Objective To investigate the molecular expression and clinical significance of Vimentin and E-cadherin during epithelial-mesenchymal transformation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues.Methods Hepatocellular carcinoma and paracancerous tissue were collected from 55 patients,while nonneoplastic nonnal liver tissue were collected from 20 patients without cancerous diseases as control group.Expressions of Vimentin and E-cadherin were examined by immunohistochemistry staining.Clinicopathological features of the relative expression of Vimentin and E-cadherin,and its influence on prognosis were discussed as well.Results Vimentin was positively expressed in 69.1％ cancer tissue,and was significantly higher than paracancerous tissues and normal liver tissues(P ＜ 0.05).E-cadherin was positively expressed in 27.3％ cancer tissue and was significantly lower compared with paracancerous tissues and normal liver tissues(P ＜0.05).The expression of Vimentin and E-cadherin was negatively correlated(r =-0.653,P ＜ 0.05).Vimentin expressions in subgroups of TNM stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ,poor differentiation,multiple tumor nodules,metastasis and recurrence were all significantly higher than the respective subgroups as TNM stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ] (x2 =7.267,P ＜ 0.05),moderate to well differentiation (x2 =4.045,P ＜ 0.05),single tumor node (x2=12.143,P ＜0.05),without metastasis or recurrence (x2 =7.267,P ＜ 0.05).On the contrary,Ecadherin showed higher expression in the subgroup of single tumor node compared with multiple tumor nodules(x2 =6.878,P ＜ 0.05).The follow-up of patients further demonstrated that patients with positive Vimentin expression had a significantly lower disease-free survival compared with the Vimentin negative group (P ＜0.05).Conclusions Vimentin and E-cadherin both participated in epithelial-mesenchymal transition process of hepatocellular carcinoma.High expression of Vimentin and low expression of E-cadherin were closely correlated with occurrence and development of HCC.Vimentin and E-cadherin may serve as impottant biomarkers in clinical diagnosis and prognosis prediction of HCC.

Objective To observe the effects of porous polylactic acid/polyglycolic acid copolymer(PLGA) filling into extraction socket on the regeneration of alveolar bone in rats.Methods Sixty male Wistar rats were divided into experimental group and control group(n=30).PLGA scaffold was immediately implanted in the mandibular incisor root sockets after removal of incisor teeth.Soft X-ray photography,structural observation,light microscopy were used to evaluate the effects of composite on bone healing in a rat tooth extraction socket.Results The relative lengths of residual alveolar ridge in the experimental group 4,8 weeks after operation were shorter than that in the control group,and there were significant differences between the experimental group and the control group(P

Objective To investigate the expression characteristics of epidermal growth factor-like domain 7 ( egfl 7 ) in arteriosclerosis obliterans ( ASO) tissues and abdominal aortic aneurysm ( AAA ) tissues, and it's role in atherosclerosis (AS).Methods In this study, 8 normal artery, 11 lower extremity ASO and 34 AAA samples were collected.Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization were performed in artery sections to investigate the expression characteristics of egfl 7 at protein and mRNA levels.The relative quantitative detection of egfl 7 mRNA was detected by qRT-PCR.The effect of egfl 7 was examined by RNA interference.Results In ASO and AAA samples, the expression of egfl 7 protein was mainly in the tunica media; The expression site of egfl 7 mRNA was the same as that of egfl 7 protein.Compared with normal artery samples, the expression of egfl 7 mRNA was significantly upregulated in the early stage of ASO samples and AAA samples (325 ± 120 vs.100 ± 36, P ＜ 0.01, 216 ± 133 vs.100 ± 36, P ＜ 0.05 ).Compared with the control group, the proliferative ability of smooth muscle cells was significantly down regulated after egfl 7 interference (0.85 ± 0.05 vs.1.34 ± 0.04, P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions egfl 7 might be a gene that regulates the pathogenic process of atherosclerosis through promoting vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether the IDO1 inhibitor 1- methyl- L- tryptophan (1- MT) combine calcium influx inhibitor carboxyamidotriazole (CAI) could further enhance the suppression of programmed death 1 (PD-1) in CD8 + T cells and investigate the curative effect of the combined use. METHODS CD8 +T cells were isolated from normal mice spleen by negative selection using magnetic cell separation. The isolated CD8 +T cells were cultured in RPMI 1640 medium containing 10% FBS and 100 U·mL- 1 IL-2 and activated by the addition of anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 (1 g·L- 1 each mabs). CD8 + T cells were pretreated for 48 h with drug and the fluo- 3 as a marker of intracellular calcium concentration was detected by flow cytometry. The calcineurin (CaN) levels were assayed with ELISA in CD8+T cells after 48 h incubation with 10 μm CAI. The nuclear translocations of NFAT and AHR were detected by immunofluorescent staining after 48 h of drug treatment. The expression of PD-1 in CD8+T cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS Intracellular fluorescent intensity was markedly debase due to CAI treatment(P<0.01). Meanwhile, the changes of CaN content had a resembled correlation (P<0.01). Immunofluorescence experiment showed that after combination therapy the transfer of NFAT and AHR in nuclear substantially reduced. Flow cytometry revealed that after the combination caused a significant decrease in PD-1 expression in CD8+T cells. CONCLUSION CAI and 1-MT could inhibit markedly the expression of PD-1 in CD8 +T cells by inhibiting the nuclear translocation of NFAT and AHR, respectively and the combination of them has synergetic effect.

Objective To evaluate the feasibility of composite material of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and PLGA/TCP in repair of peri-porous-titanium bone defects in adult rabbits.Meth- otis The composite of PLGA/TCP scaffold with bovine BMP was made and implanted in distal bone de- fects peri-porous-titanium in femur of adult rabbits.The effect of BMP with PLGA/TCP on peri-prosthesis was evaluated by means of scanning electron microscope (SEM),energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and biomechanics.Results BMP with PLGA/TCP showed obvious peak of Ca and P of EDX in the pores of titanium in experiment group six weeks after operation and higher than that in control group (P＜0.05).Push-out test demonstrated that the bonding strength between the composite of HA coating/ porous titanium and bone was increased significantly with time (P＜0.05).In experiment group,at 6 and 12 weeks,peri-porous-titanium had higher shearing force compared with control group (P＜0.05). Conclusion BMP loaded with PLGA/TCP is a promising bone graft for bone defects in revision arthro- plasty,as indicates that bone induction of BMP plays an important role in biological stabilizaiton.

Objective: To investigate the effect of losartan on angiotensin II (Ang II) expression and myocardial remodeling in myocardial infarction (MI) rats’ model.
Methods: A total of 32 SD male rats were divided into 4 groups, Sham operation group, MI group, MI with losartan 10mg/(kg·d) group and MI with losartan 20mg/(kg·d). n=8 in each group. MI model was established and the electrocardiogram changes before and after MI were recorded, hemodynamic indexes were detected at 4 weeks after MI, pathological changes of myocardial tissue were examined by HE staining. The myocardial mRNA and protein expressions of ACE2 and Ang II were detected by RT-PCR and Western Blot analysis.
Results: Compared with Sham operation group, MI group showed increased LVMI and decreased LVEF P<0.05;the above changes were getting better in both MI with losartan groups in a dose-dependent manner. The pathological examination presented that MI group had myocardial cell swelling, fracture, hyperplasia and inflammatory cell infiltration, those damages were less in MI with losartan groups in a dose-dependent manner, Sham operation group had no pathological changes. Compared with Sham operation group, the mRNA and protein expressions of Ang II were obviously higher in MI group, P<0.05 and the expressions were decreased in MI with losartan groups in a dose-dependent manner;the mRNA and protein expressions of ACE2 were slightly increased in MI group and the expressions were further increased in MI with losartan groups in a dose-dependent manner.
Conclusion: Losartan could increase ACE2 expression and therefore, inhibit Ang II expression and improve the ventricular remodeling in MI rats’ model.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of Tanreqing injection, a traditional Chinese herbal preparation for clearing heat and resolving phlegm, in treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) by improving airway inflammation and airway mucus hypersecretion. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was designed. Ninety AECOPD patients were randomly divided into Tanreqing group, ambroxol hydrochloride group and control group. The patients in the three groups were all treated with conventional therapy. Furthermore, intravenous drip infusion of 20 ml Tanreqing injection (once daily) and 15 mg ambroxol hydrochloride injection (twice daily) were administered respectively to the patients in the Tanreqing group and ambroxol hydrochloride group. They were all treated for 10 days. Symptom score of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), plasma concentrations of interleukin-8 (IL-8), IL-10 and neutrophil elastase (NE) were detected before and after treatment. RESULTS: Cough, sputum amount, expectoration, dyspnea, fever, coated tongue and pulse tracings were improved obviously in Tanreqing group (P<0.05), and the effects of Tanreqing on improving cough, sputum amount and expectoration were better than the conventional therapy (P<0.05), while there was no significant difference between Tanreqing group and ambroxol hydrochloride group (P>0.05). Compared with ambroxol hydrochloride group and the control group, the coated tongue was improved obviously in Tanreqing group (P>0.05). After treatment, plasma concentrations of IL-8, IL-10 and NE were decreased in Tanreqing group and ambroxol hydrochloride group (P<0.05), and the levels of IL-8 and IL-10 in the control group were decreased (P<0.05). The change of IL-8 level before and after treatment in Tanreqing group was greater than that in ambroxol hydrochloride group and the control group. The changes of IL-10 and NE levels in ambroxol hydrochloride group were greater than those in Tanreqing group and the control group, while there was no significant difference in the changes of serum levels of IL-8, IL-10 and NE among the three groups (P>0.05). Total response rates in Tanreqing group and ambroxol hydrochloride group were higher than that in the control group (P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in total response rate between Tanreqing group and ambroxol hydrochloride group (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in total response rate among the three groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Tanreqing injection can improve TCM signs and symptoms in AECOPD patients, and the mechanism maybe due to the decrease of serum levels of IL-8 and NE and improvement of IL-10 level.

OBJECTIVETo sum up the clinical experience in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with the prostate weighing over 80 ml by transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) combined with 2 μm continuous-wave laser vaporesection (LVR).

METHODSWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical effects of TURP combined with 2 μm LVR in the treatment of 46 cases of BPH with the prostate volume > 80 ml.

RESULTSAll the operations were successfully accomplished. The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were (112.0 ± 20.0) min (range 86-176 min) and (77.9 ± 25.9) ml (range 50-200 ml), respectively. The catheters were withdrawn at 7 days after surgery. Transient urinary incontinence occurred in 6 cases and secondary hemorrhage was found in 2 postoperatively. Six-month follow-up revealed no urethral stricture or other complications. Compared with the baseline, the international prostate symptom score (IPSS) was significantly decreased at 6 months after operation (26.3 ± 1.8 vs 11.6 ± 1.7, P <0.05), and so were the quality of life (QOL) score (5.3 ± 0.7 vs 1.3 ± 1.1, P <0.05) and post-void residual urine (PVR) ([115.5 ± 55.6] ml vs [19.9 ± 11.6] ml, P <0.05). However, the maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) was remarkably increased from (4.1 ± 2.6) ml/s to (16.2 ± 1.7) ml/s (P <0.05).

CONCLUSIONTURP combined with 2 μm LVR is safe and effective for the treatment of BPH with the prostate volume >80 ml.

Aged ; Blood Loss, Surgical ; Humans ; Laser Therapy ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Organ Size ; Prostate ; pathology ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; pathology ; surgery ; Quality of Life ; Retrospective Studies ; Transurethral Resection of Prostate ; methods ; Treatment Outcome ; Urethral Stricture ; Urinary Incontinence ; etiology ; Urinary Retention

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture plus indirect moxibustion treating lumbar intervertebral disc herniation of blood stasis type. Method Sixty patients diagnosed with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation (blood stasis type) were randomized to treatment and control groups, 30 cases each. The treatment group received electroacupuncture plus medicine separated moxibustion and the control group, electroacupuncture alone. treatment was given once daily, 10times as a course. Pre- and post-treatment JOA lumbar scores were compared in the patients after two courses of treatment. The clinical therapeutic effects were evaluated in the patients using the TCM Criteria of the Diagnosis of and Therapeutic Effect on Diseases. Result Lumbar function was improved significantly in both treatment and control groups of patients (P<0.01) but improved more significantly in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05). The total efficacy rate was 96.7% in the treatment group and 83.3% in the control group. There was a statistically significant difference in the total efficacy rate between the two groups (P<0.05). Conclusion Electroacupuncture plus indirect moxibustion is a better way to treat lumbar intervertebral disc herniation of blood stasis type. Its therapeutic effect is better than that of electroacupuncture alone.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of porcelain firing cycle on microstructure of 4 metal ceramic alloys, and to analyze the changes of their corrosion resistance in the artificial saliva. METHODS: We simulated the process of firing and repolishing when fabricating porcelain-fused-to-metal restoration in clinic,and then observed the microstructures of Ni-Cr, Ni-Cr-Ti, Co-Cr alloys and high gold alloy by field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The electrochemical corrosion behavior of alloys in artificial saliva was analyzed by polarization curves and corrview 2 corrosion analysis software. The data of self-corrosion potential and transpassive potential were obtained and analyzed. RESULTS: After the porcelain firing cycle, the surface composition changed slightly, and the morphological in the 3 predominate base metal alloys also changed. The self-corrosion potential turned to more negative, and the transpassive potential declined. CONCLUSION The procedure of porcelain firing cycle can affect the surface microstructure and increase the corrosion of 4 metal-ceramic alloys.
Corrosion ; Dental Casting Technique ; Dental Porcelain ; chemistry ; Electron Probe Microanalysis ; Metal Ceramic Alloys ; chemistry ; Saliva, Artificial ; Surface Properties