The purpose of this study was to investigate the cytotoxicity of the nickel ion and provide with basic data for the biological evaluation of those medical devices containing nickel. Seven cell lines were chosen. They were L929, h9c2(2-1), 293[HEK-293], hFOB1.19, THLE-3, H9 and IM-9 respectively. According to the principle of biological evaluation of medical devices, MTT method was chosen to test the cytotoxicity in different concentrations of nickel ion. For each cell line, the relative growth rate (RGR) was obtained and the cytotoxic grade was classified. Besides, IC50 values were calculated. As a result, it was found that the sensitivity was different among all cell lines. H9 was the most sensitive one, while the L929 was the most tolerant one. The concentration which is not above 1.25 mg/L was safe for all seven cell lines, because the cytotoxicity for all cells exposed in this concentration were not higher than grade 1. According to the criteria for medical devices, the concentrations not above 5 mg/L were safe for L929 cells. This result helps us to roughly assess the cytotoxicity and systematic toxicity caused by nickel contained in medical devices.
Cell Line ; Equipment and Supplies ; HEK293 Cells ; Humans ; Ions ; toxicity ; Nickel ; toxicity

Abstract: Schistosomiasis, an important zoonotic parasitic disease, is one of the six major tropical diseases identified by WHO, and also one of the most important parasitic diseases for prevention and control in China. After more than 70 years of efforts, the prevention and control of schistosomiasis in China has made great achievements, and the current epidemic of schistosomiasis in China has entered an extremely low epidemic state, but the distribution base of the only intermediate host of schistosomiasis, Oncomelania hupensis, is still large. For now, the techniques used to monitor schistosomiasis have shortcomings such as time-consuming, laborious and low sensitivity, which cannot meet the current needs of China. Environmental DNA (eDNA) refers to DNA that can be extracted from environmental samples (such as soil, water or air) without isolating any target organisms, which is a complex mixture of genomic DNA and its degradation products from different organisms in the same environment. eDNA technology can reflect the community or species composition information in the ecosystem through DNA extraction and detection of environmental samples. Compared with traditional biological monitoring methods, eDNA technology has the advantages of high efficiency, high sensitivity and environmental friendliness. eDNA has been successfully used for the specific detection of Schistosoma mansoni, Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma japonicum. This paper reviews the current detection methods of eDNA, the application and technical limitations of eDNA technology in schistosomiasis monitoring, aiming to provide scientific reference for research in the field of schistosomiasis surveillance.

Objective To evaluate the TriVex system in the treatment of varicose veins of lower extremities,focusing on postoperative complications and management.Methods Clinical data of 108 patients (146 legs) of varicose veins of the lower extremity undergoing TriVex procedure were retrospectively analyzed.Deep veinons patency was verified in all patients by preoperative sonography.Above knee stripping of the great saphenous vein was done first when necessary.The below knee phlebectomy of the side branches was done with the new system (Trivex System/Smith and Nephew).Postoperative patients were followed-up,and results were evaluated.Results Procedure was successful in all cases.98 cases were followed up for 1 ～ 24 months.The mean operation time per leg was (34±8) minutes.Complications were as following:26 legs (17.8%) developed postoperative hematoma which was healed by conservative therapy including two cases in which the tension seroma,which was successfully managed by puncture aspiration.Transien skin numbness or paraesthesia developed in 13.0% (19/146).Subcutaneous induration in 11.6%(17/146) cases.Residual varicose and recurrence in 3.4% (5/146).Incision related complications developed in 4.8% (7/149) cases.Conclusion Transilluminated powered phlebectomy (TriVex) is a safe and effective cosmetic procedure for less invasive varicose vein surgery.

Objective To evaluate X-ray,CT and MRI findings of soft tissue infections in AIDS. Methods Three cases of soft tissue infections with AIDS were retrospectively analyzed by comparing the imaging findings with pathological results.All patients were performed MRI,X-ray was in 1 case,CT was in 1 case.Results Cellulitis was in 1 case:MRI showed extended thickening of subcutaneous tissues, ill-defined hypointense areas on T_1WI and hyperintensity on T_2WI,and reticular pattern on GRE. Necrotizing fasciitis was in 1 case:MRI showed obvious thickening of subcutaneous tissues and deep fasciae, abnormally increased signal intensity on T_1 and T_2WI.Fluid collections were within muscles and muscles interval on fat-suppressed T2 WI.Tuberculosis was in 1 case:CT demonstrated multiple low density areas in the subcutaneous tissues and clear peripheral rim enhancement.MRI appeared hypointense on T_1WI and hyperintensity on T_2WI,and peripheral rim enhancement following gadolinium injection.Conclusion Infections of soft tissue are common complication in patients with AIDS,radiology is important in early diagnosis and treatment planning in this population.

Objective To determine the value of 2-18F-2-deoxy-β-D-glucose (18F-FDG)PET/CT in malignancy tumor detection of patients suspected as having paraneoplastic syndrome (PNS).Methods The clinical data of 54 patients suspected as having PNS, underwent PET/CT study in our hospital fiom June 2007 to December 2009, were retrospectively analyzed. The efficacy of 18F-FDG PET/CT on positive detection rate, positive predictive value of malignant tumors and on the detection of malignant tumor markers were analyzed with the results of pathological findings and clinical data;whether the course of disease could affect these detection was also analyzed. Results Positive results of 18F-FDG PET/CT were noted in 17 patients (31.5%), and 13 of them were confirmed as malignant tumors with pathological results. The positive predictive value of 18F-FDG PET/CT was 76.5%. The durations of patients with malignancies were not different from those of patients without malignancies.PET/CT enjoyed a significantly higher efficacy rate in identifying malignant tumors in patients with elevated tumor markers than in patients with tumor markers in normal range (P＜0.05). Conclusion 18F-FDG PET/CT improves the tumor detection rate in PNS suspects, especially in patients enjoying elevated tumor markers.

Objective: To explore whether the pro-inflammatory effect of endoplasmic reticulum stress in placental tissues involves in the genesis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods: Forty gravidas who underwent regular prenatal examinations and delivered at Tongji Hospital were recruited from January to December, 2016. Among them, 20 were GDM women (GDM group), and the remaining twenty were served as the control, which were selected from those without GDM and matched for age and gestational weeks to the GDM group. Placental tissues were collected from the two groups. The ultrastructure of endoplasmic reticulum in trophoblast cells was observed under transmission electron microscope. The expression of glucose-regulated protein-78 (GRP-78), a marker protein for endoplasmic reticulum stress, and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) were detected using Western blotting. Five placental tissue samples were collected from normal gravidas for explant culture. Three subgroups were set up according to different culturing methods including culturing with IL-1β (5 ng/ml) for 20 h (IL-1β model group), 30 μmol/L thapsigargin (TG, an endoplasmic reticulum stress agonist) for 2 h after treating with IL-1β (5 ng/ml) for 18 h (IL-1β+TG intervention group) or with no stimulation (blank control group). Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of GRP-78, CHOP and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in placenta explants. The mRNA expressions of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance, LSD and t test. Results: (1) In the GDM group, increased number and size of endoplasmic reticulum cisternae were observed in trophoblast cells. Moreover, obviously dilated endoplasmic reticulum and different size of fragments and vesicles were also seen under electron microscope. While the endoplasmic reticulum in the placental tissues of the control group showed no obvious swelling. (2) The expression of GRP-78 and CHOP protein in the GDM group were higher than those in the control group (0.90±0.17 vs 0.48±0.08, t=2.24; 0.85±0.13 vs 0.46±0.12, t=2.10; both P<0.05). (3) Compared with the blank control group, the expression of GRP-78 and CHOP protein in the IL-1β model group increased significantly (0.87±0.18 vs 0.36±0.07, t=2.67; 1.14±0.09 vs 0.78±0.06, t=3.20; both P<0.05); but the expression of GLUT4 protein significantly decreased (1.00±0.14 vs 2.21±0.49, t=2.40, P<0.05); the expressions of IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA significantly increased (0.89±0.23 vs 0.30±0.06, t=2.31; 0.62±0.16 vs 0.17±0.09, t=2.29; both P<0.05). Compared with the IL-1β model group, the expression of GRP-78 and CHOP protein significantly increased in IL-1β+TG group (2.02±0.32 vs 0.87±0.18, t=3.11; 2.18±0.31 vs 1.14±0.09, t=3.16; both P<0.05); the expression of GLUT4 protein significantly decreased (0.39±0.19 vs 1.00±0.14, t=2.66, P<0.05); the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA increased significantly (1.67±0.25 vs 0.89±0.23, t=2.26; 1.42±0.27 vs 0.62±0.16, t=2.51; both P<0.05). Conclusions Endoplasmic reticulum stress may be associated with increased release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in placental tissues of some GDM women and involved in the onset and development of GDM.

Objective:To analyze the short-term effect of targeted drugs on quality of life in patients with radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RAIR-DTC).Methods:From February 2020 to April 2022, 19 RAIR-DTC patients (10 males, 9 females; age (54.5±14.5) years) who received targeted drugs therapy (sorafenib, lenvatinib or anlotinib) in Tianjin Medical University General Hospital were prospectively enrolled. The thyroglobulin (Tg) levels prior and 1, 3, 6 months post the targeted treatment, and the adverse events were measured and recorded. Response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST) 1.1 version was used to evaluate the treatment response. The quality of life based on five-level EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) was monitored prior and 3 months post the targeted treatment, and the prevalence rates of mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression were analyzed, and the scores of health assessment were assessed. Paired t test, Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test and χ2 test were used to analyze data. Results:The prevalence rates of mobility (8/19), self-care (6/19), usual activities (10/19), pain/discomfort (10/19), and anxiety/depression (12/19) in 3 months post treatment were higher than those prior treatment (1/19, 1/19, 1/19, 2/19, 2/19; χ2 values: 4.38-11.31, all P<0.05). The score of health assessment prior treatment was (84.37±6.25), which was higher than that at 3 months post treatment (71.63±9.14; t=5.02, P=0.001). After targeted treatment, 10 patients were with skin toxicity, 8 patients were with hypertension, 8 patients were with weight loss, 7 patients were with diarrhea, 6 patients were with fatigue, 5 patients were with hepatic dysfunction, 2 patients were with proteinuria, 2 patients were with muscle pain and 1 patient was with oral ulcer. Of 19 patients, 17 insisted on continuing treatment, and the other two stopped treatment. The Tg levels at 1, 3 and 6 months post treatment were 56.26(44.60, 210.50), 53.36(41.25, 203.07) and 54.35(34.71, 223.52) mg/L, respectively, which were lower than the level prior treatment with no significant difference (110.16(49.63, 294.50) mg/L; H=2.42, P=0.490). After 3 months of targeted treatment, the progression-free survival (PFS) rate was 16/17, including 7 patients with partial response (PR), 9 patients with stable disease (SD), and 1 patient with progression of disease (PD). After 6 months of targeted treatment, the PFS rate was 10/17, including 5 patients with PR, 5 patients with SD, and 7 patients with PD. Conclusion:After 3-6 months of targeted treatment, the tumor markers of most patients are decreased with metastases improved, but the adverse events of targeted drugs have a great impact on quality of life in patients with RAIR-DTC.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the development of the cerebral sulci and gyrus and cerebral blood flow in fetuses with tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) in the second and third trimesters using ultrasound imaging.

METHODSForty fetuses (23-33weeks) with ToF diagnosed using ultrasound imaging between December, 2015 and September, 2016 were analyzed in this study. The development of the cerebral sulci and gyrus was evaluated by measuring the parietal-occipital fissure (POF) depth, POF angle, sylvian fissure (SF) depth, SF width, uncovered insular width, calcarine fissure (CF) depth, hemisphere depth on the views of POF, SF and CF, uncovered insular ratio, biparietal diameter (BPD), and head circumference (HC). Cerebral hemodynamics were assessed by measuring the umbilical artery resistance index, umbilical artery pulsation index, middle cerebral artery pulsation index (MCA-PI), middle cerebral artery resistance index, the cerebral-to-placental resistance ratio, and the cerebroplacental ratio.

RESULTSIn ToF fetuses, the POF depth, SF depth, CF depth, BPD, HC and hemisphere depth on the views of parietal-occipital sulcus and calcarine sulcus were significantly smaller than those in the control group (P<0.05). The middle cerebral artery resistance index, middle cerebral artery pulsation index, the cerebral-to-placental resistance ratio and the cerebroplacental ratio were also significantly lower in ToF fetuses than in the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe cerebral sulci and gyrus in ToF fetuses in second and third trimesters show underdevelopment compared with those in normal fetuses, and the changes in hemodynamics caused by abnormal cardiac structure might be one of the reasons for cerebral sulci and gyrus underdevelopment in fetuses with ToF.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the protein levels of phospho-ERK and phospho-APE/Ref-1 in hippocampal neurons after global cerebral ischemia reperfusion in rats, and observe the relationship between transmembrane signal transduction and repair of DNA damage. The role of ERK signal transduction pathway following global cerebral ischemia reperfusion in rats is further discussed.

METHODSNinety healthy male SD rats were divided into 3 groups randomly: Sham group (S group), Ischemia reperfusion group (IR group) and Pd98059 pretreatment/ischemia reperfusion group (PD group). Global cerebral ischemia reperfusion model was established by four-vessel occlusion (4-VO) method, and reperfusion was performed 5 minutes following ischemia. Protein levels of phospho-ERK and phospho-APE/Ref-1 were detected using immunohistochemical method at 2 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after reperfusion, and neuron apoptosis was observed by HE and TUNEL staining.

RESULTSIn CA1 region of IR group, TUNEL positive cells began to appear at 6 h after IR, and reached the apex during 24 h to 48 h. However, TUNEL positive was most strongly exhibited in PD group. In IR group, phospho-ERK was obviously detected in CA3 region at 2 h after IR, and its level was gradually decreased from 6 h until totally absent at 48 h. Besides, phospho-ERK expression in PD group was weaker than that in IR group. For phospho-APE/Ref-1, its expression began to appear in CA1 region in IR group at 2 h after IR, with no obvious changes during 2 h to 12 h. Phospho-APE/Ref-1 expression began to decrease at 24 h and this decrease continued thereafter. Expression level of phospho-APE/Ref-1 in PD group was lower than that in IR group. Results showed the concurrence of decreased phospho-ERK expression level and increased neuron apoptosis after cerebral ischemia reperfusion, the former of which was consistent with the decrease of phospho-APE/Ref-1 expression. Also, the greater the inhibition of ERK phosphorylation was, the greater decrease of APE/Ref-1 expression occurred.

CONCLUSIONActivation of ERK signal transduction pathway increased the expression of phospho-APE/Ref-1, and thus faciliated the repair of DNA damage. So, activation of ERK signal transduction pathway may protect neurons from apoptosis after cerebral ischemia reperfusion.

Animals ; Brain Ischemia ; pathology ; physiopathology ; prevention & control ; DNA Repair ; physiology ; DNA-(Apurinic or Apyrimidinic Site) Lyase ; metabolism ; Disease Models, Animal ; Enzyme Inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases ; metabolism ; Flavonoids ; pharmacology ; Gene Expression Regulation ; drug effects ; physiology ; Hippocampus ; drug effects ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; In Situ Nick-End Labeling ; methods ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reperfusion ; adverse effects ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; physiology ; Time Factors

OBJECTIVETo investigate the pathogenesis and treatment of penile necrosis resulting from microwave diathermy following circumcision.

METHODSWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data about 9 cases of penile necrosis resulting from postoperative microwave diathermy following circumcision. The 9 males, aged 20 - 39 (mean 26) years, underwent traditional circumcision for redundant prepuce or phimosis in other hospitals, followed by microwave diathermy for 30 - 60 minutes daily, which resulted in penile necrosis. With no response to conservative therapy, the patients were referred to our hospital at 3 -30 days postoperatively. Of the 9 patients, 5 presented with dry gangrene and 4 with moist gangrene. Six of the patients underwent partial penectomy, including 1 that received penis lengthening.3 months later, while the other 3 underwent total penectomy for total penile necrosis followed by penile reconstruction 3 months later, with deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps and by implantation of the 12th costal cartilage in 2 cases and with epigastric groin island flaps and by urethroplasty in the other.

RESULTSThe patients were followed up for 2 - 8 years, and all could urinate smoothly in the standing position. Of the 6 men treated by partial penectomy, 1 received penis lengthening and achieved a penile length of 7 cm and 5 had the remaining penile length of 3 -5 cm, 4 with erectile function and the other 2 capable of sexual intercourse. The 3 men treated by total penectomy achieved nearly normal external appearance of the penis, with a finalized length of (11.7 ± 1.3) cm, a circumference of (11.4 ± 2.1) cm, and a normal feel of the skin. Of the 3 cases of penile reconstruction, 2 achieved sufficient erectile hardness of the penis (grade 3) for sexual intercourse, while the other 1 remained impotent.

CONCLUSIONPost-circumcision microwave diathermy may result in penile necrosis, for the management of which, early debridement is necessitated and penile lengthening or reconstruction can be performed according to the severity of the lesion and needs of the patient.

Adult ; Circumcision, Male ; methods ; Coitus ; Costal Cartilage ; transplantation ; Diathermy ; adverse effects ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Microwaves ; adverse effects ; Penis ; abnormalities ; surgery ; Phimosis ; surgery ; Postoperative Period ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Retrospective Studies ; Young Adult