Background and purpose: Thyroid carcinoma cells spread mainly through lymph node metastasis, and lymphangiogenesis plays an important role during the lymph node metastasis, but it is not very clear to understand the formation mechanism. This study was to investigate the correlative expressions of HPSE, VEGF-C, D2-40 and lymphangiogenesis in thyroid carcinoma. Methods: Immunohistochemistry SP method was used to detect the expressions of HPSE, VEGF-C and D2-40 in 77 patients with thyroid carcinoma including papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC),medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), 32 of them with lymph node metastasis was enrolled into the study, D2-40 stained the lymphatic vessels, and lymphatic vessel density (LVD) was scanned under the light-microscope, and the correlation among the above indexes in different thyroid carcinoma types were analyzed respectively. Results: The expressions of HPSE, VEGF-C and D2-40 were observed to have a different degree in thyroid carcinoma, and the highest expression of the protein could be seen in the patients with papillary carcinoma (P<0.05),The expression ratios of HPSE,VEGF-C and D2-40 in different carcinoma types were 54.9%, 68.6%, 12.8±5.7 for PTC, 37.5%, 50%, 8.6±1.7 for FTC, 20% and 20%, 4.9±0.8 for MTC, respectively. There were significant different expressions of HPSE, VEGF-C and D2-40 between the patients with lymph node-positive group and node-negative group (P=0.014, P=0.048, respectively). In addition, the expressions of them were positively correlated (P<0.001, r=0.616). Conclusion: HPSE, VEGF-C and D2-40 have a close relationship with lymph node metastasis, HPSE and VEGF-C are related to the lymphangiogenesis.

Objective To know the quality of iodized salt and the current situation of the salt coverage in Tibet,and to provide scientific basis for proposing proper prevention and control measures to Iodine dificiency disorders(IDD). Methods In 2008, according to the "Sampling Methods of the Main Products in the Salt Industry",one batch fifteen salt samples were collected in iodized salt processing factory in Tibet. Five townships were chosen in each county based on 5 different directions of east, south, west, north and center. If the monitoring county has less than five townships, then all of the townships were sampled. In each township, four villages were selected withrandom sampling and importance sampling. In each township, 15 households were selected for salt collection. Results A batch of 15 salt samples in a salt processing plant were tested, and all of them were qualified with salt iodine(34.6±1.58) mg/kg. A total of 21 107 edible salt samples were tested, and 11 203 of them were qualified iodized salt. These results meant that the provincial iodized salt coverage rate was 53.08%. Shannan iodized salt coverage rate was 94.31% (3395/3600) which was the highest in Tibet. Those of Nagqu, Changdu, Ngari were lower, they were 29.84% (897/3006), 24.94% (823/3300) and 17.08% (205/1200), respectively. Conclusions The quality of iodized salt in Tibet is up to the national standard, but the coverage rate of iodized salt is very low.We suggest that the strategy should be carried out according to the national overall program strategy and supplement iodized oil capsule for special groups.

AIM:To explore the role of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)and activator protein-1(AP-1)signaling pathway in the inhibitory effects of Agkistrodon acutivirus protein C activator(PCA)on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced tissue factor(TF)expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs).METHODS: The viability of the HUVECs was measured by MTT assay.The protein distribution of tumor necrosis factor-associated factor 6(TRAF6)in the cells was detected by immunohistochemical staining.The protein expression of NF-κB p65,TF,c-Fos and c-Jun was deter-mined by Western blot.The mRNA expression of TF in the HUVECs was detected by qPCR.The content of TF in the me-dium of each group was measured by ELISA.RESULTS:Compared with the control group,the viability of the HUVECs in LPS group decreased significantly(P<0.01), obvious yellow dye particles appeared in the cytoplasm, cytoplasmic stai-ning deepened,and the average absorbance of TRAF6 was increased(P<0.01).The protein expression of NF-κB p65, c-Jun and c-Fos were significantly increased(P<0.01).The expression of TF at mRNA and protein levels were signifi-cantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with the LPS group,the cell viability in PCA +LPS group was slightly increased (P<0.05),the cell morphology was normal,cytoplasmic yellow dye particles were not obvious, and the average absor-bance of TRAF6 was significantly lower than that in LPS group(P<0.01).The protein expression of NF-κB, c-Jun and c-Fos was significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the expression of TF at mRNA and protein levels were decreased(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:PCA significantly reduces the damage of HUVECs induced by LPS.The mechanism may be a-chieved by reducing the activation of TRAF 6,NF-κB and AP-1 nuclear transcription factors,thereby reducing the release of tissue factor.

To study relevant risk factors of Shenmai injection induced adverse reactions by using Logistic model and ROC curve, and made the prediction for the occurrence of relevant adverse reactions/events. Case data of patients treated with Shenmai injection were collected by using the prospective, multi-center, large-sample, nested-case control method, in order to analyze the risk factors of Shenmai injection-induced adverse reactions/events, establish the logistic model and draw the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for risk factors. During the study, 7632 patients (including 3 477 males and 4 155 females) were included, and eight of them suffered adverse reactions/events. Based on a multi-factor Logistic model analysis, the age (> or = 50 years) (OR = 5.061, 95% CI: 2.197-7.924; P = 0.001), the total number of medication days (OR = -1.020, 95% CI: -l.652 - 0.388; P = 0.002) and the single dose (OR = 0.245, 95% CI: 0.127-0.364; P = 0.000) were significant independent risk factors for Shenmai injection-induced adverse reactions/events. According to the results, ROC curves were drawn with age (> or = 50 years), the total number of days of inedication and single dose; The area under ROC curves the joint predictor (0.9753, 95% CI: 0.9443-1.000, P < 0.005) was larger than that of the other three single indexes, with a higher risk prediction value. The independent risk factors for Shenmai injection-induced adverse reactions/events included the age (> or = 50 years), the total number of days of medication and single dose. In clinical practice, the age (> or = 50 years), the total number of days of medication and the medication dose can be substituted in the joint predictor calculation formula (P = 1 / [1 + e(-(-21.58 + 5.061 x Xage - 1.020 x Xd + 0.245 x X(mL)] to predict the potential adverse reactions of patients and adjust the dosage regimen.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions ; epidemiology ; etiology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; ROC Curve ; Risk Factors ; Young Adult

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) secrete a variety of neuroregulatory molecules, such as nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor, which upregulate tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) gene expression in PC12 cells. Enhancing TH gene expression is a critical step for treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). The objective of this study was to assess the effects of co-culturing PC12 cells with MSCs from feline bone marrow on TH protein expression. We divided the study into three groups: an MSC group, a PC12 cell group, and the combined MSC + PC12 cell group (the co-culture group). All cells were cultured in DMEM-HG medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum for three days. Thereafter, the cells were examined using western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry. In western blots, the co-culture group demonstrated a stronger signal at 60 kDa than the PC12 cell group (p < 0.001). TH was not expressed in the MSC group, either in western blot or immunocytochemistry. Thus, the MSCs of feline bone marrow can up-regulate TH expression in PC12 cells. This implies a new role for MSCs in the neurodegenerative disease process.
Animals ; Antigens, Surface/metabolism ; Blotting, Western ; Cats/*physiology ; Cell Culture Techniques ; Cells, Cultured ; *Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic ; Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (Phosphorylating)/metabolism ; Immunohistochemistry ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells/*cytology/metabolism ; Microscopy, Phase-Contrast ; PC12 Cells/cytology/*enzymology ; Rats ; Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase/*metabolism

BACKGROUD: In the previous study, we determined subtypes of Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) in Korean patients by partial sequence analysis. We showed that eighteen of the nineteen sequences of HIV-1 from Korean fell into subtype B and one fell into subtype A. At that study, HIV-1 identified as subtype A showed 40% diversity from reference sequences and presumed to be a variant of subtype A. The aim of present study is to determine the molecuar biological characteristics of HIV-1 previously identified as subtype A. METHODS: Growth curve was determined. SI/NSI phenotype was determined using a cocultivation assay using MT-2 cells. A complete genome sequence was obtained by amplifying overlapping PCR fragments. Cowork was done to identify the subtype of HIV-1 previously identified as variant A from Korea (97KR004), Cyprus (94CY017), Democratic Republic of Congo (97CDKTB48, 97CDKFE4, 97CDKS10, 97CDKP58). Phylogenetic analysis, distance analysis, diversity plot analysis, bootstrap anlysis were done to identify the subtype of these newly characterized strains. RESULTS: We found that 97KR004 was SI phenotype. Complete sequence of 97KR004 was determined (AF286239). Phylogenetic analysis showed that the four newly characterized strains (94CY017, 97CDKTB48, 97CDKFE4, 97CDKS10) were closely related to subtype A. Subtype distance tool showed that these four strains fell to sub-subtype A2. Diversity plot analysis and bootstrap analysis were done to identify subtype of 97KR004. Nine subtype reference strains and 94CY017 strain were used as reference sequences. These analyses confirmed that 97KR004 represented sub-subtype A2/subtype D recombinant. CONCLUSOIN: We showed that 97KR004 fell into newly identified sub-subtype A2.
Coculture Techniques ; Congo ; Cyprus ; Genome ; HIV* ; HIV-1* ; Humans* ; Korea ; Phenotype ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Population Characteristics ; Sequence Analysis

OBJECTIVETo evaluate expressions of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in primary prostate cancer and its clinical significance.

METHODSExpressions of COX-2 and VEGF were detected by immunohistochemical assay in tissues of 40 prostate cancer and 10 benign prostatic hyperplasia samples.

RESULTSCOX-2 and VEGF levels in prostate cancer were much higher than those in BPH. The degrees of cancer malignancy and invasion positively correlated with the expressions of COX-2 and VEGF. COX-2 level positively correlated with VEGF level.

CONCLUSIONThe abnormal expression of COX-2 plays an important role in the development of primary prostate cancer. COX-2 and VEGF are good molecular markers of prostate cancer which are hopeful to be used for the assistant diagnosis and the prediction of prognosis of prostate cancer.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cyclooxygenase 2 ; biosynthesis ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Prognosis ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; metabolism ; pathology ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; biosynthesis

OBJECTIVETo explore the sensitivity and specificity of Golgi protein 73 (GP73) monoclonal antibody in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODSSelf-prepared GP73 monoclonal antibody was used as the primary antibody for detecting the serum GP73 levels in healthy controls(n=31)and HCC patients (n=59). The baseline level of the healthy controls was determined by semiquantitative analysis. The results were compared with those from GP73 polyclonal antibody and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP).

RESULTSThe GP73 level of healthy controls was 1.2 (0.9-1.7) relative unit (RU), which was significantly lower than that of HCC patients [5.7 (2.5-7.8) RU] (P<0.001) with monoclonal antibody. Using polyclonal antibody, the GP73 level of HCC patients was also significantly higher than healthy controls [7.8 (3.0-12.4) RU vs. 1.1 (1.0-2.0) RU, P<0.001]. The sensitivity and specificity of GP73 monoclonal antibody in diagnosis of HCC were 84.7% and 93.5%; on the contrary, those of GP73 polyclonal antibody were 78.0% and 93.5%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of AFP (67.8% and 74.2%, respectively) in the HCC patients were markedly lower than those of GP73. Logistic regression analysis showed that the odds ratio (OR) of GP73 monoclonal antibody was 7.18 and that of GP73 polyclonal antibody was 1.51.

CONCLUSIONSOur self-prepared monoclonal antibody can effectively detect GP73 serum level in HCC patients, and has higher sensitivity and specificity than AFP. It may be superior to the currently used GP73 polyclonal antibody. The results lay the foundation for the further development of ELISA methods by using this monoclonal antibody.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; blood ; diagnosis ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; blood ; diagnosis ; Male ; Membrane Proteins ; blood ; immunology ; Middle Aged ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Young Adult

Adenoviridae ; Cell Line ; Cells, Cultured ; Clone Cells ; Cloning, Organism ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; HEK293 Cells ; Mass Screening ; Nerve Growth Factor ; Neurons ; Peripheral Nerves ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Regeneration ; RNA, Messenger ; Schwann Cells ; Transfection

Plasmodium vivax reemerged in 1993. It has been sustained for more than 25 years and become one of the important indigenous parasitic diseases in northern and western parts of the Republic of Korea near the demilitarized zone. In particular, relapse is a significant concern for the control of malaria, as short- and long-term incubation periods vary among those infected in Korea. In this study, the prevalence of asymptomatic carriers was examined among residents of high endemic areas of vivax malaria during nonseasonal transmission of mosquitoes. Blood samples from 3 endemic regions in northwestern Korea were evaluated by microscopic examination, rapid diagnostic testing, and nested PCR to identify asymptomatic patients carrying malaria parasites in the community. However, no positive malaria case among residents of endemic areas was detected. Additionally, serological analysis was carried out to measure antibodies against 3 antigenic recombinant proteins of P. vivax, merozoite surface protein 1-19, circumsporozoite surface protein-VK210, and liver-stage antigen (PvLSA-N), by the protein array method. Interestingly, seropositivity of sera between previous exposure and samples without exposure to malaria was significantly higher using the PvLSA-N antigen than the other antigens, suggesting that PvLSA-N can be used as a serological marker to analyze the degree of exposure for malaria transmission in endemic areas. This indicates a very low asymptomatic carrier prevalence during the nonmalaria season in the endemic areas of Korea.