Objective To study the expression of VEGF-C and its receptor in breast carcinoma tissue and in peritumoral tissue,as well as their clinic significance.Methods Immunohistochemistry SP method was used to examine the expression of VEGF-C and VEGFR3 in 70 cases of breast cancer and in its peritu- moral tissue.Results In all 70 cases of breast cancer,the positive expression rate of VEGF-C in breast car- cinoma tissue was 78.6 %,and its rate in peritumoral tissue was 54.3 %.There was a significant stastistic dif- ference between the two groups(P

ObjectiveTo investigate the occurrence of new cretinism cases and the prevalence of endemic goiter in iodine deficiency disorders(IDD) high-risk areas of Fujian province,so as to put forward target prevention and control measures for these areas.Methods Twelve counties from Xiuyu,Xiangan,Pingtan,and Dongshan were chosen into the survey by simple random sampling,searching for new cretinism cases were carried out in children under 10 years old.Two schools were chosen in every county and the thyroid volume of forty children aged 8 - 10 were determined by B-ultrasonography methods and their urinary iodine(UI) was determined by As3--Ce4+catalytic spectrophotometry in each school.Twenty women of child-bearing age aged 18 - 40 were chosen for collecting edible salt and urine samples,and the salt iodine content was determined using self-quantitative kit and their UI was also determined by As3--Ce4+ catalytic spectrophotometry.Results In the 4 high-risk counties,no cretinism cases were found.The goiter rate of children aged 8 - 10 was 3.6％(37/1027),and that in Dongshan county was 5.4％(13/240),which was higher than the national standards for eliminating IDD( ＜ 5％).The median urinary iodine(MUI) of children aged 8 - 10 was 175.3 μg/L,and the MUI of women aged 18 -40 was 152.7 μg/L.The coverage rate of iodized salt was 82.7％(382/462).ConclusionsNew case or suspected new case of cretinism is not discovered in the high-risk areas of IDD of Fujian province,and median urinary iodine level of people is in the adequate range.

ObjectiveTo investigate the value of 18F-FDG SPECT myocardial imaging in evaluating haemodynamic change,treatment outcome and prognosis for idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH).MethodsAll 24 patients with IPAH underwent 18 F-FDG SPECT myocardial imaging.Right ventricle/left ventricle (RV/LV)-FDG uptake was calculated by ROI method drawing over the central areas of left and right ventricular free walls.All patients underwent right heart catheterization within 3 days after imaging studies.Mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) were recorded.After six month pharmaceutical treatment,15 IPAH patients were re-examined with 18F-FDG SPECT myocardial imaging followed by repeated right heart catheterization within 3 days.Plasma N-terminal pro-brain naturetic peptide (NT-proBNP) and endothelin-1 ( ET-1 ) were measured in 17 patients using electrochemiluminescent immunoassay and enzyme immunoassay respectively.All patients were followed up for 12 months at least.Correlations between RV/LV-FDG uptake and mPAP and PVR were determined by simple linear regression analysis.Change of RV/LV-FDG before and after treatment was calculated using Student's t-test.Survival in groups with RV/LV FDG uptake ≥ 1.15 and RV/LV-FDG uptake ＜ 1.15 were compared using Log-rank test.ResultsSignificant correlations were found between RV/LV-FDG uptake and mPAP (r =0.562,P ＜ 0.01 ),and between RV/LV-FDG uptake and PVR ( r =0.574,P ＜ 0.01 ).There were no significant correlation between RV/LV-FDG uptake and NT-proBNP( r =0.18 1,P ＞ 0.05 ),but a significant correlation between RV/LV-FDG and ET-1 was observed (r =0.669,P ＜ 0.01 ).The RV/LV-FDG uptake in patients with positive treatment outcome ( n =6) decreased from 1.38 ± 0.52 to 0.92 ±0.26 (t =4.018,P ＜ 0.05) after 6 months treatment.In contrast,no significant change of RV/LV-FDG uptake was seen in those patients (n =9) with negative treatment outcome ( t =1.861,P ＞ 0.05 ).The mean follow-up time was (21 ±8) months.Mean survival time for the patients with RV/LV- FDG uptake ≥ 1.15was 28 months (95％ confidence interval:24-32 months),which was significantly lower than 34 months survival (95％ confidence interval:33-35 months) for the patients with RV/LV-FDG ＜ 1.15 (x2 =3.956,P ＜0.05 ).Conclusions Detection of right ventricle myocardial glucose metabolism level with 18F-FDG SPECT may be a practical method for evaluating haemodynamic change,treatment outcome and prognosis of IPAH.

A subcellular proteomic method was applied to investigate the protein expression profiles of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell lines,CNE1 and CNE2,at various differentiation levels.Plasma membrane (PM) proteins were obtained by Percoll density grade centrifugation and subjected to twodimensional electrophoresis (2DE) followed by PDQuest software analysis.Nine proteins expressed with more than two folds difference were identified by MALDI-TOF-TOF,of which functions involved in cell differentiation,signal transduction,and metabolism.Half of these proteins,such as galectin-1 and annexin Ⅱ,were analyzed with real-time quantitative PCR or Westem blotting.We have tested a proteomic method to study differentiated NPCs at different levels and found several proteins that might be related to their biological characteristics.

Objective To investigate the iodine nutritional status of residents in coastal areas of Fujian province,and to provide evidence for effective implementation of preventive strategy of scientific supplying of iodine.Methods In 2009,in Fujian province,6 cities were selected,then one area in every city was selected.A District Office was selected in every area,and then 1 Residents Committee in every District Office was selected.Eleven counties were selected,1 township in each county was selected,and then 1 village in each township was selected.Thirty families were selected in each Residents Committee(village),and then iodine content in household drinking water and salt were tested.The per capita salt intake in the households was calculated using 3 days weighing method.Twenty adults aged 18 to 45 were selected to test their urinary iodine; thirty pregnant and lactating women and 50 children aged 8 to 10 in each street(township ) were selected to test their urinary iodine(UI).Results One hundred and fifty three,30,94,183 and 62 families in coastal cities,inland cities,inland rural areas,coastal rural areas,and coastal mountain areas were surveyed,respectively.The median iodine content of salt was 28.4 - 30.8 mg/kg.The coverage rate of iodized salt and the qualified iodized salt consumption rate were all above 90％ in coastal cities,inland cities,inland rural areas and coastal mountain areas.The coverage rate of iodized salt and the qualified iodized salt consumption rate were 86.9％(159/183) and 83.6％(153/183) in coastal rural areas.In coastal cities,coastal rural areas,inland rural areas,inland cities and coastal mountain areas,258,300,110,160 and 101 children aged 8 - 10 were surveyed,respectively,and the median UI were 191.0,165.6,267.7,269.0 and 161.0 μg/L,respectively.One hundred and one,123,118,63 and 41 adults were surveyed,respectively,and the median UI were 197.6,203.4,174.7,302.8 and 154.9 μg/L,respectively.One hundred and fifty one,181,50,101 and 63 pregnant were surveyed,respectively,and the median UI were 156.5,141.7,116.2,163.0 and 126.2 μg/L,respectively.One hundred and fifty four,184,40,111 and 70 lactating women were surveyed,respectively,and the median UI were 130.3,118.8,110.9,154.6 and 175.9 μg/L,respectively.Conclusions The iodine nutritional level of residents in coastal areas is suitable,and iodine excess does not exists.Coastal areas still need to supply iodized salt.We should be highly concerned about the status of iodine nutrition of pregnant women and put this part of population into routine monitoring.

With the widespread clinical application of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, it has become an essential part of combination therapy for patients with breast cancer. However, a rapid, accurate, and effective approach for assessing the therapeutic efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy is unavailable. Routine physical examinations cannot provide effective clinical evaluation. Although imaging techniques play an important role in evaluating the therapeutic effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, this is limited because it only detects morphologic changes. Blood oxygen detection for breast diseases is an emerging diagnostic technique that has distinctive merit in assessing the efficacy of chemotherapy. Biologic markers are becoming more important in assessing the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients with breast cancer. This review summarizes the principles and the current applied practice of these approaches to evaluate the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients with breast cancer.
Biomarkers, Tumor ; metabolism ; Breast Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Evaluation Studies as Topic ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Mammography ; instrumentation ; Molybdenum ; Neoadjuvant Therapy ; Oxyhemoglobins ; metabolism ; Positron-Emission Tomography ; Ultrasonography, Mammary

BACKGROUNDCervicogenic headache (CEH) is caused by a structural abnormality in the cervical spine. Available treatments for CEH include medical therapy, local botulinum toxin injection, cervical epidural corticosteroid injection, and surgery. The objective of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of a continuous epidural block of the cervical vertebra.

METHODSMedical records were retrospectively analyzed for 37 patients diagnosed with CEH treated by a continuous epidural block of the cervical vertebra with lidocaine, dexamethasone, and saline (5 ml/min) for 3 - 4 weeks and triamcinolone acetonide 5 mg once weekly for 3 - 4 weeks. Pain was measured via the visual analogue scale (VAS) in combination with quality of life assessment. Outcome measures were patient-reported days with mild or moderate pain, occurrence of severe pain, and the daily oral dosages of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use (NSAID).

RESULTSIn the 3 months immediately preceding placement of the epidural catheter, the mean number of days with mild or moderate pain was 22.0 +/- 4.3. The mean occurrence of severe pain was (3.20 +/- 0.75) times and the mean oral dosage of NSAID was (1267 +/- 325) mg. During the first 6 months after epidural administration of lidocaine and corticosteroids, the mean number of days with mild or moderate pain, the mean occurrence of severe pain, and the mean daily oral dosages of NSAIDs were significantly decreased compared to 3-month period immediately preceding treatment (P < 0.01). By 12 months post-treatment, no significant difference in these three outcome measures was noted.

CONCLUSIONSContinuous epidural block of the cervical vertebra for patients with CEH is effective for at least six months. Further research is needed to elucidate mechanisms of action and to prolong this effect.

Adult ; Aged ; Anesthesia, Epidural ; methods ; Cervical Vertebrae ; Dexamethasone ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Lidocaine ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pain ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Post-Traumatic Headache ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Triamcinolone Acetonide ; therapeutic use

Objective To investigate the clinical significance of a new method,axis-line-distance technique(ALDT),in scoliosis measurement.Methods Thirty cases with idiopathic scoliosis were measured on two separate occasions by six observers with the Cobb technique and the ALDT on PACS workstation.The interval time between two measurement occasions were three weeks.The data were analyzed statistically with the paired-sample t-test.Results(1)Concerning intraobserver variance in two measurement occasions,the minimum variance,the maximum variance and the average variance were 0, 24.00?,5.71??1.54?for Cobb technique and 0,12.00 mm,(1.95?0.58)mm for ALDT.There were significant measurement differences for four observers with Cobb method 39.00??10.69?versus 36.50?? 10.63?,31.73??10.96?versus 37.30??9.65?,32.03??7.49?versus 27.86??9.00?,29.77??8.87? versus 34.20??7.26?,all P0.05].(2)Concerning interobserver variances in six observers,the average measurement variance was 5.07??0.35?for Cobb method,and(2.32?0.26)mm for ALDT. There were significant measurement differences for every observer using with Cobb method(36.63??10.30? versus 33.27??10.10?,39.00?10.69?versus 31.73??10.96?,32.03??7.49~ versus 29.78?? 8.87?,36.63??10.30?versus 39.00??10.69?versus 32.03??7.48?,39.00??10.69?versus 32.03?? 7.49?,all P

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of smoking on sperm apoptosis and semen quality of healthy adult males in the main urban area of Chongqing.

METHODSAccording to the smoking habit, we divided 235 healthy adult males into a non-smoking group (n = 89) and a smoking group (n = 146). Then we detected the routine semen parameters by the computer-assisted semen analysis system and obtained the parameters of sperm apoptosis (the ratios of AN-/PI-, AN+/PI-, AN+/PI+ and AN-/PI+ sperm) by flow cytometry combined with Annexin V-FITC/PI fluorescence staining.

RESULTSThe rate of early apoptotic sperm (AN+/PI-) was higher in the smoking than in the non-smoking group ([8.1 +/- 5.1]% vs [6.8 +/- 3.8]%; P = 0.039), but there were no significant differences between the two groups in the rate of late apoptotic sperm (AN+/PI+) ([5.6 +/- 5.2]% vs [5.5 +/- 5.1]%; P = 0.87), as well as in such routine semen indexes as semen volume, sperm density, sperm motility, sperm vitality and normal sperm morphology (P = 0.30, 0.82, 0.37, 0.81 and 0.84, respectively).

CONCLUSIONThe rate of early apoptotic sperm is higher in smokers than in non-smokers, suggesting that smoking may induce early damage to sperm cells. Compared with routine semen parameters, sperm apoptosis is a more sensitive biomarker to reflect smoking-induced damage to sperm.

Apoptosis ; China ; Humans ; Male ; Semen ; Semen Analysis ; Smoking ; Sperm Count ; Sperm Motility ; Spermatozoa ; cytology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the cytotoxic effects of mTOR inhibitor rapamycin (Rapa) and idarubicin (IDA) on human T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia Jurkat cell line.

METHODSThe proliferation of Jurkat cells was observed by CCK-8 assay. The combined index was analyzed by Isobologram method. Apoptosis was detected by electron microscopy and flow cytometry with Annexin V/PI staining. Protein expressions of Caspase 3, PARP, Caspase 8, Caspase 9, Akt, p-Akt, P85S6K, p-P85S6K, P70S6K, p-P70S6K, ERK1/2 and p-ERK1/2 were determined by Western blotting.

RESULTSThe IC(50) of IDA for Jurkat cells was significantly reduced when combined with 10 nmol/L rapamycin. The combined index was <1. Both electron microscopy and Annexin V/PI staining flow cytometry revealed that rapamycin significantly increased apoptotic sensitivity to IDA. The combination of IDA with rapamycin enhanced the expressions of Caspase 3, PARP, Caspase 8 and Caspase 9. Rapamycin significantly inhibited mTOR signaling upstream Akt and downstream S6K activation triggered by IDA, and the combination of the two agents led to synergistic inhibition of ERK phosphorylation.

CONCLUSIONCombination of IDA with rapamycin exerted a synergistic anti-proliferative effect and promoted apoptosis by both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways in Jurkat cells. Inhibition of ERK phosphorylation and mTOR signaling by rapamycin may play a certain role in this synergistic effect.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Drug Synergism ; Humans ; Idarubicin ; pharmacology ; Jurkat Cells ; metabolism ; pathology ; Precursor T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt ; metabolism ; Sirolimus ; pharmacology