Objective To analyze CT and MR features of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST)of children. Methods Sixteen patients with histologically proven MPNST were retrospectively reviewed.There were 8 male and 8 female, ages from 0.3 to 11.0 years, and median age was 2.5 years. Sixteen cases were performed with CT plain scan, and eight cases with CT enhancement scans, and three with MR examination. The imaging data were analyzed by two highly experienced doctors and obtained agreements after mutual consultation. Results Among 16 cases, 3 cases were located at neck, 5 cases at waist and back,3 cases at abdominal and pelvic, 2 cases at foot, 1 case at left clavicle, 1 case at right mediastinum, 1 case at right orbit. Fifteen cases appeared as solid masses and 1 case showed a diffuse growth. CT plain scan showed 8 cases were solid-appearing masses and 7 cases were cystic-solid mass. Enhanced CT showed enhancement of solid component was moderate to marked and gradually delayed enhanced while cystic component had no any enhancement. One was located on the left side of the neck and appeared as diffuse growth. Two cases of solid mass type appeared as hypo-intensity on T1WI and hyper-intensity on T2WI, and obviously high signal intensity of cystic component on T2WI, and with significantly heterogeneous enhanced.One case with diffuse growth appeared as hypo-intensity on T1WI and slightly hyper-intensity on T2WI, and with significantly enhanced. Sixteen cases appeared as invasive growth, 11 caseswith multiple organic metastases and recurrences, and 4 cases with neurofibromatosis type I and scoliosis.Conclusion CT and MR appearances of MPNST have certain characteristic features, and can demonstrateaggressive performance and multiple organic metastases, which is helpful for definite diagnosis and treatment plan.

Objective To evaluate the value of left ventricular energy loss (EL) in the systolic left ventricular hemodynamic changes in hypertensive patients by ultrasonic flow vector imaging (VFM). Methods Ninty-eight hypertensive patients were divided into non left ventricular hypertrophy group (NLVH group) and left ventricular hypertrophy group (LVH group) according to the left ventricular mass index(LVMI).Thirty-one healthy adults were erolled as control group.The average total energy loss (EL-T),basal energy loss (EL-B),middle energy loss (EL-M) and apical energy loss (EL-A) of each isovolumic contraction phase,fast ejection phase and slow ejection phase were obtained by VFM,the difference among the three groups were compared.Results ①EL-T and EL-B in isovolumic phase,rapid ejection phase and slow ejection phase in NLVH group were higher than those in control group ( P <0.05 or P <0.01);EL-T,EL-B,EL-M and EL-A in isovolumic phase,rapid ejection phase and slow ejection phase in LVH group were all higher than those in control group ( P <0.05 or P <0.01);EL-M in isovolumic phase and rapid ejection phase,EL-T,EL-B,EL-M and EL-A in slow ejection phase in LVH group were higher than those in the NLVH group ( P <0.05 or P <0.01).② There was a positive correlation between EL-T and LVMI (r=0.311, P < 0.01),EL-B and LVMI ( r = 0.219, P < 0.05),EL-M and LVMI( r = 0.207, P <0.05),EL-T and LVEF( r = 0.340, P < 0.05),EL-B and LVEF( r = 0.367, P < 0.01) in isovolumic contraction phase.There was a positive correlation between EL-B and LVEF( r = 0.359, P < 0.01) in rapid ejection phase.There was a positive relation between EL-B and LVEF( r =0.352,P <0.05) in slow ejection phase.Conclusions The EL of systolic peroid in hypertensive patients increased,which suggests that the left ventricular hemodynamic changes abnormally,VFM can accurately evaluate the changes of hemodynamic during systole.

Objective To investigate the situation of chronic diseases and the effects on quality of life among different-aged elderly in community and provide evidence for targeted improvement quality of life.Methods During March to July 2015, the elderly who was aged 60 and over as respondents from two communities in Kunming were enrolled. Cross-sectional study and cluster sampling were used based on Activities of Daily Living scale (ADL) and Balthel index.questionnaire was designed and information of chronic disease in the elderly was colected.The effects on Balthel index in different chronic diseases and age groups were analysed.Results A total of 589 subjects were investigated, chronic disease prevalence was93.70％, and the highest prevalence is hypertension that was 27.50％.The quality of life was worse in the elderly who suffered from three kinds of chronic diseases and more older. The quality of life in different age groups elderly was statistically significant (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion The quality of life in the community elderly is relate with age and the type of chronic diseases.In order to improve their quality of life health guidance should be strengthened.

OBJECTIVETo compare the shaping ability and the influence on apical foramen among hand ProTaper, stainless steel K-files and rotary ProTaper in preparing different curved root canal.

METHODSForty simulated resin root canal blocks were randomly divided into four groups and prepared by hand ProTaper, stainless steel K-file and rotary ProTaper, respectively. Of them, 12 blocks in group A, B, C consist of six 200 curved root canals and six 30 degrees curved root canals each group. The curvature of the other 4 blocks in group D was less than 5 degrees. Taking photos of the models to the root canal orthotopically and apical foramen using digital camera before and after instrumentation. Finally, the transportation of root canal and the size of apical foramen were analyzed using special image software Auto-CAD.

RESULTSThe transportation of center in group B was the highest than that in group A and group C (P<0.05). In some portions of root canal, the transportation of center in group C was higher than that in group A. The size of the apical foramen in group B was significantly bigger than the other groups and the size of the apical foramen in 30 degrees root canal was significantly bigger than that in 20 degrees root canal after instrumentation (P<0.05). There was no significantly different between group A and group C, though the size of apical foramen in group C was bigger than that in group A at the same curvature, and that in 30 degrees root canal was bigger than in 20 degrees root canal (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONBoth of the two instruments engender root canal transportation, and curvature is the main reason of transportation. Comparing with stainless steel K-files, NiTi files can maintain the shape of the root canal and apical foramen well.

Dental Pulp Cavity ; Humans ; Nickel ; Root Canal Preparation ; Root Canal Therapy ; Stainless Steel ; Titanium ; Tooth Apex

The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) on [Ca(2+)](i) and its signal transduction mechanism in isolated guinea pig cardiomyocytes. [Ca(2+)](i) was measured by laser scanning confocal microscopy in single ventricular myocytes which were dissociated by enzymatic dissociation method and loaded with Fluo 3-AM. The changes in [Ca(2+)](i) were represented by fluorescent intensity (F(i)) or relative fluorescent intensity (F(i)/F(O)%). The results obtained are as follows. (1) In the normal Tyrode's solution containing 1.0 mmol/ L Ca(2+), CCK-8 (1-10(4) pmol/L) elicited a rapid and marked increase in [Ca(2+)](i). (2) When cardiomyocytes were pretreated with the Ca(2+) chelator EGTA (3 mmol/L) and Ca(2+) channel antagonist nisoldipine (0.5 micromol/L) for 5 min, CCK-8 (10(2)pmol/L) caused a slow and small increase in [Ca(2+)](i) (p< 0.01). (3) Pretreatment with the nonselected CCK- receptor (CCK-R) antagonist proglumide (6 micromol/L) or the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein (1 micromol/L) for 5 min could inhibit the increase of [Ca(2+)](i) induced by CCK-8 (10(2) pmol/L) (p<0.01). The results suggest that CCK-8 increases the [Ca(2+)](i) via activating the receptor-operated Ca(2+) channel and eliciting the influx of Ca(2+) in isolated guinea pig cardiomyocytes, in which tyrosine kinase may be involved.
Animals ; Calcium ; metabolism ; Calcium Channel Blockers ; pharmacology ; Calcium Channels ; drug effects ; Cell Separation ; Guinea Pigs ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; metabolism ; ultrastructure ; Nisoldipine ; pharmacology ; Protein-Tyrosine Kinases ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; Sincalide ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the bond strength of total-etch or self-etch dentin bonding agents after using two different dentin desensitizers on exposed dentin and investigate the bond interface by scanning electron microscope (SEM).

METHODSThirty intact and non-carious human third molars were used. The occlusal enamel was removed with the use of a slow-speed saw under water cooling. These teeth were divided into three groups using a table of random numbers with 10 teeth each. These three groups were treated with water (Group C), UltraEZ (Group U) and MI Paste (Group M) respectively. Then 10 teeth from each group were divided into A subgroup (n = 5) bonded with Single Bond 2 adhesive system and B subgroup (n = 5) bonded with Xeno III adhesive system according to manufacturers' instructions. A block of composite resin was build up to 4-5 mm. All the teeth were sectioned occluso-gingivally to obtain bar-shaped specimens with bonded surface area about 0.9 mm x 0.9 mm. The tension of the sample was tested by a microtensile tester at 1 mm/min. The mean values of bond strength were compared using one-way ANOVA. Three samples were chosen randomly from each of six groups for SEM investigation.

RESULTSThere were no significant differences between Group U and Group C both in A and B subgroups. While there were significant differences between Group M and Group C in two bonding-agent subgroups. For SEM, the hybrid layer was thin and dense in six groups. Both total-etch and self-etch bonding systems could get fair resin tag infiltration in Group C and Group U. In Group M, the resin tags were relatively shorter and fewer than the anterior mentioned two groups.

CONCLUSIONSUltraEZ had no effect on bond strength of both kinds of dentin bonding agents, while MI paste could diminish bond strength.

Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate ; chemistry ; Dental Materials ; Dental Stress Analysis ; Dentin-Bonding Agents ; chemistry ; Humans ; Materials Testing ; Molar, Third ; Nitrates ; chemistry ; Potassium Compounds ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo study mechanisms of reduction of the malignant activities of human naso-pharyngeal carcinoma cell CNE-2L2 induced by ectopic expression of BCSC-1 gene.

METHODSDNA was stained with propidium iodide and assayed upon a flow cytometer. Chromosomes were stained with Hoechest 33258. Adhesion of CNE-2L2 cells was detected by cell aggregation test. Protein expression on CNE-2L2 cells was examined by Western blot.

RESULTSCell cycle analysis showed that the percentage of CNE-2L2 cells was 55.1%, 43.4%, and 39.4% in G0/G1 phase, 25.2%, 28.7%, and 30.9% in S phase, and 19.7%, 27.9%, and 29.7% in G2/M phase for the cell with ectopic expression of BCSC-1 gene, wild type cell (W cells), and the cell transduced with the mock (M cell). Many mitotic cells were found in W cells and M cells. In contrast, almost no mitotic cell was observed in the cells with ectopic expression of BCSC-1 gene. Ectopic BCSC-1 expression resulted in cell aggregation, enhanced expression of E-cadherin, cx-catenin, and p53.

CONCLUSIONSEctopic BCSC-1 expression causes enhancement of adhesion of CNE-2L2 cells associated with enhanced expression of E-cadherin and alpha-catenin, arrest of cell in G1 phase, which may be associated with enhanced expression of p53. These alteration may play a role in the reduction of malignant activities of the cells with ectopic expression of BCSC-1 gene.

Cell Adhesion ; Cell Cycle ; physiology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Humans ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; Neoplasm Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics

OBJECTIVEAim of our study was to compare hematological parameters in Tibetan natives with those in Han migrants living on the Tibet plateau in order to determine the potential effects of age, gender, and ethnicity on hematological response to hypoxia.

METHODSBlood hemoglobin (Hb, g/dl), hematocrit (Hct, %), red blood cells (RBC,10(6)/mm3) were measured in 3 588 healthy Tibetan natives and 3 371 Han migrants ranging in age from 5 to 72 years, living at a mean altitudes of 2 664 m, 3 813 m, 4 525m and 5 226 m.

RESULTSHemoglobin (Hb) concentration analysis was made by multiple regression equations relating hemoglobin to altitude and age. For 2 093 Han males, Hb = 9.612+ 0.001440xaltitude+ 0.06148xage. For 1 948 Tibetan males, Hb =12.202+ 0.000462xaltitude+ 0.02893xage. For 1 278 Han females, Hb = 10.858+ 0.000939xaltitude+ 0.02632xage. For 1 640 Tibetan females, Hb = 11.402+ 0.000626xaltitude+ 0.00412xage. Each of the four equations was statistically significant (P < 0.001), and had variance (r2) of 0.86 or more, indicating that altitude and age accounted for at least 85% of the variation in hemoglobin levels. The coefficients for altitude and for age were higher (P < 0.05) in Han males than in Tibetan males and higher (P < 0.05) in Han females than in Tibetan females. The Tibetan postmenopausal females had higher Hb values than premenopausal females only presented at altitude above 4 000 m while this phenomenon was beginning at altitude of 2 664 m among Han females.

CONCLUSIONWe conclude that gender and increasing age in Tibetans are associated with lower hemoglobin values than those in Han at high altitude, and we speculate that genetic factors seems to be important.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Altitude ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Ethnic Groups ; Female ; Hematocrit ; Hemoglobins ; analysis ; Humans ; Hypoxia ; ethnology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tibet ; Transients and Migrants ; Young Adult

AIM To observe the therapeutic effects of Lizhong Fuyuan Decoction (LFD) (Astragali Radix,Atractylodis macrocephalae Rhizoma,Poria,etc.) combined with acupuncture (Weishu,Zhongwan,Neiguan and Zusanli) on chronic atrophic gastritis with spleen deficiency and phlegm stasis by randomized,parallel controlled trial.METHODS One hundred and eight patients were randomly and equally divided into LFD + acupuncture group,LFD group and control group (folic acid),four months as a course of the treatment.The main clinical symptoms and signs in the three groups before and after the treatment were observed,and the gastroscopic analysis and physico-chemical examination were compared.RESULTS There were significant differences in color and activity of gastric mucosa in each group,and there was also significant difference in TCM symptom score before and after the treatment.In terms of symptom curative effect,there was significant difference among various groups.No significant differences among various groups were observed in pathological efficacy,immunohistochemistry and comprehensive curative effect.The total effective rate of the LFD + acupuncture group reached 42％,that of the LFD group was 36.5％,and that of the control group obtained 24.1％.Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and rank sum test indicated that the differences between the two groups were statistically significant.CONCLUSION LFD combined with acupuncture can optimize the curative effects on chronic atrophic gastritis with spleen deficiency and phlegm stasis.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of tumor cell-derived Sema3A on the immunological functions of murine dendritic cells (DCs).

METHODSLung adenocarcinoma A549 cells were transfected with small interference RNA, Si-Sema and Si-mut, and the interference efficiency was determined by real-time PCR and Western-blot. The concentrated supernatants from cultured tumor cells, Si-Sema and Si-mut-infected tumor cells were subjected to DCs respectively. The immunophenotypes of DCs were analyzed by flow cytometry, the production of IL-12P70 and the ability of DCs to stimulate DO11. 10 T cells secreting IFN-gamma and IL-2 were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTSKnockdown with Si-Sema3A significantly decreased the secretion of Sema3A by A549 cells in comparison with the Si-mut cells. DCs exposed to supernatants from Si-Sema cells showed elevated levels of MHC, CD40 and CD80, more production of IL-12P70, and enhanced capability of activating antigen-specific T cells, as evidenced by the remarkably increased levels of IFN-gamma and IL-2.

CONCLUSIONA549 cells secrete Sema3A to inhibit the maturation and functions of DCs, which might be associated with the unidentified mechanism of immune evasion by tumor cells.

Animals ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Dendritic Cells ; drug effects ; immunology ; Female ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; immunology ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Semaphorin-3A ; genetics ; metabolism ; pharmacology ; Transfection ; Tumor Escape ; immunology