The ptrpose of this study was to investigate the effects of long-term estradiol and progesterone combined therapy on bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with Turner syndrome.Eight patients with Turner syndrome received estradiol and progesterone combined therapy for six years were observed and BMD was measured for each of them before hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and at an interval of one to two years after HRT and compared with that in normal age-sex matched women.BMD was significantly lower in patients with Turner syndrome than that in normal controls before HRT.All the patients with Turner syndrome had breast enlargement and irregular vaginal bleeding after HRT.BMD increased slightly in the patients with Turner syndrome after six-year HRT ,but still much lower than that in normal controls.Their BMD of the 2nd to 4th lumbar vertebra increased to (0.84±0.22) g/cm2 after HRT from (0.75±0.12)g/cm2 before it,with Z-score increased to -2.2±0.6 from -3.2±0.9,respectively; and overall BMD of the hip increased to (0.81±0.08) g/cm2 after HRT from (0.68±0.07) g/cm2 before it,with Z-score increased to-1.2 ± 0.3 from-2.2 ± 0.5,respectively.Long-term HRT can improve their BMD for patients with Turner syndrome but can not restore it to normal.

Objective To investigate the expressions of p53, bcl-2 and caspase-3 in elderly patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and the clinical significance thereof. Methods The clinical data and paraffin tissue samples of 117 patients with NSCLC confirmed by postoperative pathology were collected. The expressions of p53, bcl-2 and caspase-3 protein in tissues of NSCLC were detected by immunohistochemical method. The correlation between the expres-sions of p53, bcl-2 and caspase-3 protein was analyzed, and the relationship between the expressions of p53, bcl-2 and cas-pase-3 protein and clinicopathological characteristics was explored. Results The positive expression rates of p53, bcl-2 and caspase-3 were 42.74%(50/117), 38.46%(45/117) and 36.75%(43/117) in tissue samples of NSCLC. The positive ex-pression rate of p53 was significantly higher in patients with poor differentiation, central type, lymph node metastasis and squamous carcinoma. The positive expression rate of bcl-2 was significantly higher in patients with high differentiation and lymph node metastasis. The positive expression rate of caspase-3 was significantly higher in patients with high differentia-tion and no lymph node metastasis. There was a positive correlation between expressions of bcl-2 and caspase-3 in NSCLC (r=0.262, P=0.003). Conclusion The expressions of p53, bcl-2 and caspase-3 may play important roles in development and progression of advanced NSCLC in elderly patients, which may serve as predicators for prognosis.

Objective To study the lymphoproliferative responses to HHV-6(Human Herpesvirus-6,HHV-6)among patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma,and to discuss the role of HHV-6 in the pathogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma.Methods IgG antibody to HHV-6 in plasma was identified by indirect immunofluorescence(IIF).Immuno-magnetic beads were used to prepare CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells.The proliferation of CD4+ T cells,CD8+ T cells and PBMCs stimulated with HHV-6 or anti-CD3 antibodies was measured by 3H-thymidine uptake.The percentage of CD4+ C25+ Treg cells(Regulatory T cell,Treg)within the peripheral blood CD4+ T cell compartment was analyzed by flow cytometry.Results Significantly higher proportion of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma had IgG antibody to HHV-6(8/8) in plasma as compared with those in control subjects(12/20);The proliferative responses of PBMCs and CD4+ T cells from patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma to HHV-6 were significantly decreased as compared to those from HHV-6-infected and healthy individuals(P

Objective To assess the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) before percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in treating patients with liver metastases. Methods A total of 267 patients with 485 liver metastatic lesions were treated with percutaneous RFA in authors ’ department during the period from July 2001 to December 2012. Among them , 180 patients with 251 lesions received CEUS examination before RFA and based on CEUS findings the treatment scheme was made (CEUS group), and other 87 patients with 234 lesions without use of preoperative CEUS were used as control group. No significant differences in clinical data existed between the two groups (P<0.05). Contrast-enhanced CT/MRI, CEUS and laboratory tests were regularly employed to evaluate the clinical results after RFA therapy. Results In CEUS group, 25.1% of the lesions (63/251) determined by CEUS were 3 mm larger than that determined by conventional US. 8.8%of the lesions (22/251) were more clear on CEUS findings. In addition, 41 new lesions were detected only on CEUS. No significant differences in early tumor necrosis rate existed between the two groups: 95.2%(239/251) vs. 92.7%(217/234)(P>0.05). The local recurrence rate of CEUS group was lower than that of the control group: 12.4% (46/234) vs. 19.7%(31/251) (P < 0.05). No significant differences in the recurrence time existed between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion CEUS performed before RFA treatment for patients with liver metastases is very useful for accurately judging the size and number of the lesions, which is very helpful in making therapeutic scheme. Therefore, preoperative CEUS can significantly increase early tumor necrosis rate and decrease the local recurrence rate.

Objective To assess the two-dimensional carotid strain as an index of arterial stiffness in patients without carotid atherosclerotic plaques,and its clinic value in cardiovascular risk stratification.Methods All patients were divided into three groups (low risk,intermediate risk,high risk group) by Framingham cardiovascular risk scores,two-dimensional carotid circumferential strain (CS),carotid intimamedia thickness (IMT) were evaluated.CS was adjusted for pulse pressure (CS/PP).Results CS,CS/PP,IMT were significant difference between low risk and intermediate risk groups,low risk and high risk groups (P ＜0.05).IMT and CS were not significant difference between intermediate risk and high risk group (P =0.23,P =0.57).CS/PP was significant difference between three groups (P ＜0.05).Both CS and CS/PP were correlated with IMT (r =-0.30,r =-0.33,P ＜0.05).Conclusions Two dimensional strain could assess the carotid arterial mechanics.IMT and CS could evaluate the structural and functional alternations of carotid stiffness.Combining these two indices allowed more accurate evaluation of the subclinical phase of the atherosclerotic disease.

Objective To investigate the analgesic efficacy of intrathecal injection of RC-13,a competitive kinesin superfamily protein 17 antagonist,in a mouse model of bone cancer pain.Methods Forty male C3H/HeJ mice,aged 6-8 weeks,weighing 20-25 g,were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=8 each): sham operation group (group S); bone cancer pain + 5 μl dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) group (group R0); bone cancer pain + 2.5 μg RC-13 group (group R1); bone cancer pain + 5 μg RC-13 group (group R2) and bone cancer pain + 10 μg RC-13 group (group R3).In groups R0-3,bone cancer pain was induced by implantation of α-min-imal essence medium (α-MEM) containing osteosarcomaNCTC 2472 cells into the intramedullary space of right femur.In group S,culture medium α-MEM containing no cancer cell was injected instead.10％ DMSO 5 μl and RC-13 2.5 μg/5 μl,5μg/5μ1 and 10 μg/5 μ1 dissolved in 10％ DMSO were injected intrathecally in groups R0-3,respectively,once a day for 3 consecutive days starting from 14th day after inoculation of the tumor cells.Pain behavior was assessed by the paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT) and spontaneous lifting times (SLTs) measured at 1 day before inoculation and at 3,5,7,10,14 days after inoculation.The same tests were also performed at 1,3,5 and 7 days after administration in groups R0-3.Results Compared with group S,PWMT was significantly decreased and SLTs were increased at 7-14 days after inoculation in the other groups (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with group R0,PWMT was significantly increased and SLTs were reduced at 1 day after administration in group R1,at 1and 3 days after administration in group R2,and at 1,3 and 5 days after administration in group R3 (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with group R1,PWMT was significantly increased and SLTs were reduced at 3 days after administration in group R2,and at 1,3 and 5 days after administration in group R3 (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with group R2,PWMT was significantly increased and SLTs were reduced at 1 and 3 days after administration in group Rs (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Intrathecal RC-13,a competitive kinesin superfamily protein 17 antagonist,has a good analgesic efficacy in a mouse model of bone cancer pain and the efficacy is dose-dependent.

Objective To evaluate the role of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) on the the detection of hepatic metastases in comparison with conventional ultrasonography (US) and contrastenhanced computed tomography (CECT).MethodsNinety-seven patients with hepatic metastases underwent US,CEUS and CECT images.Their detection of hepatic metastases were compared.Results Hepatic metastases showed five enhancement patterns with CEUS,including bolus hyper-enhancement,peripheralrimenhancement,inhomogeneousenhancementwithnecrosis,hypo-enhancement,isoenhancement with liver parenchyma,all hepatic metastases showed dark defects in portal and delayed phase.The mean number of metastases at CEUS was greater than that of US (2.6±1.9 vs 1.6 ±1.2,P＜0.05).The detection of hepatic metastases was 53.4％ and 87.1％ respectively(P＜0.05).CEUS and CECT have no statistically significant difference in the detection of hepatic metastases (P＞0.05).ConclusionsCEUS can improve detection of hepatic metastases.

Objective To evaluate the clinical effect of transcatheter closure with Amplatzer duct occluder offers in infants with patent ductus arteriosus(PDA).Methods Thirty-seven PDA infants underwent transcatheter closure of PDA at(8.7 ? 3.3)months and weight of(8.6 ? 3.5)kg.A lateral view aortogram was made to determine the morphology and the narrowest diameter of the ductus and selected the size of the device.Occluder was implanted using the anterograde venous approach.Follow-up evaluations were made with chest X-ray and echocardiogram at 24 hours and 1,6 and 12 months after implantation.Results The narrowest diameter of the ducts measured by angiographically was(3.3 ? 1.5)mm.Ninteen patients(54.29%) achieved immediate complete occlusion.On color Doppler the closure rates at 1 month after implant were 34 cases(97.14%).No residual shunt exsisted in all implanted patients at 6 and 12 months follow-up.Procedure time at(57 ? 43)minutes and fluoroscopy time(23.0?14.9)minutes.Conclusions Percutaneous PDA closure with the Amplatzer duct occluder decice is an safety and effective method for the treatment of PDA in infants,but caution shall be exercised to the anatomic characteristics in the infant age group in solving clinical complications.

BackgroundThe quest to look for seed cells is a hot spot of cornea transplant research in solving the problem of the lack of donor. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs) have been successfully induced into retinal ganglion cells(RGCs) in vivo,but the successful induction of BMSCs into corneal endothelial cells has not been reported.Objective This experiment was to study the transplantation of BMSCs on corneal endothelial surface using the splitting Descemet's membrane. MethodsFour healthy adult rhesus monkeys were divided into the experimental group ( 3 monkeys) and control group ( 1 monkey). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were isolated from bone marrow by density gradient centrifugation combined with adhering means. The cultured cells were identified by flow cytometry and its ability to differentiate was determined by allowing them to differentiate into adipocytes in vitro and labeled by 5-bromodeoxyuridine ( BrdU ) for subsequent identification. Corneal grafts of 7 mm in size with tearing of the Descemet' s membrane were prepared in the experimental group and control group. After labeling by 5-bromodeoxyuridine( BrdU ) ,cultured cells were transplanted onto the endothelial surface of cornea grafts in the experimental group, but no cultured cells were seeded in the graft of the control group. The corneal grafts were then sutured in situ, and were removed 1,2 or 3 months after operation to examine the distribution and connection between transplanted cells and their morphologic changes under the electron microscope. Results High purity MSCs were harvested by density gradient centrifugation combined with adhering method. Cultured cells reached confluency after 12 to 16 days, presenting with a spindle shape and parallel or swirling arrangement. Flow cytometry analysis showed that 94.26％ of cells were positive for CD29,7. 51％ for CD34 and 4. 02％ for CD45. Larger nuclei filled with plastosomes, golgiosomes and rough endoplasmic reticula were found on the graft under the transmission electron microscope( TEM ). After 3 weeks, MSCs were differentiated into adipocytes where Oil Red O staining resulted in an orange-red staining in the cytoplasm and blue staining in the nuclei. The transplanted cells attached loosely on the endothelial surface of the corneal graft and came in contact with each other in one month. The shape of the cells appeared as spindle-shaped and polygonal after 2 months and became tightly packed after 3 months. The positive cells retained the BrdU label and presented with brown nuclei. No endothelia cells grew in the cornea graft in the control group, with an absence of BrdU labeling. Conclusions Mesenchymal stem cells can be transplanted onto the corneal endothelial surface successfully and form a monolayer using the centrifugation method, and present with good survival and proliferation ability.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the absolute bioavailability of caffeic acid in rats and its intestinal absorption properties.

METHODThe absolute bioavailability (Fabs) of caffeic acid was obtained after iv (2 mg x kg(-1)) or ig (10 mg x kg(-1)) administration to rats. The intestinal absorption of caffeic acid was explored by the recirculating vascularly perfused rat intestinal preparation. Caco-2 cell model was applied to measure the permeability of caffeic acid from apical to basolateral said (A-B) and from basolateral to apical said (B-A).

RESULTA two-compartment pharmacokinetic model was best to describe the pharmacokinetics of caffeic acid following iv or ig administration. The Fabs of caffeic acid was 14. 7% , and its intestinal absorption was 12.4%. The values of Papp A-->B and Papp B-->A of caffeic acid were retained stable while its concentration was changed. The efflux ratio values in this study surveyed were above 2.0, and suggesting caffeic acid was active transport.

CONCLUSIONCaffeic acid was shown to have poor permeability across the Caco-2 cells, low intestinal absorption and low oral bioavailability in rats.

Animals ; Biological Availability ; Caco-2 Cells ; Caffeic Acids ; metabolism ; pharmacokinetics ; Humans ; Intestinal Absorption ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley