Objective To investigate whether Ki-67 and DNA topoisomerase Ⅱ α (Topo Ⅱ α) are effective prognostic markers in patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after liver transplantation.Methods This retrospective cohort study included 105 patients with HCC who underwent liver transplantation in a single center from 2001 to 2012.The demographic features,clinicopathological data,expressions of Topo I c and Ki-67 as detected by immunohistochemistry.The long-term survival and the potential prognostic factors,together with standard histologic parameters,were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses.Results A positive correlation was found between Topo II α and Ki-67 levels in HCC (r ＝ 0.469,P ＜ 0.01).Multivariate analyses showed that Ki-67 was an independent prognostic risk factor of recurrencefree survival (HR ＝ 2.296,P ＜ 0.05).The 5-year overall survival rate was related to tumor size (HR ＝ 1.743,P ＜ 0.05),AFP (HR ＝ 2.291,P ＜ 0.05),histological grade (HR ＝ 0.283,P ＜ 0.01),and high expressions of Ki-67 (HR ＝ 1.977,P ＜ 0.05) and Topo Ⅱ α levels (HR ＝ 1.883,P ＜ 0.05).The KaplanMeier analysis showed that there was a significant difference in the 5-year recurrence-free survival rate (40.4％ vs.57.6％) between patients with high and low expressions of Ki-67,which were significantly lower in the high Topo Ⅱ α expression patients (13.5％ vs.63.8％) (P ＜0.01).The 5-year overall survival rates were significantly lower in the high Ki-67 expression patients (12.7％ vs.61.1％,P ＜0.01) when compared with the low Ki-67 expression patients,which were significantly lower in the high Topo Ⅱ α-and Ki-67 expression patients (10.7％ vs.54.5％,P ＜0.01) than the low Topo Ⅱ α-or Ki-67 patients.Conclusions Ki-67 was associated with recurrence and metastasis in patients with primary hepatic carcinoma after liver transplantation.High expression of both Ki-67 and Topo Ⅱ α were associated with poor prognosis in these patients.

Objective To optimize the culture method for rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes in vitro,and observe the effect of Dishevelled (Dvl) 2 on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLS).Methods Synovium from RA patients who underwent knee arthroplasties were cut into small piece,and RA-FLS were isolated and cultured in vitro using tissue block method.Dvl 2 lentivirus overexpressing plasmid was constructed and transfected into RAFLS.Q-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of VEGF.Then we used 10 ng/ml tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α recombinant protein to stimulate the transfected RA-FLS.24 h after stimulation,mRNA and protein expression of VEGF were detected again.Student's t test was used for two group analyses.Results RA-FLS was successfully isolated and cultured in vitro.The multiplicity of infection was 30 and was in conjunction with appropriate concentration of polybrene to promote transfection.Transfection efficiency could meet the test requirements.The mRNA of Dvl 2 increased for 79-fold than the control group.Compared with the control group,Dvl 2 could mildly inhibit RA-FLS secretion of VEGF.After TNF-α stimulation,Dvl 2 could significantly inhibit the VEGF's mRNA (2.15±0.10,2.92±0.47 fold,t=-3.924,P=0.003) and protein [(285±100) pg/ml,(155±61) pg/ml,t=-2.714,P=0.022] expression compared with the control group.Conclusion Dvl 2 can inhibit the effect of TNF-α induced secretion of VEGF in RA-FLS.The specific mechanism needs further study.

Objective To evaluate the functional changes in the isometric,concentric and eccentric muscle strength of the knee extensors and flexors in patients with knee osteoarthritis,and to explore the relationship among these contractions.Methods A Biodex System-3 isokinetic test system was used to assess the isometric,concentric and eccentric strength of the knee extensors and flexors of the involved and uninvolved limbs of 54 patients suffering from osteoarthritis.Results The strength of the knee extensors and flexors of the involved limbs was significantly less than that of the uninvolved legs in the different contraction modes(P＜0.05).The difference was especially marked in concentric and eccentric contraction at low angular velocity.The hamstrings/quadriceps ratio and the dy- namic control ratio showed abnormalities in the muscle balance of the hamstrings and quadriceps.Conclusion Iso- kinetic testing should be applied and the hamstrings/quadriceps ratio and the dynamic control ratio should be analyzed in evaluating patients with knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVETo establish a simple but effective method of laser scanning confocal microscopic imaging for Ca2+ oscillations of pancreatic acinar cells in adult mice.

METHODSPancreatic acinar cells from adult Kunming mice were isolated acutely with collagenase, and then loaded with fluo-4-AM, a Ca2+ indicator. A laser scanning confocal microscope armed with 488 nm laser was employed to record the dynamic fluorescent signals in-time and synchronously while acetylcholine (ACh) was added in the pancreatic acinar cells.

RESULTS(1) The classic pancreatic acinar cell Ca2+ oscillations were induced by a certain concentration of ACh (100 nmol/L) successfully and steadily, which could be blocked by atropine completely. (2) Plasmic Ca2+ oscillations from different parts of one acinar cell were usually with different amplitudes and almost the same frequencies. But both of amplitudes and frequencies were different among different cells. (3) The acinar cell Ca2+ oscillations were induced by ACh in a concentration-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONThe laser scanning confocal microscopic imaging for adult mouse pancreatic acinar cell Ca2+ oscillations was established successfully. The features of being easy to use, direct to see lively, high efficiency and good flexibility make it a popular tool for researchers to choose.

Acinar Cells ; chemistry ; Animals ; Calcium ; analysis ; Calcium Signaling ; Cells, Cultured ; Mice ; Microscopy, Confocal ; methods ; Pancreas ; cytology

The combination of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata can increase efficacy and decrease toxicity. This study started from the phenomena of protein self-assembly in the mixed decoction of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma with Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata. The attenuated mechanism was explored between the combination of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata by using the protein of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and aconitine which was the major toxic component of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata. Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma protein with aconitine could form stable particles which particle mean diameter was (206.2 ± 2.02) nm and (238.20 ± 1.23) nm at pH 5.0 in normal temperature. Through the mouse acute toxicity experiment found that injection of aconitine monomer all mice were killed, and injection of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma protein-aconitine particles with the same content of aconitine all mice survived. Survey the stability of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma protein-aconitine shows that the colloid particles is stable at room temperature, and it has the possibility to candidate drug carrier. Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma protein can reduce the toxicity of aconitine through self-assembly.
Aconitum ; chemistry ; toxicity ; Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; toxicity ; Female ; Glycyrrhiza ; chemistry ; toxicity ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Plant Proteins ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; toxicity ; Rhizome ; chemistry ; toxicity

Objective To compare the effects of oxygen therapy and local pressurization in alleviating plateau hypoxia at high altitude.Methods Forty-five healthy male soldiers were investigated at an altitude of 3992 meters.The subjects were randomly divided into three groups, ie.an oxygen inhalation group, a single-soldier oxygen increasing respirator (SOIR) group and a BiPAP group.The oxygen inhalation group was treated with oxygen inhalation via nasal catheter at 2 L/min.SOIR was used to assist breath in the SOIR group.The BiPAP group were treated with bi-level positive airway pressure ventilation, with IPAP of 10 cm H20 and EPAP of 4 cm H2O.PaO2、PaCO2、SpO2 and heart rate were measured before and 30 minutes after the treatment.Results There were continuous increase of PaO2 from (53.30±4.88) mm Hg to (58.58±5.05) mm Hg and (54.43±3.01) mm Hg to (91.36±10.99) mm Hg after BiPAP ventilation and oxygen inhalation, respectively (both P < 0.01).However, the PaO2、of the SOIR group was decreased from (56.00±5.75) mm Hg to (50.82±5.40) mm Hg (P < 0.05).In the other hand, the PaCO2、 was increased from (30.41±1.51) mm Hg to (32.5±2.98) mm Hg in the oxygen inhalation group (P< 0.05), declined from (28.74±2.91) mm Hg to (25.82±4.35) mm Hg in the BiPAP group (P < 0.05), and didn't change significantly from (28.65±2.78)mm Hg to (29.75±3.89) nun Hg in the SOIR group (P > 0.05).Conclusions Both BiPAP ventilation and oxygen inhalation can alleviate plateau hypoxia by improving PaO2 at 3992 meter altitude while SOIR has no significant effect.

Objective To explore Chongqing migrant workers Suiqian children′s mental health status and related factors .Meth-ods In this study 740 children from grade 7 to grade 9 in 3 schools which specify recruit migrant workers′children ,including the 399 migration children of migrant workers and 341 urban household registration students were involved .They were investigated with symptom rating scale(SCL-90) and self-made general questionnaire .Results There were no significant differences in SCL-90 scores between the migrant workers migration children group and urban household registration students group (P>0 .05) .Conclu-sion Generally speaking ,Chongqing migrant workers Suiqian children′s mental health status is good ,but there are still some prob-lems .We need do some further study on the mode of psychological intervention to maintain their physical and mental health .

OBJECTIVETo report the serious complications of microvascular decompression and (or) selective neurectomy in cerebellopontine angle.

METHODSTo review 322 cases of microvascular decompression and (or) facial nerve splitting, selective neurectomy for hemifacial spasm, trigeminal neuralgia and glossopharyngeal neuralgia respectively. Among 322 cases, hemifacial spasm 164, which 96 underwent facial nerve splitting, 68 underwent microvascular decompression and facial nerve splitting. The selective neurectomy and neurectomy were performed in 128 cases of trigeminal neuralgia and 30 cases for glossopharyngeal neuralgia respectively.

RESULTSOf the serious complications 2 died (0.6%), The mild to severe hearing impairment occurred in 21 cases (6.5%), in which 3 cases presented total hearing loss (0. 9%); Postoperative cerebellospinal leakage in 20 (6. 2%).

CONCLUSIONSIt was demonstrated that, even though the microvascular decompression and /or neurectomy was a safe procedure for posterior neuropathy, mortal and serious complications might occur. It was essential to pay great attention to the entire decompression procedure in avoiding cerebellar injury. Using of intraoperative ABR and avoiding of impairment of the acoustic nerve might contribute to the prevention of the postoperative hearing loss.

Adult ; Aged ; Cerebellopontine Angle ; surgery ; Decompression, Surgical ; adverse effects ; Female ; Hearing Loss ; etiology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neurosurgical Procedures ; adverse effects ; Postoperative Complications

Objective: To evaluate the impact of rehabilitation on exercise capacity, cardiopulmonary function and quality of life (QoL) in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Methods: A total of 96 CHF patients with NYHA Ⅱ-Ⅲ and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)<40% were enrolled. Based on routine drug therapy, the patients were randomly assigned into 2 groups: Control group, n=50 and Rehabilitation group, n=46, the patients performed treadmill exercise, the training intensity was tailored by (50-80) % of peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2) of baseline cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) at (25-40) min/session, 3 sessions/week for 12 weeks. The peak VO2, VE/VCO2 slop, anaerobic threshold (VO2 AT), maximum workload and maximum exercise time were measured by CPET; left atrial diameter (LAD), left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD), cardiac index (CI) and LVEF were examined by echocardiography; 6 min walking distance (6MWD) and plasma NT-proBNP level were recorded; QoL was assessed by Minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire (MLWHFQ). The above indexes were compared within Rehabilitation group and between 2 groups. Results: In Rehabilitation group, compared to baseline condition, the following indexes were increased by 12 weeks training: peak VO2 (19.8±2.7) ml/min?kg vs (17.4±2.1) ml/min?kg, VO2 AT (11.6±2.5) ml/min?kg vs (9.5±1.8) ml/min?kg, maximum workload (120±20) w vs (102±21) w, maximum exercise time (8.2±1.7) min vs (6.4±1.5) min, CI (2.2±0.5) L/(min?m2) vs (1.9±0.4) L/(min?m2), LVEF (42±5) % vs (35±4) % and 6MWD (406±58) m vs (345±79) m, all P<0.05; while the following parameters were decreased: VE/VCO2 slop (31.7±4.6) vs (34.2±5.8), LAD (38.6±5.5) mm vs (41.5±3.6) mm, LVEDD (58.4±6.3) mm vs (62.9±5.4) mm, NT-proBNP (235±69) ng/ml vs (387±57) ng/ml and MLWHFQ (30.8±12.0) vs (42.3±8.5), all P<0.05. The above indexes were different between Control group and Rehabilitation group, all P<0.05. Conclusion: Rehabilitation may safely and effectively improve cardiopulmonary function and quality of life in CHF patients.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of exteral use of papaverine cream on enhancement of skin graft.

METHODSFive mini-pigs were used for the study. 20 full-thickness wounds were created on the back of each animal. Along the midline of the abdomen, a 40 cm x 2 cm full-thickness skin graft was harvested and the wound sutured.The full-thickness graft was prepared and trimmed to 2 cm x 2 cm of 0.6 mm thickness split-skin grafts, which were transplanted to each wound with tie-over bolsters. The sutures were removed 2 weeks after the operation. Twelve pairs of 100%-survived skin grafts were selected and divided into group A (the left side) and group B (the right side), with each pair locating on the same and opposite position. From the day of suture removal, 2% papaverine cream was used to group A while plain cream was used to group B. The grafts were measured and observed for healing condition at the time of suture removal and the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth month. The surface area of the graft was measured and the shrinking ratio was calculated. After the animals were killed at the sixth month, samples of the skin grafts were taken and processed with 10% formalin, routine paraffin wax and Hematoxylin-eosin staining. The tissue structure was observed and the results were analyzed statistically.

RESULTSThe grafts in two groups did not have significant differences at the time of suture removal. Observations from the first to the sixth month showed that the two groups had significant differences in skin graft contracture and histological changes. HE stains demonstrated that the skin grafts in group A had less fibroblasts, more microvessels and orderly-arranged collagenous fibers.

CONCLUSIONSExternal use of papaverine cream can inhabit the contraction of skin grafts. It is a safe, effective, simple, and reliable method,which has the advantages of easy delivery,cheapness, less injury and infection,and no side effects.

Animals ; Contracture ; prevention & control ; Male ; Papaverine ; pharmacology ; Skin Transplantation ; adverse effects ; Swine ; Swine, Miniature ; Wound Healing ; drug effects