Objective To investigate the similarities and differences of endoscopic and pathological char- acteristics between long and short segment Barrett's esophagus.Methods One hundred and twenty-eight cases of Barrett's esophagus identified both by endoscopy and pathology were enrolled in this retrospective study. Among them,40 cases were long segment Barrett's esophagus (LSBE) and 88 were short segment Barrett's esophagus (SSBE).The age distribution,sex distinction,endoscopic manifestations and pathological changes were assessed.Data were statistically analyzed by t-test or u-test.Results There were no differences in age distribution and sex distinction between LSBE and SSBE groups (P＞0.05).The ring pattern was the most prominent type accounting for 62.5% in LSBE group.The island pattern was the most prominent type accounting for 85.2% in SSBE group.There were significant differences in the rates of specialized intestinal metaplasia between LSBE and SSBE groups(47.5% vs 14.8%,P＜0.01).Moreover,among the special- ized intestinal metaplasia,low grade (15.0% vs 4.5%),medium grade (12.5% vs 3.4%) and high grade dysplasia (5.0% vs 0.0%) between LSBE and SSBE groups also had statistical differences (all P＜0.05).Conclusions LSBE may have more tendency in dysplasia than that of SSBE.We should pay attention to the importance of endoscopic manifestations and pathological diagnosis.

Objective:To investigate the effects of Helicobacter pylori on NLRP3 inflammasomes activation in THP-1 ( human monocytic cell line) -derived macrophages and evaluate the role of ROS.Methods:H.pylori strain SS1 was co-cultured with the THP-1-derived macrophages at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 1∶100 based on trial results with different MOIs (ratios of THP-1 cells to bacteria ranging from 1∶25 to 1∶200).The co-culture supernatants and THP-1 cells were collected at various time points (3 h,6 h,12 h,24 h) and cytokine production was quantitated using ELISA analysis.The generation of intracellular ROS was detected by FCM,and the mRNA transcript levels of NLRP3 and caspase-1 were measured by Real-time PCR.Western blot was employed to analyze the expression of active caspase-1 subunit ( p10).Then we observed the inhibitory effects of NAC and siRNA specific for NLRP3 on the ex-pression of NLRP3 inflammasome-related components and the secretion of cytokines induced by H.pylori.Results:We found that H.pylori SS1 induced IL-1βand IL-18 production in human acute monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1 in a time-and dose-dependent manner.We further showed that H.pylori could induce the mRNA expressions of NLRP3 and caspase-1 in THP-1 cells.Moreover, release of IL-1βand IL-18 from H.pylori-infected THP-1 cells was suppressed by the ROS scavenger NAC,which was an agent known to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome formation.NAC administration also resulted in a significant decrease in the level of H.pylori-induced caspase-1 protein expression in THP-1 cells.Additionally,secretion of IL-1βand IL-18 in response to H.pylori infection was remarkably reduced by NLRP3-siRNA.Conclusion:The induction of IL-1βand IL-18 secretion by H.pylori strain SS1 in THP-1 cells could be mediated through activation of NLRP3 inflammasome via ROS signaling pathway, which may be involved in the host innate immune defence and the pathogenesis of the bacteria.

Objective To observe the effects of ICB orthopedic sole combined with rehabilitation training on balance and walking function in stroke survivors.Methods Thirty hemiplegic stroke patients were recruited and divided into a study group (n =15) and a control group (n =15) by using a random number table.Both groups took exercises based on the principles of a motor relearning program and conducted core stability control training,and the study group additionally undertook hemiplegic lower extremity weight-bearing exercises and walking with ICB orthopedic sole used in daily living.The program was administered 20 min twice per day for 4 weeks.All patients were evaluated with Rest Calcaneus Standing Position (RCSP),Malleolar Position (MP),Forefoot Position (FP),Berg Balance Scale (BBS),l0 m Maximum Walking Speed (MWS) and walking section of Motor Assessment Scale (MAS)before and after the program.Results After 4 weeks of intervention,all the measurements except the FP in both groups improved significantly,and significant differences were observed between the two groups.After 4 weeks of training,the average RCSP (1.78 ± 0.32) ° and MP (13.33 ± 2.51)° were improved significantly compared to those of the control group [(2.58 ± 0.59) ° and (12.45 ± 3.31) °,respectively].Moreover,the average BBS,MAS and MWS improved significantly compared to the control group.Conclusions ICB orthopedic sole combined with rehabilitation training can improve the weight-bearing,balance and ambulation abilities of stroke survivors.

Adenocarcinoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Adenoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Aged ; Cell Line, Tumor ; metabolism ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Ether-A-Go-Go Potassium Channels ; genetics ; metabolism ; Female ; HT29 Cells ; metabolism ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Neoplasm Staging ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Tumor Burden

Objective To explore the clinical effects of aortic valvuloplasty in treatment of ventricular septal defect(VSD)with moderate or severe aortic valve insufficiency(AI)in children.Methods Thirteen children less than 14 years old underwent open heart surgery as well as aortic valvuloplasty for VSD with moderate or severe AI.There were 9 cases of subpulmonary VSD,perimenbranous VSD in 4 cases.AI was mo-derate in 4 cases,severe in 9 cases.Results There was no hospital death.Post-operative echocardiogram and X-ray revealed that both cardiothoracic ratio and left ventricular end diastolic diameter decreased markedly(P

Background Choroidal melanoma(CM)is a common form of primary ocular cancer in adults.It is reported that indomethacin has inhibitory effect on many tumor in vitro and in vivo,but whether it can inhibit the growth of CM has not been published. Objective This study was to investigate the anti-tumor activity of indomethacin on the growth of human CM OCM-1 cell xenografts in nude mice. Methods OCM-1 cells were subcutaneously implanted on 24 SPF female BALB/C.nu/nu nude mice to establish ectopic models of human CM.The nude mice with the tumor 5 mm were randomly divided into 4 groups:untreated group,normal saline solution(NS) group,indomethacin 1 ms/kg group,indomethacin 2 ms/kg group.The 1 mS/kg or 2 ms/kg indomethacin was intraperitoneally injected for 14 consecutive days in indomethacin 1 ms/kg group and indomethacin 2 me/kg group respectively.and 0.2 ml of 2%NS-DMSO was used at a same way in the NS group.No any agent was used as the untreated group.The volume and weight of implanted tumor as well as inhibitory rates of indomethaein on tumor were calculated.The expression of ki67 and survivin proteins were measured with immunohistochemistry,and the expression of survivin mRNA in CM was assessed by RT-PCR. ResuIts The tumor of indomethacin treatment group was reduced in volume and weight with a significant difference between treatment group and control group as well as indomethacin 1 ms/ks group and indomethacin 2 ms/kg group(P＜0.05).The inhibitory rate of indomethacin 1 ms/kg and 2 ms/kg for tumor was 22.86%,48.00%respectively.The prolifiration index (PI)of ki67 in these 4 groups were (76.73±3.34)%,(73.30±2.95)%,(55.97±2.24)%,(32.87±2.91)%respectively,and significant difference was found in PI between indomethacin 2 mg/kg group and untreated group or NS group(P＜0.05),but there was not significant difference between indomethacin 1 mg/kg and 2 ms/kg group(P＞0.05).Compared with the control group,the indomethacin treatment groups showed the decreased expression of survivin protein and mRNA,and significant difference was found between indomethaein 2 ms/kg group and untreated group or NS group(P＜0.05),however,no significant difference was found between indomethacin 1 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg group(P＞0.05). Conclusion Indomethacin inhibits the growth of CM in nude mice through inhibiting the expression of survivin in the tumor and accelerating cell apoptosis and inhibiting tumor cell proliferation.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the telomerase activity of human adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) during proliferation and differentiation in vitro.

METHODSADSCs were highly purified and cultured in vitro. The morphology, phenotype and biological properties of the cultured ADSCs were observed by flow cytometer. Then ADSCs were induced to differentiate into adipocytes and osteoblast. The telomerase activity was detected by TRAP.

RESULTSADSCs had the ability of multi-directed differentiation, like adipocytes and osteoblast. It could also express the stem cell-related surface markers. The telomerase activity was negative or lowly expressed in ADSCs in vitro within 12 generations. The telomerase activity was up-regulated when ADSCs was adipogenic differentiated, but deceased 3-6 days later.

CONCLUSIONSThe telomerase activity of ADSCs is not changed during culture in vitro. It is up-regulated when ADSCs are induced to adipogenic differentiation, but decreased later.

Adipocytes ; cytology ; metabolism ; Adult ; Cell Differentiation ; Cell Proliferation ; Cells, Cultured ; Female ; Humans ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Stem Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Telomerase ; metabolism ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the combined treatment with areola approach for capsular contracture after breast augmentation with implants.

METHODSFrom Feb. 2005 to Jun. 2011, 94 cases (168 sides) with Baker III and IV capsular contracture after breast augmentation with implants were treated with areola approach. The implants cavity was recreated, with or without removal of capsule. The implants were reimplanted behind pectoralis major or breast at the second stage in some patients.

RESULTS46 cases were followed up by clinic visit and the others were followed up by telephone for 6-37 months, with an average of 9.9 months. The capsular contracture was relapsed in 2 cases as Baker III and 1 case as Baker IV. All the other breasts got a good appearance with good soft texture and feeling. No hematoma, infection, implants rupture, breast ptosis or implant displacement happened.

CONCLUSIONSCombined treatment with areola approach has a good therapeutic effect for capsular contracture after breast augmentation with implants. The breast appearance is satisfactory with low occurrence of capsular contracture.

Adult ; Breast Implantation ; adverse effects ; Contracture ; etiology ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Mammaplasty ; methods ; Postoperative Complications ; surgery

Adolescent ; Adult ; Female ; Hepatitis ; therapy ; Humans ; Liver, Artificial ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Plasma Exchange

OBJECTIVETo investigate and analyze AIDS knowledge of the Chinese peacekeepers in Liberia and to evaluate the effects of AIDS education in order to conduct more effective health education of AIDS and increase AIDS knowledge among the Chinese peacekeepers in the areas with a high incidence of AIDS.

METHODSA questionnaire was designed on the basis of that recommended by WHO to investigate the knowledge of AIDS among the 528 Chinese peacekeepers in Liberia respectively before and after relevant health education, and the results were compared.

RESULTSThere was an obvious deficiency in AIDS knowledge among the subjects before the education and an evident increase after it, and the difference was significant (P <0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe Chinese peacekeepers are deficient in AIDS knowledge, and the deficiency can be effectively improved by relevant health education, which is essential for the health of the Chinese peacekeepers in the areas with a high incidence of AIDS.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ; Adult ; China ; Female ; Health Education ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Humans ; Liberia ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Military Personnel ; Surveys and Questionnaires