factor analysis showed hypertension,family history of diabetes and age are risk factors of carotid atherosclerosis (χ2 =42.322,9.682 and 140.658,all P<0.01).Multi-factor logistic regression analysis showed age was an independent risk factor of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2.The risk factors scores of patients who were less than 45 years,45-65 years and over 65 years of age were (3.50 ±1.16)scores,(3.46 ±0. 92)scores and (3.21 ±0.88)scores,and the difference was statistically significant (F=5.781,P<0.001). There were significant differences between risk factors scores of different age groups ( t =2.084,2.002, 3.786,3.474,2.877 and 2.504,all P<0.05).In patients more than 65 years of age,the risk of atherosclerosis plaques is 28.732 times higher than that of patients less than 45 years of age.After controlling the age factor,the possibility of atherosclerosis plaque increased 1.201 times for each additional one point of score. Conclusions Most carotid artery plaques in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 are located in the posterior wall of carotid sinus and are hyperechoic ,hypoechoic or isoechoic.Age is an independent risk factor for the formation of carotid plaque.Patients more than 45 years of age should undergo early intervention to avoid the occurrence of major vascular complications .

Objective By analyzing the surveillance result of Brucellosis in human being of Guizhou province from 2005 to 2008,to understand the current situation of relevant population with brucella infection,and then to provide the basis for the development of prevention and control measures.Methods According to the Brucella Disease Monitoring Standards (GB 16885-1997),in Guizhou province,Huaxi,Wudang,Xingyi,Dushan,Ceheng,Long Lane,Xifeng,Carey,Ziyun and so on other areas(city,county) were selected as monitoring points,and occupational groups of animal husbandry in agricultural areas,as well as farmers and students contacted with livestock were selected as monitoring subjects.Rose bengal plate agglutination test(RBPT) and tube agglutination test (SAT) were used to detect Brucellosis antibody.Results From 2005 to 2008,Brucellosis antibody detection rate was 0.63％(37/5904) in target groups of Guizhou province,specifically,the rates in Huaxi,Wudang,Xingyi and Ceheng counties(towns or districts) were 2.28％(19/832),0.16％(2/1274),1.84％(15/815) and 0.14％ (1/735),respectively; the rates in livestock workers,peasants and students contacted with livestock in rural areas were 1.29％ (36/2800),0.04％ ( 1/2814) and 0.00％ (0/290),respectively.In all antibody positive carriers,most were dairy cattle raisers which accounted for 83.78％ (31/37) in the total infected persons.Conclusions Dairy cattle and goat raisers in some counties(towns or districts) of Guizhou province have infected Brucellosis,and direct contacts with brucella-carrying cattle is the major route of Brucellosis transmission in human being.Strengthen livestock quarantine and dispose infected livestock timely are the key of Brucellosis control.

Objective To etiologically diagnose and analyze a patient with suspected cases of brucellosis,and to provide a experimental basis for the confirmation of the first case of human brucellosis in Guizhou province.Methods Conventional and molecular techniques [genus specific Brucella surface protein 31 PCR (BCSP31-PCR)and Brucella suis species-specific PCR (AMOS-PCR)] were used to identify suspicious bacteria strains isolated from the suspected patient of brucellosis.Results The results showed that the Brucella suspicious colonies were identified as Brucella melitensis biotype 3 using conventional tests and were further identified as Brucella spp.by genus specific Brucella surface protein 31 PCR (BCSP31-PCR) and classified as Brucella melitensis with Brucella abortus,Brucella melitensis,Brucella ovis,Brucella suis species-specific PCR(AMOS-PCR).Conclusions Laboratory diagnostic results show that the bacteria strain isolated from the suspected patient of brucellosis is Brucella melitensis biotype 3.It is the first case of human brucellosis in Guizhou province.

AIM To prepare nanostructured lipid carriers for volatile oils from Artemisiae argyi Folium.METHODS Heated melting-ultrasonic dispersion method was applied to preparing lipid carriers.Taking solid/liquid lipid ratio,amounts of lipid,emulsifier and volatile oils as influencing factors,and average paticle size as an evaluation index,the formulation was optimized by orthogonal test.With cineole,camphor and borneol as indices,GC-MS was adopted in the content determination of volatile oils.RESULTS The optimal formulation was determined to be 5 ∶ 5 for solid/liquid lipid ratio,1％,3％ and 0.5％ for amounts of lipid,emulsifier and volatile oils,respectively.The obtained clear and transparent lipid carriers demonstrated the average particle size of (72.33 ±1.93) nm,PDI of 0.273 ± 0.004 5,and Zeta potential of (-30.59 ± 1.42) mV,whose in vitro release rate was lower than that of raw medicine within 120 h,along with a higher stability under 4 ℃ than that under 25 ℃.The entrapment efficiencies of cineole,camphor and borneol were 87.49％,86.45％ and 92.12％ with the drug loadings of 8.25％,2.00％ and 3.38％,respectively.CONCLUSION It is suggested that nanostructured lipid carriers for volatile oils from Artemisiae argyi Folium should be stored under 4 ℃ with the features of sustainedrelease and stable physicochemical properties.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRlL) on colorectal cancer (CRC) cell growth and migration, and to observe the role of APRIL in CRC biological behavior.

METHODSThe siRNA plasmid vector targeting APRIL gene (APRIL-siRNA) was transfected into human colorectal cancer SW480 cells and recombinant human APRIL (rhAPRIL) was used to stimulate human colorectal cancer HCT-116 cells. Cell proliferation activity was analyzed using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry, and the protein expression of cyclin D1, p21 and Bcl-2 was detected by Western blot analysis. Tumor cell migration and invasion were measured by Transwell chambers. RT-PCR was applied to examine the mRNA expression level of MMP-2 and MMP-9. APRIL-siRNA was used to transfect directly SW480 cells, which were injected subcutaneously into nude mice, then the tumor growth and metastasis were observed.

RESULTSCell proliferation ability of APRIL-siRNA-transfected SW480 cells was drastically repressed, and the percentage of G0/G1 phase cells was significantly increased (t = 4.12, P < 0.05), accompanied with depressed cyclin D1, Bcl-2 expression and elevated p21 expression. Cell proliferation ability of rhAPRIL-stimulated HCT-116 cells was promoted with a decreased G0/G1 phase ratio (t = 3.31, P < 0.05). cyclin D1 and Bcl-2 protein expression was up-regulated while p21 was down-regulated by rhAPRIL stimulation. Metastatic and invasive capacities of APRIL-siRNA-transfected SW480 cells were significantly inhibited compared with their respective controls (both P < 0.05), accompanied with the deregulated MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA expression. Metastatic and invasive capacities of rhAPRIL-stimulated HCT-116 cells were promoted with up-regulated MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA expression(both P < 0.05). Tumor growth in the group transfected with APRIL-siRNA appeared to be slower than that in the control groups and the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 in tumor tissues was depressed in the APRIL-siRNA group.

CONCLUSIONSAPRIL facilitates tumor growth and metastasis, and is associated with carcinogenesis and prognosis. Our findings suggest that APRIL might be used as a novel target for the intervention and therapy of colorectal cancer.

Animals ; Cell Cycle ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Movement ; Cell Proliferation ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cyclin D1 ; metabolism ; Female ; Genetic Vectors ; HCT116 Cells ; HT29 Cells ; Humans ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; metabolism ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Neoplasm Transplantation ; Plasmids ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Transfection ; Tumor Burden ; Tumor Necrosis Factor Ligand Superfamily Member 13 ; genetics ; metabolism

BACKGROUNDPulmonary artery sling (PAS) is a rare congenital heart anomaly and may cause unexplained respiratory symptoms in infants. Since the non-specific respiratory symptoms of PAS may lead to misdiagnosis, the aim of this study was to clarify the clinical and imaging features of this disease for timely diagnosis and treatment.

METHODSClinical histories, physical examinations and imaging studies were retrospectively evaluated in nine infants with PAS. Chest X-ray, echocardiography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) with 3-dimensional reconstructions were performed in all patients and three of them received surgical treatment.

RESULTSNine cases included six males and three females with a mean age of (4.3 ± 2.8) months ranging from 2 to 11 months old. All patients had respiratory symptoms including recurrent cough, stridor and wheezing. The onset of symptoms was within 3 months in all cases and three children had symptoms only a few days after birth. The chest X-ray showed pneumonia in all cases. Contrast-enhanced CT showed the tracheal compression at different lengths in every case. The echocardiograph findings of PAS were anomalous origins of the left pulmonary artery from the posterior aspect of the right pulmonary artery. Of the 9 cases, 8 cases were diagnosed correctly by echocardiography. Of the complicated abnormalities, there were one with secundum atrial septal defect, one with patent foramen ovale and three with persistent left superior vena cava. None of them were complicated with significant blood dynamic changes.

CONCLUSIONSInfants with recurrent respiratory symptoms such as chronic cough, stridor and wheezing, should be examined for the possible presence of congenital pulmonary artery sling. As a noninvasive technique, echocardiography is very helpful and should be the first-choice modality for the diagnosis of pulmonary artery sling. Contrast-enhanced CT, clearly demonstrating the anatomy of pulmonary artery sling and the position and extent of trachea compression, is necessary for the final diagnosis and pre-operation evaluation.

Echocardiography ; Female ; Heart Defects, Congenital ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology ; Hemodynamics ; physiology ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Pulmonary Artery ; abnormalities ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology ; Radiography

Objective To understand the forming cause of the Oncomelania hupensis snail-existent non-endemic areas of schistosomiasis(SENEAS),and to verify the conclusion of previous studies,so as to provide the evidence for schistosomiasis monitoring in such areas in Nantong City,Jiangsu Province. Methods The controlled field tests were carried out to observe the O. hupensis snails artificially infected by schistosome miracidia in SENEAS. The influence of the soil from SENEAS and the en-demic areas on O. hupensis snails artificially infected by miracidia were observed. Results All the experimental snails could be infected by schistosome miracidia except the smooth-shell snails from Tangyuan Village in the controlled field test environment of SENEAS or the endemic areas. The infection rates of the smooth-shell snails were lower than those of the ribbed-shell snails , but there were no statistically significant differences. The mortality rates of the smooth-shell snails were higher than those of the ribbed-shell snails,which were statistically significant (χ2Xindian = 135.118,χ2Shuangdian = 122.836,χ2Baipu =154.436,χ2Dingyan =138.288,χ2Control=151.923,all P<0.01). There were no significant differences in the infection rates of snails between each test group of the soil from SENEAS and the endemic areas(χ2Rugao=0.071,χ2Rudong=0.216,both P>0.05). Also there was no signifi-cant difference between each test group and the control group without soil(χ2=7.148,P>0.05). Conclusion It is likely to form the spread of schistosomiasis in SENEAS in Nantong City with sufficient amount of infection source of schistosomiasis im-ported. It is still necessary to implement the surveillance of schistosomiasis and O. hupensis snails in Nantong City.

OBJECTIVETo observe the distribution of epidermal stem cell (ESC) after soft tissue expansion, and to explore dynamic change in ESC under mechanical stress and kinetic mechanism of skin expansion.

METHODSSkin samples were collected from patients after expansion of the scalp. They were divided into three groups: A group (scalp harvested 3 cm away from the center of dilator), B group (scalp tissues at the edge of dilator), and control group (scalp without dilatation). The tissue structures were observed with optical microscope with HE staining. The distribution and differentiation characteristics of cell keratin 19 (CK19) positive cells were observed with inverted phase contrast microscope after immunohistochemistry staining.

RESULTSHE staining showed that the epidermis was thickened and distributed densely with uneven, rugged and increased layers in A, B groups. With immunohistochemistry staining, CK19 positive cells appeared in multilayers in basal membrane, a few of them were in cluster or dispersed , with" hollowing" structure formation. These phenomena were not seen in control group.

CONCLUSIONESC can proliferate with abnormal distribution and "hollowing" structure formation after mechanical dilatation, which may be related to dynamic changes in basal layer cells.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Cell Proliferation ; Cellular Structures ; Epithelial Cells ; cytology ; Humans ; Keratin-19 ; metabolism ; Male ; Stem Cells ; cytology ; Stress, Mechanical ; Tissue Expansion ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of electromagnetic pulse (EMP) exposure on cerebral micro vascular permeability in rats.

METHODSThe whole-body of male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed or sham exposed to 200 pulses or 400 pulses (1 Hz) of EMP at 200 kV/m. At 0.5, 1, 3, 6, and 12 h after EMP exposure, the permeability of cerebral micro vascular was detected by transmission electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry using lanthanum nitrate and endogenous albumin as vascular tracers, respectively.

RESULTSThe lanthanum nitrate tracer was limited to the micro vascular lumen with no lanthanum nitrate or albumin tracer extravasation in control rat brain. After EMP exposure, the lanthanum nitrate ions reached the tight junction, basal lamina and pericapillary tissue. Similarly, the albumin immunopositive staining was identified in pericapillary tissue. The changes in brain micro vascular permeability were transient, the leakage of micro vascular vessels appeared at 1 h, and reached its peak at 3 h, and nearly recovered at 12 h, after EMP exposure. In addition, the leakage of micro vascular was more obvious after exposure of EMP at 400 pulses than after exposure of EMP at 200 pulses.

CONCLUSIONExposure to 200 and 400 pulses (1 Hz) of EMP at 200 kV/m can increase cerebral micro vascular permeability in rats, which is recoverable.

Animals ; Brain ; blood supply ; Capillary Permeability ; physiology ; Electromagnetic Fields ; adverse effects ; Electrophysiology ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinicopathological features of Chinese hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC).

METHODSPatients who met the Amsterdam criteria were enrolled in this study from several hospitals in China. Clinicopathological features of patients with HNPCC were compared between the patients with suspected HNPCC and sporadic colorectal cancer.

RESULTSOne hundred and sixty-seven individuals from 31 families met the Amsterdam criteria. The average age was 48.6 (22-78) years old. There were 43 cases (31.9%) with ascending colon cancer and 52 cases (38.5%) with rectal cancer. The 3-, 5-, 10- years survival rate was 70.3%, 49.9% and 39.7% respectively. The incidence of multiple primary neoplasms was 20.4% .

CONCLUSIONSChinese HNPCC is characterized by early disease onset. Rectal cancer and ascending colon cancer are the first and the secondly common cancer for Chinese HNPCC. Gastric cancer is the most common parenteral cancer in Chinese HNPCC families.

Adult ; Aged ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; China ; epidemiology ; Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis ; epidemiology ; genetics ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Survival Rate ; Young Adult