Objective To discuss the value of vivo proton MR spectroscopy,perfusion and diffusion imaging in grading of diffuse astrocytomas.Methods One hundred fifty-four cases with diffuse astrocytomas proved pathologically were collected.35 cases with diffuse astrocytomas including 8 astrocytomas(WHO grade Ⅱ),13 anaplastic astroeytomas(grade Ⅲ)and 14 glioblastoma muhiforms (grade Ⅳ)underwent MR spectroscopy.The Cho/Cr,NAA/Cr and Lac/Cr of three groups in 35 cases were compared.The other 76 cases including 36 low-grade glial tumors(grade Ⅱ),20 anaplastic glial tumors (grade Ⅲ)and 20 glioblastoma multiforms(grade Ⅳ)underwent conventional MR imaging and dynamic contrast-enhanced perfusion MR imaging before surgical resection or stereotactic biopsy,the characteristics of the curve and the value of the maximum relative regional cerebral volume(rrCBV)in the diffuse astrocytomas with various grades were analysed.Fourty-three cases of diffuse astrocytomas including 26 astrocytomas(grade Ⅱ),6 anaplastic astrocytomas(grade Ⅲ)and 11 glioblastoma multiformes (grade Ⅳ)underwent diffusion MRI and the apparent diffusion coefficient rate(ADCR)were compared. Results The Cho/Cr of diffuse astrocytomas in three grades were 2.709?1.228,5.812?2.374 and 5.289?1.462 respectively.There were statistically significant differences between astrocytomas and anaplastic astrocytomas,astrocytomas and glioblastoma multiformes for Cho/Cr(P0.05).The Lac/Cr of diffuse astrocytomas in three groups were 0.100?0.083,1.879?1.595 and 3.656? 2.195 respectively,the differences among three groups were all significant(P0.05).The maximum rrCBV values of glial tumors with Ⅱ,Ⅲ and Ⅳ grade were 1.379?0.739,2.654?1.072,3.218?1.565 respectively and the differences among them were statistically significant(P

Serum cortisol and plasma ACTH were determined in 10 patients with severe sepsis and 12 with septic shock on day 1,3,5 after diagnosis were made,and the data were compared with 12 control patients. To evaluate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA)axis function in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock,1?g ACTH stimulation test was applied after hormone concentrations were obtained on day 1.Compared with the control patients,ACTH level was significantly higher in patients with severe sepsis and lower in septic shock(P

Objective To investigate the application of wall shear stress (WSS) in the carotid sinus of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients,and analyze the spatial distribution of WSS with contrast enhanced flow field (CEFF) quantita tive visualization analysis software.Methods Totally 47 T2DM patients and 25 healthy subjects were investigated.According to the intima-media thickness (IMT) of common carotid artery (CCA),the T2DM patients were divided into IMT normal group (n=21) and IMT thickening group (n=26).WSS in the carotid sinus was calculated by CEFF analysis soft ware,the corresponding spatial distribution maps of WSS were designed.WSS of the posterior wall of internal carotid artery (ICA) was recorded and statistical analysis.Results Both in the carotid sinus of healthy subjects and T2DM patients,there were two low WSS regions and one high WSS region.There were a large region of low WSS at the posterior wall of CCA and ICA,a small region of low WSS at the anterior wall of CCA,and a high WSS region at the anterior wall of ICA.The WSS at the posterior wall of ICA both in the IMT normal group [(3.39 ± 0.60)dynes/cm2] and IMT thickening group [(2.58±0.46)dynes/cm2] were significantly lower than that in control group ([3.74±0.53]dynes/cm2,both P＜0.05).WSS in IMT thickening group was lower than that in IMT normal group (P＜0.05).Conclusion CEFF quantitative visu alization analysis might constitute an approach to assess the presence of early-stage arteriosclerosis by measuring the WSS in the carotid sinus.

Aim To establish a rapid method to efficiently iso-late mononuclear cells from central nervous system ( CNS) tis-sues of mice that can be effectively utilized for identification of various immune cell populations in a single sample by flow cy-tometry. Methods For defining the feasibility and practicality of the method, wild-type C57BL/6 mice and two mouse models of CNS disease including EAE mice and APP/PS1 mice were used in this study. After the collection and homogenization of the brain and spinal cord tissues respectively, the mononuclear cells were isolated by spinning the 70% -30% Percoll gradients. Cell activities were detected by trypan blue staining, and the im-mune population that infiltrated CNS was identified by flow cy-tometry. Results The results of trypan blue staining showed that the survival rate of the isolated cells was above 90% in all groups. Flow cytometry analysis showed that the relative num- bers of lymphocytes infiltrating CNS of EAE and AD mice in-creased significantly compared with wild-type C57BL/6 mice. In addition, the relative numbers of Th1 and Th17 cell subsets me-diating the inflammatory response also increased significantly, while the decreased regulatory T cells frequency was observed in the two mouse models of CNS disease. Conclusions The cells isolated by the 70% ~30% Percoll gradients centrifugation can be effectively utilized for the identification of various immune cell populations in a single sample by flow cytometry. The meth-od described in this article is simple and rapid in operation and with high survival rate and activity of the cells, which can be ap-plied to the study of the mononuclear cells in CNS.

OBJECTIVETo study the role of lateral collateral ligament complex on the posterolateral rotatory instability and the relationship between the radiocapitellar ratio (RCR) and the injury of lateral collateral ligament complex on X-ray images.

METHODSTwenty elbow joints from fresh-frozen adult cadavers were used to make osteo-ligamentous elbow specimens. The specimens were fixed with a self-made device to maintain posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow joint. All the specimens were divided into two groups: group A and group B. Surgical procedures were carried out as follows in the lateral structures of group A: A1, intact specimen; A2, transection of radial ulnar collateral ligament firstly; A3, transection of annular ligament secondly; A4, final transection of the radial collateral ligament. The procedures in group B were carried out as follows: B1, intact specimen; B2, transection of the radial collateral ligament firstly; B3, transection of the annular ligament secondly; B4, final transection of the radial ulnar collateral ligament. Lateral X-ray films of elbow joint were taken, and the radiocapitellar ratio (RCR) was measured by using PACS. All analysis was performed with SPSS 17.0 software.

RESULTSGroup A: the increases in RCR had statistical differences among A1, A2, A3, and A4 groups. Group B: the increases in RCR had no statistical differences among B1, B2 and B3 groups; but the increase in RCR in group B4 was more than that in B1, B2 and B3 groups.

CONCLUSIONThe radial ulnar collateral ligament is a key structure to maintain posterolateral rotatory stability;the radial collateral ligament and the annular ligament are the secondary important structures. There are 4 grades of the posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow, according to the X-ray imaging classification.

Collateral Ligaments ; injuries ; Elbow Joint ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology ; Female ; Humans ; Joint Instability ; diagnostic imaging ; etiology ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Radiography

Pseudoallergic reactions of Qingkailing injection (QKLI) was assessed by vascular hyperpermeability which were indicated by ear blue staining in ICR mice after single intravenous injection of QKLI mixed with Evans blue (EB) and skin blue spot formation in SD rats after intradermal injection of QKLI and intravenous injection of EB. In addition, QKLI-induced histamine, VEGF, TNF-alpha release was measured after ICR mice received the single dosing of QKLI iv. The mild vascular hyperpermeability characterized by ear blue staining could be observed in mice after intravenous injection of QKLI and EB. Intracutaneous injection of 50 micro L of test solution containing QKLI (25,50 microL) in rat back skin caused obvious local vascular hyperpermeability at the injection sites so as to result the larger diameters of blue spots than that in negative control group (P <0. 01). QKLI induced a significant increase of VEGF and a slight elevation of histamine in mice after intravenous administration, while TNF-alpha showed no change after QKLI iv. The results in this study indicated that both intravenous injection and intracutanous injection of QKLI could induce vascular hyperpemeability so as to cause pseudoallergic reaction in mice and rats. QKLI-induced pseudoallergic reaction may be associated with the release of histamine and VEGF.
Animals ; Drug Hypersensitivity ; blood ; etiology ; immunology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Histamine ; blood ; Injections ; Male ; Mice ; Rats ; Skin ; drug effects ; immunology ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; blood ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; blood

To prepare and evaluate dry powder inhalation (DPI) of extraction of Trollius chinensis Bunge (TCB). Orthodox design was employed to optimize the parameters of spray drying to prepare micronized TCB powder, the DPI was prepared by mixing micronized TCB powder and lactose. The results showed that the fine particle fraction (FPF) and emitted dose (ED) of micronized TCB powder was (21.07 +/- 1.74)%, (75.31 +/- 21.05)%, respectively, and for DPI was (56.4 +/- 2.2)%, (95.9 +/- 3.0)%, respectively. Therefore, the prepared DPI meeted requirements in the Chinese Pharmacopeia, indicating a good application prospect.
Administration, Inhalation ; Dry Powder Inhalers ; Excipients ; Plant Extracts ; administration & dosage ; isolation & purification ; Powders ; Ranunculaceae

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of Survivin mRNA in lung cancer tissue microarray (TMA) by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) method, and determine the role and significance of it in lung cancer genesis and progress.

METHODSThe expression of Survivin mRNA was detected by FISH method and TMA technology. Fifty-four cases of lung cancer and 10 cases of normal lung tissue were examined.

RESULTSSurvivin mRNA was expressed in 66.7% (36/54) of lung cancer; the positive ratio of lung cancer was significantly higher than that of normal lung tissue (0/10; chi2 = 15.238, P < 0.05). The positive ratio of Survivin mRNA was significantly higher in poor differentiated cancer (20/24, 83.3%) than moderate and well differentiated cancer (16/30, 53.3%; chi2 = 5.40, P < 0.05). The positive ratio of Survivin mRNA was significantly higher in group with lymph node metastasis (27/32, 84.4%) than without lymph node metastasis (9/22, 40.9%; chi2 = 11.084, P < 0.05). The positive ratio of Survivin mRNA was significantly higher in stage III-IV(12/13, 92.3%) than stage I - II (24/41, 58.5%; chi2 = 5.066, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSurvivin mRNA highly expresses in lung cancer, which is related to the progress and malignant behavior. Survivin may play a promoting role in lung cancer genesis and progress and provide a basis for estimating prognosis and treatment.

Adenocarcinoma ; metabolism ; secondary ; Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; metabolism ; secondary ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins ; Lung Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Lymph Nodes ; pathology ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Microtubule-Associated Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Neoplasm Staging ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Tissue Array Analysis

OBJECTIVETo investigate the differentiation of human testicular spermatogenic cells during in vitro culture.

METHODSTesticular cells of obstructive azoospermic patients' testis biopsies were dispersed employing mechanic methods. Then, (1) mixed testicular cells were applied to in vitro culture, and changes of the ratio of elongating spermatids and all round cells were analyzed during mixed cell culture; (2) round spermatids were picked up from the mixed cells employing micromanipulator, followed by differentiation of the isolated round spermatids during microdrop culture.

RESULTSThe ratio of the elongating spermatids increased significantly (P < 0.05) after 24 hours of mixed cell culture in HTF medium supplemented with FSH and testosterone. During single round spermatid culture, transformation of the round spermatid to elongating spermatid with newly formed flagellum was observed, and the transformation ratio within 48 hours of microdrop culture was 3.54%. The differentiation of human testicular spermatogenic cells cultured in Vero cell conditioned medium was similar to that cultured in HTF medium.

CONCLUSIONHuman testicular round spermatids can differentiate to elongating spermatids during in vitro culture. Vero cell conditioned medium does not promote the differentiation of human testicular round spermatids to elongating spermatids.

Animals ; Cell Differentiation ; Cells, Cultured ; Cercopithecus aethiops ; Humans ; Infertility, Male ; pathology ; Male ; Spermatids ; cytology ; Testis ; cytology ; Vero Cells

OBJECTIVEThis study was designed to evaluate the role of interleukin (IL)-1β in the development of fibrosis in mice exposed to silica.

METHODSThe total of 96 Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups. (1) blank control group, (2) PBS group in which mice were instilled with PBS only, (3) silica + IL-1β mAb group in which mice were instilled with 2.5 mg silica dust and 40 µg anti-IL-1β mAb, (4) silica group in which mice were instilled with 2.5 mg silica dust and 40 µg IgG. The final volume of suspension or PBS instilled into the mouse was 50 µl. At 7, 28 and 84 days after treatment, 8 mice were sacrificed in each group. Then BALF was collected for the count of inflammatory cells and cytokines determination. The lung tissues were collected for the detecting of mRNA levels of fibrogenic molecules.

RESULTSThe collagen deposition induced by silica in the lung tissues was partly inhibited by anti-IL-1β. A intensely pulmonary cytokines such as IL-1β, TNF-α, MCP-1 were induced by crystalline silica exposure, and partly inhibited by anti-IL-1β. The levels of TGF-β and fibronectin in silica exposed mice were significantly elevated than those in control mice at days 28 and 84 after treatment (P < 0.01). And the mRNA levels of TGF-β, collagen I and fibronectin were significantly decreased in silica+IL-1β mAb group when compared with those in silica group at days 7, 28 and 84 (P < 0.01). There was a significant decrease of the ratios of IFN-γ/IL-4 in both silica+anti-IL-1β mAb and silica groups when compared with those in control mice at the above three time points (P < 0.01). However, the IFN-γ/IL-4 ratios in silica+anti-IL-1β group were significantly higher than those in silica group at 7, 28 and 84 days (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONIL-1β may promote the pulmonary fibrosis in mice exposed to silica.

Animals ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; pharmacology ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid ; chemistry ; Collagen Type I ; metabolism ; Disease Models, Animal ; Fibronectins ; metabolism ; Interferon-gamma ; metabolism ; Interleukin-1beta ; metabolism ; physiology ; Interleukin-4 ; metabolism ; Lung ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Pulmonary Fibrosis ; chemically induced ; metabolism ; pathology ; Silicon Dioxide ; toxicity ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; metabolism ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism