Objective To compare and study the value of multiple antigens dot immunogold filtration assay (DIGFA ) and ima-ging diagnosis for rapid diagnosis of two kinds of echinococcosises .Methods 167 cases of hydatid patients diagnosied by pathologi-cal examination were divided into the DIGFA group for diagnosis of DIGFA and the control group for imaging diagnosis .Results The diagnosis rate of cystic echinococcosis (CE) in the DIGFA group was 74 .60% and control group was 90 .48% (P<0 .01);the diagnosis of alveolar echinococcosis(AE) in the DIGFA group was 92 .68% and the control group was 73 .17% (P<0 .05);when the cystica<5 cm ,the diagnosis rate of AE and CE in the DIGFA group was 91 .67% and 61 .11% (P<0 .05) ,when the cystica 5- <10 cm ,the detection rate of AE and CE in the DIGFA group was 94 .12% and 71 .43% (P<0 .05) .When the cystica≥10 cm ,<5 cm or between 5 - < 10 cm ,the detection rate of CE in DIGFA group was 94 .12% ,61 .11% ,71 .43 ,respectively (P<0 .05);The totle detection rates of the AE and CE in DIGFA group were 92 .68% and 74 .60% (P<0 .05) .Conclusion Imaging di-agnosis for the CE was higher and the DIGFA diagnosis for the AE was higher and the DIGFA also had clinical significance espe-cially applicated to the early diagnosis of AE .With the help of the imaging diagnosis ,the DIGFA could diagnose two kinds of echi-nococcosises correctly and it provided the benefits of specificity and sensitivity and performed easily .

Objective To explore the clinical effect and application value of four-point internal fixation technique (internal fixation of C_1-C_2 transarticular screws combined with Apofix laminar clamp technique) for traumatic atlantoaxial instability.Methods A total of 16 patients with traumatic atlanto- axial instability,who had reducible atlantoaxial dislocation with reduction after traction and irreducible at- lantoaxial dislocation with traction reduction after anterior laxation,were treated with four-point internal fixation technique using autologous bone grafts.Results All patients' symptoms were improved to some extent,and no severe complications,such as injury of nerve blood vessels were found.All patients were followed up for 8-26 months (average 16 months).Bony fusion was obtained in all cases.The spinal cord function improvement was marked in 5 cases (31%),good in 8(50%),mild in 2(13%),but un- changed in 1 (6%).No deterioration occurred in all cases.There was no loosening or breakage of screws and clamps.Conclusion Fixation of C_1-C_2 transarticular screws combined with Apofix laminar clamp technique can atlain four-point internal fixation,and can provide three-dimensional stability of atlantoaxial complex and excellent biomechanics environment for bony fusion if the structure of the posterior arch of C_1-C_2 is intact.

Aged ; Giant Cells ; pathology ; Humans ; Male ; Stomach Neoplasms ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo identify the mutation of solute carrier family 34 member 2 (SLC34A2) gene in a Chinese family with pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM).

METHODSGenomic DNA was extracted from the family members. DNA sequencing was carried out to confirm the mutation detected by polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphisms (PCR-SSCP). The fragments with variation were screened in 100 healthy controls by PCR-SSCP.

RESULTSIn both patients of the family, a homozygous mutation of the SLC34A2 gene was identified in exon 8 (c.A910T), resulting in a premature stop codon. In addition, a homozygous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was found in intron 2 in both patients and the daughter of proband.

CONCLUSIONA novel homozygous mutation in SLC34A2 gene, leading to a premature stop codon therefore a truncated protein, was probably responsible for the PAM in this family. The SNP in intron 2 needs further study.

Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Base Sequence ; Case-Control Studies ; Exons ; Female ; Humans ; Lung Diseases ; genetics ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Mutation ; Pedigree ; Sodium-Phosphate Cotransporter Proteins, Type IIb ; genetics

BACKGROUNDAirway symptoms in asthma are related to decrease of epinephrine secretion, which may be ascribed to elevated nerve growth factor (NGF) in the organism. The aim of this study was to monitor the neuroendocrine alteration in the adrenal medulla of asthmatic rats.

METHODSSixteen rats were randomly divided into two groups (n = 8), control group and asthma group, and the asthmatic rats were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA). The levels of NGF, epinephrine and norepinephrine in serum were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the NGF expression in adrenal medulla was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the changes in the ultrastructure of the adrenal medulla was observed by electron microscopy.

RESULTSThe NGF expression was increased in asthmatic rats compared with control rats. Compared with control rats, the results indicated that the epinephrine level was decreased in asthmatic rats, but no significant difference was found in norepinephrine levels. We found more ganglion cells in the adrenal medulla of asthmatic rats than in control rats, with NGF immunostaining mainly located in these ganglion cells. Electron microscopic images showed the density of chromaffin granula decreased and there was shrunken nucleolemma in the adrenal medullary cells of asthmatic rats.

CONCLUSIONThe innervation of the adrenal medulla is changed in asthmatic rats, and it may contribute to the epinephrine decrease in asthma.

Adrenal Medulla ; metabolism ; ultrastructure ; Animals ; Asthma ; blood ; metabolism ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Epinephrine ; blood ; Male ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; Nerve Growth Factor ; blood ; metabolism ; Norepinephrine ; blood ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo test the salivary immunoglobulin A antibody activity to Streptococcus mutans in normal with in acid environment.

METHODSStreptococcus mutans strains were isolated from 20 volunteers, serotyped by biochemical test and PCR, and genotyped by AP-PCR. Unstimulated secretions from submandibular glands and sublingual glands were collected from volunteers by modified collectors. Each identified Streptococcus mutans genotype was cultured in two groups: control group was cultured in BHI broth pH7.2 at 37 degrees C for 2 h; acid shock group were cultured in TYEG broth (pH5.5) at 37 degrees C for 2 h. Analysis of SIgA activity to Streptococcus mutans genotypes in different groups was detected by Western blot.

RESULTS(1) The SIgA of each individual could response to his own Streptococcus mutans strains and the reference strains; (2) The same individual had different SIgA activity to different genotype strains; (3) There were no significant difference between acid groups and control groups, in spite that some bands had strong or weak intensity.

CONCLUSIONSAlthough Streptococcus mutans could express acid shock proteins in stress, the present study suggests that these new proteins have no qualitative effect on the reaction of SIgA to Streptococcus mutans.

Adult ; Dental Plaque ; immunology ; Female ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Immunoglobulin A, Secretory ; immunology ; In Vitro Techniques ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Saliva ; immunology ; Streptococcus mutans ; immunology ; metabolism

The specimens of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) with early invasion, and specimens collected by core needle biopsy (CNB) tend to contain limited amount of invasive component, so it is imperative to explore a new technique which can assess HER2 gene status accurately for the limited invasive cancer component in these specimens. Dual staining technique of combining immunohistochemistry (IHC) for myoepithelial cells and single or dual probe chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) for HER2 gene was performed on routinely processed paraffin sections from 20 cases diagnosed as having DCIS with invasive cancer. Among them, 10 had fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)-confirmed amplification of HER2 and 10 had FISH-confirmed non-amplification of HER2. We successfully detected HER2 genetic signals and myoepithelial IHC markers (SMM-HC or CK5/6) simultaneously on a single section in all 20 specimens. Myoepithelial markers and HER2 signals detected by dual staining assay were consistent with those by individual technique performed alone. HER2 gene amplification results determined by dual staining assay were 100% consistent with those of FISH. Dual staining technique which allows simultaneous detection of myoepithelial marker protein and cancerous HER2 gene is feasible, and it has potential to be used in clinical practice for effective determination of HER2 amplification in limited invasive component.
Biomarkers, Tumor ; metabolism ; Breast Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Chromogenic Compounds ; Female ; Gene Expression Profiling ; methods ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; methods ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; methods ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Receptor, ErbB-2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Reproducibility of Results ; Sensitivity and Specificity

Gastric carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells (OGCs) is an extremely rare tumor. So far, only six cases have been reported in the literature. Here we report an additional case of this tumor in a Chinese 78-year-old man presented with abdominal pain, vomiting, and hematemesis. Physical examination and gastroscopy revealed a tumor in the gastric antrum. The biopsy and pathological findings indicated a gastric adenocarcinoma with OGCs, which were present in both the tumor and the metastatic lymph nodes. Further immunohistochemical staining indicated that OGCs were reactive with CD68, CD45, and vimentin protein, but not with pancytokeratin, carcinoembryonic antigen, or epithelial membrane antigen, suggesting the monocytic/histiocytic derivation of these OGCs. In situ hybridization for Epstein-Barr virus showed no nuclear positivity in either adenocarcinoma or OGCs. Postoperative follow-up showed that the patient had survived for at least 6 months without recurrence. Further investigation is warranted to clearly define the prognostic significance of OGCs in gastric carcinoma.
Aged ; Giant Cells ; metabolism ; pathology ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; In Situ Hybridization ; Male ; Osteoclasts ; metabolism ; pathology ; Stomach Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology

BACKGROUNDThere remains significant debate as to the relationship between fragmented QRS (fQRS) complexes on electrocardiogram (ECG) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Few studies have reported on this relationship in non-ST elevated AMI (NSTEMI), and thus, we attempt to assess this relationship and its potential short-term prognostic value.

METHODSThis was a single-center, observational, retrospective cohort study. A total of 513 consecutive patients (399 men, 114 women) with NSTEMI within 24 h who underwent coronary angiography at our department, between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2014. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence or absence of fQRS complex on the admission ECG. fQRS complexes were defined as the existence of an additional R' or crochetage wave, notching in the nadir of the S wave, RS fragmentation, or QS complexes on 2 contiguous leads. All patients were followed up for 6 months, and all major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were recorded.

RESULTSIn this study, there were 285 patients with fQRS ECG in the 513 patients with NSTEMI. The number of patients with 0-2 coronary arteries narrowed by ≥50% in fQRS group were less while patients with 3 narrowed arteries were more than in the non-fQRS group (P = 0.042). There were fewer Killip Class I patients in the fQRS group (P = 0.019), while Killip Class II, III, and IV patients were more in the fQRS group than in the non-fQRS group (P = 0.019). Left ventricular ejection fraction levels were significantly lower in the fQRS group (P = 0.021). Baseline total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, creatinine, creatine kinase, homocysteine, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), and red blood cells distribution width levels were significantly higher in the fQRS group. Total MACE (MACE, P = 0.028), revascularization (P = 0.005), and recurrent angina (P = 0.005) were also significantly greater in the fQRS group. On final logistic regression analysis, after adjusting for baseline variables, the following variables were independent predictors of fQRS: Coronary artery narrowing (P = 0.035), Killip classification (P = 0.026), and total cholesterol (P = 0.002). The following variables were found to be independent predictors of preoperative MACE: Hemoglobin (P = 0.000), gender (P = 0.026), fQRS (P = 0.016), and time from myocardial infarction to balloon or coronary artery bypasses grafting (P = 0.013).

CONCLUSIONSThe fQRS complexes are commonly present in NSTEMI and the fQRS complexes are an independent predictor of MACE in NSTEMI patients. The number of narrowed coronary arteries, Killip classification, and total cholesterol are all independent predictors of the fQRS complexes.

Aged ; C-Reactive Protein ; analysis ; Electrocardiography ; Female ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myocardial Infarction ; blood ; physiopathology ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies

BACKGROUNDCapsular contracture has become the most common complication associated with breast implant. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is well known for a prominent role in fibrotic diseases. Due to the critical role of TGF-β in pathogenesis of capsular formation, we utilized thermosensitive C/GP hydrogel to controlled release of TGF-β receptor kinase inhibitor (SD208) and investigated their effects on capsular contracture.

METHODSIn vitro degradation and drug release of C/GP hydrogel were performed. Twenty-four rabbits underwent subpanniculus implantation with 30 ml smooth silicone implants and were randomly divided into four groups as follows: Group 1 received saline solution; Group 2 received SD208; Group 3 received SD208-C/GP; Group 4 received C/GP. At 8 weeks, the samples of capsular tissues were analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistological staining. The mRNA expression of collagen III and TGF-β1 was detected by RT-PCR assay.

RESULTSC/GP hydrogel could be applied as an ideal drug delivery vehicle which supported the controlled release of SD208. SD208-C/GP treatment showed a significant reduction in capsule thickness with fewer vessels. The histological findings confirmed that the lower amounts of inflammatory cells and fibroblasts infiltrate in SD208-C/GP group. In contrast, typical capsules with more vessel predominance were developed in control group. We did not observe the same inhibitory effect of SD208 or C/GP treatment on capsular contracture. Moreover, SD208-C/GP therapy yielded an evident down-regulation of collagen III and TGF-β1 mRNA expression.

CONCLUSIONSThis study demonstrated that controlled release of TGF-β receptor kinase inhibitor from thermosensitive C/GP hydrogel could significantly prevent capsule formation after mammary implants.

Animals ; Breast Implantation ; adverse effects ; Chitosan ; chemistry ; Glycerophosphates ; chemistry ; Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate ; chemistry ; Immunohistochemistry ; Protein Kinase Inhibitors ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Rabbits ; Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction