Objective To investigate the value of MR imaging in distinguishing adenomas from malignant tumors in gallbladder. Methods Clinical data and MR imaging features of 40 lesions in 37 patients with gallbladder adenomas (GA)confirmed by pathology were collected and reviewed retrospectively.Results The univariate analysis demonstrated that age (P =0.044),size (P =0.001), ratio of high-intensity signals on T2 WI (P =0.013),lobular margin (P <0.000 1),and tumor shapes (P =0.001)were statistically significantly different between adenomas and the malignancy.The Logistic regression analysis showed that only two parameters were significantly different for the prediction of malignant tumors of gallbladder,including lobular margin (P=0.002)and size (P=0.046).Further analysis with ROC curve showed that a threshold value of lesion diameter to distinguish the benign and malignancy could be at 1.59 cm. Conclusion Both lobular margin of GA and maximal diameter are independent factors in predicting the nature of GA,and the former exhibits more significant.Low ratio of high signal intensity in T2 WI and type circular shape are the contradictory factor for predic-ting adenocarcinoma of gallbladder.MRI is useful in the identification of patients with GA and gallbladder carcinoma developed from GA.

Objective To establish a duplex fluorescence PCR for detection of HIV proviral DNA and to evaluate its application for early diagnosis of HIV infection in infants .Methods A duplex fluores-cence PCR system was set up based on TaqMan technology for detection of human ribonuclease P ( RNase P) gene and long terminal repeat ( LTR) region of HIV.A recombinant plasmid containing the targeted gene fragment , pTG19-T, was constructed by TA cloning technique and used as the template for evaluation of sen -sitivity of the assay .Blood samples from 11 healthy individuals and 98 HIV-infected patients were collected and detected to validate the assay specificity .The assay of duplex fluorescence PCR was then carried out to detect 96 infant blood samples collected from several maternal and child health hospitals in Zhejiang province from January 2011 to September 2012 for early diagnosis of HIV infection .The results were compared with those by using the Roche HIV DNA qualitative detection kit .Results The established duplex fluorescence PCR could specifically detect HIV proviral DNA with a specificity of 100%and a detection sensitivity of 100 cps per reaction .The coincidence rate between the established assay and the Roche HIV DNA qualitative de -tection kit was 100%in the detection of 96 blood samples .Conclusion The duplex fluorescence PCR as-say showed advantages of cost-effectiveness , convenience , good specificity and accuracy with high sensitivi-ty.It could be used for early diagnosis of HIV infection in infants and also as a general technical platform for the detection of HIV proviral DNA .

Objective To investigate the role of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signal transduction pathway on the up-regulation of the expression of acyl-coenzyme A: cholesterol acyltransferasel (ACAT1) induced by Chlamydia pneumoniae (C. pn), and to discuss the mechanism of macrophages-derived foam cell formation induced by C. pn. Methods C. pn was propagated in Hep-2 cells. THP-1 monocytes were induced into macrophages by 160 nmol/L phorbol myristate acetate(PMA) for 48 h, and were randomly allocated into four groups to be incubated continually: control group, C. pn infection group, C. pn and SP600125 (a special JNK inhibitor)group and SP600125 group. Lipid droplets in cytoplasm were observed by oil red O staining. The contents of intracellular cholesterol ester were detected by enzyme fluorescence analysis. The expressions of ACAT1 mRNA and protein were determined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) and Western blot, respectively. Results Compared with the control group, the expressions of ACAT1 mRNA and protein were up-regulated in C. pn infection group [(4.16±0.26) vs. (2.17±0.18), (1.20±0.10)vs. (0.61±0.03), both P<0.05], and C. pn-induced foam cell formation was observed. The expressions of ACAT1 mRNA and protein and the foam cell formation were inhibited by SP600125 in a concentration-dependent manner (r = - 0.92, P<0.05; r= - 0. 96, P<0.05, respectively). Conclusions The up-regulation of ACAT1 expression is induced by C. pn via JNK signal transduction pathway, which is involved in the mechanism of C. pn-induced macrophage-derived foam cell formation.

AIM: To investigate the signal transduction mechanism of Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cpn) in down-regulating the expression of ATP binding cassette A1 (ABCA1) and ATP binding cassette G1 (ABCG1),the key molecules in cholesterol efflux and atherogenesis,from THP-1-derived macrophages. METHODS: Cpn was propagated in Hep-2 cells. THP-1 monocytes were induced into macrophages by 160 nmol/L phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) for 48 h,and were randomly allocated into 4 groups to incubate continually: control group,50 mg/L low density lipoprotein (LDL); Cpn infection group,Cpn (1×10~6 IFU) and 50 mg/L LDL; Cpn and SP600125 (a special JNK inhibiter) group,THP-1 macrophages were previously treated with different concentrations (1-20 μmol/L) of SP600125 for 1 h,and then infected with Cpn (1×10~6 IFU) and 50 mg/L LDL; SP600125 group,SP600125(20 μmol/L)and 50 mg/L LDL. The expressions of ABCA1/ABCG1 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) from each group were detected then. The cholesterol efflux was detected by enzyme-fluorescence. The expressions of ABCA1/ABCG1 and PPARγ mRNA and protein were determined by RT-PCR and Western blotting,respectively. RESULTS: Cpn not only down-regulated the ABCA1/ABCG1 expression,but also down-regulated the expression of PPARγ,which regulated the ABCA1/ABCG1 genes transcriptions. However,the mentioned effects of Cpn infection were restrained by the special JNK inhibitor SP600125 in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: Chlamydia pneumoniae may down-regulate ABCA1/ABCG1 expression from THP-1-derived macrophages via JNK-PPARγ signal transduction pathway.

Objective:To investigate the effects of Chlamydia pneumoniae(Cpn) on SR-A1 and CD36 expression in THP-1-derived macrophages and role of c-Jun NH_2-terminal signal transduction pathway in the process.Methods:Cpn was propagated in Hep-2 cells.THP-1 monocytes were induced into macrophages by 160 nmol/L phorbol myristate acetate(PMA)for 48h,and were randomly allocated into four groups to be incubated continually: control group;Cpn infection group;Cpn and SP600125(a JNK inhibiter)group and SP600125 group.Lipid droplets in cytoplasm were observed by oil red O staining.The contents of intracellular cholesterol ester were detected by enzyme-fluorescence.The expression of SR-A1 and CD36mRNA and protein were determined by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Results:THP-1-derived macrophages infected with Cpn resulted in large accumulation of lipid droplets and foam cell formation when co-cultured with LDL.Meanwhile,the expression of SR-A1 mRNA and protein were up-regulated by Cpn infection (P<0.05).However,the expressions of CD36 mRNA and protein in THP-1-derived macrophages infected with Cpn were unchanged.Moreover,the up-regulation of SR-A1 and foam cell formation induced by Cpn could be restrained by the JNK inhibiter SP600125 in a dose-dependent manner,and SP600125 had little impact on the expression of CD36 in THP-1-derived macrophages infected with Cpn.Conclusion:The up-regulation of SR-A1 but not CD36 expression is involved in mechanisms of Cpn inducing foam cell formation.And Chlamydia pneumoniae up-regulates the expression of SR-A1 via the JNK signal transduction pathway.This may be a novel mechanism for the foam cell formation induced by Cpn.

Objective: To explore the clinical significance of multi slice spiral CT in the diagnosis of small intestinal diseases. Methods: 78 patients suspected with small intestinal diseases were selected and scanned by multi detector row spiral CT instrument.The lesion position, size, type, range and distant metastasis were observed.Then, the clinical and pathological results were compared and analyzed. Results: The final clinicopathological diagnosis had 49 positive cases, 29 negative cases among the 78 patients.The MDCTE had 40 positive cases, which had correspondence with pathological diagnosis; 29 negative cases had correspondence with pathological diagnosis; 9 cases had been misdiagnosed.The sensitivity of MDCTE in diagnosis of small intestinal diseases was 81.63%(40/49), the specificity was 100.00%(29/29), the positive predictive rate was 100.00%(40/40), the negative predictive rate was 76.32%(29/38), the accuracy of diagnosis was 88.46%[(40+ 29)/78]. Conclusion MDCTE has important clinical significance in the diagnosis of small intestinal diseases.

OBJECTIVETo establish a method for quickly investigating the absorption ingredients which could be used as the index of quality control of Gentianae Radix et Rhizoma.

METHODThe absorption ingredients of Gentianae Radix et Rhizoma were investigated by using the model of in vitro everted intestinal sac (VEIS). The intestinal sac liquors of jejunum and ileum were collected at 6 intervals (15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120 min) and gentiopicroside, loganin acid, swertiamarin and sweroside were detected by HPLC as the representative marker. The accumulative absorption quantity of gentiopicroside, loganin acid, swertiamarin and sweroside were calculated, respectively.

RESULTSix components could be detected in intestinal sac. In different concentrations of Gentianae Radix et Rhizoma, gentiopicroside and swertiamarin in various intestinal sections were the linear absorption (R2 > 0.9), conformed to zero order absorption rate. In jejunum the constant of absorption rate (Ka) of gentiopicroside and swertiamarin increased with the raised dosage of Gentianae Radix et Rhizoma (P < 0.05), which indicated a passive absorption manner, and the value of Ka of high and middle dosage of those in ileum were higher than that of low dosage, and the difference of Ka between high and middle dosage were not significant, which indicated a positive absorption manner. The Ka of high and middle dosage of sweroside in ileum and jejunum were higher than that of low dosage (P < 0.05), and the difference of Ka between high and middle dosage were not significant, which indicated a positive absorption manner. The Ka of loganin acid in jejunum and ileum increased along with the raised dosage of Gentianae Radix et Rhizoma (P < 0.05), which indicated a passive absorption manner.

CONCLUSIONSEMAC could be used as a tool to investigate the absorption ingredients of Gentianae Radix et Rhizoma. Drug in intestine sac was selective, and the absorption part of intestine was also different.

Absorption ; Animals ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacokinetics ; Gentiana ; chemistry ; Ileum ; metabolism ; Iridoid Glucosides ; pharmacokinetics ; Jejunum ; metabolism ; Male ; Pyrones ; pharmacokinetics ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

OBJECTIVETo establish a method for quick finding of the absorption ingredients of Paeoniae Radix Alba in order to select the index of quality control.

METHODThe absorption ingredients of three concentration of Paeoniae Radix Alba were investigated with the in vitro-everted intestinal sac (VEIS) model. The intestinal sac fluids of jejunum and ileum were collected in different time and detected by HPLC. The accumulative absorption quantity of albiflorin and paeoniflorin were calculated, respectively.

RESULTFive ingredients could be detected. In different concentrations of Paeoniae Radix Alba, albiflorin and paeoniflorin in various intestinal sections were the linear absorption (R2 > 0.9), conformed to the zero order absorption rate. The values of Ka in the jejunum and ileum were increased along with the raised dosage of the Paeoniae Radix Alba (P < 0.05), indicating a passive absorption manner.

CONCLUSIONSEMAC could be used as a tool to find the absorption ingredients of Paeoniae Radix Alba. Compared with the jejunum, the ileum could provide the more absorption information. It was showed that the optimal detecting time was 60 min.

Animals ; Intestinal Absorption ; Male ; Paeonia ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

Objective To assess long-term outcomes of coronary artery (CA) Z scores in children with Kawasaki disease (KD) with echocardiography.Methods Echocardiographic data of 100 KD children during 7-14 years interval follow-up were analyzed retrospectively.The children were divided into dilatation group (n =54,CA dilated) and non-dilatation group (n=46,CA not dilated) at the acute phase.Fifty one children were selected simultaneously as the controls (control group).Diameters and Z scores of left main coronary artery (LMCA),left anterior descending (LAD) and proximal right coronary artery (pRCA) were compared,and factors affecting CA diameter during the recovery phase were analyzed.Results CA diameters in dilatation group were larger than those in non-dilatation group and control group (all P＜0.05),whereas no statistical difference of CA diameter was found between non-dilatation group and control group (all P＞0.05).In dilatation group,Z score of LMCA,LAD and pRCA was 0.569 5 ± 1.061 6,0.420 (-0.029,1.078) and 0.640(0.283,1.250),while in non dilatation group,Z score of LMCA,LAD and pRCA was-0.0313±0.8467,-0.0662±0.6612 and 0.1887±0.5935,respectively.In control group,Z score of LMCA,LAD and pRCA was-0.1246±1.0167,-0.2558±1.0848 and 0.1943±0.6101,respectively.Z scores in dilatation group were larger than those in non-dilatation group and control group (all P＜0.05),while no statistical differences of Z scores was found between nondilatation group and control group (all P＞0.05).Dilation degree of CA at the acute phase was the factor affecting longterm CA dilation (odds ratio=39.146,P＜0.001).Conclusion During 7-14 years of follow-up,CA diameters and Z scores kept to increase in KD children with CA dilatation at the acute phase.The dilation degree of CA at the acute phase in KD children affects the long-term CA dilation.

Objective: To explore the clinical value of magnetic resonance T₂-mapping imaging in the diagnosis of early intervertebral disc degeneration in obese people. Methods: From January 2018 to June 2019, 30 obese volunteers and 30 healthy volunteers with normal weight underwent T₂-mapping scan, while their routine MRI examination showed no abnormalities were slected.The T2 value of nucleus pulposus in both two groups were measured and compared. Results: The T2 values of nucleus pulposus of intervertebral disc of lumbar 1-2, lumbar 2-3, lumbar 3-4, lumbar 4-5 and lumbar 5-sacral 1 in the control group were (108.17±10.87)ms, (113.93±11.54)ms, (126.65±10.22)ms, (118.62±8.86)ms and (111.61±10.65)ms, respectively, which of nucleus pulposus in different segments was statistically significant(F=14.28, P<0.001). The T2 values of nucleus pulposus of intervertebral disc of lumbar 1-2, lumbar 2-3, lumbar 3-4, lumbar 4-5, lumbar 5-sacral 1 in the simple obesity group were (104.90±7.67)ms, (101.10±6.61)ms, (112.65±5.75)ms, (98.27±6.18)ms, (89.82±6.34)ms, respectively, , which of nucleus pulposus in different segments was statistically significant(F=49.52, P<0.001). There were statistically significant differences in the T2 values of nucleus pulposus of intervertebral disc of lumbar 2-3, lumbar 3-4, lumbar 4-5, lumbar 5-sacral 1 between the two groups(t=5.283, 6.535, 10.327, 9.626, all P<0.001). Conclusion Magnetic resonance T₂-mapping can detect early changes in tissue composition of intervertebral disc degeneration.Therefore, magnetic resonance T₂-mapping imaging technology can provide an important reference for the early diagnosis of intervertebral disc degeneration in obese people.