Objective To investigate the role of acid and bile reflux in children with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and to evaluate the significance of detecting acid and bile reflux in diagnosing GERD in children.Methods Using ambulatory 24 h pH mo-(nitoring) and bilirubin monitoring technique, we simultaneously assessed the changes of intraesophageal pH and bile reflux in 23 subjects (including 11 healthy controls and 12 patients with GERD).Results The time of esophageal acid exposure (pH

Objective To investigate the spousal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)and its related factors in HIV epidemic area,which can be beneficial to prevent HIV from transmitting.Methods Three hundred and forty-six couples with one spouse were anti-HIV positive were cross-sectionally investigated.Blood samples were taken from the spouse of subjects whose anti- HIV were positive to detect the anti-HIV antibody and from 70 acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)patients to do the sequencing of the serum HIV provirus DNA.Results In 346 couples,99 were infected by spousal transmission and its transmission rate was 28.6%.One spouse of 125 couples were infected with HIV by paid blood donation,14.4%(18)of the other spouse were infec- ted by spousal transmission.One spouse of 135 couples were infected by paid blood transfusion, 23.7%(32)of the other spouse were infected by spousal transmission.Eighty-six couples were infec- ted by extramarital sexual contact,49(57.0%)got spousal transmission.Thirty-seven(69.8%) subjects were infected by husband-to-wife transmission and 12(36.4%)were from wife to husband. The difference between them was significant(P

Objective To investigate the relationship between portal vein pressure and liver regeneration after 90% portal branch ligation in rats.Methods Forty-five male SD rats underwent 90% portal branch ligation (including 5 rats underwent sham operation),and then the changes of portal vein pressure and weight of unligated hepatic lobes were detected.The morphological changes of hepatocytes of the unligated hepatic lobes were observed under a light microscope.Proliferative cell nuclear antigen(PCNA)index was detected by immunohistochemistry,and hepatocyte apoptosis of the unligated hepatic lobes by TUNEL method.All data were analyzed by Pearson rank correlation analysis and t test.Results Thirty-eight out of 40 rats survived(95%).The ligated hepatic lobes diminished progressively,whereas the unligated hepatic lobes regenerated.Preoperative portal vein pressure was(9.1±1.8)cm H_2O(1 cm H_2O=0.098 kPa),and it was increased significantly shortly after the ligation and reached (15.8±2.7)cm H_2O 12 hours later(t=6.847,P＜0.05).The portal vein pressure decreased from(13.6±2.3)cm H_2O at day 1 to(9.3±2.0)cm H_2O at day 28.Preoperative positive PCNA index was 7%±3%,which was significantly lower than 14%±5%at postoperative 12 hours,21%±6%at day 3 and 26%±7%at day 5(t=9.129,P＜0.05),and it began to return to normal at day 5.Few apoptotic hepatoeytes were observed in preoperative liver tissue and unligated hepatic lobes.The expression of PCNA in unligated hepatic lobes and portal vein pressure had apositive correlation at postoperative day 1,3,5(r=0.913,0.896,0.908,P<0.05)and a negative correlation at postoperative day 14(r=-0.926,P<0.05).Conclusions The regeneration of hepatocytes in unligated hepatic lobes is activated after 90% portal branch ligation,and the regenerated liver compensates the weight loss of the ligated hepatic lobes.Liver is regenerated mainly by speeding hepatocyte proliferation rather than reducing hepatocyte apoptosis.Changes of portal vein pressure may play an important role in liver regeneration.

Objective To investigate the effects of Zuogui Jiangtang Yishen decoction (ZGJTYS) on the expression of nephrin and podocin in podocyte of MKR mice with diabetic nephropathy (DN), and explore its mechanism. Methods Forty MKR mice (8 weeks old) were randomly divided into four groups as follows:negative control group (group A), DN model group (group B), ZGJTYS group (group C) and positive control group (group D, Gliquidone and benazepri). All mice from group B, C and D were received high-fat diet feed and unilateral nephrectomy. Four weeks after operation, all mice were received drug intervention, and four weeks later, all mice were put to death. The levels of UmAlb were observed by ELISA, the serum BUN and Cr by biochemical, and the FBG by electrochemical detection method. The nephrin and podocin mRNA expression were measured by RT-PCR and the protein expression by western blotting. The morphological structure changes of the podocytes were observed by transmission electron microscopes. Results As compared with group A, FBG, BUN, SCr and urine UmAlb in the mice of group B increased significantly (P<0.01), the expression level of nephrin and podocin mRNA and protein were markedly decreased (P<0.01). After intervention of drugs, all biochemical indicators above in the mice of group C and D significantly decreased (P<0.01), the expression level of nephrin and podocin mRNA and protein were markedly increased (P<0.01, P<0.05), compared with group B. The renal pathological lesions of group C and D were significantly improved compared with group B. Conclusion ZGJTYS decoction exerts reno-protective effect via reinstating nephrin and podocin expression to repair the damaged podocyte.

Objective To assess mucin gene expression in Barrett's esophagus.Methods Mucin core protein-MUC1,MUC2,MUC3,MUCSAC and MUC6 were detected by immunohistochemistry.The re- lationship between mucin expression and magnification-endoscopic characteristics,pathohistologic epithelial types of Barrett's esophagus was analyzed.Results Mild expression of MUC1 was predominantly found in the superficial epithelium of both gastric and specialised intestinal metaplasia.In a small number of specimens, mild expression of MUC1 was also noted in glands.Strong MUC2 expression was noted only in the goblet cells in Barrett's oesophagus.MUC3 was expressed in the superficial columnar cells of specialized intestinal metaplasia with or without globlet cells but not in gastric metaplasia of the oesophagus.In some specimens MUC3 was expressed in the vacuolus of the globlet cells and the lumen of gland.Strong staining of MUCSAC was noted in the columnar epithelium of both gastric metaplasia and specialized intestinal metaplasia in Barrett's oesophagus,as well as expressed in the cytoplasm and vacuolus of the globlet cells in some speci- mens.Expression of MUC6 protein was detected at the basement of the crypts in gastric metaplasia and spe- cialised Barrett's glands.Expression of MUC2 and MUC3 protein was found much higher in villous or irregu- lar pit pattern than that in dot or rod pit pattern(P

OBJECTIVETo explore the changes of the sensitivity of cetuximab-resistant human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (hNPC) cells 5-8F/Erbitux to cetuximab by silencing H-ras gene with RNA interference (RNAi).

METHODSThe 5-8F/Erbitux cells were induced by stepwise exposure to increasing doses of cetuximab. Western blot was conducted to detect the protein levels of H-ras and K-ras. Real-time PCR was employed to detect the expression of H-ras and K-ras. H-ras-shRNA plasmids (shRNA vector carrying the H-ras gene) were constructed and transferred into 5-8F/Erbitux cells. The gene and protein expression levels of H-ras and the changes of the sensitivity of 5-8F/Erbitux cells to cetuximab after transfection were measured, respectively.

RESULTSAfter treatment with cetuximab for 3 and 5 days, the resistance index (RI) of the 5-8F/Erbitux cells was 1.2 and 1.1, and the protein levels of H-ras and K-ras in 5-8F/Erbitux cells were 0.798 +/- 0.019 and 0.190 +/- 0.011, respectively, significantly higher than that in the 5-8F cells (P<0.001). The gene expressions of H-ras and K-ras in 5-8F/Erbitux cells were 1.260 +/- 0.114 and 0.850 +/- 0.006, respectively. Compared with 5-8F cells, the former was higher (P = 0.016) and the latter was lower (P = 0.000). After transfection with H-ras-shRNA plasmid, the 5-8F/Erbitux cells showed reduced levels of H-ras gene and protein, and the cell apoptosis and inhibition rates increased significantly (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONSH-ras siRNA can reverse cetuximab-resistance of 5-8F/Erbitux cells through down-regulation of H-ras gene expression, indicating that the generation of cetuximab-resistance in 5-8F/Erbitux cells is associated with amplification and overexpression of the H-ras gene.

Antibodies, Monoclonal ; pharmacology ; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized ; Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; Carcinoma ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Cetuximab ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Genes, ras ; Humans ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Plasmids ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) ; metabolism ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo establish a cetuximab-resistant human nasopharyngeal carcinoma 5-8F/Erbitux cell line and preliminarily study the relationship between the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) signaling pathway and the resistance of nasopharyngeal carcinoma to cetuximab.

METHODSA nasopharyngeal cancer cell line, 5-8F, with high epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression and cetuximab sensitivity, was selected as study object. The cetuximab-resistant 5-8F/Erbitux cell line was induced by stepwise selection after exposure to increasing doses of cetuximab. The IC(50) was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and the resistance index (RI) was calculated. The growth curves of 5-8F and 5-8F/Erbitux cells were plotted and the doubling times were calculated by cell counting assay. The cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry. Cross-resistance profiles of 5-8F/Erbitux cells to 5-Fu, Taxol and DDP were tested by MTT assay. Expression levels of P-gP, IGF-1R and P-IGF-1R of 5-8F and 5-8F/Erbitux cells were determined by Western blot analysis and MDR1 gene by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR.

RESULTSA cetuximab-resistant human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line 5-8F/Erbitux was successfully established and their resistance index (RI) were 1.2 and 1.1, respectively, at 3 d and 5 d of the cetuximab treatment. The doubling times of 5-8F and 5-8F/Erbitux cells were 26.63 h and 142.30 h, respectively. Flow cytometry demonstrated that 5-8F/Erbitux cells showed an increased population at G(0)/G(1) phase (P < 0.001) and reduced population at S phase (P < 0.001), compared with 5-8F cells. The 5-8F/Erbitux cells showed cross-resistance to 5-Fu (RI = 3.95, P < 0.01) and some resistance to Taxol as well as enhanced sensitivity to DDP (P > 0.05 for all). The 5-8F/Erbitux cells also had increased levels of P-gP, IGF-1R and P-IGF-1R compared with 5-8F cells (P < 0.001 for all). Expression of MDR1 gene was not detected in 5-8F cells and only very weak expression in 5-8F/Erbitux cells.

CONCLUSIONCetuximab-resistant 5-8F/Erbitux cells have no common multidrug resistance like that induced by traditional chemotherapeutic drugs. The excessive activation of the IGF-1R signaling pathway is probably one of the mechanisms that caused resistance of 5-8F/Erbitux cells to cetuximab.

ATP-Binding Cassette, Sub-Family B, Member 1 ; metabolism ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; pharmacology ; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized ; Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic ; pharmacology ; Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; pharmacology ; Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cetuximab ; Cisplatin ; pharmacology ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; Fluorouracil ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Paclitaxel ; pharmacology ; Phosphorylation ; Receptor, IGF Type 1 ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction

Objective To observe the effect of homemade ankle-foot orthopedic band on motor function of lower extremities in children with foot drop post spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP). Methods 24 spastic hemiplegic CP children were randomly divided into observation group (n=12) and control group (n=12). Both groups accepted roution rehabilitation training. The control group accepted walking training, and the observation group accepted walking training wearing the homemade ankle-foot orthopedic band, for 12 weeks. They were assessed with modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) of gastrocnemius, range of motion (ROM) of ankle active dorsiflexion, and D and E domains of Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) before and after treatment. Results The score of MAS significantly decreased in both groups after treatment (P<0.01), and decreased more in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). ROM and scores of D and E domains of GMFM-88 significantly increased in both groups after treatment (P<0.01), and increased more in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Walking training with the homemade ankle-foot orthopedic band may further decrease the muscle tone of gastrocnemius, increase the active range of motion of ankle and improve the motor function of lower extremities in children with foot drop post spastic hemiplegic CP.

Objective To assess if the ratio of ApoB/ApoA1 is related to the metabolic syndrome and its components. Methods 709 adults living in Chongqing were enrolled. Weight, height, blood pressure, waist circumferences, fasting plasma glucose(FPG) , fasting serum insulin(FIns) and lipids were measured. ApoB/ApoA1 ratio, BMI and insulin resistance index were calculated. Results ApoB/ ApoA1 ratio was increased in subjects with insulin resistance(IR)and MS. Compared with the low ApoB/ ApoA1 ratio group, the high ApoB/ApoA1 ratio group was more likely to get MS(OR=3.5)and IR(OR =2.3) (P<0.001). Conclusions ApoB/ApoA1 ratio is strongly associated with IR, MS and its components, and a high ApoB/ApoA1 ratio is a valuable marker of MS.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy of bevacizumab in combination of irinotecan,fluorouracil and leucovorin for metastatic colorectal cancer treated by failed prior oxaliplatin -based regiment.

METHODSSixty-two patients were randomly divided into two groups, group A of 30 patients received bevacizumab plus irinotecan, fluorouracil and leucovorin, group B of 32 patients received irinotecan, fluorouracil and leucovorin. The response rate,change of tumor markers,one year survival rate and safety were observed.

RESULTSTumor response rate was 30% in group A, 21.8% in group B respectively. Disease control rate(CR+PR+SD) was 80% in group A, 50% in group B. The obvious change of concentration of tumor markers was observed between pre-treatment and post-treatment, which was significantly different in group A(P<0.05). One year survival rate, median of time to progression and median duration of survival between group A and group B were 26.7% vs 18.8%, 5.9 months vs 3.9 months, 10.9 months vs 8.9 months(P<0.05). The adverse effect in group A was the same as group B. Bevacizumab was associated with hypertension and bradycardia.

CONCLUSIONSThe chemotherapy of bevacizumab combined with irinotecan, fluorouracil and leucovorin results in better efficacy in patients with progressive metastatic colorectal cancer.

Adult ; Aged ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; therapeutic use ; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Bevacizumab ; Camptothecin ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Female ; Fluorouracil ; administration & dosage ; Humans ; Leucovorin ; administration & dosage ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; drug therapy ; Neoplasm Staging ; Survival Rate