OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical value of iodine[131I] metuximab infusion combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for treating cases of post-intervention relapse of mid or advanced stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODSSixty patients who were diagnosed between March 2009 and June 2010 with relapse of mid or advanced stage HCC following previous intervention with various standard clinical methods were recruited for study. The patients were randomly and equally divided into a control treatment group (CG; receiving TACE therapy alone) and an experimental treatment group (TG; receiving TACE combined with iodine [131I] metuximab injection). For all patients, licartin was first perfused into the tumor feeding artery and then the TACE procedure was performed 20 min later. Liver function markers and routine blood parameters, including alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and clotting time, were examined at one week and one month after the treatment. Enhanced computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of the liver was performed at one month after treatment and thereafter on a bi-monthly follow-up schedule. The World Health Organization's tumor evaluation standard was used to assess the therapeutic effects in each group. Results of laboratory tests (pre- and post-treatment), reported complications, and side-effects were evaluated for their contributions to time of tumor progression (TTP) and survival time.

RESULTSPatients in the TG and CG groups had similar blood cell counts at pre-operative and 1-week postoperative time points. The TG group showed a significantly reduced level of AFP following treatment, but it was not significantly different from the level in the CG group. The TG group did however show significantly different levels of liver functional parameters (all P less than 0.05) and significantly higher TTP (4.84+/-4.11 vs. CG: 2.54+/-2.08 months; t = -2.13, P less than 0.05) and average survival time (7.05 vs. 5.15 months; x2 = 4.24, P = 0.039). The rates of partial response (PR), slight remission (MR), unchanged status (SD) and progressive disease (PD) were 16.7%, 37.5%, 25.0% and 20.8% in the TG group, and 8.7%, 17.4%, 21.7% and 52.2% in the CG group. The therapeutic effect rate (CR + PR + MR) and reaction rate (CR + PR + MR + SD) was significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.048). No serious adverse effects were reported.

CONCLUSIONTACE combined with iodine [131I] metuximab injection is a safe and effective procedure for prolonging the survival and TTP of patients with HCC relapse following prior therapeutic intervention.

Aged ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; therapeutic use ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; pathology ; therapy ; Chemoembolization, Therapeutic ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Iodine Radioisotopes ; therapeutic use ; Liver Neoplasms ; pathology ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; therapy ; Treatment Outcome

This study is to evaluate the therapeutic effect of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) on NAFLD in MSG-IR mice and to provide mechanism insights into its therapeutic effect. The MSG-IR mice with insulin resistance were treated with high dose (0.1 micromol.kg-1d-1) and low dose (0.025 micromol.kg-1d-1) of FGF21 once a day for 5 weeks. Body weight was measured weekly. At the end of the experiment, serum lipids, insulin and aminotransferases were measured. Hepatic steatosis was observed. The expression of key genes regulating energy metabolism were detected by real-time PCR. The results showed that after 5 weeks treatment, both doses of FGF21 reduced body weight (P<0.01), corrected dyslipidemia (P<0.01), reversed steatosis and restored the liver morphology in the MSG model mice and significantly ameliorated insulin resistance. Additionally, real-time PCR showed that FGF21 significantly reduced transcription levels of fat synthetic genes, decreased fat synthesis and promoted lipolysis and energy metabolism by up-regulating key genes of lipolysis, thereby liver fat accumulation was reduced and liver function was restored to normal levels. In conclusion, FGF21 significantly reduces body weight of the MSG-IR mice, ameliorates insulin resistance, reverses hepatic steatosis. These findings provide a theoretical support for clinical application of FGF21 as a novel therapeutics for treatment of NAFLD.
Animals ; Body Weight ; drug effects ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Dyslipidemias ; metabolism ; Energy Metabolism ; drug effects ; Fatty Liver ; chemically induced ; complications ; Female ; Fibroblast Growth Factors ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Insulin Resistance ; Lipolysis ; drug effects ; Liver ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Mice ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease ; drug therapy ; Sodium Glutamate

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and risk of pancreatic cancer.

METHODSVarious English and Chinese language literature databases, including PubMed, Web of Knowledge, Embase, Cochrane Library and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, were searched for case-control studies comparing rates of HBV infection and pancreatic cancer. The RevMan meta analysis software, version 5.0, was used to perform the meta-analysis of the 6 included studies.

RESULTSCompared with the control group, the pancreatic cancer group had a significantly higher rate of positivity for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) (8.87% vs.5.86%, odds ratio (OR) =1.24, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.06 to 1.47, P =0.009) and a lower rate of patients never exposed to HBV (defined as HBsAg(-)/hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc)(-) (69.4% vs.77.1%, OR =0.68, 95% CI:0.51 to 0.92, P =0.01). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the rate of hepatitis B e antigen positivity (P =0.55).

CONCLUSIONHBV-infected patients with HBsAg(+) status are at greater risk of developing pancreatic cancer; however, since most of the research studies evaluated were conducted in Asians, the generalizability of this conclusion is unknown.

Hepatitis B ; epidemiology ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; blood ; Hepatitis B virus ; Humans ; Pancreatic Neoplasms ; epidemiology ; virology ; Risk Factors

OBJECTIVETo explore the relationship between neuropeptide substance P (SP) and wound healing in scalded rats.

METHODS(1) Scalded rats with different degrees of scald injury were employed as the experimental model and were sacrificed at 24 post scald hour (PSH), and on 3, 7 and 14 post scald days (PSD). The SP content in the wound was detected with radioimmunoassay method. (2) The murine granulation tissue fibroblasts (GTF) were cultured with different culture media, and divided into control, SP and Spantide (SP receptor antagonism) groups. The effects of SP and Spantide on the cellular activity and apoptotic rate of murine GTF were assessed in vitro.

RESULTSThere was significant difference of the SP content among the superficial (145 +/- 78) ng/g, partial (94 +/- 48 ng/g) and full thickness (53 +/- 27 ng/g) scald wounds at 24 PSH (P < 0.01), while the SP content in partial thickness burn wound on 3 and 7 PSD obviously increased; and that in deep partial thickness burn wound obviously increased on 7 and 14 PSD. But the SP content remained unchanged in full thickness scald wound. (2) SP could promote the activity of GTF and inhibit its apoptosis (The GTF activity in control, SP groups were 0.21 +/- 0.05, 0.36 +/- 0.07, respectively, P < 0.01). Spantide could inhibit the interaction between SP and GTF.

CONCLUSIONSP can promote GTF proliferation, and the SP content in wound is closely associated with the depth of the injury and wound healing capacity.

Animals ; Burns ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Proliferation ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Fibroblasts ; cytology ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Receptors, Neurokinin-1 ; metabolism ; Substance P ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Wound Healing

The study was purposed to investigate whether processing and storage conditions might influence the stability of the HCV RNA in whole blood or in plasma. The samples obtained from seven patients known to be positive for HCV RNA were kept in different storage conditions with different anticoagulants, and at the end of processing the plasma samples were frozen at -80 degrees C until fluorescent quantitative PCR testing. The results showed that there was no significant loss of HCV RNA titers in whole blood anticoagulated with CPDA or ACD or EDTA or none (P > 0.05), while differences in comparison of the EDTA-anticoagulant storage condition with three other anticoagulants storage conditions at 4 degrees C after 48 hours were significant (P < 0.05). The HCV RNA level decreased to 53.8%, 72.5% and 29.8% after 48 hours of storage of whole blood anticoagulated with ACD at 4 degrees C, 25 degrees C and 37 degrees C respectively. The HCV RNA level of plasma samples stored at 4 degrees C and at 25 degrees C (room temperature) after 7 days decreased to 70.9% and 25.1% respectively. After four freeze-thaw cycles the HCV RNA level decreased 38.9% in plasma samples. It is concluded that the HCV RNA is stable relatively. The HCV RNA is resistant to degradation under routine laboratory handling and storage conditions or blood collection, transport and processing conditions. The influence of different anticoagulants on the stability of HCV RNA is different. Blood samples would better be stored at 4 degrees C after collection and plasma separated within 48 hours. And it is important for the stability of HCV RNA undergoing asepsis blood collection process. HCV RNA remains stable at 4 degrees C for at least 7 days or at room temperature for 3 days, allowing greater flexibility in samples collection and transport in transfusion practice nowadays. HCV RNA in plasma samples subject to up to three short-term freeze-thaw cycles is still stable.
Blood Donors ; Blood Preservation ; methods ; Hepacivirus ; genetics ; Hepatitis C ; virology ; Humans ; RNA, Viral ; blood ; drug effects ; Specimen Handling ; standards ; Temperature ; Time Factors

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical efficacy of implanted biliary metallic stents in the management of malignant obstructive jaundice (MOJ).

METHODSPercutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and stent insertion were performed in 241 consecutive patients to treat malignant biliary obstruction between December 1998 and February 2009. The study end point was patient death. All patients were followed-up until death or until February 2010. The therapeutic efficacy was determined by statistical analysis of life span and pre- and post-operative laboratory indices.

RESULTSAll 241 patients were successfully stented. The level of bilirubin descended obviously within four weeks of implantation (P less than 0.05), and the early mortality rate was 4.56% (11/241). Two-hundred-and-two patients were followed-up (range: 8-193 weeks post-transplantation) and showed a median survival of 43.55 weeks. The survival rates at 13, 26, 39 and 52 weeks post-transplantation were 87%, 66%, 56%, and 41%, respectively. The stent patency rates at 13, 26, 39 and 52 weeks post-transplantation were 70%, 46%, 36% and 24%, respectively; the mean stent patency was 27.57 weeks. Cox regression analysis identified the strong predictors of improved survival as an initial bilirubin level of less than 221 mumol/L (P = 0.01) and a stent-induced bilirubin reduction of more than 50% (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONTranshepatic metallic biliary stenting is a safe and effective therapeutic intervention for malignant biliary obstruction. Significant periods of survival and palliation of jaundice can be achieved with this method. Hyperbilirubinemia and a stent-induced bilirubin reduction of less than 50% are independent predictive factors for the survival of MOJ patients.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Biliary Tract Surgical Procedures ; Bilirubin ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Jaundice, Obstructive ; surgery ; Male ; Metals ; Middle Aged ; Stents ; Survival Rate ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo explore surgical procedure of congenital microtia.

METHODSEar reconstruction was made using soft tissue skin expander and autogenous rib cartilage framework.

RESULTSLong time follow-up showed that the flap of reconstructed ear was ruddy, soft, with normal sensory function; cartilage framework had no degeneration, absorption and deformation. In addition, the reconstructed ears were coincidence with the normal side on location, form and dimension.

CONCLUSIONSIt was a good method for congenital microtia to use soft tissue skin expander together with autogenous rib cartilage framework at present time.

Child ; Child, Preschool ; Ear, External ; abnormalities ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Skin Transplantation ; methods ; Surgical Flaps ; Tissue Expansion Devices ; Transplantation, Autologous

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of lipid peroxidation on testosterone (T) in the serum and bcl-2 expression in the Leydig cells of aging male rats.

METHODSThe D-galactose-induced subacute aging male rat model was established and 20 SD rats were randomly divided into two groups of equal number: a D-galactose (D) group and a control (C) group. The activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD) and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) were examined by spectro-absorptiometer, the expression of bcl-2 by immunohistochemical method, and the concentration of serum T by radio-immunity technique.

RESULTS(1) The activity of SOD in the testis of the D group was (116 +/- 18.09) U/ mg x prot, significantly lower than in the C group [(156 +/- 31.02) U/mg x prot (P < 0.01)]. (2) The level of MDA in the testis of the D group was (1.77 +/- 0.41) nmol/mg x prot, significantly higher than in the C group [(1.19 +/- 0.15) nmol/mg x prot (P < 0.05)]. (3) Serum T in the D group was (2.39 +/- 0.90) nmol/L, significantly lower than in the C group [(8.95 +/- 2.53) nmol/L (P < 0.01)]. (4) The expressions of bcl-2 in the leydig cells of the D and C groups were (35.1 +/- 3.6)% and (49.6 +/- 7.4)% respectively, with statistical difference between them (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONLipid peroxidation affects the concentration of serum T and the expression of bcl-2 in the Leydig cells of aging male rats.

Aging ; metabolism ; Animals ; Gene Expression ; Leydig Cells ; metabolism ; Lipid Peroxidation ; Male ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Testosterone ; blood

OBJECTIVETo explore the methylation of CpG islands in promoter of eye absent gene 1 (EYA1) in microtia.

METHODSThe methylation of CpG islands in EYA1 gene in 64 microtias and 36 healthy controls were measured using the technique of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight.

RESULTSThe methylation of CpG_Unit3 and CpG_Unit5 of EYA1 gene in microtia were 0.09258 +/- 0.033846 and 0.0922 +/- 0.02379, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in control.

CONCLUSIONSHypomethylation in microtia may be related to the pathogenesis of the disease.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; CpG Islands ; DNA Methylation ; Ear ; abnormalities ; Female ; Humans ; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nuclear Proteins ; genetics ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases ; genetics ; Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo explore the application of tissue expander in ear reconstruction and to deal with the complications.

METHODS50 ml kidney-shape tissue expanders were implanted subcutaneously in the mastoid area. The drainage tube was removed 3 days after operation. The suture was removed 10 days later. Since 7 days after operation, 5 ml NS was injected into the expander every time, three times a week. The total injection volume was about 60 ml. After that, the expander was maintained for one month.

RESULTSFrom January 1992 to December 2006, 5,248 patients of microtia were treated with 6,252 expander. After the maintaining period, the expanded skin was thin and well-vascularized. The complication rate was 7.79%, including hematoma, malunion and infection.

CONCLUSIONSThe quantitative tissue expansion is easily manipulated with few complications. It can provide hairless, thin skin with reliable blood supply for ear reconstruction.

Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Ear, External ; abnormalities ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Postoperative Complications ; prevention & control ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Skin Transplantation ; Surgical Flaps ; Tissue Expansion ; methods ; Tissue Expansion Devices ; Young Adult