Objective: To investigate the expressions of EphrinB2 and its receptor EphB4, microvessel density (MVD), and Ki-67 in human brain astrocytomas and explore their pathological significance. Methods: Expressions of EphB4/EphrinB2, MVD and Ki-67 were detected by tissue microarray and Maxvision shortcut immunohistochemical staining in 84 cases of human astrocytomas and 12 cases of traumatic brain tissues. Results: The difference was significant in expressions of EphB4/ EphrinB2, MVD and Ki-67 labeling index (LI) between human astrocytomas and controlled human traumatic brain tissues (P < 0.05). Expression of EphB4/EphrinB2, MVD and Ki-67 LI had positive cooelation with tumor grade. Ki-67 LI and MVD positively correlated with expressions of EphB4 or EphrinB2 protein (P <0. 05). Conclusion: There is a close correlation between expression of EphB4/ EphrinB2 and differentiation degree, tumor angiogenesis in human brain astrocytoma. The over-expressions of EphB4 and EphrinB2 play an important role in promoting tumor development and angiogenesis. EphB4/ EphrinB2, MVD, and Ki-67 are fine reference parameters to estimate malignancy degree and pathologic features of human brain astrocytomas.

Objective To explore the cataract surgery quality on blindness prevention and postoperative problems in village in short period. Design Population-based survey. Participants 251 cases(254 eyes) received operation and 131 cases(134 eyes)were surveyed 6-month postoperatively. Methods Patients were examined 6-month after the small incision extracapsular cataract extraction and intra ocular lens(IOL) implantation. Examinations were conducted by a special oculist including far vision, near vision, external in- spection, anterior segment, posterior segment, intraocular pressure. Main Outcome Measures Visual acuity, intraocular pressure, diopter, eye complications of surgery. Results Naked far vision of the operated eye more than or equal to 0.3 was 41.8%, naked far vi- sion of the eye more than or equal to 0.05 was 82.8%; corrected far vision more than or equal to 0.3 was 64.2%, corrected far vision more than or equal to 0.05 was 92.3%. Naked near vision more than or equal to 0.1 was 79.9%, corrected near vision more than or e- qual to 0.1 was 85.8%. The main postoperative complications were ametropia, posterior capsule opacification(PCO), deformed pupil, pupil displacement, pigments of IOL, eccentric IOL and intraocular hypertension. The chief reasons of eyes that could not be recovered were vitreous, retina or optic nerve diseases, the key factors that caused living vision less than 0.3 were ametropia, PCO, the disease of vitreous, retina and optic nerve. Conclusions The serious complications affecting the surgery result are limited in a low range. The most important factors of the eye corrected far vision less than 0.05 are the vitreous, retina and optic nerve diseases. In order to improve the visual sight, we should add equipment to calculate the IOL diopter accurately.

Objective To examine mycological profile of eryptococcal meningitis in patients with non-acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) during treatment and follow-up so that to support clinical therapy. Methods Data of 28 cuhure-confirmed cryptoeoccal meningitis patients with non-AIDS were retrospectively analyzed. Fungat smear, count, culture and latex agglutination test of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were done during treatment and follow-up. Initial treatment included intravenous amphotericin B plus oral flucytosine or f;uconazole for at least 6 weeks, and consolidation treatment included oral fluconazole and (or) itraeonazole for at least 2 months. All 28 patients were cured. The data were analyzed by rank-sum test. Results The positive rate of CSF fungal smear was 92.9% before treatment and gradually decreased, and the fungal count was significantly reduced over time after treatment. While fungal smears of some patients were still positive after initial treatment. Fungal growth time in culture was gradually extended, and fungal culture turned to be negative in all patients after 2 weeks of treatment. The positive rate of latex agglutination test of CSF was 100%. Cryptococcal antigen titer decreased steadily after treatment, which was not correlated with the decrease of fungal count. Conclusion Mycological tests of patients with eryptococcal meningitis should be interpreted comprehensively during treatment, and result of each test should be specifically analyzed.

OBJECTIVETo detect the possible relationship between PARKIN gene and the Chinese pedigree with autosomal recessive early-onset Parkinson's disease(AREP).

METHODSClinical examination was carried out in 6 patients from 3 Chinese pedigrees with AREP and their 23 family members. PCR amplification of all exons of PARKIN gene was performed. The PCR products were analyzed by denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography(DHPLC) to screen for point mutation and polymorphism. And in the samples with abnormal DHPLC result, further sequencing was conducted to confirm the type of mutation and polymorphism.

RESULTSAll exons of PARKIN gene from the research subjects were successfully amplified. A heterozygous point mutation (Gly284Arg) in exon 7 was found in one pedigree. A polymorphism (Ser167Asn) in exon 4 was found in another pedigree. All the patients had the past history of exposure to environmental poison.

CONCLUSIONWhen acting together with risky environmental factors, the heterozygous mutation Gly284Arg in PARKIN gene may cause AREP. The polymorphism Ser167Asn in PARKIN gene increases the risk of developing Parkinson's disease and may cause AREP when acting together with hydrargyrism.

Age of Onset ; Aged ; China ; epidemiology ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Exons ; genetics ; Female ; Genes, Recessive ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Parkinson Disease ; epidemiology ; genetics ; Pedigree ; Point Mutation ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo compare clinical outcomes of superior labrum from anterior to posterior (SLAP) repair and biceps tenodesis in treating type I SLAP injury.

METHODSFrom March 2009 to March 2012, 38 patients with type II SLAP injury were treated with SLAP repair and biceps tenodesis, and all patients were unilateral SLAP injury. Sixteen patients treated with biceps tenodesis included 8 males and 7 females with an average age of (49.3±3.7) years old (ranged, 45 to 54); 10 cases were on the left side and 6 cases on the right side; 10 cases were caused by falling down, 2 cases were caused by throwing damage and 4 cases were caused by daily life damage; the time from injury to operation were from 3 to 8 weeks. Twenty-two patients treated with SLAP repair included 14 males and 8 females with an average age of (49.0±2.8) years old (ranged, 44 to 56); 13 cases were on the left side and 9 cases were on the right side; 14 cases were caused by falling down, 5 cases were caused by throwing damage and 3 cases were caused by daily life damage; the time from injury to operation were from 3 to 7 weeks. Preoperative, postoperative at 6 months, 1 year and 2 years' UCLA and SST score were compared between two groups.

RESULTSThere was no significant differences in UCLA and SST score between two groups before operation. At 6 months after operation, UCLA and SST score in biceps tenodesis group was higher than SLAP group, and action,range of anteflexion, strength of anteflexion, degree of satisfaction in biceps tenodesis group was higher than SLAP group. There was no significant meaning in SST and UCLA score between two groups at 1 and 2 years after operation.

CONCLUSIONShort-term efficacy of biceps tenodesis for SLAP injury is better than SLAP repair, but long-term efficacy is fairly.

Aged ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Shoulder Joint ; injuries ; surgery ; Tendon Injuries ; surgery ; Tenodesis

OBJECTIVETo explore the feasibility of using an endovascular metal stent as a highly efficient and site-specific gene delivery system.

METHODSStents were formulated with a collagen coating. Anti-DNA monoclonal antibodies were covalently bound to the collagen surface by a cross linking reagent of N-succinimidyl 3-(2-pyridyldithio) propionate (SPDP). Binding capacity and stability of antibody and plasmid DNA on stents were quantified by radioactive labeling. The gene transduction efficiency was evaluated in cell culture and in rabbits.

RESULTSThe amount of antibodies binding on collagen matrix through SPDP reaction was 15 times higher than that of through physical absorption (P < 0.005). The binding stability of plasmid was significantly better than the control groups (P < 0.01). There was no harmful effect on cell growth with the anti-DNA antibody modified stents. The stents retrieved from cell culture after 72 hours of incubation in A10 cells showed numerous transducted cells only infiltrating the surface coating indicating a highly localized and efficient gene delivery pattern. Results of in vivo gene transfer by this modified stent revealed (2.8 +/- 0.7)% of total cells transduction and the higher transduction location was neointimal layer (about 7%). No distal spread of vector was detectable in the anti-DNA antibody modified stent implantation animals.

CONCLUSIONSAnti-DNA antibody modified stents represent a novel highly efficient and site-specific gene delivery system which can deliver various kinds of plasmid vectors. The release of plasmid DNA tethered on the stents could be controlled in some conditions. This novel system provided a novel platform for cardiovascular site-specific gene therapy.

Animals ; Antibodies, Antinuclear ; immunology ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; immunology ; Cells, Cultured ; Coated Materials, Biocompatible ; Collagen ; DNA ; genetics ; Gene Transfer Techniques ; Genetic Vectors ; Male ; Mice ; Plasmids ; Rabbits ; Stainless Steel ; Stents

Objective To investigate the effects of different dialysates on expression of protein kinase C-? (PKC?) and apoptosis of U937 cell line. Methods Different dialysates were added into culture fluid with U937 cell line at exponential phase of growth, and groups were divided: fluid A+fluid B group (dialysate A+dialysate B), fluid A+fluid B+rottlerin (PKC? specific inhibitor)group, fluid A+powder B group (dialysate A+powder B) and fluid A+powder B + rottlerin group. Besides, blank control group and normal control group were established. Cells were harvested 24 h and 48 h after treatment, morphological changes were observed by Hoechst33258 fluorescence staining, cell apoptosis was measured by Annexin-V-FITC/PI double staining, and expression of PKC? mRNA and protein was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Results Cell apoptosis significantly increased in fluid A+powder B group, with typical morphology of apoptosis. After treatment for 24 h and 48 h, cell apoptosis rates in fluid A+powder B group were significantly higher than those at corresponding time points in blank control group, normal control group and fluid A+powder B+rottlerin group (P0.05). Conclusion Fluid A+powder B can significantly increase apoptosis of U937 cell line, the mechanism of which may be associated with the up-regulation of expression of PKC?. Compared with fluid A+powder B, fluid A+fluid B is superior in reducing apoptosis of peripheral blood monouclear cells.

OBJECTIVEChinese jianpi herbal recipe Weichangan (WCA) could increase the survival rate of advanced gastric cancer. This study was designed to investigate the molecular mechanism of WCA in treatment of gastric cancer by cDNA array, real-time quantitative PCR and immunohistochemical technique.

METHODA human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line SGC-7901 grafted onto nude mouse was used as the animal model. The mice were divided into 3 groups, one control and the two representing experimental conditions. Animals in the two experimental groups received either WCA over a 34-day period or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) over 6-day period starting at 8th day after grafting. Control animals received saline on an identical schedule. Animals were killed 41 days after being grafted. To assess the effect of therapy tumor weight was determined by a electron balance immediately after the animals killed. SP immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in xenografts. For detection of apoptotic cells, apoptotic indices (AI) were examined by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate fluorescence nick end labeling (TUNEL) method. SP method was also used to detect the expression of cleaved Caspase-3. The expression profiles in paired WCA treated gastric cancer samples and the N. S. control samples were studied by using a cDNA array representing 14, 181 cDNA clusters. The alterations in gene expression levels were confirmed by real-time quantitative PCR. SP method was used to detect the expression of Phospho-Stat3 (Tyr705) and bcl-2.

RESULTWhen compared with controls, tumor growth was significantly inhibited by treatment with the WCA or 5-FU (P < 0.01, respectively). The average of tumor inhibitory rate in WCA group was (44.32 +/- 5.67)% and 5-FU (47.04 +/- 11.33)%. The average labeling index (LI) for PCNA in WCA group and 5-FU group was significantly decreased compared with the control group respectively. AI of human gastric cancer xenografts in nude mice was significantly increased to (9.72 +/- 4.51)% using TUNEL method in WCA group compared with the controls (2.45 +/- 1.37)%. 5-FU group was also found a significantly increased AI compared with the controls. The expression of cleaved Caspase-3 in WCA group and 5-FU group was significantly increased compared with the control group respectively. There were 45 different expression ESTs among the control sample pool and WCA sample pool. There were 24 ESTs up-regulated in WCA samples and 21 ESTs down-regulated. These 45 ESTs contains 35 cloned genes and 11 unknown ESTs. By using Real-time Quantitative PCR, the expression level of Stat3 (2(-deltadeltaCT) = 0.16) , RIPX (2(-deltadeltaCT) = 0.18), ROD1 (2(-deltadeltaCT) = 0.23) and bcl-2 (2 (-deltadeltaCT) = 0.10) was lower in WCA group than that in control group respectively. The expression of Phospho-Stat3 (Tyr705) and bcl-2 in WCA group and 5-FU group was significantly decreased compared with the control group respectively.

CONCLUSIONChinese jianpi herbal recipe WCA could inhibit gastric cancer cell SGC-7901 growth in vivo. WCA could induce gastric cancer cell apoptosis and suppress proliferation. Its mechanisms might be involved in the down-regulation of Stat3, RIPX, ROD1 and bcl-2 gene.

Adenocarcinoma ; drug therapy ; genetics ; pathology ; Animals ; Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Drug Combinations ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Expressed Sequence Tags ; Fluorouracil ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Humans ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Nerve Tissue Proteins ; metabolism ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Polypyrimidine Tract-Binding Protein ; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; metabolism ; RNA-Binding Proteins ; metabolism ; STAT3 Transcription Factor ; metabolism ; Stomach Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; genetics ; pathology ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays ; methods

The dialysis method was employed to load adriamycin into the micelles formed by temperature and pH sensitive polyhistidine-co-DL-lactide-co-glycolide-polyethylene glycol poly DL-lactide-co-glycolide-co-histidine (OLH-b-PLGA-b-PEG-b-PLGA-b-OLH). The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the copolymer was measured with pyrene fluorescent probe method under different temperatures. The entrapment rate and drug-loading rate were determined with dialysis method. The diameter, morphology and surface potential of the copolymer micelles were investigated by corresponding instruments, respectively. The release behavior of adriamycin from copolymer micelles and the pH sensitivity were studied. The CMC of the copolymers ranged from 0.022 4 to 0.001 7 microg x mL(-1). The entrapment rate and drug-loading rate were 92.8% and 15.7%, respectively. The micelles have a mean diameter of (61.7 +/- 13.4) nm, and zeta potential was -9.88 mV. The in vitro adriamycin release rate increased with the pH dropping from 7.4 to 5.0. The results indicated that the CMC of the copolymers decreased as the raising of temperature, drug release behavior from the micelles possessed clearly pH sensitivity, and the copolymers may have a potential in targeted delivery system for anticancer drugs.
Doxorubicin ; administration & dosage ; chemical synthesis ; chemistry ; Drug Carriers ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Micelles ; Polyethylene Glycols ; chemistry ; Polyglactin 910 ; chemistry ; Technology, Pharmaceutical ; methods ; Temperature

Objective To evaluate the multiplex nucleic acid testing (NAT) assays for HBV,HCV and HIV in detecting HBV DNA in plasma samples. Methods 534 plasma samples collected form several areas were detected with Abbott Architect i2000 HBsAg, ani-HBs, HBeAg, anti-HBe, anti-HBc and anti-HBc IgM diagnostic kits. HBV DNA levels of those samples were detected with Roche COBAS AmpliPrep/ COBAS TaqMan HBV Test. Two kinds of multiplex NAT assays for HBV, HCV and HIV were used to test HBV DNA of those 534 samples. Results of serology-markers and quantitative HBV DNA levels with results of NAT were compared. Results HBV DNA was positive in all 81 HBsAg, HBeAg and anti-HBc positive samples,detected by both of NAT assays. HBV DNA was positive in 11 and 19 of 200 HBsAg negative samples when detected with the two kinds of NAT assays separately. Compared with the quantitative results detected by Roche COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan HBV Test, the HBV DNA positive rates were 96.9% and 94.3% in 193 samples of HBV DNA levels over 500 IU/ml while 40.2% and 45.3% in 117 samples of HBV DNA levels below 500 IU/ml while 99.3% and 96.0% in 151 samples of DNA negative HBV. Conclusion There are some occult low level HBV DNA carriers with HBsAg negative results in China. NAT assays for HBV, HCV and HIV may be useful to improve the transfusion safety.