Small cell lung cancer is the most common primary neuroendocrine malignancy of the lung and is characterized by high malignant degree,rapid doubling time,easy metastasis in early stage and poor prognosis.Accurate staging of small cell lung cancer can formulate personalized therapeutic plans and improve the prognosis of patients.PET/CT can obtain metabolism and anatomical images of the whole body in one scan and improve the diagnostic accuracy and integrity.PET/CT has been widely applied to clinical practice now.PET/CT will play a more and more important role in diagnosis,staging,treatment and prognosis assessment of patients with small cell lung cancer.The value of PET/CT in staging and treatment of small cell lung cancer was reviewed in this article.

Objective To investigate CT signs of peripheral small cell lung cancer (SCLC).Methods The CT signs of 78 patients with SCLC confirmed by pathology were retrospectively reviewed.According to the presence of mediastinal lymph node metastasis and its size, 78 cases of peripheral SCLC were divided into two types: typeⅠ(isolated lesion) and typeⅡ(lung lesion + lymph nodes).Type Ⅱwere divided into two subtypes:type Ⅱa (short diameter of lymph nodes of pulmonary hilar and mediastinum less than 10 mm) and type Ⅱ b (short diameter of lymph nodes of pulmonary hilar and mediastinum greater than or equal to 10 mm).Results Of the 78 SCLCs, typeⅠwas 7 cases, and typeⅡwas 71 cases,including 8 cases of typeⅡa and 63 cases of typeⅡb.All of the lesions were soild density.The shape were round or oval in 52 cases, vermicular or spindlein 9 cases, and other shapes in 17 cases.Among 71 cases performed CT enhancement, there were 9 cases with homogeneous enhancement, 58 cases with heterogeneous enhancement, 4 cases with non-enhancement large necrosis area.These cases showed the following CT signs: smooth edge in 65 cases, coarse edge in 12 cases, blurred edge in 1 case;air bronchogram in 3 cases, vacuole sign in 4 cases, calcification in 4 cases;lobulation sign in 46 cases, spiculated sign in 5 cases;thickening of the bronchovascular bundle in 41 cases, pleural indentation in 6 cases, marginal ground-glass opacity in 5 cases, vascular convergence sign in 1 case;emphysema in 42 cases;obstructive pneumonia in 4 cases;bronchus abruptly interruption on the edge of the nodules in 18 cases;enlargement of mediastinal lymph nodes in 63 cases, the diameter of mediastinal lymph nodes larger than the primary lesions in 42 cases;and a little pleural effusion in 9 cases.Conclusion Solid density, smooth margin with lobulation,and significantly enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes are common signs in peripheral SCLC.Thickening of the bronchovascular bundle indicates reletively advanced stage.

To seek the reason of heterogeneity of recombinant HWTX-I (rHWTX-I) expressed in Pichia pastoris. We expressed HWTX-I gene of interest in Pichia pastoris GS115/HWTX-I. The heterogenous product expressed was separated, purified and identified by using Ion exchange HPLC, reverse HPLC, Tricine SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry and then sequenced in both N-terminus and C-terminus. These results show that the heterogeneity of rHWTX-I results from the incomplete processing of signal peptide of N-terminus and the internal degradation of C-terminus. Biological activity assay shows that the activity of the heterogenous rHWTX-I only showed 30% activity compared with the native HWTX-I. The Solutions to how to avoid the heterogeneity are also discussed.
Animals ; Neurotoxins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Pichia ; genetics ; metabolism ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Reptilian Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Spider Venoms ; biosynthesis ; genetics

BACKGROUNDAccumulating evidence indicates that both innate and adaptive mechanisms are responsible for the postnatal development of the mammalian visual cortex. Most of the studies, including gene expression analysis, were performed on the visual cortex during the critical period; few efforts were made to elucidate the molecular changes in the visual cortex during much earlier postnatal stages. The current study aimed to gain a general insight into the molecular mechanisms in the developmental process of the rat visual cortex using microarray to display the gene expression profiles of the visual cortex on postnatal days.

METHODSAll age-matched Sprague-Dawley rats in various groups including postnatal day 0 (P0, n = 20), day 10 (P10, n = 15), day 20 (P20, n = 15) and day 45 (P45, n = 10) were sacrificed respectively. Fresh visual cortex from the binocular area (Area 17) was dissected for extraction of total RNA for microarray analyses. Taking advantage of annotation information from the gene ontology and pathway database, the gene expression profiles were systematically and globally analyzed.

RESULTSOf the 31 042 gene sequences represented on the rat expression microarray, more than 4000 of the transcripts significantly altered at days 45, 20 or 10 compared to day 0. The most obvious alteration of gene expression occurred in the first ten days of the postnatal period and the genomic activities of the visual cortex maintained a high level from birth to day 45. Compared to the gene expression at birth, there were 2630 changed transcripts that shared in three postnatal periods. The up-regulated genes in most signaling pathways were more than those of the down-regulated genes.

CONCLUSIONSAnalyzing gene expression patterns, we provide a detailed insight into the molecular organization of the developing visual cortex in the earlier postnatal rat. The most obvious alteration of gene expression in visual cortex occurred in the first ten days. Our data were a basis to identify new relevant candidate genes that control visual cortex development.

Animals ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental ; genetics ; physiology ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; Rats ; Visual Cortex ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo explore the influence of Free-skin-grafted penoscrotal avulsion injuries on spermatogenesis.

METHODSForty-two male New Zealand albino rabbits during child-bearing period were divided into the experimental group (n = 24) and the control group (n = 18) using random digits table, and 24 female rabbits with reproductive history were used for mating experiment. The experimental group animal's scrotum skin were excised, and the split skin from abdominal region was used to repair the skin defect of scrotum. The control group did not any processing. Six rabbits were randomly chosen respectively in control group and on the 3rd and 8th weekend after the model was successfully established in experimental group. The testicular surface temperature was measured in the eighteen rabbits using the method of burying thermometer, then the testicular biopsy were performed for hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. On the 8(th) weekend after the model was successfully established in experimental group, matched-pair feed was performed in the other 12 rabbits respectively in experimental group and in control group. Observation of corresponding mother rabbit fertility. Three patients of penoscrotal avulsion injuries were treated using split skin grafts, and the information of sex life and the quality of sperm were obtained by follow up.

RESULTSThe testicular surface temperature was similar on the 3rd and 8th weekend after the model was successfully established in experimental group [(36.15 ± 0.24)°C, (36.77 ± 0.42)°C] with that of the control group. Testis tissue (HE) staining showed the tier of spermatogenic cells was rule arrangement and lot of mature sperms were found in the convoluted seminiferous tubules in control group. The tier of spermatogenic cells was diminished and disposed derangement, the spermatozoa were not seen on the 3(th) weekend of the experiment group. The tier of spermatogenic cells was increased and some spermatozoa were seen on the 8th weekend of the experiment group. Male and female matched-pair feed showed the experimental group conception rate 8/12, and 4.1 ± 3.2 rabbit babies were born averagely, while that of was 12/12 and 6.0 ± 1.3 in control group (P > 0.05). The skin grafts there were some contracture in early stage (1 - 2 months) when the skin grafts applied to repair the avulsing scrotum in three patients. But the skin grafts became loose with downward sagging and there were the good cosmetic result in one year, and without any contracture. The sperm quality was normal after the skin grafts applied to repair the avulsing scrotum in the late stage.

CONCLUSIONSThe skin grafting is little arrest the testicle spermatogenesis in the three methods (skin flap reconstruction scrotum, testicle buried, split skin grafting) that have usually been used to repair scrotum skin lose. For a young male, the best treatment for penoscrotal avulsion injuries is free skin grafting, while skin flaps are not recommended for reconstructing the scrotum.

Adult ; Animals ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Rabbits ; Scrotum ; injuries ; surgery ; Skin Transplantation ; methods ; Spermatogenesis ; Surgical Flaps

Objective To explore the effect of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on expressions of aquaporin (AQP)1 and AQP 5 in young rats with acute lung injury (ALI) caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS).Methods Eighty-four young rats were randomly divided into control group,ALI model group and CGRP group.The rats in ALI model group were given intraperitoneal injection of LPS (5 mg/kg)for 2,6,12,24 hours;while the rats in CGRP group were given intraperitoneal CGRP (1 mg/kg) after 1 h injection of LPS.At 2 h,6 h,12 h and 24 h,all rats were sacrificed and lung tissues were obtained.The histopathological changes in lung tissues were evaluated by adopting hematoxylin-eosin staining,and wet/dry(W/D) was measured.The mRNA and protein levels of AQP1 and AQP5 in lung tissues were detected by adopting fluorogenic quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blot.Results Pathological stain showed that rats in control group had a normal lung tissue structure,and LPS made lung tissue edema,narrowing the alveolar cavity and inflammatory cell infiltration.CGRP attenuated the effect of LPS on rat's lung.The W/D ratio of lung tissue was significantly higher than that in the control group,and CGRP reduced the W/D ratio of lung tissue.qPCR showed that the mRNA levels of AQP1 and AQP5 from rats in ALI group (0.009 ±0.001 and 0.055 ±0.006)decreased compared with those in the control group (0.035±0.002 and 0.167 ±0.006) and CGRP group (0.024 ± 0.002 and 0.134 ± 0.012) (all P ＜ 0.001).Western blot results showed after 24 h injection of LPS,both AQP1 and AQP5 levels from ALI group (0.397 ± 0.041 and 0.215 ± 0.029) were significantly lower than those in the control group (0.850 ± 0.020 and 0.741 ± 0.032) (all P ＜ 0.001),and their levels in CGRP group (0.593-± 0.065 and 0.461 ± 0.039) were also lower than those in the control group,but higher than those in ALI group (all P ＜ 0.001).Conclusion CGRP can enhance AQP1 and AQP5 levels and reduce pulmonary edema,and it has a protective effect on rats with acute lung injury.

OBJECTIVETo report an anatomical basis for the posterior tibial artery intermuscular septum branches island flaps and its clinical value.

METHODSThe origin,course, number, caliber and distribution of the posterior tibial artery intermuscular septum branches were studied in 10 adult cadavers(20 legs). 10 cases of homonymy and opposite side ankle and adjacent soft tissue defects with posterior tibial artery intermuscular septum branches island flaps, aged 20-50 years. Free skin transplantation on the donor sites.

RESULTSThe posterior tibial artery gives off 2-7 intermuscular septum branches. Its external diameter was about 0.4-1.8 mm,and the length was about 0.3-4.5 cm. The area of flaps was 7 cm x 6 cm - 20 cm x 8 cm in the group. All the flaps were survived except 1 with partial necrosis in the distant part(3 cm x 1 cm) of the flap. 7 cases were followed up two months to three years. The color, texture and appearance of the flaps were good.

CONCLUSIONSThe kind of flap has reliable blood supply, the scope of repairing was wide; avoidance of sacrificing the major artery; the flap was easy to be dissected. It was one of the ideal flaps to repair the ankle and adjacent soft tissue defects.

Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Surgical Flaps ; blood supply ; Tibial Arteries ; anatomy & histology ; transplantation ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility and safety of substituting tacrolimus(FK506) for cyclosporin A(CsA) on delaying the pace of renal dysfunction in patients with biopsy-proven chronic allograft nephropathy(CAN). METHODS: Seventy-three renal transplantation patients with CAN proved by allograft biopsy were collected in this study. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. Patients were either converted to FK506(FK506 group, n=43) or remained on their initial CsA-based immunosuppression(CsA group, n=30). The clinical data at study entry and after 12 months including blood urea nitrogen(BUN), serum creatinine(SCr), glomerular filtration rate(GFR), 24-hour urine protein excretion, serum total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), low density lipoprotein(LDL) and the side effects of calcineurin inhibitors were monitored during a follow-up of over 12 months. RESULTS: Twelve months later, the level of SCr was statistically reduced and GFR levels were obviously elevated in the FK506 group as compared with CsA group [(194.8+/-42.5)micromol/L vs. (245.4+/-52.8)micromol/L and (50.14+/-3.92)mL/(min.1.73 m(2)) vs. (40.58+/-2.49)mL/(min.1.73 m2), P<0.01]. Quantity of 24-hour urine protein excretion in the FK506 group was (2.0+/-0.5)g which is significantly lower than (3.9+/-0.7)g in the CsA group(P<0.01). TC, TG, and LDL levels remained unchanged in the CsA group, while those were statistically reduced in the FK506 group respectively [(5.19+/-0.73)mmol/L vs. (6.94+/-1.37)mmol/L, (1.86+/-0.84)mmol/L vs. (3.14+/-1.38)mmol/L, (3.03+/-0.71)mmol/L vs. (3.82+/-0.89)mmol/L, P<0.01]. Tremor obviously increased (P<0.01) and hypertension obviously decreased (P<0.05) in the FK506 group compared with the CsA group. CONCLUSION FK506 treatment can greatly improve the proteinuria and hyperlipidemia. Conversion from CsA to FK506 is an effective and safe alternative therapy for delaying the progression of renal dysfunction induced by CAN.
Adult ; Aged ; Cholesterol ; blood ; Creatinine ; blood ; Cyclosporine ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Glomerular Filtration Rate ; Graft Rejection ; complications ; Humans ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; therapeutic use ; Kidney Failure, Chronic ; blood ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Kidney Transplantation ; adverse effects ; Lipoproteins, LDL ; blood ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tacrolimus ; therapeutic use ; Treatment Outcome ; Triglycerides ; blood

OBJECTIVETo establish the median of serum markers for second trimester screening in Qingdao region and to assess the influence of median correction on the performance of screening.

METHODSMaternal serum alpha-fetoproteins (AFP), human chorionic gonadotrophin, free beta subunit (β -HCG) and unconjugated oestriol (uE3) were assayed for prenatal screening of 18 188 singleton pregnancies at 15-20(+ 6) weeks gestation from January 2009 to July 2010. The median of serum markers was calculated based on above results and applied for risk estimation in screening for fetal aneuploidy from August 2010 to March 2011. The screening performance, specified in terms of detection rates (DRs), false positive rates (FPRs) and odds of being affected given a positive result (OAPR) were compared between the two groups. The risks of 45 affected pregnancies detected during the study were estimated with both Caucasian and corrected medians.

RESULTSThe average level of AFP in local pregnancies was similar to that of the Caucasian population, whilst β -HCG and uE3 were respectively 11% and 33% higher than those of Caucasians. The multiple of median (MoM) value was between 0.94 and 1.02 for the dataset based on the corrected median. At a cut-off of l in 270, FPR has decreased from 5.2% to 4.9%, and DR of Down syndrome has increased from 60% to 69.2%, and OAPR has increased from 1:79 to 1:59 when evaluating risk based on the corrected median. For the 45 affected pregnancies, three Down syndrome pregnancies could be missed because their risk estimates were lower than the cut-off level based on Caucasian median.

CONCLUSIONIt is useful to establish and apply population and laboratory-specific medians in order to improve the performance of prenatal screening and diagnosis.

Adult ; Biomarkers ; blood ; Estriol ; blood ; Female ; Humans ; Lindane ; blood ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Trimester, Second ; Prenatal Diagnosis ; methods ; alpha-Fetoproteins ; analysis

Objective To investigate CT findings of abnormal bronchovascular bundle in patients with peripheral small cell lung cancer (SCLC).Methods The CT findings of abnormal bronchovascular bundle in 78 peripheral SCLC patients confirmed by pathology were retrospectively reviewed.Abnormal bronchovascular bundle of peripheral SCLC was divided into three types:type Ⅰ (thickening of the bronchovascular bundle),type Ⅱ (string beads of bronchovascular bundle) and type Ⅲ (bronchial cast with bronchus cut-off).Results 41 of 78 patients had abnormal bronchovascular bundle,in which 26 cases were in type Ⅰ,10 in type Ⅱ,5 in type Ⅲ.Except for 1 case with no mediastinal lymph node metastasis among 41 cases with abnormal bronchovascular bundle,all other 40 cases had mediastinal lymph node metastasis.Conclusion The abnormal bronchovascular bundle could reflect the biologic character of SCLC.Abnormal bronchovascular bundle is associated with advanced patients.