Objective To investigate the expression of apoptosis regulating protein Bcl-2 and Bax,and the spontaneous apoptotic index(AI) in malignant mesothelioma,and their relationship to the survival time of patients.Methods Hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemical stainings were used for the sections of paraffin embedded tissues of 79 specimens of malignant mesothelioma.The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL) was used to identify the apoptotic tumor cells.Results The age of the patients with malignant mesothelioma ranged from 11 to 79 years.The peak incidence of malignant mesothelioma was at the age of 40-50 years.The ratio of male to female was 1.47∶1.The survival time of the 79 cases was between 5 and 160 months,and the medial survival time was 23 months.According to histological pictures,these tumors were diagnosed as epithelioid type(51 cases),mixed type(8 cases) and sarcomatous type(20 cases).The tumor spontaneous apoptotic index(AI) was 0.14%-6.9%.The survival time of the patients with higher AI was significantly shorter than those with lower AI(P

Objective To investigate the expression of μ-opioid system in the epidermis of patients with atopic dermatitis and its role in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. Methods Thirty-two mice were equally divided into 4 groups, negative control group, pre-treatment group, naloxone group, and physiological saline group. Ovalbumin was used to sensitize mice in pretreatment group, naloxone group, and physiological saline group for 7 weeks, then, mice in naloxone group and physiological saline group were treated with intracutaneous naloxone or physiological saline solution for 1 week, respectively. Mice were killed in negative control group and pre-treatment group at the end of sensitization, and in naloxone group and physiological saline group after 1-week injection with naloxone or physiological saline, skin tissues were obtained from the back of killed mice and subjected to histological examination with HE staining and quantitative fluorescent PCR for the detection of mRNA expression of μ-opioid receptor (MOR) and its ligand (β-endorphin) in epidermis. The atopic dermatitis severity index of lesions and histological changes were assessed before and after the treatment. Results In comparison with the negative control mice, the epidermal expression level of MOR was signifieantly decreased (t = 2.549, P ＜ 0.05 ) in pre-treatment group, but increased in naloxone group and showed no statistical difference from the negative control group (t = 0.671, P ＞ 0.05). No significant difference was observed in the epidermal β-endorphin mRNA expression between negative control group and pre-treatment group or naloxone group (both P ＞ 0.05 ). The improvement of lesions could be visualized after treatment with naloxone (t = 8.338, P ＜ 0.01 ), which was concordant with the histological changes in naloxone group. Conchusions As an antagonist of MOR, naloxone can restore the expression of epidermal MOR in mice model for atopic dermatitis, and shows a certain efficacy in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, which proves that μ-opioid system is somewhat associated with the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis.

Objective To determine the value of Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)technique on diagnosis of adrenal medulla hyperplasia model rats confirmed by pathology study.Methods Sixty male SD rats were divided into 6 groups randomly,10 rats in each group.As experiment group,A,B,C groups were subcutaneously injected with reserpine(0.4 mg?kg~(-1)?d~(-1))from the beginning to 40,60,80 days respectively.As compare,the control groups(a,b,c group)were only injected with sodium chloride simultaneously.MRI technique and pathology study were performed for all the subjects on 40,60,and 80 days respectively.Results The percent of medulla were higher in B and C groups than that in b and c groups respectively[(34.3?5.8)% vs.(25.7?8.9)%,t=2.462,P

Objective To detect and analyze the mutation of fibroblast growth factor receptor 3(FGFR3) gene among a family with congenital achondroplasia(ACH).Methods Six blood samples of family member in this pedigree were cellected according to the informed consent process for genetic research,and 2 unralted healthy human blood sample were taken as controls.The mutation at nucleotide position 1 138 on FGFR3 gene was detected by using Polymerase chain reaction and single-strand conformation polymorphism(PCR-SSCP)and polyme-rase chain reaction and restriction endonuclease technology(PCR-RFLP) methods.Results Using PCR-SSCP method firstly,only the proband with ACH and his father in this family had the same abnormal band.The amplified products including 1 138 loci on FGFR3 gene further was analyzed by Sfe Ⅰ digestion,3 fragments including 164 bp,109 bp and 55 bp were detected in the proband and his father again,and the other members in the family and 2 controls just showed 164 bp band.It indicated that just 2 patients (proband and his father) showed heterozygous G→A transition mutation at nucleotide position 1 138 on the FGFR3 gene.The amplified products at 1 138 loci was also detected by MspⅠ digestion,just 1 band was observed in all members in this family and 2 controls.It showed that there was no G→C substitution at nucleotide position 1 138.Conclusions The G→A transition mutation at nucleotide position 1 138 in transmembrane domain of FGFR3 gene may be the main cause of achondroplasia in this family.In this pedigree,the proband showed's father a de novo mutation which was transferred to his child again.

Background Dry eye syndrome is a frequent postoperative complication of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).Some studies reported that the hinge location of corneal flap has influence on dry eye syndrome following LASIK,but others showed inverse views.Objective This systematic review was to evaluate and compare the effects of a superior-and nasal/temporal-hinge location on dry eye syndrome after LASIK.Methods A systematic literature retrieval was conducted in the Medline,Embase,Cochrane Library and CNKI from 1990 to 2011 according to designed searching strategy and relevant words.Published randomized-controlled clinical trial (RCT) data of the effect of superior-and nasal/temporal-hinge location on dry eye syndrome were extracted by two researchers separately.The outcome parameters,such as tear film breakup time (BUT),Schirmer Ⅰ test and corneal sensation were analyzed 1 week,3 months and 6-12 months postoperatively.The statistical analysis was performed using a RevMan 5.0 software and the quality of included literatures were graded according to the Jadad scale.Fixedeffect model was used for the inhomogeneity multiple studies (P≥0.1,homogeneity test I2 ＜50％),and random-effect model was used for the homogeneity studies.Results Ten pieces RCT papers were searched and 3 of them were rejected because of the lack of outcome data.In 7 included studies,652 eyes of 331 patients were involved in the Meta analysis,with the Jadad scores ≥ 3.BUT assessment was performed in 5 trials (530 eyes),Schirmer Ⅰ test evaluation was in 7 trials (652 eyes) and corneal sensation observation was in 4 trials (320 eyes),without significant homogeneity among the relevant literature(I2＜50％).Meta analysis revealed that BUT in the eyes with superior-hinge group was obvious shorter than that in the eyes nasal/temporal-hinge group at 1 week (WMD =-0.42,95％ CI:-0.79 to-0.06,P=0.020),but there was no signifieant difference in 3 months and 6-12 months duration postoperatively.Better corneal sensation was found at postoperative 3 months (WMD=-0.62,95％CI:-l.09 to-0.19,P=0.005) in the nasal/temporal-hinge group,but there was no difference in 1 week and 6-12 months duration postoperatively.No significant difference was seen between the two groups in Schirmer Ⅰ test during the follow-up period (P＞0.05).Conclusions LASIK with nasal/temporal-hinge corneal flap can improve the corneal sensation and relief the dry eye syndrome after LASIK to some extent.More high-quality evidence-based studies are still needed for the further clinical evaluation.

Background Nowadays,keratoplasty is widely used in the treatment of keratoconus.Deep lamellar keratoplasty(DLKP)is one of the research hotspots.However,its effacacy and safety are still concerned.Objective This paper was to evaluate and compare the therapeutic outcomes between DLKP and penetrating keratoplasty(PKP) for keratoconus.Methods The peer-reviewed and published literature was searched from PubMed database,Cochrane Library,EMBase and CNKI to identify relevant trails comparing DLKP with PKP for keratoconus.Methodological quality and Meta-analysis were carried out according to the principle of evidence-based medicine.The statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.0 software.Results Eleven studies with 2950 eyes were identified that compared the results of DLKP and PKP procedures for keratoconus directly.Of those studies reporting vision and refractive data,less patients underwent DLKP achieved a best corrected visual acuity (BCVA)of≥0.5 than DLKP(RR=0.91,95％ CI:0.84-0.99,P=0.030) ;patients with DALK had severer myopia that those with PKP(RR =-0.60,95％ CI:-1.43-0.23,P =0.150),but the astigmatism was comparative (WMD =0.21,95％ CI:-0.48-0.91,P =0.550).Endothelial cell density values were higher in the DLKP group and the differences were significant.Endothelial immune graft rejection did not occur after DALK,and PKP had a higher overall graft rejection rate than DLKP(RR=0.06,95％ CI:0.01-0.31,P=0.001).Conclusions According to the available data,PKP can imporve the BCVA and refractive results,but DLKP can avoid the risk of endothelial rejection and reduce the risk of late endothelial failure for keratconus.

Elemene is a new anticancer drug isolated from a Chinese traditional medicine Curcuma aromatica. In previous work, we discovered that tumor cell vaccine (TCV) treated with oleum Curcuma aromatica or elemene could induce significant immunoprophylactic effect against a variety of aminal tumor strains and the method of preparation of elemene combo-TCV(EC-TCV) already got China's inventive patent. In this paper we further studied the active immunotherapeutic effect and the possible cellular/molecular mechanisms of EC-TCV immunization. The results were as follows:(1) EC-TCV immunization showed significant therapeutic effects (P＜0.05) against murine Ca761 syngeneic mammary carcinoma (H-2k) and HCa-F allogeneic hepatic carcinoma (H-2-) models; (2) The spleen cells of Hca-F EC-TCV immunized mice displayed higher cytotoxicity and IL-12 level while the secretion of IL-10 was decreased (P＜0.05); (3) Similar to heat shock, elemene(E), mitomycin C(MMC) and glutaraldehyde (G) could act alone as stressor, and induce significant changes of the expression of membrane heat shock proteins(HSP70 or/and HSP90) on L615 leukemia and HCa-F hepatoma cells and the EC-TCVs (E+MMC+G treated in combination) showed the highest level of membrane HSPs expression (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01 );(4) The HSP70-peptide complex isolated from HCa-F EC-TCV through ADP-agarose affinity chromatographic system could induce active immunoprotection against lethal dose challenge of HCa-F hepatic cancer cell but could not protect against the cross challenge of lethal dose of L615 leukemia. The results indicated that the immunoprotective effect of EC-TCV was in some extent tumor-specific, MHC-nonrestricted, and HSPs might play an important role in its molecular mechanisms.

Objective To evaluate the respiratory mechanics and inflammatory status in elderly patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD).Methods The arterial blood gases (ABGs),respiratory drive and its derivatives,mechanics of respiratory muscles,resistance and compliance of airway,interleukin-8 (IL-8)and interferon-?(IFN-?)were measured in 42 cases withstable COPD and 40 subjects of normal control.Results The elderly patients with stable COPD had great changes in the following parameters while compared with the control group:peak inspiratory pressure(PIMAX) [(4.48?2.11)vs(6.10?2.91)kPa],maximum expiratory pressure (PEMAX)[(6.30?3.20)vs(9.15?93.30)kPa],0.1s mouth occlusion pressure(P_(0.1)) with its correction index,airway resistance,compliance,ABGs,the levels of IL-8[(218.46?91.14) vs (161.84?14.40)ng/L]and IFN-?[(2435.82?639.92)vs(1652.40?95.08)ng/L],which might aggravate the progress of COPD consistently.Conclusions The elderly patiends with stable COPD has marked changes in respiratory drive,airway resistance,and airway compliance,respiratory mechanic and inflammatory status.The intervention should be performed in the elderly stable COPD patients.

Objective To observe whether the expression of interferon-regulatory factor genes are re- lated to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Methods The clinical data of 45 SLE patients and 37 normal controls were collected.Total RNA of peripheral blood was extracted and transcripted into cDNA.Sybr green dye based real-time quantitative PCR method was used to compare the expression (indicated as-??Ct value) of IRFI,IRF4,IRF8 in patients with SLE and those in the controls.Results The levels of IRF1,IRF4 and IRF8 mRNA were-3.90?0.19,-8.04?0.25 and 3.60?0.15 respectively in normal controls.In SLE patients, IRF4 mRNA expression was -8.82?0.18,higher than that in normal (P=0.011).But IRF8 mRNA expression was 3.09?0.13,lower than that in normal (P=0.012).Conclusion Abnormal IRF mRNA expression is found in the peripheral blood of SLE patients.IRFs may play roles in the pathogenesis of SLE by affecting the differen- tiation of Th cells.

Objective To investigated the effects of combined arsenic trioxide(ATO) and resveratrol(Res)on the viability of NB4 human leukemia cells. Methods NB4 human leukemia cell was used in this experiment.Cells were cultured in ATO (0,0.1875,0.3750,0.7500, 1.1250, 1.5000,2.2500,3.0000,5.0000 μmol/L) and Res (0, 1.5625,3.1250,6.2500, 12.5000, 18.7500,25.0000,37.5000,50.0000 μmol/L). Cell viabilities were measured by MTT in different treatment groups. Half inhibitory concentration(IC50) was calculated. The ratio of concentration of ATO and Res 1.5∶ 18,1.5∶ 25,1.5∶ 35 was added to cells, and the combination index(CI) was calculated. The level of ROS in control, ATO( 1.5000 μmol/L), Res(25.0000 μmol/L) and ATO(0.9000 μmol/L) + Res( 12.5000μmol/L) groups was measured by chemiluminescence assay. Results ①ATO( ≥0.7500 μmol/L) reduced the viability of NB4 cells in a concentration-dependent manner(P ＜ 0.05 ), and IC50 was (1.78 ± 0.11 )μmol/L. ②)Res (≥18.7500 μ mol/L) dose-dependently decreased the viability of NB4 cells (P ＜ 0.05 ), and IC50 was ( 18.71 ±0.18)μ mol/L. ③Combination of ATO and Res showed an antagonistic effect on NB4 cells viability. ④The ROS in Res group( 1670.55 ± 13.97) was significantly lower than that in control group(2345.88 ± 14.48,P ＜ 0.05). The ROS in ATO group (3092.42 ± 94.84) was significantly higher than that in control group(P ＜ 0.05). The ROS in ATO + Res group (1860.27 ± 15.99) was significantly lower than that in ATO group(P ＜ 0.05). Conclusions NB4 cell survival rate can be decreased by ATO and Res. The combination of arsenic trioxide and Res presents an antagonistic effect on NB4 cell viability, in part by reducing intracellular ROS formation.