Objective To investigate the value of automatic spectral imaging mode selection and adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction(ASIR) in upper abdominal enhanced CT with low contrast agent dose, and to optimize the combination of monochromatic energy level and ASIR percentage.Methods 100 patients underwent upper abdominal enhancement CT were randomly assigned into control group (n=50) and study group (n=50).In the control group, tube voltage of 120 kVp and contrast medium of 450 mg I/kg were used with the images reconstructed using 40% ASIR.In the study group, CT spectral imaging with automatic spectral imaging mode selection and contrast medium of 300 mg I/kg were used,and monochromatic images (40-65 keV,intervals of 5 keV) were reconstructed using 40%-60% ASIR (intervals of 10%), respectively.CT value, image noise and contrast-to-noise ratio of the liver, pancreas, aorta and portal vein and radiation dose were compared using two independent samples t test.Overall image quality was assessed by Mann-Whitney U test.Results All image quality indexes in 60 keV with 40% ASIR, 55-60 keV with 50% ASIR in the study group were equal to or better than the control group.There was no significant difference in radiation dose between control group and study group.Conclusion Combined automatic spectral imaging mode selection with ASIR, upper abdominal enhanced CT with low contrast agent dose could improve image quality compared to 120 kVp with 40% ASIR, without increasing radiation dose.

ObjectiveTo observe the influence of Danshen injection on the serum levels of TNF-α,IL-6 in patients with acute pancreatitis(AP).Methods70 patients with AP were randomly divided into the experimental and control group.The two groups were given conventional anti-inflammatory,antisecretory,antispasmodic,inhibition of pancreatic secretion treatment,and the experimental group were treated with Danshen injection.Before trealment and 1,2,4,6 days after treatment,the serum TNF-α,IL-6 levels were measured in both groups.The time of blood and urine amylase(AMS) returned to normal was observed in both groups.Results2,4,6d after treatment,the serum TNF-α,IL-6 of the observation group were lower than that of the control group( all P ＜ 0.05 ) ;The blood AMS recovery time of the observation group was ( 2.55 ± 0.71 ) d,which had no significant difference with that of the control group(2.46 +0.82)d(t =0.32,P ＞0.05 ),while urinary AMS recovery time of the observation group was (4.30 ±0.72 ) d,which was shorter than that of the control group ( 6.84 ± 0.88 ) d ( t =0.02,P ＜ 0.05 ).ConclusionDanshen injection could reduce the serum TNF-α,IL-6 levels in patients with AP,and had no effect on the serum amylase,with the trend of faster lower urinary amylase.

Objective To investigate the effects of macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α) combined with molecule 4-1BB L on the tumorigenicity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vivo. Methods Mouse MIP-1α (mMIP-1α) expressed Hepa 1-6 cells were transfected with m4-1BBL recombinant retrovirus, the anti-histidinol cells clones were selected and amplified. The expression of m4-1BB L was confirmed by flow cytometry. The growth curve of Hepa 1-6 cells transfected with mMIP-1α and m4-1BBL alone or together was drawn and compared. C57B/L Mice were randomly divided into 7 groups, 9 mice in each group, injected with mMIP-1α+m4-1BB L Hepa 1-6 cells, m4-1BB L Hepa 1-6 cells, mMIP-1α Hepa 1-6 cells, Hepa 1-6 cells, pLXSHD Hepa 1-6 cells or PBS respectively. The tumorigenicity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and the mice survival rate were compared between each groups. Results Hepa 1-6 mMIP-1α+m4-1BB L cells which expressed both mMIP-1α and m4-1BB L were successfully established. The expression of mMIP-1α and m4-1BB L alone or together did not affect the growth curve of Hepa 1-6 cells. Observed for 5 weeks, no tumor developed in Hepa 1-6 mMIP-1α+m4-1BB L injected mice. The tumorigenicity of Hepa 1-6 mMIP-1α+m4-1BB L was lower than that of Hepa 1-6 mMIP-1α or Hepa 1-6 m4-1BB L in vivo. The survival rate of Hepa 1-6 mMIP-1α+m4-1BBL injected mice(9/9) was higher than that of Hepa 1-6 m4-1BB L injected mice (6/9)or Hepa 1-6 mMIP-1α injected mice (1/9). Conclusion Chemokine MIP-1α combined with costimulatory 4-1BB L lowered the tumorigenicity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vivo, and prolonged the mice survival period.

Background 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor (5-HT2A) gene has been regarded as a candidate gene for susceptibility to schizophrenia. In particular, the 5-HT2A receptor has received much attention because it demonstrates to be an important site of action of atypical antipsychotic agents to alleviate negative symptoms. The current study investigated whether the 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor (5-HT2A) gene T102C polymorphism was associated with treatment response to risperidone in the first episode Chinese patients with schizophrenia.Methods 201 first episode Chinese Han patients with schizophrenia were given risperidone for up to 56 days.Genotyping of 5-HT2A gene T102C polymorphism were performed by using PCR-RFLP. The Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS) was used for the evaluation of the severity of psychotic symptoms before and after 8 weeks treatment with risperidone.Results 5-HT2A receptor 102 -T/T genotype was significantly associated with both the PANSS total and negative syndrome subscale scores before treatment, and with the reduction rates in both the PANSS total and negative syndrome subscale scores after eight weeks risperidone treatment.Conclusions The results suggest that 5-HT2A T102C A/A1 genotype subgroup influences individual response to risperidone in first-episode Chinese patients with schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVETo retrospectively analyze the influence of preoperative range of motion (ROM) and maximal flexion degree on the early clinical outcome of total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODSFrom January 2000 to December 2003, 97 knees of 65 patients that were underwent total knee arthroplasty with Scorpio posterior-stabilized knee prosthesis were reviewed. There were 55 osteoarthritis patients (81 knees), and 10 rheumatoid arthritis (16 knees). Thirty-three patients were underwent unilateral TKA, 32 patients were underwent bilateral TKA. According to the preoperative ROM of knee, these patients were divided into two groups, one 90 degrees (range, 95 degrees - 140 degrees ). Finally the clinical outcomes of two groups (include ROM, maximal flexion degree, KSS score and function score) were evaluated. Three days later after operation, continuous passive motion (CPM) and active functional exercise of the knee were begun, and the wound healed well in all patients. All these operations were primary total knee arthroplasty.

RESULTSThe patients were followed up for average 2 years 5 months (range, 10 months to 3 years 8 months). The average ROM of knee was improved to 101.6 degrees (range, 40 degrees - 140 degrees ) after operation from 84.2 degrees (range, 5 degrees - 140 degrees ) before operation (P = 0.000); the average maximal flexion degree was decreased from 103.5 degrees (range, 25 degrees - 140 degrees ) before operation to 101.6 degrees (range, 40 degrees - 140 degrees ) after operation (P = 0.439); KSS of knee joint was improved to 78.8 points after operation (range, 50 - 95 points) from 19.5 points (-24 - 62 points) before operation (P = 0.000). There was statistically difference between the clinical outcomes (ROM, maximal flexion degree, KSS score and function score) in the two groups before and after operation. Those knees with good preoperative ROM tend to lose flexion, while those with poor preoperative ROM gain flexion after TKA. No revision and deep infection happened.

CONCLUSIONSTKA is a complex operation, the clinical outcome of TKA is mainly determined by the good operation skill, abundant clinical experience and the familiarity with the prosthesis of the surgeon. At the same conditions such as same surgeon, same prosthesis and same physical therapy, preoperative range of motion of knee influence on the early clinical outcome of total knee arthroplasty, knees that have good preoperative ROM have better clinical outcomes postoperatively than those with poor preoperative ROM.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee ; methods ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Knee Joint ; physiopathology ; Knee Prosthesis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expressions of stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) and CX chemokine receptor-4 (CXCR-4) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HC) and liver cirrhosis.

METHODSPeripheral blood and/or ascites fluid were collected from 39 hepatocellular carcinoma patients, 16 patients with liver cirrhosis, 12 with hepatitis and 12 healthy donors. The SDF-1 expression was assayed by ELISA and CXCR-4 was measured by immunohistochemical methods.

RESULTSThe level of SDF-1 expression in the carcinoma patients was higher than that of the liver cirrhosis, hepatitis patients and healthy donors, but there was no significant difference between those of the healthy donors and hepatitis patients or liver cirrhosis patients. The levels of CXCR-4 expression were closely related to the tumor differentiation.

CONCLUSIONThe expression of SDF-1 in the peripheral blood and the CXCR4 expression in the HCC tissues of the HC patients may be regarded as markers of HC and they may have a positive relationship with the differentiation and metastasis of HC.

Adult ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; metabolism ; pathology ; Case-Control Studies ; Chemokine CXCL12 ; metabolism ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; Neoplasm Staging ; Receptors, CXCR4 ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo isolate viruses from mosquitoes in the south of Xinjiang and identify these viruses primarily.

METHODSA total of 13 491 mosquitoes were collected in the south of Xinjiang from Jul to Aug, 2005. These mosquitoes were divided into 130 groups and grinded respectively. The supernates were inoculated in C6/36 and Vero cells. Viruses isolated were detected, the genomic nucleic types by electrophoresis of viral genomes and the morphologies observed under electronmicroscope.

RESULTSAll 42 viruses were isolated, which caused CPEs on C6/36 but not on Vero cells. 27 viruses showed similar genomic profiles with 12 dsRNA segments. 1 virus displayed genomic profile with 10 dsRNA segments. 5 viruses took on similar genomic profiles with about 4 kbp DNA band. 9 viruses did not get any taxonomy information. Electromicroscopic pictures of these viruses revealed that above four types of viruses had distinguished morphologies indicating different virus species.

CONCLUSIONThere should be several virus species in the mosquitoes in the south of Xinjiang. dsRNA virus with 12 genomic segments should play analysis a predominant role in the south of Xinjiang.

Animals ; Bluetongue virus ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Cercopithecus aethiops ; China ; Culicidae ; virology ; Dengue Virus ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Genome, Viral ; Insect Viruses ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; RNA, Double-Stranded ; genetics ; RNA, Viral ; genetics ; Reassortant Viruses ; genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Vero Cells

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of streptavidin (SA)-DTPA-Gd after intraperitoneal and intravenous administration for tumor enhancement in targeted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

METHODSBiotinylated monoclonal antibody CL3 (600 microg) was intravenously injected into 12 BALB/c nude mice with subcutaneous inoculation of LoVo cells, followed by administration of 80 microg avidin as the chaser 24 h later and then SA-DTPA-Gd was injected intravenously or intraperitoneally after another 30 min. MRI was performed before and 20, 60 min and 3, 6, 9, 12 h after the injection of the contrast agents, and the MR signal intensity of the tumor and liver was determined.

RESULTThe maximum enhancement ratio of the tumor was 70.2% in the intravenous injection group and 46.4% in the intraperitoneal group, showing significant difference between them. The maximal enhancement rate of the liver was 23.7% in the intraperitoneal group and 20.4% in the intravenous group, showing no significant difference.

CONCLUSIONMR targeted imaging with biotinylated monoclonal antibody CL3 and SA-DTPA-Gd has specific enhancement effect. Higher blood level of SA-DTPA-Gd in the intravenous group facilitates the tumor enhancement in MRI in subcutaneous tumor model.

Adenocarcinoma ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; Animals ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; Contrast Media ; administration & dosage ; Gadolinium DTPA ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics ; Humans ; Injections, Intraperitoneal ; Injections, Intravenous ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Neoplasms, Experimental ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; Reproducibility of Results ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Streptavidin ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics ; Transplantation, Heterologous

OBJECTIVETo identify DUOX2 gene mutation in patients with congenital goiter with hypothyroidism.

METHODFive patients who had transit congenital hypothyroidism with goiter were enrolled. The exons of DUOX2 gene were amplified and sequenced.

RESULTA heterozygous missense mutation C1329T in the exon 10 of the DUOX2 gene was found in one patient, predicted to result in a Tryptophan to Arginine substitution at codon 376. However no mutation was detected in the other patients.

CONCLUSIONp.Arg376Trp mutation in DUOX2 was found in newborns of congenital hypothyroidism. The alleles frequency of this mutation may contribute to the function loss of congenital hypothyroidism.

Child, Preschool ; Congenital Hypothyroidism ; complications ; genetics ; Dual Oxidases ; Exons ; Female ; Goiter ; complications ; congenital ; genetics ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Mutation ; NADPH Oxidases ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the histological changes of cervical cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and to establish histological criteria for interpretation of chemotherapeutical effects.

METHODSFifty-six patients with FIGO stage Ib2-IIa cervical cancers treated by NACT and subsequent radical surgery were retrospectively analyzed, in which the pre- and post-chemotherapeutic histopathological changes were assessed.

RESULTSThe post-chemotherapeutic histopathological changes of 56 cases included grade 3 effects in 11 cases (19.6%), grade 2 in 24 cases (42.9%), grade 1 in 13 cases (23.2%) and no response in only 8 cases (14.3%). The histologic response rate was 62.5% (35/56) and the overall clinical response rate was 67.9% (38/56). The overall coincidence by both criteria was 78.6% (44/56). Four cases (7.1%, 4/56) had only histological response and 8 cases (14.3%, 8/56) had response by imaging. In comparison with the pre-chemotherapy specimens, the chemotherapy-associated histological changes included shrinkage and scattering of tumor nests,decrease of tumor cellularity,tumor cell degeneration and necrosis.

CONCLUSIONSThe histological changes in locally advanced cervical cancers induced by NACT are significant, which may challenge the diagnosis in the final specimens. There are some discreqancies between the histological criteria and imaging/gynecological ones for the therapeutic evaluation of cervical cancers,and it is thus recommended to use the pathological criteria for clinic practice.

Adult ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Bleomycin ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; Carcinoma, Adenosquamous ; drug therapy ; pathology ; surgery ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; drug therapy ; pathology ; surgery ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Cisplatin ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Humans ; Hysterectomy ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Middle Aged ; Neoadjuvant Therapy ; Neoplasm Staging ; Paclitaxel ; administration & dosage ; Preoperative Period ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; pathology ; surgery ; Vincristine ; administration & dosage ; Young Adult