Objective To analyze the relationships between the drinking water fluoride and bone mineral density (BMD), and serum osteocalcin (BGP) and to explore the BMD and serum BGP as significant early screening biomarkers for fluorosis especially for early bone damage in endemic fluorosis areas. Methods Wamiao (severe endemic fluorosis area, as fluoride exposed group) and Xinhuai (non endemic fluorosis area, as control group) Village were selected in 2006. One hundred and fouty-six objects were chosen from 2 villages (103 in Wamiao, 43 in Xinhuai). The sex, age, body height, body weight, drinking water fluoride in each object's household well, BMD, and serum BGP were investigated, and the dose-response relationships were analyzed between the drinking water fluoride and BMD, and serum BGP. CurveExpert 1.3 Software was used to fit the dose-response relationships between the rate of abnormal BMD, the rate of abnormal serum BGP, and the drinking water fluoride. Results The levels of drinking water fluoride in males' and females' families in fluoride exposed group were [(2.38±0.68), (2.62±0.91 )mg/L] significant higher than that in control group [(0.35±0.08), (0.36±0.07)mg/L], the difference being statistically significant(t values were 14.27 and 11.08,and P<0.01, respectively). BMD in males in fluoride exposed group [(0.78±0.07)g/cm2] was significant lower than that in control group[(0.83±0.08)g/cm2], the difference being statistically significant (t=2.37,P<0.05). Serum BGP in males and females in fluoride exposed group [(4.17±0.67), (4.11±0.57) μg/L] were significant higher than that in control group [(1.48±0.40), (1.44±0.39)μg/L], the difference being statistically significant (t values were 17.64 and 19.40, and P<0.01, respectively]. BMD in the group with drinking water fluoride≥2.92 mg/L[(0.66±0.15 )g/cm2] was significant lower than that in the group with drinking water fluoride<0.42 mg/L [(0.76±0.12)g/cm2], the difference being statistically significant (P<0.01). The levels of serum BGP in the groups with the drinking water 0.42-,2.05-, ≥.92 mg/L[(3.83±1.07), (4.22±0.72), (3.99±0.63) μg/L] were significant higher than that in the group with the drinking water<0.42 mg/L [(1.44±0.37) μg/L], the difference being statistically significant (P<0.01). The equation for the dose-response relationship between the drinking water fluoride and the rate of abnormal BMD was y=(0.284-0.058x)-1.260, r=0.999 94; and y=100.05/(1+78.62e-4.5x), r=0.999 99 for the drinking water fluoride and the rate of abnormal serum BGP. Conclusions There were significant dose-response relationships between drinking water fluoride and BMD and serum BGP. It indicated that BMD and BGP might be considered as early screening biomarkers for endemic fluorosis, especially for the bone damage.

To establish a new method for identifying genus of Lilium by DNA barcoding technology, ITS, ITS2, psbA-trnH, matK and rbcL sequences were analyzed in term of variation of inter- and intra-species, barcoding gap, neighbor-joining tree to distinguish genus of Lilium based on 978 sequences from experimental and GenBank database, and identification efficiency was evaluated by Nearest distance and BLAST1 methods. The results showed that DNA barcoding could identify different species in genus of Lilium. ITS sequence performed higher identification efficiency, and had significant difference between intra- and inter-species. And NJ tree could also divide species into different clades. Results indicate that DNA barcoding can identify genus of Lilium accurately. ITS sequence can be the optimal barcode to identify species of Lilium.
DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic ; DNA, Plant ; genetics ; DNA, Ribosomal Spacer ; genetics ; Lilium ; classification

This study provides the candidate sequences in the identification of Radix et Rhizoma Clematidis and its adulterants using DNA barcoding. We amplified and sequenced the region psbA-trnH, with the data of 284 sequences from GenBank, the differential intra- and inter-specific divergences, genetic distance, barcoding gap were used to evaluate five barcodes, and the identification efficiency was assessed using BLAST1 and Nearest Distance methods. The results showed that psbA-trnH barcodes performed high identification efficiency and inter-specific divergences among the five different DNA barcodes. Analysis of the barcoding gap and NJ tree showed psbA-trnH was superior to other barcodes. Based on the identification and PCR amplification efficiency, psbA-trnH can be the ideal barcode to identify Radix et Rhizoma Clematidis and its adulterants accurately.
DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic ; methods ; DNA, Plant ; genetics ; Drug Contamination ; Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques ; methods ; Plant Roots ; genetics ; Plants, Medicinal ; classification ; genetics ; Ranunculaceae ; classification ; genetics ; Rhizome ; genetics ; Species Specificity

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of 125I interstitial brachytherapy in the treatment of local advanced parotid adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), and to analyze prognostic factors affecting treatment outcome, in order to provide references for the treatment of local advanced parotid adenoid cystic carcinoma. Methods:Patients with histology-confirmed ACC of the parotid who received 125I interstitial brachytherapy in Peking University Hospital of Stomatology between Aug 2007 and Jan 2018 were included.Prognostic factors affecting overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and local control rate (LCR) were analyzed.Meanwhile, distant metastases as well as acute and long-term radiological toxicities were described. Results:A total of 16 patients (11 females, mean age 55.4 years) of stage cT 4bN 0M 0 who received definitive 125I interstitial brachytherapy were included.The median follow-up period was 41.5 months (8-104 months), and the 1-, 3- and 5-year OS were 86.7%, 72% and 54%, respectively.Five patients suffered from local recurrence, the 1-, 3- and 5-year LCR were 93.7%, 80% and 68.7%, respectively, and the 1-, 3- and 5-year PFS were 74%, 53%, and 18.9%, respectively.Nine cases developed distant metastases.Among them, intracranial and pulmonary metastases took place the most frequently and six patients who had skull base invasion developed multi-organ metastases.An encased carotid artery was an independent prognostic factor for distant metastases (HR=12, P=0.045). Severe radiological toxicities were observed in eight patients (8/16, 50%), including radio-dermatitis, hearing loss, progressive trismus, and eye toxicities. Conclusions:The 5-year LCR in patients treated with definitive 125I interstitial brachytherapy for local advanced ACC of the parotid was 68.7%, and skull base invasion and an encased carotid artery were independent adverse prognostic factors of bad prognosis and multi-organ metastases.

Objective To investigate the expression of osteopontin and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9),and the relationship of osteopontin and MMP9 in malignant melanoma.Methods Expression of osteopontin and MMP9 was measured by immunohistochemical SP method in 23 patients with primary cuta- neous malignant melanoma,17 patients with metastatic melanoma and 20 patients with pigmented nevus. Results Osteopontin and MMP9 were expressed respectively in 87.5% and 75.0% of 40 malignant melanoma specimens,15.0% and 10.0% of 20 pigmented nevus specimens.The expression of both osteo- pontin and MMP9 was significantly higher (both P＜0.05) in malignant melanoma than in pigmented ne- vus.There was no correlation between the expression of osteopontin and MMP9,with age,sex,lymph node metastasis or location of lesions (P＞0.05).Twenty-nine cases were positive for both osteopontin and MMP9,4 negative for either osteopontin or MMP9.Conclusion Both osteopontin and MMP9 were over- expressed in malignant melanoma,but neither was related to lymph node metastasis.

OBJECTIVETo study the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C in breast cancer and their role in lymph node metastasis.

METHODSImmunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of VEGF-C, MMP-2, MMP-9 and LYVE-1 in 84 cases of breast cancer, including 52 cases with and 32 cases without lymph node metastases. The recombinant vector (pSIREN-VEGF-C) was transfected into human breast cancer cell MCF-7 by liposome, and the RNA expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF-C in MCF-7 cells after transfection was detected by PCR.

RESULTSThe expressions of MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF-C were 98.1% (51/52), 88.5% (46/52), and 94.2% (49/52) respectively for the metastatic group, and 75.0% (24/32), 53.1% (17/32), and 65.6% (21/32) respectively for the non metastatic group, and there was significant difference between these groups (P < 0.05). The lymphatic vessel density between these two groups was also significantly different (P < 0.05). Increased expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF-C was also associated with increased number of lymphatic vessels had also increased (P < 0.05). The expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF-C in MCF-7 cells after gene transfection decreased significantly (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONMMP-2 and MMP-9 in conjunction with VEGF-C, promote lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis of breast cancer.

Adult ; Aged ; Breast Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Carcinoma, Medullary ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Female ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; metabolism ; pathology ; Lymphangiogenesis ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Lymphatic Vessels ; metabolism ; pathology ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Middle Aged ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Recombinant Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transfection ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C ; genetics ; metabolism ; Vesicular Transport Proteins ; metabolism

AIMTo investigate the pharmacokinetic characteristics of recombinant human acidic fibroblast growth factor (rhaFGF) after external use in rabbits.

METHODS125I-rhaFGF 180 U.cm-2 was daubed to normal skin and scathed skin in rabbits. The radioactivity and paper chromatography were used to determine the 125I-concentrations and distribution in plasma and organs at different times.

RESULTSThe plasma concentration of 125I-rhaFGF increased rapidily, and reach peak plasma level (73.03 pg.mL-1) thirty minutes after administration. Then the concentration of 125I-rhaFGF decreased quickly after thirty minutes, and approached to zero after three hours. Highest radioactivity accumulated in the skin, followed by kidney, lowest in the brain 96 h after administration.

CONCLUSIONrhaFGF can not be absorbed from the normal skin, whereas a small amount of rhaFGF can be absorbed through scathed skin. The t1/2 of rhaFGF in plasma was very short. Cumulative effect of rhaFGF was not observed. Absorbed rhaFGF showed high affinity to skin, and can be distributed to skin far from the site of administration.

Administration, Cutaneous ; Animals ; Female ; Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics ; Male ; Rabbits ; Recombinant Proteins ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics ; Skin ; injuries ; metabolism ; Skin Absorption ; Tissue Distribution

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) on skin wound healing.

METHODSThe dorsal trauma model of rats was used. A total of 68 dorsal wounds in 34 rats were created and divided into the rhEGF group and the isotonic saline group according to self-control. The process of wound healing was observed and a mean healing time was calculated. Furthermore, the dynamic analysis was performed at different times on wound OHP contents, ratio of collagen I/III and cell DNA cycle.

RESULTSThe wound healing was accelerated obviously in all wounds treated with rhEGF. The mean time of wound healing of the two groups was (17.2 +/- 1.3) days and (20.5 +/- 1.6) days respectively (P < 0.01). In the rhEGF group, the new granulation tissue was more and the re-epithelialization was faster than that of the saline group. External rhEGF increased OHP content, reduced collagen I/II ratio and accelerated cell DNA replication.

CONCLUSIONExternal rhEGF can shorten wound healing time, increase granulation tissue and OHP contents, reduce collagen I/III ratio and accelerate cell DNA replication, thus obviously promoting skin wound repair.

Animals ; Epidermal Growth Factor ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Recombinant Proteins ; pharmacology ; Skin ; injuries ; Wound Healing ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo study the clinical and pathologic characteristics of poorly differentiated cutaneous angiosarcoma of scalp.

METHODSEight cases of poorly differentiated cutaneous angiosarcoma of scalp were enrolled into this study. The clinical manifestations and histopathologic features were analyzed. Immunohistochemical study for CD31, CD34, factor VIII-related antigen, vimentin, AE1/AE3, CAM5. 2, epithelial membrane antigen and carcinoembryonic antigen was performed.

RESULTSThe mean age of the patients was 69 years. The male-to-female ratio was 5 : 3. The tumor manifested clinically as bruise-like lesion in early phase, indurated erythematous plaque accompanied by nodules, ulcerations and bleeding in advanced phase. Histologically, the tumor was composed of solid sheets of undifferentiated spindle cells which were not easily recognizable as vascular in origin. Nuclear atypia was always present. The tumor cells in all of the 8 cases strongly expressed CD31, factor VIII-related antigen and vimentin. Weak expression of CD34, AE1/AE3 and CAMS. 2 was noted in 2, 4 and 4 cases, respectively. The staining for epithelial membrane antigen, carcinoembryonic antigen and S-100 was negative. Conclusions Angiosarcoma needs to be excluded by histologic examination whenever bruise-like and erythematous lesions occurring on scalp skin of elderly patients. The endothelial origin of the tumor cells can be confirmed with immunostaining for CD31, CD34 and factor VIII-related antigen.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Antigens, CD34 ; immunology ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; analysis ; Cell Adhesion Molecules ; Cell Differentiation ; Endothelium ; metabolism ; Female ; Hemangiosarcoma ; immunology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 ; immunology ; Scalp ; pathology ; Skin Neoplasms ; immunology ; metabolism ; pathology ; Vimentin ; analysis

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) on deep partial thickness burn wound healing.

METHODSThe rats were inflicted with deep partial thickness burn. The wounds were either treated with rhEGF, rhEGF with heparin or isotonic saline, respectively. Wound healing time was observed. Wound healing rate, water content and hydroxyproline (OHP) content and type I/III collagen ratio in the wound tissue were determined. Cellular DNA cycle analysis and histological examination were processed.

RESULTSAfter the application of rhEGF, burn wound healing time was shortened by two days and wound content of OHP was increased (P < 0.05), with decreased collagen type I/III ratio (P < 0.05). As a result, granulation was enhanced and cellular DNA replication was accelerated (P < 0.05). Heparin addition could augment the effects of rhEGF, especially on wound healing time (2 days shorter) and granulation.

CONCLUSIONThe wound healing time of the deep partial thickness burn could be accelerated markedly by topical application of rhEGF, but early application did not show obvious effects. The addition of heparin might further accelerate wound healing.

Animals ; Burns ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Epidermal Growth Factor ; pharmacology ; Epithelial Cells ; pathology ; Female ; Heparin ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Recombinant Proteins ; pharmacology ; Wound Healing ; drug effects