To observe the changes in content of monoamine neurotransmitters in the serum of rhesus macaques, and explore the role of serum monoamine neurotransmitters in premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and liver-qi depression induced by anger-in emotion.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the complications of surgical treatments for femoral intertrochateric fractures using dynamic hip screw (DHS).

METHODSFrom Jan. 2002 to Dec. 2007, sixty-nine patients with intertrochanteric fractures were treated by dynamic hip screw fixation included 27 males and 42 females,with an average age of 72.9 years ranging from 53 to 96 years. According to Evans classification there were 10 cases in type I ,21 in type II, 22 in type III, and 16 in type IV, of which 51 patients (73.9%) suffered from systematic diseases preoperatively.

RESULTSFifty-seven patients were followed up for 8 to 70 months (41 months on average). Four patients died, 17 cases occurrenced systematic complications postoperatively. Internal fixation related complications occurred in 12 patients. There were 8 cases with mechanical failure of DHS including 4 of screw loosen,3 of cutting-out of device through femoral head and neck and 1 of plate breakage. Five patients had a coxa vara, and delayed union occurred in 4 patients.

CONCLUSIONUnstable fracture pattern produced high percentage of mechanical failure. In such cases DHS should not be the first choice for treatment. The appropriate treatment should be in relation to pre-operative fracture stability and osteoporosis.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Bone Screws ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; adverse effects ; Hip Fractures ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications ; etiology ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVETo study the relationship between expression of galectin-3 (Gal-3) and osteopontin (OPN) in occult metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer.

METHODSForty-six patients of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) from January 2006 to October 2007 were selected. There were 28 males and 18 females, aged from 33 to 77 years old. The levels of lung tissues Gal-3 and OPN were detected by RT-PCR, and the levels of blood plasma's were measured by ELISA.

RESULTSThere were 12 patients who had metastasized. In un-metastasis group the Gal-3 and OPN mRNA expression levels were significantly lower than that in metastasis group: mean value were 0.07 +/- 0.17 and 0.17 +/- 0.25 in un-metastasis group, while 0.73 +/- 0.23 and 0.79 +/- 0.24 in metastasis group. Blood plasma levels of Gal-3 (18.8 +/- 7.9) microg/L and OPN (153.5 +/- 63.5) microg/L in NSCLC which were detected from metastasis group were higher than un-metastasis group of (9.2 +/- 5.6) microg/L and (89.2 +/- 24.0) microg/L.

CONCLUSIONSHigh serum levels of Gal-3 and OPN and high expression of Gal-3 and OPN mRNA in NSCLC are closely related to the occurrence and metastasis of NSCLC. They may be indexes of evaluating the occult metastasis in NSCLC.

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Galectin 3 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Osteopontin ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo explore the relationship between c-kit and platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha(PDGFRA) gene mutation features and the prognosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumor(GIST).

METHODSClinicopathological, genetic testing and follow-up informations of patients admitted to the Shanxi Tumor Hospital from June 2000 to January 2009 were collected. The survival was calculated and univariate analysis was conducted using the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate analysis was conducted by the Cox regression method.

RESULTSThe 5-year disease-free survival rate was 61.5% and the 5-year overall survival rate was 67.4%. The 5-year disease-free survival rates of patients without disease among those with c-kit exon 11 mutation (n=77), c-kit exon 9 mutation(n=4), and PDGFRA exon 18 mutation (n=2) were 63.4%, 14.3% and 100%, and the 5-year overall survival rates were 70.8%, 50.0% and 100%, respectively. In the patients with c-kit exon 11 mutation, the 5-year disease-free survival rates among those with point mutations(n=26), deletion mutations(n=44), and duplication mutations(n=7) were 87.1%, 44.9% and 80.0%, and the 5-year overall survival rates were 88.1%, 57.0% and 100%, respectively. There were significant differences in overall survival among different factors. Multivariate analysis showed that gene mutation was not the independent factor of prognosis(P=0.492).

CONCLUSIONSIn GIST patients undergoing surgery without imatinib treatment, mutated genotype is better than wild type in terms of prognosis. Gene mutation is not the independent factor of prognosis in GIST patients.

DNA Mutational Analysis ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors ; genetics ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mutation ; Prognosis ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit ; genetics ; Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor alpha ; genetics

Objective To study the localization of the foramen of Monro on magnetic resonance image (MRI) and its clinical significance.Methods Cranial MRI was observed for 30 normal healthy subjects to study their location,shape and size of the foramen of Monro,as compared to those in 22 patients with hydrocephalus and 14 cases with tumor around their foramen.Results The the foramen of Monro is located between the fornix and the anterior part of thalamus in the normal healthy subjects,with a transverse diameter of 2.8 mm and a vertical diameter of 2.1 mm in average on MRI.Y-shaped structure is formed between their bilateral the foramen of Monro and the 3rd cerebral ventricle.Very obvious changes in shape and size of the foramen of Monro can be observed in patients with hydrocephalus,which sometimes can integrated with the 3rd cerebral ventricle and lateral ventricle,forming a"rabbit-head sign".Meanwhile, imaging of the foramen of Monro varied in patients with tumor around the foramen,depending on its location and size.Conclusions The foramen of Monro has a relative constant position in the brain.Changes in its position,size and shape are important signs suggesting intracranial lesions.An individualized operation plan for a patient should be determined based on those changes.

Objective To investigate the role of macrophages in the process of fine particulate matter (PM2.5)exposure induced damage to pulmonary blood-air barrier.Methods Eighteen male BALB/C mice (aged of 10 weeks,weighing 24～27 g)were randomly divided into control group and low-and high-dose PM2.5 exposure groups (receiving 1 .8 and 16.2 mg/kg,respectively),with 6 mice in each group.The control group received tracheal instillations of normal saline on days 1,4,and 7,whereas the exposure groups were administered corresponding dose of PM2.5 exposure at the same time points.In 24 h after last exposure,pathological changes in the lung tissues were observed,and the contents of total protein (TP ),lactate dehydrogenase (LDH ),and alkaline phosphatase (AKP ) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF ),and F4/80 protein level in lung tissue were measured to evaluate the blood-air barrier damage and macrophage infiltration within the lung tissues.Additionally,an in vitro model of the blood-air barrier was established using A549 alveolar epithelial cells and EA.hy926 vascular endothelial cells.In combination with a THP-1 macrophage model,the supernatant PM2.5 supernatant,macrophage supernatant,and PM2.5-macrophage supernatant were incubated with the barrier model for 24 h,respectively.Transmembrane electrical resistance (TEER),sodium fluorescein permeability of the barrier model,and LDH release from the barrier cells were measured to ascertain the extent of macrophage-mediated enhancement in barrier damage induced by PM2.5 exposure.Furthermore,the expression of inflammatory cytokines,such as TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,and IL-8 in the macrophages after PM2.5 exposure was analyzed with quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR)and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results PM2.5 exposure induced lung tissue damage in mice in a dose-dependent manner,significantly elevated the contents of TP,LDH and AKP in the BALF and caused marked infiltration of macrophages into the lung tissue,especially the high-dose exposure when compared with the mice from the control group (P<0.01 ).In vitro barrier model exposure experiments showed that in comparison with the treatment of 150 and 300 μg/mL PM2.5 and macrophage supernatant,the same doses of PM2.5-macrophage supernatant resulted in notably decreased TEER and significantly enhanced permeability in the barrier model (P<0.01 ),and markedly increased LDH release from epithelial and endothelial barrier cells (P<0.01 ).Additionally,the exposure of 150 and 300μg/mL PM2.5 led to a significant up-regulation of TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,and IL-8 in the macrophages (P<0.01 ).Conclusion Macrophages deteriorate PM2.5-induced functional impairment of the pulmonary blood-air barrier.

BACKGROUNDPneumonia is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in lung transplant (LT) recipients. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the incidence, etiology, risk factors and prognosis of pneumonia in LT recipients.

METHODSThe LT cohort consisted of 28 recipients receiving LT in Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital from August 2005 to April 2011. Data collected included demographic data, underlying disorders, time and type of transplant, follow-up information, date of last follow-up, and patient status. A retrospective analysis was made of observational data that were prospectively collected.

RESULTSTwenty-two patients of 28 LT recipients had 47 episodes of pneumonia throughout the study period. Thirtyeight episodes of pneumonia in 19 recipients occurred post-LT with a median follow-up of 257.5 days (1-2104 days), the incidence of pneumonia was 192.4 episodes per 100 LT/year and its median time of onset was 100.5 days (0-946 days) post-transplantation. Bacteria, virus and fungi accounted for 62%, 16% and 15% of the microbial pathogens, respectively. The most frequent were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (20%), cytomegalovirus (CMV) (15%), and Aspergillus fumigatus (10%). A total of 29% (11/38) of pneumonias occurred in the first month post-LT, and then the incidence decreased gradually. The incidence of CMV pneumonia was 25% (7/28) with a median time of 97 days (10-971 days). More than one bacterial infection and CMV infection were independent risk factors for aspergillus infection. The incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) was 18% (5/28), and the history of TB was a risk factor for TB relapse. There were 58% (7/12) of recipients who died of infection, and 71% (5/7) of these died in the first year after LT.

CONCLUSIONSPneumonia is still a major cause of morbidity and mortality in LT recipients. The most frequent microorganisms were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, CMV, and Aspergillus fumigates. The incidence of CMV pneumonia decreases with a delayed median time of onset. More than one incidence of bacterial infection and CMV infection are independent risk factors for aspergillus infection. LT recipients are at high risk for TB, and the history of TB is a risk factor for TB relapse.

Aspergillus fumigatus ; pathogenicity ; Cytomegalovirus ; pathogenicity ; Humans ; Lung Transplantation ; adverse effects ; Pneumonia ; etiology ; microbiology ; virology ; Prospective Studies ; Pseudomonas aeruginosa ; pathogenicity

OBJECTIVETo explore the fact that the east border of Heilongjiang had been a lyme disease natural focus,we investigated the species and distribution of ticks and isolated bacteria from ticks and identified genomic species of Borrelia burdorferi sensu lato. This study provided evidence for prevention and control of lyme disease.

METHODSTicks were caught by flagging method and Direct immunofluorescence method was used to detect the rate of bacteria borne by the tick. BSK UI culture medium was used to isolate the agent and Specific McAbs were used to identify the bacteria. SDS-PAGE protein profile and PCR-RFLP method were also used to identify the species of Spirochetes.

RESULTSTicks, collected from China-Russia border of east Heilongiiang province were classified including Ixodes persulcatus Schulze, Dermacentor sivarum Olener, Haemaphysalis concinna Kock,and Haemaphysalis japonica Kock. We found that the distributon of ticks was different under different circumstances and the predominant species were also different in different ports. The rate of bacteria borne by Iodes persulaatus Schulze was 31.4% ,by Dermacentor sivarum Olener and Haemaphysalis concinna Kock were 2.2% and 3.8%, respectively. However,it was negative for Haenaphysalis japonica Kock. Spirochetes isolated from Ixodes persulcatus Schulze were collected from Dongning and Tongjiang while Genomic species of Spirochetes, isolated from ticks of the border belonged to B. garinii.

CONCLUSIONAll the results showed that the east border of Heilongjiang province was the natural focus of lyme disease.

Animals ; Arachnid Vectors ; classification ; microbiology ; Borrelia burgdorferi ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; China ; Humans ; Lyme Disease ; microbiology ; Russia ; Ticks ; classification ; microbiology

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the feasibility and safety of early chest tube removal after lobectomies for lung diseases.

METHODSA prospective randomized control study was performed with data collected from lobectomies between March 2012 and September 2012. Eligible patients (n = 70) were randomized into two groups; early removal group (removal of chest tube when drainage less than 300 ml/24 h, n = 41) and traditional management group (removal of chest tube when drainage less than 100 ml/24 h, n = 29). Criteria for early removal were established and met before chest tube removal. The volume and character of drainage, time of extracting drainage tube and postoperative hospital stay were measured. All patients received standard care during hospital admission and a follow-up visit was performed after 7 days of discharge from hospital.

RESULTSThere were no differences between two groups with respect to age, sex, comorbidities, or pathologic evaluation of resection specimens. The median volume of drainage within 24 h after surgery was 300 ml and within 48 h was 250 ml, there was significantly different between two groups (Z = -2.059, P = 0.039). Patients undergoing early removal management had a shorter Chest tube duration (44 hours vs. 67 hours, Z = -2.914, P = 0.004) and a shorter postoperative hospital stay (5.0 days vs. 6.0 days, Z = -3.882, P = 0.000). Analysis of data showed no statistically significant differences between the rate of pleural effusions developed, thoracentesis and complications, one week after discharge from hospital.

CONCLUSIONSCompared to the traditional management group (drainage ≤ 100 ml/24 h), early removal of chest tube after lobectomy (drainage ≤ 300 ml/24 h) is feasible and safe. It could result in a shorter hospital stay, and most importantly, reduces morbidity without the added risk of complications.

Aged ; Chest Tubes ; Device Removal ; Female ; Humans ; Length of Stay ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pleural Effusion ; epidemiology ; Pneumonectomy ; Postoperative Complications ; epidemiology ; Prospective Studies

BACKGROUNDDonor organ rejection continues to be a significant problem for patients receiving transplants. We therefore tested whether transferring a donor's major histocompatibility complex (MHC) gene to the recipient would mitigate the rejection of transplanted hearts in mice.

METHODSH-2K(k) gene from donor mice was amplified using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and ligated into a mammalian expression vector, which was then transfected into thymus ground mass cells collected from the recipients. Clones stably expressing the transgene were then injected into the recipients' thymus visualized using ultrasound. Control mice were administered cells previously transfected with empty vector. Following heart transplantation, cardiac activity was monitored electrocardiographically. Recipient thymus cells were tested for MHC antigenicity using flow cytometry and spleen cells were subjected to mixed lymphocyte culture tests. Finally, the transplanted hearts were sectioned, stained and examined under light microscopy.

RESULTSSouthern analysis following nested PCR revealed clear expression of H-2K(k) gene. Following transplantation, electrocardiosignals were detectable highly significantly longer in recipients administered thymal cells expressing donor H-2K(k) than in those receiving control cells. Flow cytometric analysis using an anti-H-2K(k) antibody confirmed its expression in H-2K(k) treated recipients but not in control mice. Mixed lymphocyte cultures containing H-2K(k) treated cells showed significantly less proliferation than those containing control cells. Hearts from control mice showed substantially greater lymphocyte infiltration than those from H-2K(k) treated mice and large areas of necrosis.

CONCLUSIONRejection of transplanted hearts can be mitigated substantially by introducing the donor's MHC into the recipient.

Animals ; Blotting, Southern ; Electrocardiography ; Female ; Flow Cytometry ; Graft Rejection ; genetics ; immunology ; Heart Transplantation ; immunology ; methods ; Major Histocompatibility Complex ; genetics ; immunology ; Male ; Mice ; Polymerase Chain Reaction