Objective To explore the effects of wearing ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) on motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy (SCP). Methods Fifty-two children with SCP were randomly divided into a wearing-for-training group (n = 16, group 1 ), a day-wearing group (n = 19, group 2) and a day-night-wearing group (n = 17, group 3). In addition to the conventional rehabilitative treatment given to all participants, the children in group 1 wore AFOs during movement training, and children in group 2 wore AFOs in the daytime for 6-8 h per day, while AFOs were applied to the children in group 3 for 24 hours a day except for cleaning and during certain training routines. All the treatments were continued for 2 months. Clinical assessments included the range of passive ankle dorsi-and plantarflexion (APROM) , modified Ashworth scale (MAS) ratings, and the D and E dimensions of the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM). All were performed before and after treatment. Results Before treat-ment, no statistically significant differences were found among the three groups in terms of APROM, MAS, or GM-FM. There were significant subsequent improvements in groups 2 and 3 when compared with group 1 in terms of APROM, MAS and GMFM results. Group 2's improvements in APROM and MAS results were not significantly better than those of group 3, but their average GMFM score improvements were significantly better. Conclusion Wearing AFOs in the daytime 6-8 hours per day is more effective in reducing spasticity and improving functional performance in children with SCP.

Antineoplastic Agents ; administration & dosage ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; therapy ; Catheter Ablation ; Chemoembolization, Therapeutic ; methods ; Ethanol ; administration & dosage ; Genetic Therapy ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; therapy

OBJECTIVETo analyze the CT image characteristics of liver secondary lymphoma.

METHODSThe medical records of 13 patients were reviewed. There were 12 non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases and 1 Hodgkin lymphoma case. Abdomen CT scan was performed in all cases, plain scan and enhanced CT scan were performed in 11 cases, plain CT scan was performed in 2 cases.

RESULTSOf the 13 cases, 11 were nodular type, 1 was diffuse type, and 1 was mixed type. Plain CT scan showed low density, enhanced CT showed circular enhancement in 1 case, mild to midrange delayed enhancement in 1 case, midrange enhancement in 1 case, mild enhancement in 2 cases, blood vessel floating sign in 3 cases, no enhancement in 6 cases.

CONCLUSIONSThe characteristics of liver secondary lymphoma CT image of liver secondary lymphoma includes blood vessel floating sign and enhancement.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Hodgkin Disease ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; secondary ; Lymphoma ; diagnostic imaging ; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin ; diagnostic imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVETo study the relationship between gene p53 codon 72 polymorphism and pathological scar formation occurrence after caesarean section.

METHODSThe method of molecular beacon with real-time PCR was applied to detect gene polymorphism of p53 codon 72 in blood samples taken from 303 pregnant women (within a week after caesarea section). The clinical visits were taken 3 times for 12th to 18th months to ascertain clinical formation of pathological scar and its relationship to genotype of p53. The chi-square method was used to analyze the relationship of p53 gene polymorphism and abnormal scar formation occurrence by statistical software SPSS 13.0.

RESULTSTotal of 303 pregnant women were assayed. 30 patients were found with pathological scar by clinical visit in the total 303 pregnant women. The genotype frequencies of total three types (C/C, C/G and G/G) of p53 gene codon 72 in patients with pathological scar are significantly different from that of normal pregnant woman. The frequency of C/C genotype in patients are higher than that of normal pregnant women (P < 0.01). The frequency of C/C genotype in these patients with pathological scar is higher (46.7%, 14/30) than C/G (33.0%, 10/30, P < 0.01) or G/G (20%, 6/30) genotype (P < 0.01). The C allele frequency in the patients is 63.7%. It is also higher than G allele (36.7%, P < 0.01). The OR value is 2.30. Therefore the C allele of p53 gene codon 72 is a risk factor for pathological scar.

CONCLUSIONSThere was a certain relationship between p53 gene codon 72 C allele and pathological scar formation after caesarean section.

Alleles ; Cesarean Section ; Cicatrix ; genetics ; Codon ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genes, p53 ; Genotype ; Humans ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Pregnancy ; Risk Factors

Angiography, Digital Subtraction ; methods ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; diagnosis ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; methods

OBJECTIVETo introduce the newly found gene TIP30/CC3 into a hepatoma cell line PLC/PRF/5 and select the stable expression clones. The growth and cell cycles were studied with the clones stably expressing TIP30/CC3 or anti-TIP30/CC3, and the effects of TIP30/CC3 gene on hepatoma cells were analyzed.

METHODSThe internal expression of TIP30/CC3 protein was detected with Western blot, then TIP30/CC3 or anti-TIP30/CC3 cDNA was subcloned into a constitutive vector pcDNA3 followed by transfection into PLC/PRF/5. Stable expression clones were selected. The cell growth curve was made and cell cycles detected using flow cytometry. To confirm the results in vitro, stable-expressing cells were implanted subcutaneously into nude mice and time of tumor formation recorded and tumor volume measured.

RESULTSPLC-anti-TIP30 grew faster than the others. Three days after transfection, live cells of PLC-anti-TIP30 were 14.0*10(4), in comparison with the control PLC-DNA3 and PLC/PRF/5, the differences were statistically significant. Live cells of PLC-TIP30 were 4.9*10(4), significantly less than the two control groups. Six days after transfection, live cells of PLC-anti-TIP30 were 25.0*10(4), significantly more than the controls PLC-DNA3 and PLC/PRF/5. Live cells of PLC-TIP30 were 12.4*10(4), significantly less than the two control groups. Cell cycle analysis showed that PLC-anti-TIP30 proliferated faster, 22.4% cells were in G0/G1 (gap) phases and 58.6% cells in S (DNA synthesis) phase. The growth of the PLC-anti-TIP30 cell was retarded and many cells were arrested from G1 to S phases. Cells in G0/G1 and S phase were 44.2% and 33.3% respectively. Furthermore, the average time of tumor formation was shorter in anti-TIP30 group and longer in TIP30/CC3 group, and times were 6.0 d (with control groups) and 15.6 d (with control groups) respectively. Tumors in the nude mice grew faster in PLC-anti-TIP30 group and slower in PLC-TIP30 group.

CONCLUSIONTumor suppressor gene TIP30/CC3 can inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells and interfere in its cell cycles. It can be used as a valuable tool for hepatoma biotherapy including gene therapy.

Acetyltransferases ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Animals ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Female ; Genes, Tumor Suppressor ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; pathology ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Neoplasm Transplantation ; Transcription Factors ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo investigate the ideal approach in creating rabbit model of hepatic fibrosis and to evaluate the feasibility and value of dynamic whole-liver 3D magnetic resonance (MR) perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) in the quantitative study on the staging of hepatic fibrosis.

METHODSRabbit model of hepatic fibrosis was created by intraperitoneal injection of 5% and 100% carbon tetrachloride (0.1 ml/kg, once a week) respectively. MR perfusion weighted imaging was performed at the 6th, 8th, 10th and 12th week since injection. The time of peak (TOP), the time to peak (TTP), the maximum slope of increase(MSI) and the maximal relative signal increase (MRSI) of portal vein and hepatic parenchyma were analyzed quantitatively, and were compared with pathological results. Comparison of different concentrations of CCl4 was analyzed using chi-square test. Inter-group comparison of perfusion parameters was analyzed using one-way ANOVA P less than 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant.

RESULTS40% of the rabbits treated with 5% carbon tetrachloride developed hepatic fibrosis, while 75% of the rabbits treated with 100% carbon tetrachloride developed hepatic fibrosis; the mortality rate is significantly different between these two groups (X2=5.013, P less than 0.05). PWI examination was successfully achieved in 31 rabbits, liver perfusion baseline was stable, and good TIC curve was obtained. With the progress of hepatic fibrosis, TOP and TTP of portal vein and hepatic parenchyma were increased, and MSI and MRSI were decreased. There were significant differences among stage of S0-S2, S3 and S4.

CONCLUSIONSThe method (100% carbon tetrachloride intraperitoneal injection, 0.1 ml/kg, once a week) has high success rate of creating rabbit model of hepatic fibrosis. The stage of hepatic fibrosis could be evaluated quantitatively with dynamic whole-liver 3D MR perfusion-weighted imaging.

Animals ; Carbon Tetrachloride ; administration & dosage ; Disease Models, Animal ; Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted ; methods ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Liver ; blood supply ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Liver Circulation ; Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; Magnetic Resonance Angiography ; methods ; Male ; ROC Curve ; Rabbits ; Radiography ; Sensitivity and Specificity

OBJECTIVETo study the potential effects of exogenous WT1 gene isoform on the differentiation of leukemia cell line NB4 and its possible molecular mechanisms.

METHODSThe recombinant eukaryotic expression vector (pCB6 + /WTA) containing full-length human WT1 isoform (WTA: -17AA/ -KTS) cDNA and the blank pCB6 + vector were transfected into leukemia cell line NB4 by electroporation. The WTA mRNA and protein in cells were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. Cell morphology, NBT reduction and CD11b antigen expression in NB4 cells were assayed to evaluate cell differentiation. Expression of PML/RARalpha, p21 and c-myc genes was determined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR after transfection.

RESULTSCompared with NB4/WTA cells, NB4 and NB4/CMV (NB4 cells transfected with pCB6 + vector) cells had higher morphological differentiation rates and higher CD11b expression levels after exposure to ATRA for 48 hours. The percentage of NBT reduction in NB4/WTA cells was lower than that in control groups. The difference in NBT reduction rate between NB4/WTA and control cells was gradually increased after treated with ATRA for three days. The expression levels of PML/RARalpha, p21 and c-myc genes in NB4/WTA cells were notably increased.

CONCLUSIONOverexpression of exogenous WTA gene could partially inhibit the differentiation of NB4 cells by up-regulating the expression of PML/RARalpha, p21 and c-myc genes.

Cell Cycle ; Cell Differentiation ; genetics ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21 ; metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Transfection ; WT1 Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo study the DNA methylation status of WT1 gene promoter region in hematologic malignancy cell lines and its correlation with WT1 gene expression.

METHODS1. RT-PCR and methylation-specific PCR were performed for detecting WT1 gene expression and DNA methylation status in its promoter region in 8226, HL-60, Jurkat, K562, KG-1, NB4, Raji, SHI-1, U266 and U937 cell lines. 2. Treatment of U937 cells with 5-aza-CdR, a demethylation inducing agent and the changes in WT1 gene expression level and its promoter region methylation status were determined.

RESULTS1. HL-60, K562, KG-1, NB4 and SHI-1 cells showed higher levels while 8226, Jurkat, Raji, U266 and U937 cells showed extremely low levels of WT1 expression. DNA hypermethylation in WT1 gene promoter region was identified in 8226, Jurkat, Raji, U266 and U937 cells. 2. The WT1 gene expression in U937 was enhanced after treatment with 5-aza-CdR accompanied with the decrease of methylated and the increase of unmethylated levels in its promoter region.

CONCLUSIONModulation of the DNA methylation status in WT1 promoter region is one of the epigenetic mechanisms for regulating its expression.

Cell Line, Tumor ; DNA Methylation ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Hematologic Neoplasms ; genetics ; Humans ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; genetics ; WT1 Proteins ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate retinoblastoma (Rb) associated protein 46 (RbAp46) gene expression levels in bone marrow (BM) cells of leukemia patients.

METHODSReal-time quantitative reverse polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR) method was used for detecting RbAp46 expression levels in BM cells of 140 patients with acute leukemia (AL), 13 with chronic myelogenous leukemia in chronic phase (CML-CP), 7 with CML in blast crisis (CML-BC) and 32 with non-leukemic disorders.

RESULTSThe M-Estimators of RbAp46 were higher in 98 newly diagnosed ALs and 5 relapsed ALs than in 28 ALs in complete remission (CR) and 32 non-leukemic controls (178.23 and 213.65 vs 85.89 and 88.08, respectively). No statistic difference was found between the CR group and control group, or between the newly diagnosed group and relapsed group. The M-Estimators of RbAp46 in patients with CML-CP was 58.27, similar to that in control, but much lower than that in CML-BC (173.24). Among 98 newly diagnosed ALs, the M-Estimators of RbAp46 in M(3) and M(4) were the lowest in all of the subtypes. Furthermore, the RbAp46 expression levels were not correlated with the expression of the fusion genes of bcr/abl, PML-RARalpha, and multidrug resistant gene (mdr1), but were positively correlated with Wilms' tumor gene (WT1) expression levels and negatively with AML1/ETO fusion gene expression.

CONCLUSIONRbAp46 expression levels in ALs and CML-BC were strikingly higher than that in non-leukemias and CML-CP, and might participate in leukemogenesis.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Carrier Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Child ; Female ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Leukemia ; genetics ; metabolism ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nuclear Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Retinoblastoma-Binding Protein 7 ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods