OBJECTIVETo study the fractional anisotropy (FA) and the architecture of the optic radiation fiber tracts of normal adults with magnetic resonance (MR) diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).

METHODSDiffusion tensor images were obtained from 30 healthy volunteers without any cerebral abnormalities on conventional MRI. FA and the mean diffusivity (MD) of the optic radiation were measured in the directional encoded color (DEC) maps. The architecture of the optic radiation fiber tracts were displayed with the software of diffusion tensor fiber tracking.

RESULTSIn all subjects, the optic radiation could be readily identified in the DEC maps. The FA value was 0.509-/+0.029 in the left and 0.502-/+0.026 in the right, with the MD value of (0.763-/+0.050) x10(-3) and 0.748-/+0.052)x10(-3) mm2/s, respectively. No significant differences were found in the FA or MD value of the bilateral optic radiation (P>0.05). Diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) demonstrated that the 3 bundles of the optic radiation fibers were located in the lateral sagittal stratum, passing from the lateral geniculate body of the thalamus to the primary visual cortex. The dorsal and lateral bundles passed posteriorly to the superior bank of the calcarine cortex, while the ventral bundle passed anteriorly before making a sharp turn, known as the Meyer loop, and subsequently coursed posteriorly to terminate in the inferior margin of the calcarine cortex, which was consistent with the results of classic anatomical studies.

CONCLUSIONAs a novel method to study the relationship between visual function and optic pathway, DTI and DTT can show the FA and architecture of the optic radiation.

Adult ; Anisotropy ; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Echo-Planar Imaging ; methods ; Female ; Geniculate Bodies ; anatomy & histology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Models, Anatomic ; Occipital Lobe ; anatomy & histology ; Optic Nerve ; anatomy & histology ; Visual Pathways ; anatomy & histology ; Young Adult

Objective To investigate the expression of γ-aminobutyric acid A receptor α1 subunit (GABAAα1) in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vLPAG) in rats with formalin-induced acute pain. Methods The rats were randomly divided into two groups:control group(group C) and formalin-induced pain group(group F),12 rats in each group:0.9% sodium chloride solution or 2% formaldehyde 50 μL was injected into the ventral surface of right hind paw respectively. The pain scores were recorded for every 5 minutes and the mechanical pain threshold were recorded for every 10 minutes until 1 h. The expression levels of GABAAα1in vLPAG were determined by Western blot analysis in each group.Results The rats in formalin group showed significant nociceptive behaviors immedi-ately, such as paw withdrawal and/or paw licking. Results demonstrated that the rats exhibited a biphasic response to pain. The pain behavior scores in group F were significantly higher than that in group C (P<0.05),and the mechanical pain threshold in group F was decreased after injection compared with group C(P<0.05). The expression of GABAAα1 protein in group F was significantly higher than that in group C (P<0.05).Conclusions The up-regulation of GABAAα1 expression in ventrolateral periaqueductal gray is associated with the decrease of pain threshold in rats with acute pain.

Objective To ohserve the rat myocardial damage induced by citreoviridin(CIT)in the status of combined selenium and protein deficiency.Methods According to 2×2 factorial design,forty 4-week-old healthy Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups.i.e.combined selenium and protein adequate with no CIT and with some CIT groups(Se+Pro+CIT-.Se+Pro+CiT+),combined selenium and protein deficiency with no CIT and with some CIT groups(Se-Pro-CIT-,Se-Pro-CIT+).The numbers of male and female were fifty-fifty.Theserats were fed with combined selenium and protein adequate and combined selenium and protein deficiency fodder until the 16th week. Cardiac toxicity of CIT was evaluated by general state of health, heart weight index, myocardial pathological change, the levels of selenium and the activities of glutathion peroxidase (GSH-Px) and creatine kinase (CK) in serum, and the activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD) of myocardium. Results The interaction effects of combined selenium and protein deficiency and adequate CIT on body weight, serum levels of selenium and albumin, heart weight index, the activities of CK and GSH-Px in serum and SOD of myocardium were statistically not significant(F= 0.000, 1.210, 0.625, 0.981, 2.785, 0.074, 0.001, all P> 0.05). The main effects of combined selenium and protein on the levels of serum selenium and albumin, heart weight index and the activity of GSH-Px in serum were statistically significant(F = 507.698, 87.734, 4.201, 109.389, all P < 0.05). The main effects of CIT on body weight, the levels of serum selenium and albumin, heart weight index and the activity of CK in serum were statistically significant(F = 10.929, 4.371, 26.108, 24.844, 4.439, all P < 0.05). The mean levels of serum selenium of Se-Pro- groups [(70.4 ± 40.0), (87.7 ± 59.6 )μg/L] were lower than those of Se+Pro+ groups [(446.1 ± 74.8),(502.1 ± 39.2)μg/L, all P < 0.05]. The mean levels of serum albumin of Se-Pro- groups [(34.36 ± 1.28 ), (33.38 ±2.48)g/L] were lower than those of Se+Pro+ groups[(40.69 ± 1.30), (38.71 ± 2.15)g/L, all P < 0.05]. The mean levels of heart weight index of CIT+ groups[(4.14 ± 0.36) × 10-3, (4.39 ± 0.53) x 10-3] were higher than those of CIT-groups[(3.56 ± 0.26) x 10-3, (3.80 ± 0.28) x 10-3, all P < 0.05] respectively at the same levels of selenium and protein. The mean levels of CK in serum of Se-Pro-CIT+ group[(2.54 ± 0.56)kU/L] was lower than that of Se-Pro-CIT- group [(3.37 ± 0.67 )kU/L, P < 0.05]. The mean levels of activity of GSH-Px in serum of Se-Progroups[(408.1 ± 412.6), (510.5 ± 392.0)U/L] were lower than those of Se+Pro+ groups[(1667.8 ± 102.2),(1731.5 ± 144.4)U/L, all P < 0.05]. In Se+Pro+CIT+ group, there was part of intercalary disc of cardiac myocytes fragmented;the conjunctions between myoeytes were broken;in some region, cardiac myocytes became edematous,even dissolved. In Se-Pro-CIT- group, the change of cardiac myocytes membrane structures was not obvious;filament structure was disappeared around nucleus;deposition of mass floccule could be seen. In Se-Pro-CIT+ group,the structure of sarcomeres was not obvious;mitochondrial cristae was loosened;cavities in myocytes could be seen occasionally;there were lots of disseminated sareoplasmic reticulum extending. Conclusions .CIT is the main risk factor in inducing myocardial damage. The deficiency of combined selenium and protein can aggravate the damage,but its independent pathogenic effect is weak.

OBJCTIVE: To study the clinical effect of surgery combined with chemotherapy and radiotherapy in children with central primitive neuroectodermal tumor (cPNET), as well as the risks factors for poor prognosis. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 42 children who were diagnosed with cPNET from June 2012 to September 2018. RESULTS: The 42 children had a median overall survival (OS) time of 2.0 years and a median event-free survival (EFS) time of 1.3 years; the 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates were 76.2%±6.6%, 41.4%±8.7%, 37.3%±8.8% respectively, and the 1-, 3-, and 5-year EFS rates were 64.3%±7.4%, 32.7%±8.0%, 28.0%±8.1% respectively. The univariate analysis showed that there were significant differences in the OS and EFS rates among the children with different patterns of surgical resection, chemotherapy cycles, and risk grades (P<0.05), and there was also a significant difference in the OS rate between the children receiving radiotherapy and those not receiving radiotherapy (P<0.05). The multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that chemotherapy cycles and risk grade were independent influencing factors for EFS and OS rates (P<0.05). The EFS and OS rates increased with the increase in chemotherapy cycles and the reduction in risk grade. CONCLUSIONS Multimodality therapy with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy is an effective method for the treatment of cPNET in children. Early diagnosis and treatment and adherence to chemotherapy for as long as possible may improve EFS and OS rates.
Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; Child ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Disease-Free Survival ; Humans ; Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVETo investigate whether N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) can inhibit the differentiation of pulmonary fibroblasts into myofibroblasts by regulating Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase (ROCK) pathway mediated by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1).

METHODSPrimary culture of pulmonary fibroblasts was performed by trypsinization method. Four generations of pulmonary fibroblasts were divided into control group, TGF-β-induced differentiation group, Y-27632 treatment group, and Ac-SDKP treatment group. The intracellular distributions of ROCK, serum response factor (SRF), and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The protein expression of ROCK, SFR, α-SMA, and type I and type III collagen in pulmonary fibroblasts was measured by Western blot. The mRNA expression of ROCK, SFR, and α-SMA was measured by real-time quantitative PCR.

RESULTSCompared with the control group, the pulmonary fibroblasts stimulated by TGF-β1 had a lot of α-SMA antibody-labeled myofilaments in parallel or cross arrangement, as observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy, and the mRNA and protein expression of ROCK, SRF, and α-SMA and protein expression of type I and type III collagen increased significantly after 6, 12, and 24 h of stimulation (P < 0.05). Compared with the TGF-β1-induced differentiation group, the Y-27632 treatment group and Ac-SDKP treatment group had significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of ROCK, SRF, and α-SMA and protein expression of type I and type III collagen at the same time point (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONAc-SDKP can inhibit the differentiation of pulmonary fibroblasts into myofibroblasts and the synthesis of collagen in rats by regulating the ROCK pathway mediated by TGF-β1. That may be one of the mechanisms by which Ac-SDKP acts against (silicotic) pulmonary fibrosis.

Actins ; metabolism ; Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Collagen Type I ; metabolism ; Collagen Type III ; metabolism ; Fibroblasts ; cytology ; drug effects ; Lung ; cytology ; drug effects ; Myofibroblasts ; cytology ; drug effects ; Oligopeptides ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Serum Response Factor ; metabolism ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; pharmacology ; rho-Associated Kinases ; metabolism

This study was purposed to investigate the expression of B7-H1 gene in leukemia cells and its clinical significance. The expression of B7-H1 mRNA was detected by SYBR Green I real-time quantitative PCR in a panel of 9 leukemia cell lines, 4 leukemia cell lines induced with IFN-γ, the bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNC) from 59 initial leukemia patients and 10 dendritic cells (DC) derived from BMMNC of initial leukemia patients, 2 solid tumour cell lines and BMMNC from 10 normal persons. The correlation between the clinical features of 59 acute leukemia patients and the expression level of B7-H1 mRNA in leukemia cells was analyzed. The results showed that the lower level of B7-H1 mRNA expression was found in leukemia cell lines and primary acute leukemia cells, but the expression level of B7-H1 mRNA was up-regulated significantly in the leukemia cell lines induced by IFN-γ and DC derived from BMMNC of leukemia patients. The expression level of B7-H1 mRNA in non complete remission (CR) patients after therapy was significantly higher than that in CR patients. It is concluded that the expression level of B7-H1 mRNA in leukemia cells is lower, but is up-regulated when affected by some factors. A correlation exists between the expression level of B7-H1 gene in leukemia cells and response of patients to therapy.
B7-H1 Antigen ; genetics ; metabolism ; Dendritic Cells ; metabolism ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; Leukemia ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

OBJECTIVETo observe treadmill exercise test (TET) characteristics in patients with myocardial bridging (MB).

METHODSTET results from January 2003 to December 2010 were retrospectively analyzed in 156 patients with confirmed MB diagnosis. MB patients were divided into smoking group (68 cases) and non-smoking group (88 cases). Coronary angiography results were used to analyze the relations between MB length, myocardial ischemia and exercising duration.

RESULTS(1) MB was documented on two coronary arteries in 2 patients (1%), MB was detected in single artery in 154 patients (99%), of whom 146 cases were located at left anterior descending artery, 8 cases were located at right coronary artery. The degree of narrowing of MB was graded 1 (less than 50%) in 16 patients (10%), grade 2 (50% to 75%) in 108 patients (69%) and grade 3 (greater than 75%) in 32 patients (21%). The length of MB ranged between 4 to 40 mm, MB length was less than 10 mm in 40 patients (26%), between 11 to 20 mm in 48 patients (31%), between 21 to 30 mm in 44 patients (28%), greater than 31 mm in 24 patients (15%). (2) TET positive rate was 41% (64/156) and the TET positive rate was significantly higher in smoking group than in non-smoking group [57% (39/68) vs. 28% (25/88, P < 0.01)]. (3) The length of MB was positively related to the ST-segment depression (r = 0.723, P < 0.01) and negatively related to exercising duration (r = -0.828, P < 0.01). Heart rate was positively related to the ST-segment depression (r = 0.368, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSTET may serve as a good test to assess myocardial ischemia in patients with MB. The length of MB is positively related with myocardial ischemia and negatively related with exercising duration. Smoking might increase myocardial ischemic incidence in MB patients, MB patients should be advised to stop smoking.

Adult ; Exercise Test ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myocardial Bridging ; Myocardial Ischemia ; etiology ; Retrospective Studies ; Smoking

Objectve: To investigate the feasibility of establishing xenografted leukemia model by zebrafish, so as to provide the more direct model in vitro and experimental evidence for study of acute myeloid leukemia and screening of the drugs for targeting therapy.

METHODSAcute myeloid leukemia cell line KG-1a was labeled with red fluorescent dye-MitoRed, then the labeled cells were injected into the yolk sac of zebrafish embryos. Morphological observation, cell count and histopathological detection were used to analyse the infiltration and metastasis of KG-1a cells in zebrafish.

RESULTSKG1a cells could proliferate and gradually spread to the entire abdominal cavity of the zebrafish after KG-1a cells were injected into the yolk sac during 1-7, the results of cell counting in vitro also proved a significant proliferation of KG-1a cells in zebrafish, suggesting that the implanted leukemia stem cells could survive, proliferate and spread in zebrafish. Further study showed that the implanted cells could be transfered to the liver of zebrafish, these cells displayed the signature of KG-1a cells by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining.

CONCLUSIONSHuman acute myeloid leukemia cells KG1a can survive, proliferate and migrate in zebrafish, suggesting xenografted leukemia model of zebrafish has been successfully established. This model may be benefitcial for the study of acute myeloid leukemia and the screening of the drugs for targeting therapy of acute myeloid leukemia.

OBJECTIVEInflammation serves as the initial pathologic step of cardiovascular diseases including atherosclerosis. Resveratrol possesses many pharmacological properties including antioxidant, cardioprotective and anti-cancer effects. In this study, we investigate the anti-inflammatory effect and mechanisms of resveratrol in an atherosclerotic rabbit model.

METHODSRabbit were assigned to six groups (n = 10 each): control, high fat diet group, resveratrol low, medium and high dose groups, resveratrol pretreatment group. The serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF- α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were analyzed by Enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay(ELISA). Phosphorylation levels of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) cascades and NF-κB were determined by Western blot.

RESULTSCompared with the control group, the expression of serum inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α were increased in high-fat group (all P < 0.05). Compared with high-fat group, the expressions of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α were significantly reduced in resveratrol low, medium, high dose groups and resveratrol pretreatment group (all P < 0.01), and this effect is dose-dependent. In addition, the NF-κB, p38MAPK, JNK, ERK1/2 protein phosphorylation in high-fat group were significantly upregulated compared with control group (P < 0.05), which (except ERK1/2 phosphorylation level) were significantly downregulated in resveratrol treatment group and resveratrol pretreatment group.

CONCLUSIONThis study indicates that resveratrol reduces serum inflammatory cytokines in this atherosclerotic rabbit model via down-regulation phosphorylation of NF-κB, and MAPKs signaling, which might serve as the anti-inflammatory molecular basis of resveratrol.

Animals ; Atherosclerosis ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Disease Models, Animal ; Interleukin-1beta ; blood ; Interleukin-6 ; blood ; Male ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; metabolism ; NF-kappa B ; metabolism ; Phosphorylation ; Rabbits ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; Stilbenes ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; blood

OBJECTIVETo investigate the rational digestive reconstruction after total gastrectomy for gastric malignancy.

METHODSThree types of digestive reconstruction were performed after total gastrectomy in 189 cases with gastric carcinoma. The operating time, morbidity and mortality, food intake, digestive tract symptoms, nutritional status at 1 and 3 years after surgery and 1-, 3-, 5-year cumulative survival were compared.

RESULTSThere were no significant differences among the three procedures in operative morbidity and mortality, postoperative food intake, nutritional status (Hemoglobin, total protein and labium), and incidences of diarrhea and dumping syndrome (P > 0.05). The overall 1-, 3-, 5-year survival rates were 75.3%, 38.2% and 20.5% respectively, and there were no significant differences among the three groups (P > 0.05). Orr-type and P-type esophagojejunostomy had an advantage of anti-esophageal reflux, and were obviously superior to Moynihan-type anastomosis (P< 0.01). Compared with P-type reconstruction, Orr-type reconstruction was simpler with shorter operating time, and less complications.

CONCLUSIONSOrr-type Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy can be recommended as an adaptable method of digestive reconstruction after total gastrectomy for gastric cancer because of its avoiding reflux esophagitis, maintaining better nutritional status and quality of life, and simpler procedure.

Adult ; Aged ; Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y ; methods ; Esophagus ; surgery ; Female ; Gastrectomy ; Humans ; Jejunum ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Period ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Stomach Neoplasms ; surgery