Objective: To analyze the multi-mode ultrasound manifestation of male breast cancer, and to discuss its value in clinical diagnosis and differential diagnosis. Methods: The clinical data of 15 male patients with pathologically-confirmed breast cancer were retrospectively reviewed. All the patients were examined by multi-mode ultrasound (including 2D, 3D, color Doppler flow imaging [CDFI], and intravenous contrast-enhanced ultrasound [CEUS]). The ultrasonic characteristics of the 8 patients were compared with those of 7 patients with hyperplasia. The diagnostic values of the ultrasonic characteristics were summarized. Results: (1) 2D sonogram: 6 of 7 cases with ultrasonically diffused masses, which were all initially interpreted as hyperplasia on ultrasound, were confirmed pathologically, with an accurate rate of 86%. All the 8 patients had unilateral focal masses (ipsilateral in 3 of 8). They were all diagnosed as having breast cancer by ultrasound, with hypoechoes and irregular shape. Three of them had micro-calcification. All the 8 patients were confirmed to have breast cancer pathologically, with the accurate rate of ultrasound being 100%. (2) CDFI and CEUS: hyperplasia patients had weak blood flow signal and breast cancer patients all had rich blood flow signal. High frequency CEUS showed that only 3 breast cancer patients had marked micro-vascular enhancement, while low-frequency CEUS showed prominent enhancement in all cancer cases. (3) 3D reconstruction: coronary display of 2 focal masses showed "convergent sign". Conclusion: Multi-mode ultrasound imaging can provide comprehensive information of male patients with breast disorders; it may facilitate the early detection, early diagnosis and early treatment for male breast cancer.

Abstract Exposure to atmospheric PM2.5 is closely related to the morbidity and mortality of kidney diseases such as chronic kidney disease, membranous nephropathy and kidney cancer. Acute and chronic PM2.5 exposure lead to the damage of glomerular filtration and kidney tissue of mice. PM2.5 induces cellular oxidative stress, inflammatory response, endoplasmic reticulum stress, renin angiotensin system and bradykinin system activation, so that causes renal blood vessel and tissue damage, decreases glomerular filtration rate and clearance capacity, and mediates the occurrence of kidney damage and diseases. This article reviews the studies into the impact of PM2.5 on kidney and its mechanism form 2016 to 2020, so as to provide the basis for the prevention and treatment of kidney injury induced by PM2.5.

OBJECTIVETo observe the improvements in constipation differentiated as intestine system syndrome and lung system syndrome treated with electroacupuncture (EA) and explore their correlation.

METHODSSeventy cases of severe functional constipation were randomized into an EA group and a pseudo-EA group, 35 cases in each one. In the EA group, the needles were inserted deeply at Tianshu (ST 25) and Fujie (SP 14) on bilateral sides, and directly went to parietal peritoneum. EA was attached to the needles, dense-disperse wave, 2 Hz/15 Hz, and 0.1 to 1.0 mA. The perpendicular insertion was done at Shangjuxu (ST 37), 25 mm in depth. After qi arrival, the needle was lifted, thrusted and rotated once every 10 min, for 3 times totally. The needles were retained for 30 min. In the pseudo-EA group, the pseudo-points lateral to Tianshu (ST 25), Fujie (SP 14) and Shangjuxu (ST 37) on bilateral sides were punctured shallowly. The electric stimulation was pretended to connect but with the electric wire cutting off. The needles were retained for 30 min. The treatment was given 5 times weekly in the first two weeks and 3 times weekly in the later 6 weeks. Totally, 28 treatments were required. TCM intestine and lung syndrome scale was used for evaluation. The changes in TCM syndromes were observed before and after treatment in the patients of the two groups.

RESULTSThe total score of intestine and lung syndrome and the score of individual syndrome were all reduced after treatment as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (both P<0.01). The improvements of the EA group in the total score of intestine system syndrome, the scores of large. intestine syndrome and stomach syndrome, the total score of lung system syndrome and the score of lung dysfunction in dispersing and descending syndrome were superior to those of the pseudo-EA group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The differences in the scores of lung qi deficiency syndrome and throat syndrome were not significant between the two groups (all P>0.05). Simultaneously, the very strong positive correlation (P<0.01) and positive linear correlation (P<0.01) were presented in the total score of intestine and lung syndrome of the two groups.

CONCLUSIONEA obviously improves in intestine system syndrome (including large intestine syndrome and stomach syndrome), as well as lung system syndrome (lung dysfunction in dispersing and descending) in the treatment of constipation. But the improvements are not apparent in the treatment of lung qi deficiency and throat disorder. Additionally, the obvious correlation is displayed in the improvements in intestine and lung syndrome.

Acupuncture Points ; Adult ; Aged ; Constipation ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Electroacupuncture ; Female ; Humans ; Intestines ; physiopathology ; Lung ; physiopathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult

Objective To quantitatively analyze and compare the texture features of thermal and chemical lesions on the porcine striated muscle, in vitro extracted from high-frequency ultrasonograms using computer-assisted image analysis technique, and to investigate the application values. Methods The thermal lesion and chemical lesion were induced in vitro in porcine striated muscle by microwave ablation and anhydrous acetic acid injection, respectively. The two dimension (2D) ultrasonographic ifndings were qualitatively compared between the groups of thermal and chemical lesion models, in which eight textural features in geometric mathematics extracted from 2D ultrasonograms were quantitatively analyzed by a technique of computer-assisted image analysis named multiscale decomposition method of echo intensity of interface relfections. Results As expected, microwave ablation and anhydrous acetic acid caused signiifcant changes of several texture features extracted from ultrasonograms. There were significant differences between the normal group and microwave ablation group in grayscale mean (Mean), irregularity (IRGL) and periodicity of distribution (POD) as follows (Mean: 1.9143±0.2914 vs 1.2334±0.3357, t=-5.306, P=0.000; IRGL: 0.5577±0.0334 vs 0.5092±0.0459, t=-2.957, P=0.007; POD: 0.000 27±0.000 005 vs 0.000 29±0.000 008, t=4.782, P=0.000). There were signiifcant differences between the normal group and anhydrous acetic acid injection group in number of blobs (NOB), size of blobs (SOB) and periodicity of distribution (POD) as follows (NOB: 51.0324±13.6998 vs 31.6042±4.8315, t=4.633, P=0.000; SOB:16.4843±3.9349 vs 25.6230±2.3555, t=6.903, P=0.000;POD:0.000 26±0.000 015 vs 0.000 29±0.000 008, t=-4.459, P=0.000). For each group of injured regions, there were significant differences between the microwave ablation group and anhydrous acetic acid injection group in Mean, IRGL, NOB and SOB as follows (Mean: 1.2664±0.2688 vs 1.9143±0.2914, t=-5.661, P=0.000; IRGL: 0.5220±0.0422 vs 0.5577±0.0334, t=-2.295, P=0.032;NOB:51.0324±13.6998 vs 34.5856±2.6362, t=4.048, P=0.000;SOB:16.4843±3.9349 vs 25.3176±2.3501, t=-6.676, P=0.000). Conclusion Technique of computer-assisted image analysis named multiscale decomposition method of echo intensity of interface relfections, based on multiscale blob features extraction, was useful to differentiate ultrasonic texture features between the groups injured in our study, which established quantitative muscle ultrasound as a practical and reliable tool for the muscle injury diagnosis to distinguish the structural changes induced by different physiochemical factors.

OBJECTIVETo screen antifungal activity of endophytes from Pseudolarix kaempferi.

METHODEndophytes from P. kaempferi were separated. By means of microdilution method, antifungal active endophytes were fast screened by Pyricularia oryzae P-2b model, and activity of endophytes against pathogenic fungus was studied.

RESULT44.8% of endophytes showed activity against P. oryzae P-2b in Pseudolarix kaempferi. Among them JJ314, JJ323 introduced formation of characteristic beads and swellings on the growing hyphae, JJ324 inhibited the conidia germination. They all showed activity against Trichophyton rubrum, Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida albicans.

CONCLUSIONEndophytes from P. kaempferi are a potential resource for the development of antifungal agent.

Antifungal Agents ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Candida albicans ; drug effects ; Cryptococcus ; drug effects ; Fungi ; chemistry ; classification ; isolation & purification ; Mitosporic Fungi ; drug effects ; Pinaceae ; microbiology ; Plants, Medicinal ; microbiology ; Symbiosis ; Trichophyton ; drug effects

With low molecular weight chitosan and poloxamer 188 as the joint carriers, ginsenoside Rg3 solid dispersions were prepared by using the solvent evaporation method for an in vitro dissolution test. Subsequently, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (X-RD) were adopted for a phase analysis. The results showed that the 60 min in vitro cumulative dissolution rate of ginsenoside Rg3 solid dispersions prepared with low molecular weight chitosan and poloxamer 188 at the ratio of 2:1 exceeded 90%, and the drug was dispersed in carriers in an amorphous state. Therefore, ginsenoside Rg3 solid dispersions prepared with low molecular weight chitosan and poloxamer 188 could help significantly improve the drug dissolution, with a practical application value.
Chitosan ; chemistry ; Drug Compounding ; methods ; Ginsenosides ; chemistry ; Molecular Weight ; Poloxamer ; chemistry ; Solvents ; chemistry

Objective To explore the therapeutic effect of lipid emulsion on acute organophosphorus poisoning and its consequence of acute lung injury. Methods A total of 48 sealant - grade Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups A,B,C,D,namely saline control group,lipid emulsion control group,the conventional therapy group and lipid emulsion administration group. After dichlorvos (DDVP) 11 mg/kg was given by intra-peritoneal injection,if there was no loss of DDVP during the injection process,the model of poisoning was considered to be made successfully.Then the rat models in four groups were respectively treated:with normal saline (5 ml/kg) intravenous injection in group A,lipid emulsion (5ml/kg) intravenous injection in group B,atropine (5 mg/kg) and pralidoxime chloride (40 mg/kg) intramuscular injection in group C,and combined use of lipid emulsion (5 ml/kg) with atropine and pralidoxime chloride in group D after administration of DDVP by intra-peritoneal injection.The activity of cholinesterase (CHE) in blood was detected before and 0.5 h,2 h and 4 h after DDVP poisoning. The clinical manifestations,the survival of rats,the wet weight of rat' s lung and the pathological changes of the lung tissue were observed within following 24 h. The rates of survival and symptoms of rats were compared between paired groups by using the x2 test,and the mean values of biomarkers were compared paired groups by using t test. Results In groups A and B,the intensity of muscular fasciculation and salivation were more severe and appeared sooner after DDVP exposure in comparison with groups C and D leading to lower survival rates in group A and B. Compared with group C,the rate of 24 h survival was higher and the intensity of muscular fasciculation was weaker in group D ( P ＜ 0.05 ).In group A and group B,the 24-hour survival rates were 1/12 and 2/12,respectively ( P ＜ 0.05 ).The levels of CHE in blood significantly decreased after DDVP poisoning ( P ＜ 0.05 ).There was no significant difference in activity of CHE between group B and group A,and in groups C and D,the levels of CHE in blood were not significantly higher than that in the group B 0.5 h after DDVP poisoning ( P ＜ O.05 ).In groups C and D,the activity of CHE in blood was significantly higher compared with group A and B,and that in group D was higher compared with C,and that in group B was higher compared with A 2 and 4 hours after DDVP poisoning ( P ＜ 0.05 ).In groups C and D,the wet weight of rat lung was significantly lighter compared with groups A and B,and that in group D was lighter compared with C,and that in group B was lighter compared with A 24 h after DDVP poisoning P ＜ 0.05 ).The electron microscopic findings showed the combined use of lipid emulsion with atropine and pralidoxime chloride obviously lessened the lung histopathologic changes after DDVP poisoning.Conclusions The lipid emulsion combined with atropine and pralidoxime chloride can be beneficial to controlling the toxic symptoms,reduce the death rate,accelerate the resume of the activity of CHE in blood,and relieve the lung injury induced by acute organophosphorus poisoning.

Objective To discuss the effect of Montelukast (Mont) on MDA,SOD,W/D,TNF-α,IL-10 and NF-κBp65 in lung tissue of Wistar rats poisoned by paraquat (PQ) and also to observe the pathological changes of the lung tissue.Methods A total of 104 Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups in random (random number),namely PQ group (n =40),Mont group (n =40) and control group (n =24).PQ (20 mg/kg) was administered by intra-peritoneal route to rats of PQ group and Mont group and narcotics were used for 2 hours.Mont in dose of 50 mg/kg was administered intra-gastrically to rats of Mont group per day and saline instead were administered to PQ group and control group per day until they were sacrificed for experiment.Of both PQ group and Mont group,10 rats were sacrificed at each interval of 1,3,5 and 7 days respectively after modeling,whereas 6 rats of control group were sacrificed at each interval.The levels of MDA and SOD in lung tissue and W/D of lung tissue,the levels of serum TNF-α and IL-10 and the level of NF-κBp65 in lung tissue were determined.Further,the specimen of lung tissue was prepared for electron microscopy observation.Results The level of MDA in lung tissue of PQ group was (8.19 ± 0.53) nmol/mg prot,which was significantly higher than that of control group on the 7th day.The level of SOD in lung tissue of PQ group was (128.76 ± 10.18) U/mg prot,which was significantly lower than that of control group.In PQ group,the W/D of lung tissue (6.62 ±0.42),level of serum TNF-α (156.16 ± 11.13) pg/ml,level of IL-10 (43.63 ±4.44) pg/ml and level of NF-κBp65 in lung tissue (0.23 ±0.02) were significantly higher than those in control group (P ＜0.01).In Mont group on the 7th day,the level of serum TNF-α (129.99 ±13.13) pg/ml,level of serum IL-10 (34.28 ± 3.80) pg/ml and level of NF-κBp65 in lung tissue (0.20 ±0.02) were significantly lower than those in PQ group (P ＜ 0.01).In the PQ group,pathological changes of lung tissue under the light and electron microscopes were acute diffused lung injury manifested itself in hemorrhage,effusion and infiltration of inflammatory cells inside the alveolar space,and the necrosis and defluxion of Ⅰ type and Ⅱ type epithelia cells.The pathological changes in Mont group were localized with infiltration of scanty inflammatory cells,and Ⅰ type epithelia cells were intact and there was no obvious necrosis of Ⅱ type epithelia cells.Conclusions Mont has protective effects on acute lung injury caused by PQ poisoning in rats.

BACKGROUND:There is a very close relationship between osteoporosis and periodontal disease in postmenopausal women, but the mechanism remains unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the expression of nuclear factor-κB in the alveolar bone andinterleukin-17 in the serum and gingiva in the mouse model of osteoporosis caused by ovariectomy. METHODS:Female mice aged 3 months were randomly divided into ovariectomy and sham operation groups. At 6 months after surgery, the mouse models were evaluated histologically on the submandibular bone and thigh bone stained with hematoxylin and eosin. In the submandibular bone, the expression levels of OCN and Runx2 were detected by RT-PCR, and the expression level of nuclear factor-κB was detected by immunohistochemical staining and western blot assay. Besides, the expression level of interleukin-17 in the serum and gingival homogenate was evaluated using Cytometric Beads Array. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The thigh bone in the ovariectomy group revealed the thin cortical bone, enlarged marrow cavity, and increased resorption lacunae, as well as fewer, thinner trabeculae with lower density and irregular structure. Compared with the sham operation group, the expression levels of OCN and Runx2 in the alveolar bone were decreased in the ovariectomy group. The activation of nuclear factor-κB (P65)appeared with P65 positive expression in the submandibular bone in the ovariectomy group, and the relative expression level was higher than that in the sham operation group. The serum level of interleukin-17 in the ovariectomy group was higher than that in the sham operation group, but the level in the gingival tissue showed no significant difference between the two groups. These results indicate that estrogen deficiency after ovariectomy can activate nuclear factor-κB signal pathway to play a role in periodontal osteolysis. However interleukin-17 in the local periodontal tissue may not be a key cytokine to damage the periodontal tissue.

AIM: In this study, we aimed to explore the alteration and pathophysiological significance of the L-arginine (L-Arg)/NOS/NO pathway in the adventitia of rats with sepsis. METHODS: Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Rat cardiac function was determined. NO generation, NOS activity and L-Arg transport were measured. The iNOS mRNA levels was determined by using RT-PCR. RESULTS: Cecal ligation and puncture induced severe sepsis with severe low glucose, high lacticemia and cardiac function inhibition. The iNOS activity was increased by 2.8-fold compared with controls (P