Background The incidence of retinal vascular diseases increase annually,such as diabetic retinopathy,retinopathy of prematurity and age-related macular degeneration.The key of treatment for these diseases is how to evaluate retinal vascular change effectively and objectively.Retro-orbital injection of fluorescein isothiocyanatedextran (FITC-dextran) is a simple and effective method for observing C57BL/6J mouse retinal vessels.But,whether it is suitable for other mice and rats is seldom reported.Objective This experiment was to assess the feasibility of the observation of retinal vessels by retro-orbital injection of FITC-dextran in different genus of mouse and offer the reference for relevant study.Methods Twelve animals of C57BL/6J mice,Kunming mice,SD rats and Wistar rats were selected,respectively and divided into the experimental group and control group at average.The right eyes of the animals of the experimental group received the retro-orbital injection of 9 ml/kg FITC-dextran,and the right eyes of animals of the control group received PBS solution at the same volume and way.All the animals were sacrificed 10 seconds after injection and both eyes of each animal were obtained for retinal stretched preparation.The retrobulbar tissue and whole-mount retina were viewed under a fluorescence microscope.The use of the animals complied with Regulation for the Administration of Affair Concerning Experimental Animals by State Science and Technology Commission.Results Retinal blood vessels labeled by FITC-dextran could be observed in both eyes of C57BL/6J mice and Kunming mice to present with a green fluorescence in experimental group under a fluorescence microscope,but no any fluorescence-labeled retinal blood vessel was exhibited in the control mice.The retinal blood vessel could not be observed in all eyes of SD rats and Wistar rats after the injection of FITC-dextran both in the experimental group and the control group under a fluorescence microscope.The surrounding tissues of the right eyes of mice and rats dyed with green fluorescence of FITC-dextran in the experimental group,however,green fluorescence could not be seen in the surrounding tissues of the left eyes of mice and rats.Conclusions Retro-orbital injection of FITC-dextran is a suitable method of observing the retinal vessels of mouse but not rat.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of androgen receptor (AR) on IgG protein expression and the proliferation and migration of prostate cancer cells.

METHODSWestern blotting was used to detect the expression of AR protein and IgG in androgen-dependent prostate cancer LNCap cells and castration-resistant prostate cancer PC-3 cells. In AR-overexpressing cells (PC-3-AR cells) established by transfecting PC-3 with AR gene (pCDNA3.1) and LNCap cells with small interfering RNA-mediated AR silencing (LNCap-siAR cells) were analyzed for expressions of AR protein and IgG with Western blotting; the expression of IgG mRNA was detected by Q-PCR, and the cell proliferation and migration were assessed with MTT assay and wound healing assay, respectively.

RESULTSCompared with PC-3 cells, LNCap cells expressed a higher level of AR protein and a lower level of IgG (P<0.05). PC-3-AR cells showed attenuated proliferation and migration with a lowered expression of IgG (P<0.01), while LNCap-siAR cells showed enhanced proliferation and migration with increased expression of IgG (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe expression of AR is inversely correlated with IgG and is associated with the proliferation and migration of prostate cancer cells in vitro.

OBJECTIVETo establish the genetic background of exon2, exon13, exon11 and exon15 polymorphisms of RET proto-oncogene and study the possible involvement of RET proto-oncogene in the etiology of Hirschsprung disease (HD) in Chinese Han population surrounding Province HuBei.

METHODSThe genotype and allele frequencies of RET proto-oncogene polymorphisms were identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphisms (PCR-RFLPS) in 94 HD patients and 122 control subjects.

RESULTSThe genotype and allele frequencies of exon2 were AA 0.17, AG 0.72, GG 0.11, A 0.53, G 0.47 in control, and AA 0.61, AG 0.35, GG 0.04, A 0.78, G 0.22 in HD, and those of exon13 were GG 0.30, GT 0.52, TT 0.18, G 0.56, T 0.44 in control, and GG 0.49, GT 0.36, TT 0.15, G 0.67, T 0.33 in HD. There were significant differences in the two polymorphisms above between HD and control. The genotype and allele frequencies of exon11 were AA 0.05, AG 0.16, GG 0.79, A 0.13, G 0.87 in control and AA 0.02, AG 0.14, GG 0.84, A 0.09, G 0.91 in HD, the differences were not found between these two groups about this site. Exon15 were all of CC genotype in spite of control or HD.

CONCLUSIONSThese data provide evidences for the contributions of exon2 and exon13 polymorphisms of RET proto-oncogene to susceptibility to HD in Chinese Han population surrounding province.

Alleles ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Child, Preschool ; China ; Exons ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genotype ; Hirschsprung Disease ; ethnology ; genetics ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ret ; genetics

BACKGROUNDGlioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and lethal primary brain tumor in adults. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is routinely used in the diagnosis, characterization and clinical management of GBM. The diagnosis and treatment of GBM is largely guided by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. This study aimed to identify the relationship between magnetic resonance features and molecular pathology of GBM.

METHODSMRI images of 43 glioblastoma patients were collected. Four imaging features, degree of edema, contrast tumor enhanced/T2 ratio, multiple lesions and tumor across the midline, were selected to identify their relationship with P53, Ki-67 and O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) expression in patients with GBM. The relationship between imaging features and molecular pathology was studied by chi-square test using the software SPSS 13.0.

RESULTSHigh expression of P53 was found correlated with low contrast tumor enhanced/T2 ratio, low expression of Ki-67 was correlated with multiple lesions and high expression of KI-67 may be related with tumor across the midline, low expression of MGMT was correlated with edema.

CONCLUSIONSome MRI features such as the degree of edema, contrast tumor enhanced/T2 ratio, multiple lesions and tumor acrossing the midline are correlated with P53, Ki-67 and MGMT of GBM.

Edema ; metabolism ; pathology ; Glioblastoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Ki-67 Antigen ; metabolism ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; O(6)-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase ; metabolism ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 ; metabolism

Objective To explore the feasibility of the adjustable brace asymmetric tethering in concave side for establishing a porcine scoliosis model.Methods Six minority piglets (aged 8-10-week-old, weight 8-10 kg) were selected and the adjustable brace asymmetric tethering in concave side were applied during the procedure.Roentgenography was performed before and immediately after the operation, and 1, 2 and 3 months after the procedure.Cobb angles were measured based in the plain radiograph.Results A piglet died for narcotic drug overdose and the other 5 pigs succeeded in modeling.The cobb angles were (9.0 ±1.6) ° in one month, (11.8 ±1.3) ° in two months and (21.6 ±2.4) ° in three months after the operation . Conclusion It's is an effective way to establish the porcine model of rapidly progressive structural scoliosis by the adjustable brace asymmetric tethering in concave side.It avoids the damage to the spinal elements and could be an ideal model for further study on corrective techniques.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the influence of molecular imprinting phenomena of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) on basic theories of TCMs according to current situations of molecular imprinting technology and experimental studies.

METHODFundamental principles of molecular imprinting theory were followed to analyze the material basis for TCM molecules to generate the imprinting phenomena, in order to find other material basis with more direct efficacy in line with the requirements of basic theories and modernization of TCMs.

RESULTCompared with single-component structures, TCMs and their compound components could create super-molecular compounds through complexation, composition, chelation, inclusion, neutralization, self-assembly and chemical reaction. The material basis of TCMs was super-molecular compounds including single ingredients, and there was an inter-molecule imprinting phenomenon. Therefore, special attention should be paid to inter-super-molecule imprinting actions in studies on TCM property, quality control, processing, drug preparation and pharmacology. The compatibility of TCM compounds could significantly change the action.

CONCLUSIONThe material basis of TCMs is super-molecular compounds based on single molecular groups. Super-molecules and molecular groups act rules, which is another difference between TCM compounds and single molecular drugs.

Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Molecular Imprinting

Objective To understand infection status of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and analyze the influencing factors among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Guangzhou. Methods Men who have sex with men (MSM) were recruited from 2014 to 2017. Face-to-face questionnaire survey was conducted to collect information of characterisitc and behaviors. Blood samples were used to detect HIV antibodie. Data were analyzed using SPSS 19.0. Results Among 2 419 MSM, 200(8.27%) participants were confirmed positive for HIV. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that with Guangzhou and monthly economic income >0.5 million as reference, non-Guangzhou (OR=1.712, 95% CI: 1.176-2.492，P=0.005) and monthly economic income ≤0.5 million (OR=1.998, 95% CI: 1.409-2.833，P<0.001) were associated with HIV infection among MSM. Diagnosed syphilis (OR=2.461, 95% CI: 1.375-4.405,P=0.002) , undetected syphilis (OR=2.333, 95% CI: 1.635-3.331,P<0.001), anal sex role passive (OR=2.015, 95% CI: 1.244-3.267,P=0.004), both active and passive (OR=2.115, 95% CI: 1.374-3.251,P=0.001), non-using condoms every time during anal sex (OR=1.955, 95% CI: 1.374-2.781,P<0.001), non-fixed anal sex objects (OR=2.150, 95% CI: 1.463-3.160,P<0.001) were major risk factors for HIV infection among MSM. Conclusions The prevalance of HIV infection and high-risk sexual behavior were high among MSM in Guangzhou. It is urgent to expand the scope of HIV testing and advocate safe sexual behaviors among MSM.

Objective To analyze the therapeutic effects of microvaseular decompression on primary trigeminal neuralgia. Methods The general clinical data,culprit vessels and therapeutic effects of the surgical interventions were analyzed in 181 patients(aged from 24 to 79 years with a mean of54.9 years,including 78 male and 103 female patients)with established diagnosis of primary trigeminal neuralgia admitted from January,2000 to Deceber,2007. Results Blood type O was present in 43.65%of the 181 patients with trigeminal neuralgia,which had an increasing tendency compared to the national norm(33.8%).The morbidity ratio between the right and left side was 1.8:l in these patients.Forty-five patients(24.86%)were identified to have more than 2 culprit vessels.The culprit vessels included the superior cerebellar artery(96 cases),posterior inferior cerebellar artery(7 cases),anterior inferior cerebellar artery(25 cases),arteries communicated with veins(25 cases),internal auditory artery (13 cases),basilar artery(15 cases),vertical artery(9 cases),exclusive veins(15 cases,mainly vena pelrosa and bridging vein)and unknown vessels(9 cases).of the 181 cases,171(94.48%)were cured within one month,9(4.97%)showed relieved symptoms but required drug therapy,and 1 was in vegetative state(0.55%). Conclusions Patients with blood type O may have greater chance of developing primary trigeminal neuralgia.Microvascular decompression is an ideal treatment for primary trigeminal neuralgia,and clear identification of the culprit vessels can be crucial for decreasing the postoperative recurrence.

BACKGROUNDPulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) among asymptomatic Chinese patients with HIV infection has not been investigated despite high tuberculosis burden in China. This study was aimed to evaluate the prevalence, risk factors and clinical outcomes of PTB among asymptomatic patients with HIV/AIDS in Guangxi to facilitate the development of diagnostic and treatment strategies.

METHODSAll asymptomatic adult HIV-infected patients with CD4 < 350 cells/µl who attended four HIV clinics in Guangxi between August 2006 and March 2008 were evaluated for active PTB with physical examination, chest X-ray (CXR), sputum smear and/or sputum liquid culture. Data were described using median (interquartile range, IQR) and frequencies. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with PTB.

RESULTSAmong 340 asymptomatic subjects, 15 (4%) were diagnosed with PTB, with 4 (27%) sputum smear positive and 8 (53%) sputum culture positive. CXR has higher diagnostic sensitivity (87%) than sputum smear (25%) and sputum culture (67%), but lower specificity (56%) compared with sputum smear (99%) and culture (100%). In univariate analysis, injection drug user, body mass index (BMI) < 18 kg/m(2), CD4 < 50 cells/µl and presence of peripheral lymphadenopathy were associated with an increased risk of asymptomatic PTB, while in multivariate analysis only peripheral lymphadenopathy maintained statistical significance (OR = 7.6, 95%CI 1.4 - 40). Patients with negative smear and minor or no abnormalities on CXR had longer interval between screening and TB treatment.

CONCLUSIONSPTB was relatively common in this group of HIV(+) asymptomatic Chinese patients. Diagnosis is challenging especially where sputum culture is unavailable. These findings suggest that an enhanced evaluation for PTB needs to be integrated with HIV care in China and transmission prevention in China to control at both households and health care facilities, especially for patients with factors associated with a higher risk of PTB.

Adult ; China ; Female ; HIV Seropositivity ; complications ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Lymphatic Diseases ; complications ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Risk Factors ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Sputum ; microbiology ; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary ; diagnosis ; etiology

Background/Aims: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with the development of cardiovascular disease. While existing studies have examined cardiac remodeling in NAFLD, there has been less emphasis on the development of carotid atherosclerosis and stroke. We sought to conduct a meta-analysis to quantify the prevalence, risk factors, and degree of risk increment of carotid atherosclerosis and stroke in NAFLD. Methods: Embase and Medline were searched for articles relating to NAFLD, carotid atherosclerosis, and stroke. Proportional data was analysed using a generalized linear mixed model. Pairwise meta-analysis was conducted to obtain odds ratio or weighted mean difference for comparison between patients with and without NAFLD. Results: From pooled analysis of 30 studies involving 7,951 patients with NAFLD, 35.02% (95% confidence interval [CI], 27.36–43.53%) had carotid atherosclerosis with an odds ratio of 3.20 (95% CI, 2.37–4.32; P<0.0001). Pooled analysis of 25,839 patients with NAFLD found the prevalence of stroke to be 5.04% (95% CI, 2.74–9.09%) with an odds ratio of 1.88 (95% CI, 1.23–2.88; P=0.02) compared to non-NAFLD. The degree of steatosis assessed by ultrasonography in NAFLD was closely associated with risk of carotid atherosclerosis and stroke. Older age significantly increased the risk of developing carotid atherosclerosis, but not stroke in NAFLD. Conclusions This meta-analysis shows that a stepwise increment of steatosis of NAFLD can significantly increase the risk of carotid atherosclerosis and stroke development in NAFLD. Patients more than a third sufferred from carotid atherosclerosis and routine assessment of carotid atherosclerosis is quintessential in NAFLD.