Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of lung cancer patients with axillary lymph node metastasis (ALNM). Methods:The clinical data of 91 lung cancer patients with ALNM who were treated in Zhejiang Cancer Hospital from January 1st, 2007 to December 31st, 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. The relevance of the sites of the tumor site, local lymph node, and ax-illary lymph node was checked by contingency table. Survival rates were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by a log-rank test. Cox proportional hazards model was applied to analyze the prognostic factors. Results:The proportion of lung cancer pa-tients with ALNM was 0.63%, and the patients were often presented with adenocarcinoma, peripheral tumor type, pleura invasion with pleural effusion, or chest wall invasion. A relationship between tumor sites, local lymph node sites, and axillary lymph node sites was observed. The median survival time of lung cancer patients with ALNM was 19.02 months, and the two-year survival rate is 62.64%. Patients identified with ALNM at the initial diagnosis reported poor prognosis (P=0.002). Cox regression analysis showed that the relative risk of death in patients with ALNM at initial diagnosis was elevated 2.18 times (95%CI:1.330?3.572, P=0.003). Conclu-sion:ALNM in lung cancer is rare, and it may involve through direct chest wall invasion and spread from supraclavicular and mediasti-nal lymph node metastasis or systemic origin. Patients detected with ALNM at the initial diagnosis indicated poor prognosis.

OBJECTIVE CYP2 family including CYP2C and CYP2J is the predominant arachidonic acid (AA) epoxygenase, and the epoxidation of AA produces four regioisomeric cis-epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (5,6-, 8,9-, 11,12-, and 14,15-EET). Human CYP2J2 is one of the main CYP isoforms expressed in brain, but CYP2C8 was present at a low level. The aim of this study is to investigate the roles of brain CYP2J in Parkinson disease. METHODS Rats received the right-unilaterally injection with concentrated LV-CYP2J3 or LV-EGFP in the substantia nigra (SN) at 3 d before LPS or 6-OHDA treatment. The animals were tested for rotational behavior with the dopaminergic agonist apomorphine dissolved in sterile saline at 14 and 21 d after LPS injection. The influence of CYP2J-dependent derivative, 14,15-EET, on the genes related with oxidative stress was assayed in SH-SY5Y cells. RESULTS CYP2J overexpression or 14,15-EET treatment significantly increased the levels of SOD1, CAT, GPX1, NRF2 and KEAP1 in neurons. TLR4- MyD88 signaling pathway was involved the down- regulation of CYP2J by LPS. The binding of p-CREB with the promoter of CYP2J was inhibited by the LPS treatment. The loss of dopami?nergic neurons in the right SN induced by LPS or 6- OHDA was significantly decreased by CYP2J3 transfection at 21 d after LPS injection. Compared with LPS or 6-OHDA group, the number of the rotation of rats was decreased by 42.6% and 60.7% by CYP2J3 transfection at 14 d after LPS or 6-OHDA injection;meanwhile, the rotation number was decreased by 12.7% and 21.3% at 21 d. The accumulation of alpha synuclein induced by LPS was significantly decreased by CYP2J3 transfection. The mRNA levels of SOD1, CAT, GPX1, NRF2 and KEAP1 in SN were decreased by LPS, which was attenuated by the injection of LV-CYP2J3. CONCLUSION Brain CYP2J can play a protective role in the damage of the inflammation and oxidative stress to the dopaminergic neurons. Brain CYP2J- dependent derivatives from AA may have therapeutic effects in Parkinson disease via the up- regulation of the antioxidant system in neurons.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the changes of the cardiac hemodynamics after acute high altitude exposure in healthy young males and the relationship with acute mountain sickness(AMS).

METHODSLeft ventricular function and oxyhemoglobin saturation (SaO2), heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP) were measured in 218 healthy young males before and after high altitude exposure within 24 h respectively. According to the lake louise score criteria, the subjects were divided into two groups: acute mountain sickness group (AMS group) and non acute mountain sickness group (non-AMS group).

RESULTSHR, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), stroke volume (SV), stroke index (SI) cardiac output (CO), cardiac index (CI) were significantly increased upon acute high altitude exposure (P < 0.05). Whereas SaO2 and end-systolic volume (ESV) were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). In addition, HR, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and MAP in AMS group were significantly higher than those in non-AMS group (P < 0.05). But stroke index (SI) and end-diastolic volume (EDV) in AMS group were significantly lower than those in non-AMS group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONCardiac function in healthy young males upon acute high altitude exposure was enhanced. EDV, HR and SI might become the indexes of predicting the acute mountain sickness in the future.

Acute Disease ; Adult ; Altitude ; Altitude Sickness ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Male ; Ventricular Function, Left ; physiology

OBJECTIVE To investigate the clinical pathologic features and therapeutic tools of pulmonary cryptococcosis.METHODS The clinical data about 16 cases of pulmonary cryptococcosis which were diagnosed by histopathologic examinations were reviewed.The survey data recorded over a 15-year period,from 1982 to 2007,were summarized.We analyzed their clinical situations,radiographic manifestations,final diagnosis and therapeutic tools.RESULTS The majority of the patients were middle-aged males.The health condition of the most of the patients was good before infection.six months to five years after surgery and antifungal theragy,no relapse,dissemination and death were observed.CONCLUSIONS The majority of primary pulmonary cryptococcosis patients have not underlying diseases,and their radiography manifestations show single or multiple nodular shadows,tumor shadows and infiltrative shadows.The limited pathological change can be excised and applied with the antifungal drugs.Fluconazole is the first-choice drug for curing pulmonary cryptococcosis.

Objective To evaluate the efficiency of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) in the treatment of recurrent endometriosis after conservative surgery or conservative surgery combined with medical treatment. Methods Twenty-three patients with recurrent endometriosis after conservative surgery or conservative surgery combined with medical treatment were treated by LNG-IUS. All patients rejected further operation and had no desire of fertility. The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of pain, menstrual model, weight and serum CA125 level and the volume of ovarian endometriotic cysts before and after 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months of treatment were recorded and compared. Results ( 1 ) VAS score:after 12 months of using LNG-IUS, dysmenorrheal, chronic pelvic pain or dyspareunia were relieved significantly. VAS score were dropped from 5.9 ± 2. 3,4. 3 ± 2.0 to 1.0 ± 0. 7,1.4 ± 1. 1 ( P ＜ 0. 01 ). ( 2 )Volum of cysts :after 6 months of using LNG-IUS, the volume of recurrent ovarian endometriotic cysts in 11 patients were reduced from ( 11.4 ± 6. 1 ) em3 to ( 5. 5 ± 3.4 ) em3 significantly ( P ＜ 0. 01 ). At 12 months of follow-up, it suggested that 2 patients' ovarian endometriotic cysts disappeared. At 24 months follow-up,9 patients ovarian endometriotic cysts disappeared ( 3 ) CA125: serum CA125 decreased from ( 65.5 ± 19. 6 )kU/L to (42. 1 ± 13.6) kU/L at 6 months after treatment remarkably (P ＜ 0. 01 ). Continued to decrease after 12 months and then become steady. Irregular bleeding and spotting was the main side effects, weight gain was also observed in few patients. Conclusions LNG-IUS could be used in treatment of recurrent endometriosis after conservative surgery or conservative surgery combined with medical treatment effectively. It could relieve pain, reduce the level of CA125 and decrease the size of ovarian endometriotic cysts. LNG-IUS seems to be an effective, safe, and long term treatment for endometriosis with fewer side effects and better compliance.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the blocking activities of a series of potential α1-adrenoceptor (α1-AR) antagonists (Compounds B1 -B9) on α1-AR.METHODS ① A series of potential α1-adrenoceptor (α1-AR) antagonists,indolylpiperidine derivative (IPD) and Compounds B1 -B9,with indolylpiperidine moiety and different substitutes were synthesized through the coupling of indolylpiperidine and piperazine derivatives.② Inotropic responses experiment was used to examine blocking effects of IPD and Compounds B1 - B9 in isolated rat atria by phenylephrine (PE) stimulation.③ Blocking effect of IPD and Compounds B1 - B9 on phosphorylation level of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in PE treated HEK293 cells was tested by Western blotting.RESULTS ① Potential α1-adrenoceptor (α1-AR) antagonists with indolylpiperidine moiety and different substitutes were synthesized successfully.② PE caused a dose-dependent inotropic response which was inhibited by pre-incubation of phentolamine (Phen),a non-selective α1-AR antagonist,IPD and Compounds B1,B3,B4,B7,B8 and B9,respectively; IPD and Compounds B4 and B8 caused an obvious rightward shift of inotropic response-curve,the pA2 values for IPD and Compounds B4 and B8 were 6.72 ± 0.21,6.86 ± 0.29 and 6.67 ± 0.19,respectively.③ Phosphorylation level of ERK1/2 was inhibited by pre-incubation with Compounds B1,B2,B3,B5,B6,B7,B8 and B9 or IPD in PE treated α1A-AR stably expressed HEK293 cells; PE-stimulated phosphorylation level of ERK1/2 was inhibited by pre-incubation with Compounds B2,B4,B7 or B8 in α1B-AR stably expressed HEK293 cells.CONCLUSION Compound B4 has a selective blocking activity on α1B-AR,and Compounds B1,B3,B5,B6 and B9 or IPD have a selective blocking activity on the phosphorylation level of ERK1/2.

Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone ; blood ; Gonadotropins ; blood ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Sex Factors ; Time Factors

OBJECTIVETo explore the diagnosis and treatment of relapsing polychondritis (RP).

METHODSThe clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of 24 patients with RP were retrospectively analyzed. Twenty-four RP patients were examined for autoimmune antibody. Laryngoscopy was performed in 4 out of 6 RP patients with laryngeal involvement. Bronchoscopy was performed in 12 out of 19 RP patients with lower respiratory tract involvement. Biopsies were taken from the cartilage involved in 16 out of 24 patients.

RESULTSFive patients were ANA positive at present, 2 patients were SSA antibody positive, 2 patients were anti-RNP antibody positive, and 2 patients were anti-Sm antibody positive. Laryngoscopy revealed vocal fold edema and laryngeal stenosis. Bronchoscopy showed stenosis of trachea and both main bronchi and destruction of tracheobronchial cartilage. Histopathology revealed chronic inflammation of cartilage. Treatment included immunosuppressants (cyclophosphamide, methotrexate) together with prednisone. Eleven patients with respiratory tract involvement had laryngotracheostomy or airway stenting. Twenty-three patients alleviated after treatment, and 1 patients died.

CONCLUSIONSRP involves cartilage and connective tissue. Laryngotracheobronchial complications are the most severe manifestations of this disease. Corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs are effective treatment options. Patients with laryngotracheal stenosis and collapsed tracheobronchial wall should receive laryngostomy, tracheostomy, or airway stenting to improve airway obstruction symptoms.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents ; therapeutic use ; Cyclophosphamide ; therapeutic use ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Humans ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; therapeutic use ; Methotrexate ; therapeutic use ; Polychondritis, Relapsing ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; Prednisone ; therapeutic use ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVETo extract RNA from Pinellia ternata and lay a foundation for studying the formation mechanism of P. ternata.

METHODBy modifying the method recommended by Guanidinium for extracting total RNA from plant tissues rich in phenolic and polysaccharidic compounds, a simple and convenient method for extraction of total RNA from the tubers, stems and leaves of P. ternate containing abundant polyphenols and polysaccharides was established. High concentrated p-mercaptoethanol was added in the RNA extracted buffer to remove polyphenols, phenol and chloroform were used to eliminate proteins, and isopropanol and sodium acetate were used to precipitate polysaccharides.

RESULTThe A260/A230 value of RNA extracted with improved method were all over 2.0 and the values of A260/A280 were between 1.7 and 2.0. The electrophoresis bands were cleared on agarosegel and integrity of RNA was good.

CONCLUSIONThe results showed that RNA obtained from the tubers, stems and leaves of P. ternate with this method had high purity and quality and could be used in molecular biological research, as DDRT-PCR and reverse Northern blotting analysis directly. This method is simple, economic, stable performance, and has a good repeatability as well as is suitable for extracting total RNA of medicinal plants with high concentrations of phenolics and polysaccharides.

Blotting, Northern ; Pinellia ; genetics ; Plant Leaves ; genetics ; Plant Stems ; genetics ; Plant Tubers ; genetics ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; RNA, Plant ; isolation & purification

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of light transmission to measure focal cerebral ischemia in mice. METHODS: Persistent focal cerebral ischemia was induced by middle cerebral artey occlusion (MCAO) in mice. The brain were removed 24 h after MCAO and coronally dissected into 1 mm sections. Using a stereomicroscope, the brain section was illuminated with a halogen lamp and computerized images were stored. Next the brain sections were stained for 30 minutes with 0.5% TTC (2, 3, 5-triphenylterzolim chloride) at 37 degrees C. Using an image analyzer (AnalyPower 1.0), the infarct volumes obtained by light transmittance and TTC staining were calculated. Integrated gray scales of sections of both hemispheres were calculated by Photoshop 5.0. RESULTS: A close correlation existed between cerebral infarct volume measured by light transmission and TTC staining (r=0.81). The mean gray scales measured by both techniques of the ischemic hemispheres as well as those of the cortex, subcortex and hippocampus were siginificantly higher than those of non-ischemic hemispheres and of control mouse hemispheres (P <0.001). Further there were no significant difference between the two hemispheres of control mice and between hemispheres of control mice and non-ischemic hemispheres of the MCAO mice. CONCLUSION: Light transmission can be used for qualitative analysis of focal cerebral ischemia.