Objective To observe the influence of taurine supplementation during early postnatal life on body weight and ultrastructure of islet ? cells in neonatal rats with low birth weight(LBW).Methods LBW neonatal rats were made by feeding 20%(C group) or 10%(R group) protein diet to fetal rats during gestation and lactation.Half of femal rats in group R were given a supplementation with 2.5% taurine drinking water(RT group) only during lactation,while other femal rats freely drunk.At postnatal day 1 and 21,the neonatal rats were weighted and their pancreas were removed.The ultrastructural changes of ? cells were observed by electron microscopy.Results At postnatal 21 days,the body weight of offsprings in group RT was significantly highter than that in group R(P=0.003);and the ultrastructure of ? cells in group RT got more improvement than that in group R.Conclusion Taurine supplementation can improve the growth-catch-up and the ultrastructure of islet ? cells of neonateal rats with LBW.

Objective To analyze the correlation between covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected patients and serum HBV DNA,hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg),hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and liver histology of hepatitis B patients,and to explore the clinical significance of HBV cccDNA detection in PBMC.Methods One hundred and eight patients with chronic HBV infection were involved in this study.PBMC were extracted using density gradient centrifugation.HBV cccDNA in PBMC and serum HBV DNA were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction.HBsAg and HBeAg were detected by chemiluminescence immunoassay.Liver biopsy was conducted in 59 out of the 108 patients.Chi-square test was used to compare the categorical variables.Correlation analysis was used to compare quantitative variables.Nonparametric test was used to compare the non-normal distribution parameters.Results In the overall population,HBV cccDNA in PBMC was positive in 59 patients (54.6％).Eleven of the 15 patients with liver failure were found to be HBV cccDNA positive,which was significantly higher than that in the acute hepatitis B group (only 2 of the 8 patients were HBV cccDNA positive; x2 =4.960,P＜0.05).One hundred and eight patients were categorized into three groups according to their serum HBV DNA levels,with group A:＞5 lg copy/mL,group B:3-5 lg copy/mL and group C:＜3 lg copy/mL.The proportions of HBV cccDNA positivity in PBMC in three groups were 76.1％ (51/67),5/18 and 13.0％ (3/23),respectively.Comparing with patients with lower HBV DNA (group B and C),the proportion of HBV cccDNA positivity was higher in patients with higher HBV DNA (group A; x2=14.751,P＜0.05 and x2 =28.384,P＜0.05,resepectively).The HBV cccDNA quantitation in PBMC was positively correlated with the serum HBV DNA level and HBsAg quantification (r=0.554,P＜0.05 and r=0.497,P＜0.05,respectively).The proportion of HBV cccDNA positivity in PBMC of patients with liver histology ≥G2 and/or ≥S2 was significantly higher than that in patients with liver histology ＜ G2/S2 (x2 =9.159,P＜0.05).Conclusions HBV cccDNA exists in PBMC of hepatitis B patients.The HBV cccDNA quantitation in PBMC is positively correlated with the serum level of HBV DNA and HBsAg quantification,and is also associated with liver histology injury.

Adult ; Aged ; Anaplasma phagocytophilum ; isolation & purification ; China ; epidemiology ; Ehrlichiosis ; blood ; epidemiology ; Environment ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Rural Population ; Seroepidemiologic Studies

Human manganese superoxide dismutase (hMn-SOD) cDNA was amplified by RT-PCR from total RNA of human liver cell (L02), and cloned into yeast expression vector pPIC9K containing AOX1 promoter and the alpha-factor signal peptide sequence. The resultant pPIC9K-MnSOD was transformed to P. pastoris GS115, screened for Mut+ carrying multiple copies of hMn-SOD. The positive transformants were fermented in flasks and induced by 0.5% methanol. After 4 days of methanol induction, the expressed hMn-SOD was up to 32% of the total proteins in the supernatant by SDS-PAGE with specific activity of 247.7 u/mg.
Cloning, Molecular ; DNA, Complementary ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Humans ; Pichia ; genetics ; metabolism ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Superoxide Dismutase ; biosynthesis ; genetics

AIM:To establish and characterize the patient-derived esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma xeno-graft (PDECX) in mice.METHODS:The samples of human esophageal cancer were grafted into severe combined immu-nodeficient ( SCID) mice.The xenografts were transferred to SCID mice when the first passage of xenografts grew up .The growth of tumors in the first, second and third passages was observed .HE staining was performed.The expression of CK5/6, p63 and p40 in the patient samples , and the first and third passages of the xenografts were detected by immunohisto-chemical analysis.The expression of mTOR, p-mTOR, p70S6K, p-p70S6K, Akt1, p-Akt (Ser473), Erk1/2 and p-Erk1/2 were determined by Western blot .RESULTS:The PDECX was successfully established .The positive expression of CK5/6, p63 and p40 in the xenografts was consistent with that in the patients ’ samples.The levels of phosphorylated and total proteins of proliferation-related signaling pathways were different in the xenografts from different patients .CONCLU-SION:The PDECX model adequately reflects the tumal heterogeneity that is observed in the patients .

OBJECTIVETo explore the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of prostatic malignant mesenchymal tumors (PMMT).

METHODSWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical and follow-up data about 20 cases of PMMT and reviewed the literature relevant to the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of the disease.

RESULTSBased on the results of pathology and immunohistochemistry, the 20 PMMT cases included leiomyosarcoma (n = 7), rhabdomyosarcoma (n = 5), prostatic stromal sarcoma (n = 3), chondrosarcoma (n = 1), and undifferentiated PMMT (n = 4). Twelve of the patients were treated by radical prostatectomy (3 concurrently by sigmoid colostomy and 1 by cystostomy), 2 by pelvic tumor resection following arterial embolization, 1 by total pelvic exenteration, 1 by colostomy with pelvic lymph node biopsy, and 4 by conservative therapy because of metastasis to the lung, pelvis and bone. Of the 20 patients, 9 died of systemic metastasis within 3 months after treatment, 3 died at 6, 7, and 14 months, respectively, 3 survived with tumor for 5, 11, and 12 months, respectively, 2 survived without tumor for 12 and 24 months so far, all subjected to periodic chemotherapy postoperatively, and 3 lost to follow-up.

CONCLUSIONPMMT is a tumor of high malignancy and rapid progression, for which transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy remains the main diagnostic method. The clinical stage of the tumor is an important factor influencing its prognosis and the survival rate of the patients can be improved by early diagnosis and combined therapy dominated by radical prostatectomy.

Combined Modality Therapy ; methods ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Mesenchymoma ; mortality ; pathology ; therapy ; Prognosis ; Prostatectomy ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; mortality ; pathology ; therapy ; Retrospective Studies

Objective To explore the effects of WeChat-based peer supports upon medication adherence and quality-of-life in liver transplant recipients .Methods A total of 63 patients with liver transplantation were conveniently divided into intervention group (n=32) and control group (n=31) depending upon their different follow-up periods .In control group ,routine outpatient health guidance was offered while intervention group received 6-week WeChat-based peer supports . Medication compliance and quality-of-life of two groups were evaluated at Month 3/6/12 post-intervention . Results At Month 3 post-intervention ,as compared with control group ,only non-punctual medication improved significantly in intervention group (P<0 .01);at Month 6 post-intervention ,all aspects of drug adherence improved in intervention group (P< 0 .05) ,at Month 12 post-intervention ,drug adherence ,non-punctual medication and missed dosing improved in intervention group ( P> 0 .05 ) . However , inter-group quality-of-life was not statistically significant at Month 3/6/12 post-intervention .Conclusions WeChat-based peer supports may partially improve the immediate compliance of patients with liver transplantation .However ,long-term outcomes and effects on quality-of-life are worth further researches .

Bipolar Disorder ; blood ; immunology ; metabolism ; Depressive Disorder ; blood ; immunology ; metabolism ; Humans ; Proteomics

OBJECTIVETo explore a better approach to resect the advanced oropharyngeal carcinoma.

METHODSFrom 1995 to 2005, 17 patients underwent mandibular swing procedure for excision of advanced oropharyngeal carcinoma including: 13 tonsillar cancers, 2 soft palate carcinomas and 2 lingual root cancers. Surgical procedure was selected according to the lesion. All tumors were resected through the mandibular swing approach or its combined approaches. Immediate reconstruction of the surgical defect was done using tongue flap, pectoralis major myocutaneous flap, sternohyoid myofascial flap, temporalis myofascial flap and forehead flap, respectively. After surgical resection of the tumors, all patients received postoperative radiotherapy.

RESULTSAll patients' advanced oropharyngeal carcinoma were successfully resected as planned through the mandibular swing procedure or its combined procedures without severe complications. Functions of deglutition, respiration and speech were well restored. The 3- and 5-year survival rate was 54. 5% and 40%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe mandibular swing procedure and its combined approach is safe and effective in the surgical resection of the advanced oropharyngeal carcinoma, which can provide a good exposure for the oropharynx, supraglottic region, hypopharynx, the parapharyngeal space and the base of the skull.

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; surgery ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mandible ; radiation effects ; surgery ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Oropharyngeal Neoplasms ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; surgery ; Postoperative Period ; Radiotherapy, Adjuvant ; Survival Analysis ; Tonsillar Neoplasms ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo explore novel methods of possible donor organ supply and immunologic tolerance induction of organ transplantation.

METHODSWhole metanephroi from d14-19 (E14-E19) embryos of pregnant rats were grouped and allografted into the omenta or near remnants of renal vessels of nonimmunosupressed adult rats. At the time of implantation, host rats underwent unilateral nephrectomy. Four weeks after implantation, allografted metanephroi in host rats were removed for gross, biochemical and histopathological examination.

RESULTFour weeks post-implantation, (1) E19 and E18 metanephroi had enlarged,but were replaced by connective tissues. (2) E17 and E16 metanephroi showed the signs of acute rejection such as hypercellular glomeruli and lymphocyte infiltration in peritubular spaces. E16 grafted metanephroi underwent mild acute rejection of Banff schema, while E17 had moderate or severe acute rejection. When Cyclosporine A was administrated, E17 metanephroi formed mature nephrons and collecting ducts with few lymphocyte infiltration. (3) Metanephroi from E15 and E14 embryos allografted into the omentum or near remnants of renal vessels of uninephrectomized adult rats were enlarged and vascularized, and formed mature tubules and glomeruli. (4) The concentrations of urea nitrogen and creatinine in cyst fluid of E15 and E16 metanephroi were increased 40-fold and 50-fold, which were comparable to those in bladder urine. (5) In contrast, rat metanephroi did not grow or differentiate in rats without host kidney resection.

CONCLUSIONE14 and E15 metanephroi allografted into nonimmunosuppressed adult rats or E17 into cyclosporine-treated hosts undergo growth and differentiation and become vascularized. A variety of factors affect the growth and development of allografted metanephroi, while rejection is the main one.

Animals ; Embryo, Mammalian ; Female ; Fetal Tissue Transplantation ; Graft Survival ; Kidney ; embryology ; Kidney Transplantation ; Male ; Omentum ; surgery ; Organogenesis ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley