Objective To explore protein expression and significance of MAGE genes in colorectal carcinoma(CRC)tissues.Methods The expression of MAGE genes were studied by using tissue chip and immunochemistry methods in primary CRC tissue and paired adjacent tissue samples in 97 cases.Data were analyzed with x2-test by SPSS 16.0 software.Results The protein expression of MAGE-A3,MAGE-A4 and MAGE-A10 genes were 57％(56/97),63％(61/97)and 28％(27/97)respectively in 97 cases of primary adenocarcinoma.The protein expression frequency of MAGE-A3 in poor colorectal adenocarcinomas was significantly higher than in well-and moderately disfferentiated adenocarcinomas(x2 =9.133,P =0.010).MAGE-A10 in poor colorectal primary adenocarcinomas was significantly higher than in well and moderately adenocarcinomas(x2 =15.280,P =0.000); MAGE-A10 protein expression was significantly higher in stage TNM Ⅲ + Ⅳ than in stage TNM Ⅰ + Ⅱ(x2 =4.227,P=0.040); MAGE-A10 gene expression was higher in metastasis lymphoid node than in no metastasis lymphoid node(x2 =5.557,P =0.018),and the expression level was higher in primary lesion with the increasing of the numbers of lymphoid node metastasis(x2 =7.296,P =0.026).Conclusions The protein expression of MAGE genes is associated with the tumor differentiation,TNM stage and lymphoid node metastasis.MAGE-A3 and MAGE-A10 genes are the possible prognosis marker and potential target of immunotherapy of CRC.

Objective To explore the protein expression of PLAC1/CP1 ( cancer-placenta 1 ) and its correlation with clinicopathological characteristics in patients of colorectal carcinoma. Methods The expression of PLAC1/CP1 gene was studied by using tissue chip and immunochemistry in 125 cases CRC tissue specimens. Data were analyzed with the x2-test or Fisher's x2 test statistic by SPSS 16. 0 software.Results The protein expression of PLAC1/CP1 gene was 57.6% (72/125) in 125 cases of CRC and 56. 7% (55/97)in 97 primary adenocarcinoma cases. That was 78. 9% (15/19)in poor differentiated colorectal primary adenocarcinoma, those were significantly higher than that of 35.3% (6/17) in well and 55.7% (34/61) in moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma ( P ＜ 0.05 ); PLAC1/CP1 protein expression was significantly higher in stage TNM Ⅲ + Ⅳ 71.2% (37/52) than in stage TNM Ⅰ + Ⅱ 40% (18/45)(P ＜ 0.05 ); PLAC1/CP1 genes expression rate was 69.6% (32/46) in these with lymphoid node metastasis and 45.1% (23/51)in patients without lymphoid node metastasis (P ＜ 0.05 ). The positive expression rate of PLAC1/CP1 increased in colorectal carcinoma with the increasing of the numbers of lymphoid node involved with metastasis( x2 = 13. 353, P = 0.001 ). Conclusions The protein expression of PLAC1/CP1 is associated with tumor differentiation, TNM stage and lymphoid node metastasis.

Objective To explore the effects of different dose rates of X-ray under the same dose on cell clonogenic formation in non-small-cell lung cancer cell line A549 in order to provide experimental basis for clinical radiotherapy plan. Methods The A549 cells were cultured at low density and irradiated with X-rays at dose of 4 Gy and selected dose rates of 1, 2, 4 and 6 Gy/min, respectively, from a linear accelerator. The 8th day after irradiation, the cells were fixed and stained with Giemsa solution, and colonies containing at least 50 cells were counted. The plating efficiency and surviving fraction were calculated. Results The clonogenic number in non-irradiated cells was 88.6±4.6. The numbers were significantly reduced in irradiated cells at dose rate 1, 2, 4 and 6 Gy/min (12.3±3.4, 9.0±0.8, 5.6±1.0, 11.5±1.7, respectively) than that in non-irradiated control cells (F=678.799, P<0.05). The plating efficiencies were decreased in irradiated cells, especially in 4 Gy/min irradiated cells, which was lower than that in any of the other three dose rate groups (P< 0.05). Conclusions Though at same radiation dose, cancer cells have different clonogenic formation efficiency when irradiation with X-ray at different dose rates. Thus, treatment with optimal dose rate may improve the radiotherapy efficacy.

Objective To observe the changes of behavior,blood cortisol level,glucocorticoid receptors (Grs) and mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) in hippocampus area after four weeks of unpredictable chronic mild stress,and to investigate the probable role of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in the pathogenesis of depression in aged people.Methods Aged male Wister rats were randomly assigned to control group and model group.The model group received unpredictable mild stress,including food and water deprivation,restrain,tail clipping,forced swimming,white noise,cage titling and cage rotating for 4 weeks,while the control group was undisturbed unless routine feeding and cage changing.After 4 weeks of procedure,the behavior changes were assessed by sucrose intake test,open-field test and state evaluation,serum cortisol level was measured by chemiluminescent assay,the qualitation and quantitation of GRs and MRs in hippocampus area were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting respectively.All data were analyzed by using t-test.Results Body weight,the grooming score,activities in openfield test,food intake and sucrose intake were decreased in model group as compared with control group after 2 weeks of chronic mild stress (all P＜0.01),suggesting the stress induced depressive-like behavior effects on aged rats.Serum cortisol level was elevated in model group as compared with control group after 4 weeks of chronic mild stress (P＜0.01).A decrease of the neurons was found in CA3 of hippocampus,but not in DG area.In CA3 area,GR positive neurons were decreased,but no significant decrease was found in MR positive neurons.Conclusions The chronic mild stress leading to depressive-like behavior effects in aged rats induces overall HPA axis dysfunction,elevation of serum cortisol level,impairment of hippocampus neurons and decrease of GR positive neurons.The HPA axis dysfunction induced by chronic mild stress may play an important role in the pathogenesis of depression.

Objective The aim of this study was to introduce the multi-slate Markov model for the prediction of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer' s disease (AD) and to find out the related factors for AD prevention and early intervention among the elderly.Methods MCI,moderate to severe cognitive impairment,and AD were defined as state 1,2 and 3,respectively.A three-state homogeneous model with discrete states and discrete times from data on six follow-up visits was constructed to explore factors for various progressive stages from MCI to AD.Transition probability and survival curve were made after the model fit assessment.Results At the level of 0.05,data from the multivariate analysis showed that gender (HR=I.23,95％CI:1.12-1.38),age (HR=I.37,95％ CI:1.07-1.72),hypertension (HR=l.54,95％ CI:1.31-2.19) were statistically significant for the transition from state 1 to state 2,while age (HR=0.78,95％ CI:0.69-0.98),education level (HR=1.35,95％ CI:1.09-1.86) and reading (HR=1.20,95％ CI:1.01-1.41 ) were statistically significant for transition from state 2 to state 1,and gender (HR=1.59,95％ CI:1.33-1.89),age (HR=1.33,95％ CI:1.02-1.64),hypertension (HR=l.22,95％ CI:1.11-1.43),diabetes (HR=1.52,95％CI:1.12-2.00),ApoEε4 (HR=1.44,95％CI:1.09-1.68) were statistically significant for transition from state 2 to state 3.Based on the fired model,the three-year transition probabilities during each state at average covariate level were estimated.Conclusion To delay the disease progression of MCI,phase by phase prevention measures could be adopted based on the main factors of each stage.Multi-state Markov model could imitate the natural history of disease and showed great advantage in dynamically evaluating the development of chronic diseases with multi-states and multi-faetors.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the influence of the diameter and length of the mini-implant on the primary stability after loading with composite forces (CF) which contained torque and horizontal forces (HF).

METHODSNinety-six finite element models were established by the combination of mini-implant and bone, diameters (1.2 mm, 1.6 mm, 2.0 mm) and length (6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm). There were 12 sizes, each size corresponded with 8 models. Group HF (each size n = 4) was loaded with 1.96 N horizontal force and Group CF (each size n = 4) was loaded with composite force which contained 6 N·mm torque and 1.96 N horizontal force. The maximum displacement of mini-implant with different force directions, implant diameters and lengths were evaluated.

RESULTSThe effect of force direction on the displacement related to diameter of mini-implant. The maximum displacement under load with HF respectively was changed with the changing of diameter[1.2 mm: (7.71 ± 0.49) µm; 1.6 mm: (3.94 ± 0.31) µm; 2.0 mm: (2.32 ± 0.43) µm], which were smaller than the maximum displacement of Group CF [1.2 mm: (9.22 ± 0.63) µm; 1.6 mm: (4.62 ± 0.52) µm; 2.0 mm: (2.69 ± 0.49) µm] (P < 0.05). When diameter was 1.2 mm, the difference of the maximum displacement [(1.61 ± 0.22) µm] between Group HF and CF was more obvious than that when the diameter was 1.6 mm or 2.0 mm [(0.64 ± 0.12), (0.49 ± 0.06) µm] (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe composite force had unfavorable effect on the primary stability of the mini-implant. The diameter of the mini-implant had better be larger than 1.2 mm when the composite forces were applied.

Finite Element Analysis ; Orthodontic Anchorage Procedures ; instrumentation ; Torque

BACKGROUNDMonilethrix is an autosomal dominant hair disorder characterized clinically by alopecia and follicular papules. In this study, we collected a Han monilethrix family to detect the mutations in patients and investigated the correlation between the genotype and phenotype of monilethrix.

METHODSIn this study, we identified a Chinese family with monilethrix through light microscopic and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) examination. Genomic DNA from peripheral blood samples was prepared. DNA samples from controls and monilethrix patients were subject to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. Two pairs of primers were used to amplify the seventh exon of KRT86. Mutation screening of the PCR products was detected using direct sequencing.

RESULTSLight microscopic examination showed a regular alternate enlargement and narrow area. SEM examination showed that part of the cuticle of the nodules shed and disappeared gradually in the narrow area with granular protrusions on the surface similar to the erosion-like structure. Parallel longitudinal ridge and groovepattern appeared, and the ridges varied in width, like dead wood. A heterozygous transversion mutation c.1204G > A (p.E402K) in the seventh exon of KRT86 was identified in both patients.

CONCLUSIONSThe mutation of extron 7 of KRT86 identified plays a major role in the pathogenesis of this pedigree with monilethrix, and is a mutation hot spot of KRT86. Further research is needed to explore the relationship between the phenotype and the mutation of the type II hair keratin gene KRT86 of monilethrix.

Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; China ; ethnology ; Humans ; Keratins, Hair-Specific ; genetics ; Keratins, Type II ; genetics ; Microscopy, Electrochemical, Scanning ; Monilethrix ; etiology ; genetics ; pathology ; Mutation

OBJECTIVETo study the expression and significance of PLAC1/CP1 genes in patients with primary colorectal carcinoma.

METHODSThe expression of PLAC1/CP1 genes in 97 cases of colorectal carcinoma was studied using tissue chip technology and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSThe rate of PLAC1/CP1 proteins expression in the cases studied was 56.7% (55/97), with 27.8% (27/97) being nuclear staining and 43.3% (42/97) being cytoplasmic staining. The percentage of expression was higher in women than in men (χ(2) = 6.567, P = 0.010). The expression in poorly differentiated colorectal carcinoma was significantly higher than that in the well or moderately differentiated carcinoma (χ(2) = 8.321, P = 0.016). The expression was also significantly higher in stage TNM III or IV tumors than in stage TNM I or II tumors (χ(2) = 18.726, P = 0.000). The rate was higher in cases with lymph node metastasis than in those with negative lymph nodes (χ(2) = 17.407, P = 0.000), and was higher as the number of metastasis increasing (χ(2) = 22.632, P = 0.000).

CONCLUSIONThe expression of PLAC1/CP1 genes correlates with various clinical and pathologic parameters. It carries prognostic significance and may represent a potential target for immunotherapy.

Adenocarcinoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cell Nucleus ; metabolism ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Cytoplasm ; metabolism ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Pregnancy Proteins ; metabolism ; Sex Factors

BACKGROUND: The area of myocardial infarction is the determinative factor of acute myocardial infarction prognosis. Amelioration of blood transportation and replacement therapy can reduce infarction area. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells can differentiate into cardiovascular tissue and are easy to obtain. After cultured and expanded in vitro, they can become the ideal cells for cardiovascular replacement therapy.OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of intracoronary transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of myocardial infarction. DESIGN: Self-control observation taking the patients as subjects.SETTING: Department of Cardiology, Department of Nuclear Medicine,Echocardiogram Room, Nanjing First Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University.PARTICIPANTS: Totally 20 patients with acute myocardial infarction who received the therapy of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells transplantation in the Department of Cardiology, Nanjing First Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University during March 2003 to March 2004 were recurited. Informed consents were obtained from the patients, and the complete postoperative follow up was over 3 months. The patients include 15 male and 5 female, and they were aged (64±10) years.METHODS: All the patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to treat infarction-related blood vessel. Autologous bone marrow was taken from the patients, then stem cells were extracted to be performed in vitro induction, differentiation and proliferation, and transplanted infarction-related blood vessel through coronary artery at the mean number of (21.7±30.14)× 107 within 2 weeks. Before and 3 months after transplantation of stem cells, patients underwent gated dual-isotopic myocardial perfusion/metabolic imaging (18-fluoro-2-deoxy-glucose, 18F-FDG) examination. Survived and necrotic myocardia were predicted and infarction area was obtained. At the same time, wall motion and heart function index were evaluated with ultrasound cardiography (UCG)examination, and they were re-checked 3 months after operation to evaluate the amelioration of wall motion and heart function index. A 5-point scale was used in the evaluation of gated dual-isotopic myocardial perfusion/metabolic imaging (18F-FDG) examination: point 0: normal, 1: sparse, 2:obviously sparse, 3: defected. Evaluative standard of UCG: point 1: normal,2: reduced, 3: obviously reduced, 4: no ventricular wall motion or paradoxical motion; Wall motion with 2 points or more than 2 points suggests it is improved.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ① Results of gated dual-isotopic myocardial perfusion/ metabolic imaging (18F-FDG-SPECT); ②Infarctionrelated myocardial segment score and heart function index before and after stem cell transplantation of patients in ECG follow-up observation.RESULTS: All the 20 patients participated in the result analysis.Results of gated dual-isotopic myocardial perrusion/metabolic imaging (18F-FDG-SPECT): The myocardial perfusion defect area of 20 patients was significantly reduced after therapy than before therapy [(33±15)%,-(44±18)% ,P ＜ 0.05]; Metabolie defect area was significantly reduced after therapy than before therapy [(33±17)%, (43±21)% ,P ＜ 0.05];Before therapy, there were 199 segments, in which blood flow reperfusion was matched to glycometabolism defect, and they were determined as necrotic myocardium. After therapy, blood flow perfusion metabolism was improved in 79 segments, but blood flow perfusion and glycometabolism were not improved significantly in 120 segments (P ＜ 0.05). Results of UCG: ejection fraction of patients was significantly larger after therapy than before therapy [(53±8)%, (42±7)% ,P ＜ 0.05].CONCLUSION: Intracoronary transplantation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells for treating myocardial infarction is simple to operate. After therapy, the infarction area is obviously reduced, myocardial blood flow perfusion and metabolism of necrotic area improve, myocardial segments without survival determined before operation reduce sigrificantly and the heart function of patients improve.

BACKGROUND: Visual-spatial neglect (VSN) is a neuropsychological syndrome, and right-hemisphere stroke is the most common cause. The pathogenetic mechanism of VSN remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the behavioral and event-related potential (ERP) changes in patients with or without VSN after right-hemisphere stroke. METHODS: Eleven patients with VSN with right-hemisphere stroke (VSN group) and 11 patients with non-VSN with right-hemisphere stroke (non-VSN group) were recruited along with one control group of 11 age- and gender-matched healthy participants. The visual-spatial function was evaluated using behavioral tests, and ERP examinations were performed. RESULTS: The response times in the VSN and non-VSN groups were both prolonged compared with those of normal controls (P < 0.001). In response to either valid or invalid cues in the left side, the accuracy in the VSN group was lower than that in the non-VSN group (P < 0.001), and the accuracy in the non-VSN group was lower than that in controls (P < 0.05). The P1 latency in the VSN group was significantly longer than that in the control group (F[2, 30] = 5.494, P = 0.009), and the N1 amplitude in the VSN group was significantly lower than that in the control group (F[2, 30] = 4.343, P = 0.022). When responding to right targets, the left-hemisphere P300 amplitude in the VSN group was significantly lower than that in the control group (F[2, 30] = 4.255, P = 0.025). With either left or right stimuli, the bilateral-hemisphere P300 latencies in the VSN and non-VSN groups were both significantly prolonged (all P < 0.05), while the P300 latency did not differ significantly between the VSN and non-VSN groups (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Visual-spatial attention function is impaired after right-hemisphere stroke, and clinicians should be aware of the subclinical VSN. Our findings provide neuroelectrophysiological evidence for the lateralization of VSN.
Adult ; Aged ; Cerebral Infarction ; physiopathology ; Electrophysiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III ; genetics ; PPAR gamma ; genetics ; Perceptual Disorders ; genetics ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; genetics ; Reaction Time ; genetics ; physiology ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; metabolism ; Stroke ; genetics ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Superoxide Dismutase ; genetics