Objective To investigate the value of prenatal ultrasound in diagnosis and treatment of twin reverse arterial perfusion (TRAP) syndrome. Methods A retrospective study was performed in 5 TRAP cases, including ultrasound images, clinical data and pregnancy outcomes. The sonographic characteristics were summarized. Results Five TRAP cases were diagnosed during 13 to 28 weeks' gestation and confirmed after birth. Color Doppler unltrasonography revealed retrograde umbilical artery perfusion towards acardiac twin. Two of 5 cases ended up in induced abortion, 1 in spontaneous abortion, 1 was delivered at 37 weeks' gestation after ultrasound-guided feticide of the acardiac twin and 1 was monitored closely with ultrasound and delivered alive at 32~(+4) weeks' gestation. Conclusion Prenatal ultrasonography has great applicative value for TRAP syndrome in early diagnosis, choosing optimal treatment and prognosis assessment.

Objective To explore the clinical value of double contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (DCUS) on evaluation of the chemotherapy effect in advanced gastric carcinoma. Methods A total of 21 patients with unresectable and received chemotherapy of advanced gastric carcinoma were examined using ultrasound after taking oral contrast agent and bolus injection of Sono Vue, and findings of DCUS of each patient before and after chemotherapy were compared. Results The thickness of lesions was slightly thinner than that after chemotherapy,but there was no significant difference ( P ＞0. 05). In addition, there was no significant difference in the basal intensity (BI), peak intensity (PI), arrive time (AT) and time to peak (TTP) of gastric carcinoma tissues after chemotherapy (P ＞0.05). While the enhanced intensity (EI) value of gastric carcinoma tissues after chemotherapy was significantly less than that before chemotherapy (P ＜0.05). Conclusions The EI value in gastric carcinoma tissues may be considered as a sensitive and effective index in assessing the therapeutic effect of the chemotherapy in patients with advanced gastric carcinoma.

Objective To investigate the effect of leptin on endoplasmic reticulum stress related protein after focal cerebral ischemia in rats. Methods Ischemia was induced by occluding the middle cerebral artery in rats brain using the filament occlusion method. Forty SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, cerebral is-chemia group and leptin-preconditioning group. Leptin was injected subcutaneously before occlusion of blood vessel. Longa 5 score neurological function scale, body weight and brain edema changes were measured 6 hours after MCAO, and the brain was removed to detect the endoplasmic reticulum marker protein: glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP) by immunohistochemical method. Results There was no difference in the body weight changes between leptin-preconditioning group and ischemic group. In the leptin-preconditioning group, the neurological function score (1.90±0.31 vs. 2.50±0.52, P<0.05) and the degree of brain edema (3.60±0.52 vs. 7.70±0.94, P<0.001) were significantly lower than those in the cerebral ischemia group. Moreover, the expression of GRP78 in leptin-preconditioning group was significantly higher than that in ischemia group (48.69 ±5.06 vs. 35.78± 4.35, P<0.01), and the expression of CHOP was significantly lower than that of ischemia group (60.24 ±4.11 vs. 38.81±5.34, P<0.01). Conclusion Leptin can reduce the neurological deficit and may be associated with the up-reg-ulation of GRP78 protein, and down regulation of CHOP protein to weaken the endoplasmic reticulum stress caused by cerebral ischemia

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the detection of humen-lung-specific X protein (LUNX) gene in micrometastases of patients with non-small cell lung cancer. METHODS: The expression of LUNX gene in tumor tissue, lung and lymph nodes was detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) both in 43 non-small-cell lung cancer patients (the experimental group) and 15 lung benign patients (the control group). LUNX mRNA expression in clinic pathology,stage of cancer cell differentiation, clinic stage, age, sex, smoking history, and 4 lung cancer blood markers (CEA,CA125,NSE, and CYFRA211) were evaluated. RESULTS: The expression of LUNX gene was positive in the 2 groups. LUNX gene expression was positive in 33 of the 87 lymph nodes of the 43 patients in the experimental group (37.93%), and in 2 of the 26 lymph nodes in the control group (7.69%). The LUNX mRNA positive in the lymph nodes was closely related to the pathological type, cancer cell differentiation and clinic stage(r=0.660,0.500,0.460; P=0.011,0.017,0.022, all P<0.05), while not closely related to age, sex, smoking history and 4 lung cancer blood markers (CEA,CA125, NSE, and CYFRA211) (r=0.111, 0.135,0.083,0.354; P=0.739,0.714,0.773,0.125,all P>0.05). CONCLUSION The LUNX mRNA expression detected by RT-PCR is more sensitive than by traditional ways. The expression of LUNX gene mRNA in the lymph nodes is a valuable index for the detection of micrometastases in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
Adult ; Aged ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Glycoproteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Lymph Nodes ; metabolism ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phosphoproteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

Objective To investigate the capability of 99 Tcm?tricine?EDDA/HYNIC?SFSIIHTPILPL ( SP94) as a specific probe for HCC imaging. Methods HYNIC?SP94 peptide was prepared by solid phase synthesis, followed by 99 Tcm labeling with tricine?EDDA as the coligand. After determination of radiochemical purity and stability, cell binding study was carried out by incubating Huh?7 cells with 99 Tcm?tricine?EDDA/HYNIC?SP94 at different specific activities (2.5, 4.0 and 30.0 GBq/μmol). The biodistribution studies and microSPECT/CT imaging were performed in Huh?7 tumor?bearing mice ( study group) and Hela tumor?bear?ing mice ( control group ) . Statistical analysis was by two?sample t test. Results 99 Tcm?tricine?EDDA/HYNIC?SP94 was synthesized with over 95% of labeling yield, which remained stable in saline and FBS up to 12 h. With increasing concentrations of 99 Tcm?tricine?EDDA/HYNIC?SP94, Huh?7 cell binding increased but became gradually saturated. In biodistribution studies, (1.02±0.26) %ID/g of tracer was accumulated in Huh?7 tumors at 0.5 h after injection of 99 Tcm?tricine?EDDA/HYNIC?SP94, higher than that in the HYNIC?SP94 blocking group ((0.34±0.09) %ID/g;t=3.537, P<0.05). Compared to Hela tumors, Huh?7 tumors were clearly visualized by microSPECT/CT, with which better imaging quality could be achieved with higher specific radioactivity. Conclusion 99 Tcm?tricine?EDDA/HYNIC?SP94 could achieve a high labeling effi?ciency and good in vitro stability as a potential diagnostic tracer specifically targeted for HCC.

AIM:To investigate whether cigarette smoke(CS)promotes the expression of endoplasmic reticu-lum-associated apoptosis protein CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein(CHOP)in rat lung tissues. METHODS:Adult male Wistar rats(n=40)were randomly divided into 4 groups with 10 rats in each group: control group,CS-2 group(exposed to CS for 2 months),CS-4 group(exposed to CS for 4 months)and ex-smoking(Ex-S)group (exposed to CS for 4 months and then quit smoking for 1 month).The percentage of forced expiratory volume in 0.3 second to forced vital capacity(FEV0.3/FVC)and peak expiratory flow(PEF)were measured.TUNEL assay was used to detect the apoptotic cells.In situ hybridization and RT-PCR were used to determine the mRNA expression of CHOP.The methods of immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to determine the protein expression of CHOP.Western blot was also used to determine the protein levels of protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase(PERK),p-PERK,eukaryotic initiation factor(eIF)2αand p-eIF2α.RESULTS:The pulmonary function greatly decreased in the rats exposed to CS for 2 months in comparison with control group(P<0.05),markedly decreased in the rats exposed to CS for 4 months as com-pared with the rats after exposure to CS for 2 months(P<0.05),and was improved little in ex-smoking rats(P>0.05). The structural destruction of the lung was observed in the rats exposed to CS for 2 months,and more obvious changes were found in the rats exposed to CS for 4 months.However,the structural destruction of the lung remained obvious in ex-smok-ing rats.The apoptotic cells were markedly increased in the rats exposed to CS for 2 months and were even more in the rats exposed to CS for 4 months.The apoptotic cells were alveolar epithelial cell I(ACE I),ACE II,vascular endothelial cells and bronchial epithelial cells.The protein levels of p-PERK,p-eIF2αand CHOP were remarkably increased in the rats af-ter exposure to CS for 2 months compared with the control rats(P<0.05),significantly elevated in the rats exposed to CS for 4 months compared with the rats exposed to CS for 2 months(P<0.05),and slightly decreased in ex-smoking rats in comparison with the rats after exposure to CS for 4 months(P>0.05).The total protein levels of PERK and eIF2αdid not change between the control rats and those exposed to CS.CONCLUSION: CS promotes the development of chronic ob-structive pulmonary disease(COPD)by inducing the expression of endoplasmic reticulum-associated apoptosis protein CHOP via PERK/eIF2α/CHOP signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVETo determine the karyotype of a boy suspected to have Cri du Chat syndrome with severe clinical manifestations, and to assess the recurrence risk for his family.

METHODSHigh-resolution GTG banding was performed to analyze the patient and his parents. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with Cri du Chat syndrome region probe as well as subregional probes mapped to 5pter, 5qter, 18pter, 18qter, and whole chromosome painting probe 18 was performed to analyze the patient and his parents. In addition, single nucleotide polymorphism-based arrays (SNP-Array) analysis with Affymetrix GeneChip Genome-wide Human SNP Nsp/Sty 6.0 were also performed to analyze the patient.

RESULTSKaryotype analysis indicated that the patient has carried a terminal deletion in 5p. FISH with Cri du Chat syndrome region probe confirmed that D5S23 and D5S721 loci are deleted. SNP-Array has detected a 15 Mb deletion at 5p and a 2 Mb duplication at 18p. FISH with 5p subtelomeric probes and 18p subtelomeric probe further confirmed that the derivative chromosome 5 has derived from a translocation between 5p and 18p, which has given rise to a 46,XY,der(5)t(5;18)(p15.1;p11.31)dn karyotype.

CONCLUSIONA de novo 5p partial deletion in conjunction with a cryptic 18p duplication has been detected in a boy featuring Cri-du-Chat syndrome. His parents, both with negative findings, have a low recurrence risk. For its ability to detect chromosomal imbalance, SNP-Array has a great value for counseling of similar patients and assessment of recurrence risks.

Child, Preschool ; Chromosome Banding ; Chromosome Deletion ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 18 ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 5 ; Cri-du-Chat Syndrome ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Humans ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Male ; Phenotype ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Trisomy

Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphadenitis ; complications ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Positron-Emission Tomography ; Urticaria ; etiology ; Vitiligo ; etiology

OBJECTIVETo study the expression of lung Krüppel-like transcription factor (KLF2/LKLF) in lung tissues of rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the relationship between KLF2 and NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and make further explore the effects of KLF2 on the expression of gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (gamma-GCS).

METHODSTwenty-two male SD rats were randomly divided into a COPD group (n = 10) and a normal control group (n = 11). The rat model of COPD established by cigarette smoking and intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and lung tissues were obtained. The expressions of KLF2, Nrf2, gamma-GCS mRNA and protein in lung tissues were measured by immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blot, in situ hybridization (ISH) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). To explore the relationship between KLF2 and Nrf2 protein,we utilize the method of co-immunoprecipitation (CO-IP).

RESULTSIHC and Western blot showed that protein expressions of KLF2, Nrf2, gamma-GCS were higher in the lung tissues from rats with COPD than those in the control groups (all P < 0.05). The levels of KLF2, gamma-GCS mRNA were markedly increased in the COPD group (all P < 0.01) while Nrf2 mRNA expression in COPD group had no significant difference with that in control group ( P > 0.05). CO-IP result showed that KLF2 were obviously present in immunoprecipitates of Nrf2 (P < 0.01) . Linear correlation analysis showed that the level of KLF2 protein was positively correlated with the level of Nrf2 protein (P < 0.05), and KLF2, Nrf2 proteins were positively correlated with gamma-GCS mRNA and protein (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe expression of KLF2 is significantly up-regulated in COPD, which maybe up-regulate gamma-GCS mRNA expression by increasing Nrf2 expression and nuclear translocation against oxidative stress.

Animals ; Dipeptides ; metabolism ; Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors ; metabolism ; Lung ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Male ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2 ; metabolism ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; metabolism ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

It has been demonstrated that neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) is critical for the induction and maintenance of long term potentiation (LTP) in the CA1 region of rat hippocampus. In the present study, we investigated the changes in NCAM mRNA expression and NCAM protein level after the induction of LTP in vitro using the techniques of in situ hybridization and Western blot. The results showed that the number of NCAM mRNA positive labelled neurons significantly increased (76.6+/-11.5 neurons) 10 min after tetanus when the slope of fEPSP markedly increased. The level of NCAM protein also increased significantly (7.190+/-0.64 arbitrary unit/50 microg protein) 10 min after tetanus. The number of NCAM mRNA positive labelled neurons no longer changed (73.3+/-14.0) 1 h after tetanus, however, the NCAM protein level (9.031+/-0.71) at 1 h after tetanus was higher than that at 10 min after tetanus. Moreover, the NMDA receptor inhibitor AP-5, which blocked LTP, prevented the increase in NCAM mRNA expression and NCAM protein level. The results demonstrate that NCAM mRNA expression maintains a high level, whereas NCAM protein changes from a low level to a high level during induction and maintenance of LTP.
Animals ; Hippocampus ; metabolism ; physiology ; Long-Term Potentiation ; physiology ; Male ; Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar