Objective To investigate the diagnosis and the effect of microsurgery in patients with acute spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (ASSEH). Method Five patients with ASSEH treated with microsurgery and confirmed pathologically were retrospectively analyzed. Results The main clinical presentations were root pain and palsy. The main manifestations of MRI were long-segment epidural lesion of high intensity in T1 and T2-weighted images without enhancement. With the microsurgery system, laminectomy via posterior approach and hematoma removal were successfully undergone with full recovery in all cases. Conclusions MRI assisted with the main clinical symptoms may aid preoperative diagnosis in symptomatic ASSEH. Microsurgery is an effective method for treating ASSEH. Postoperative (rather than preoperative) spinal DSA is advantageous for exclusion of spinal vascular malformation in treating ASSEH.

AIM: To determine whether the high mobility group protein I (HMGI) is able to bind to the upstream sequence of platelet-derived growth factor B-chain gene and to characterize the HMGI-binding AT-rich regions. METHODS: Recombinant human HMGI (rhHMGI) protein was prepared and electrophoresis mobility shift assay (EMSA) was used. RESULTS: The binding of rhHMGI to PDGF-B (-1 758 / +43 bp) was observed in vitro. Two major HMGI-binding fragments -1 392 / -1 180 bp and -188 / +43 bp were identified, which contained the same AT-rich sequence TTTATAAA (-1 333 / -1 326 bp, -1 314 / -1 307 bp and -30 / -23 bp). An oligonucleotide bound to the TTTATAAA and the GAGACC, the core sequence of the shear stress response element of the PDGF-B, could also bind to the HMGI. Furthermore, HMGI facilitated the binding of NF-?B to the GAGACC in the oligonucleotide. CONCLUSION: The HMGI could bind to the upstream sequence of the PDGF-B gene via the AT-rich sequence TTTATAAA, which may play a role in the transcriptional regulation of the PDGF-B gene.

Phaffia rhodozyma is a good strain for astaxanthin production. An over-producing mutant YB-20-29 was obtained by means of Cs137-?ray and N-methy1-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidin (NTG) treatment. The biomass for this strain by shake culture was 36.32 g/L, the pigment content was 1216.0 ?g/g, an increase of 308% compare to o-riginal strain. The astaxanthin content in broth was 30.9?g /mL. It was a potential strain for astaxanthin over-production.

Objective To discuss the utility of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in the assessment of treatment efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with renal tumors.Methods Forty-seven patients (40 renal cell carcinomas and 7 angiomyolipomas of kidney) with 49 renal tumors were treated with RFA. Tumors were ablated by laparoscopy-assisted (n= 30) and open surgical (n= 17) RFA. The CEUS and contrast-enhanced CT were performed 1 week after treatment to assess the necrotic area. Technical success was defined as elimination of areas that enhanced at imaging within the entire tumor. Results Forty-seven (95. 9%) of 49 tumors were successfully ablated. The mean length of the major axis at the maximal necrotic area was 4. 6 cm. Compared with the lesions before RFA, the necrotic areas were bigger in 45 patients, identical in 3 patients, and smaller in 1 patient. Six lesions showed a residual enhancement at the portion adjacent to the normal renal parenchyma on follow-up CEUS, while 2 were confirmed by CT scans. The sensitivity and specificity of CEUS for detection of residual tumors were 100. 0% and 91.8%, respectively. All patients survived in the follow-up period ranging from 4 to 21 months. Conclusion CEUS combined with CT could be useful for evaluating treatment efficacy of RFA for renal tumors.

OBJECTIVETo construct a recombinant adenovirus expression vector containing the anti-oncogene PTEN and to investigate the effects of the PTEN gene on the proliferation of prostate cancer PC-3 cells and the expressions of cyclin D1 and p21 in the PC-3 cells.

METHODSThe PTEN gene was amplified from the rat hippocampus by RT-PCR and cloned into the shuttle plasmid pEN-TR2A. The plasmids were constructed and amplified in 293A cells. Prostate cancer PC-3 cells were cultured in vitro and infected with the adenoviral vector carrying the PTEN gene (Ad-PTEN). The up-regulation of the PTEN protein was measured by indirect immuno-fluorescence assay; the expressions of PTEN, cyclin D1 and p21 in the cells infected with Ad-PTEN and Ad-LacZ were determined by

RESULTSThe Western blot; and the effect of PTEN on the cell proliferation was detected by MTT assay and plate colony formation. recombinant adenoviral vector Ad-PTEN was successfully constructed. Western blot showed a significantly increased expression of the PTEN protein in the PC-3 cells infected with Ad-PTIEN (0.215 +/-0.065) as compared with that in the control ([0.052 +/-0.009], t = 4. 30, P <0.05) and the Ad-LacZ group ( [0. 056 +/- 0.008 ] , t =4.21, P <0.05). The expression of cyclin D1 was significantly lower in the Ad-PTEN-infected PC-3 cells (0. 256 +/- 0. 072) than in the control ( [0. 502 +/- 0. 087 ], t = 3.77, P < 0.05) and the Ad-LacZ group ([0.498 +/-0.081] , t =3.87, P <0.05), while the expression of p21 remarkably higher in the Ad-PTEN-infected PC-3 cells (0.589 +/-0. 076) than in the control ([0. 146 +/-0.026] , t = 9.55, P<0. 01) and the Ad-LacZ group ([0. 163 +/-0. 024] , t = 9.26, P <0.01). Ad-PTEN significantly inhibited the growth of the PC-3 cells (21.98%) at 48 h (t = 6.80, P <0.01). The colony formation rate of the PC-3 cells was (37.4 +/-4. 18)% in the Ad-PTEN group, significantly lower than (54.9 +/-4.81)% in the control (t =4.76, P<0.01) and (56.5 +/- 5.42)% in the Ad-LacZ group (t=4.83, P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe expression of PTEN induced by Ad-PTEN can significantly inhibit the proliferation of PC-3 cells, down-regulate the expression of cyclin D1, and up-regulate the expression of p21.

Adenoviridae ; genetics ; Animals ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Cyclin D1 ; metabolism ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21 ; metabolism ; Humans ; Male ; PTEN Phosphohydrolase ; genetics ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical typing and prophylactico-therapeutic measures for acute posttraumatic brain swelling (BS).

METHODSA retrospective study was performed in 66 cases of acute posttraumatic BS. There were 3 groups based on computered tomography (CT) scanning: 23 cases of hemisphere brain swelling (HBS) with middle line shift for less than 5 mm within 24 hours (Group A), 20 with middle line shift for more than 5 mm (Group B), and 23 with bilateral diffuse brain swelling (Group C).

RESULTS(1) The mortality rates of the operative and nonoperative management in Group A, Group B, and Group C were 20.0%, 31.6%, and 75.0% versus 44.4%, 0, and 85.7%, respectively (P>0.05); while the rates in subgroups with different middle line shift (more than 5 mm and less or equal 5 mm) were 29.2% and 75.0% versus 75.0% and 44.4%, respectively (0.05>P>0.01). (2) The good recovery rate and mortality in Group A were 47.8% and 39.1%, respectively and in Group C, 8.7% and 78.3%, respectively. There was a very significant difference between Group A and Group C (P<0.01). (3) The total survival rate of the selective comprehensive therapy was 53.1%.

CONCLUSIONS(1) Acute posttraumatic BS needs to be diagnosed correctly and promptly with CT scanning within 4 hours. (2) For patients with midline shift for more than 5 mm, especially with thin-layered subdural hematoma, surgical intervention is essential to reduce the fatality of acute posttraumatic BS.

Adult ; Aged ; Brain Edema ; diagnostic imaging ; therapy ; Brain Injuries ; diagnostic imaging ; therapy ; Female ; Glasgow Outcome Scale ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radiography ; Retrospective Studies

This study was aimed to investigate the influence of different platelet membrane glycoprotein monoclonal antibodies (McAb) which are common used in laboratories on the monoclonal antibody-specific immobilization of platelet antigens (MAIPA) technique according to the request of 14th International Society of Blood Transfusion Platelet Immunology Workshop. 30 participant laboratories were provided with 10 known human platelet antigen (HPA) antibodies, 1 normal serum, 9 different McAbs (against GPIIb/IIIa, GPIa/IIa, GPIb/IX and GPIV respectively), and the same protocol. Each participant laboratory carried out the test as the protocol to compare the results of different McAbs against the same glycoprotein and submitted the data to organizer. The results indicated that in McAbs against GPIIb/IIIa, AP2, Gi-5 and PL2-73 showed higher mean S/CO than that of others; in GPIa/IIa, MBC202.2 and 143.1 showed higher mean S/CO than that of others; in GPIb/IX, 142.11 and CLB-MB45 (CD42b) showed higher mean S/CO than that of others; as to GPIV, 131.4 showed higher mean S/CO. In conclusion, capture effects of various McAbs are different, so that different products of McAbs exert influences on the sensitivity of MAIPA. To use a panel of McAbs against the same glycoprotein may avoid the false negative results.
Antibodies, Monoclonal ; classification ; Antigens, Human Platelet ; immunology ; Humans ; Indicators and Reagents ; Platelet Glycoprotein GPIIb-IIIa Complex ; immunology ; Platelet Glycoprotein GPIb-IX Complex ; immunology ; Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins ; classification ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo study the curative effects of pirfenidone (PF) on pulmonary fibrosis induced by paraquat (PQ) in mice and to provide the theoretical basis for clinical treatment.

METHODSNinety adult healthy male ICR mice were randomly divided into six groups: control group, PQ group, 2 mg/kg Dexamethasone group, 25 mg/kg PF group, 50 mg/kg PF group and 100 mg/kg PF group, there were 15 mice in each group. The corresponding volume of normal saline was given to the each mouse in control group according to the weight, after 2 h 0.1% CMC was given to the each mouse of control group one time by intragastric administration, then the CMC was administrated at regular time until sacrifice. All mice for other 5 groups were exposed to 100 mg/kg PQ by intragastric administration. At 2 h after exposure to PQ, 0.02 ml/10 g dexamethasone and 25, 50, 100 mg/kg PF were given to mice for dexamethasone group and for 3 PF groups by intragastric administration each day for 49 days, respectively. The lung coefficient was calculated and pathological changes of lung tissue were observed by HE staining for each mouse. The hydroxyproline (HYP) level in lung tissue was measured for each mouse. The mRNA level of and the protein level of TGF-β(1) in lung tissue for each mouse were determined, and the protein level of TGF-β(1) in the bronchus-alveolus lavage fluid (BALF) of each mouse was detected.

RESULTSThe survival rates on the 3rd day in PQ group, 3 PF groups and dexamethasone group were 53.33%, 46.67%, 73.33%, 86.67% and 80%, respectively. The survival rates on the 3rd day in dexamethasone group, 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg PF groups were significantly higher than those of PQ group and 25 mg/kg PF group (P < 0.05). The lung coefficients of 3 PF groups were significantly lower than that of the PQ group (P < 0.05). The lung tissue HYP levels of dexamethasone group and 3 PF groups were 50.95 ± 11.65, 44.52 ± 9.48, 43.27 ± 6.01 and 40.82 ± 5.90 mg/g respectively, which were significantly lower than that (74.27 ± 3.68) of PQ group (P < 0.01). The TGF-β(1) protein levels of BALF in dexamethasone group, 50 and 100 mg/kg PF groups were 22.03 ± 7.27, 27.75 ± 5.84 and 21.31 ± 6.82 ng/ml respectively, which were significantly lower than that (52.52 ± 15.51) ng/ml of PQ group (P < 0.01) The expression level of TGF-β(1) mRNA in 100 mg/kg PF group decreased significantly, as compared with PQ group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONPF could reduce the collagen deposition and pulmonary fibrosis induced by PQ in mice lungs.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Lung ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Paraquat ; poisoning ; Pulmonary Fibrosis ; chemically induced ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Pyridones ; therapeutic use ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; metabolism

Objective To investigate the clinical features and prognosis of pulmonary infection at different stages after renal transplantation.Methods Medical records of 61 patients with pulmonary infection after renal transplantation from January 2003 to July 2008 in our hospital were reviewed in this retrospective study. According to stages of infection onset, we divided all patients into two groups, early onset group (43/61, 70.5%, ≤12 months after transplantation) and late onset group (18/61, 29.5%, >12 months after transplantation). Clinical manifestations and prognosis were compared between the two groups.Results In the early onset group, the radiographic manifestation suggested diffuse interstitial changes of bilateral lungs. Combination of anti-infective therapy and early mechanical ventilation was preferred. While in the late onset group, unilateral pulmonary lesions were seen in most cases. More patients showed cardiac and gastrointestinal complications in this group, the mortality of which was much higher. Conclusions Pulmonary infection is a major complication of renal transplantation. The etiology, clinical characteristics and prognosis of infection varies with the stage after transplantation. Effective preventive and therapeutic measures should be applied more vigorously in patients with pulmonary infection, especially early onset ones.

Objective To investigate the effect of cyclosporine blood level at first year after kidney transplantation on patients with a survival time over 10 years. Methods 380 patients with functional allograft, a survival time over 10 years and long-term administration of cyclosporine A (CsA) were studied, and received CsA-based treatments. According to the blood CsA level at the first year after kidney transplantation, patients were divided into five groups: group 1, blood CsA level was above 0. 208 μmol/L (1 μmol/L = 1201.9 μg/L), group 2, blood CsA level between 0. 166-0. 208μmol/L; group 3, blood CsA blood level between 0. 125-0. 166 μmol/L; group 4, blood CsA blood level between 0. 083-0. 125 μmol/L; group 5, blood CsA level less than 0. 083 μmol/L. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), serum creatinine(SCr), uric acid (UA), cholesterol (CH), triglyceride (TG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), direct bilirubin (DBil) and total bilibubin (TBil), albumin (Alb), hemoglobin (Hb), count of white blood cells and positive rate of proteinuria in 5 groups at the 1st, 5th and 10th year after kidney transplantation were analyzed. Results At the 5th year SBP in groups 1 and 2 was higher than in groups 3, 4 and 5. UA level in group 5 was lower than other groups, and Alb level in group 5 was higher than other 4 groups. Proteinuria positive rate in groups 4 and group was lower than other groups. At the 10th year after kidney transplantation,indexes among 5 groups had no statistically significant difference, except for SBP, DBP, DBil and CH in some groups. There was also no significant difference in SCr level among 5 groups at the 5th or 10th year after transplantation. Conclusion Blood CsA levels at the first year after kidney transplantation has no significant effect on long-term allograft function. But higher level of CsA (＞0. 166μmol/L) at the first year maybe predict high rate of hypertension, high blood UA and proteinuria at the 5th and 10th year after transplantation.