Adult ; Aged ; Angiomyolipoma ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; Carcinoma, Renal Cell ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Fibroma ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Kidney Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; Leiomyosarcoma ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; Male ; Mesenchymoma ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; Middle Aged ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; methods

Objective To study the Gadolinium-enhanced MRI and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) characteristics of the chondroid matrix-forming sarcomas.Methods Contrast-enhanced MRI and DWI were performed in 14 eases of chondroid matrix-forming sarcomas (10 chondrosarcomas,4 chondroblastic esteosarcomas) and 13 cases of other types of osteosarcomas.DWI was obtained with a single-shot echo-planar imaging (EPI) sequence using a 1.5 T MR imager with two different b values of 0 and 700 s/mm2.The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were obtained in GE Functiontool software.The contrast-enhancement pattern was evaluated and the ADC values of ehondroid matrix-forming sarcomas was compared with that of other types of asteosarcoma.Independent sample t-test was performed to evaluate the difference of ADC values between the group of chondroid matrix-forming sarcoma and the group of other types of osteosarcoma.In addition, nonparametrie test was used to assess the difference of ADC values between the chondrosareoma and the chondroblastic osteosarcoma.P value less than 0.05 was considered to represent a statistical significance.Results For 14 eases of ehondroid matrix-forming sarcomas, peripheral enhancement was found in all cases, septonodular enhancement was identified in 12 cases.While 13 eases of other types of osteosarcowas demonstrated heterogeneous enhancement.The mean ADC value of chondroid matrix-forming sarcomas [(2.56 ±0.35) × 10 -3 mm2/s] was significantly higher than that of other types of osteosarcoma [( 1.16±0.20) × 10-3 mm2/s] (t = 12.704,P <0.O1 ).There was no significant difference in the ADC value between the chondrosarcoma and the chondroblastie osteesarcama(Z =0.507 ,P =0.959).Conclusion Contrast-enhanced MRI and DWI can improve differentiation between chondroid matrix-forming sarcomas and other types of osteosarcomas.

Objective To study the association of the expression of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonist gremlin and vascular calcification in radial arteries of patients with stage 5 of chronic kidney disease (CKD).Methods Radial arteries of 40 patients with stage 5 of CKD were collected as specimens of the study group,which were trimmed off during arterial venous fistula operations.Splenic trabecular arteries were collected as specimens of the control group,which were removed from 38 patients with simple traumatic splenic rupture.All the arteries were examined histologically for calcification with yon Kossa stain.Expressions of gremlin and BMP-2,-7were detected by immunohistochemistry and their serum concentrations were detected by ELISA.Images of histological sections were semi-quantitatively analyzed by Image-Pro Plus 6.0.SPSS 19.0software was used to perform statistical analysis.Results Significantly positive von Kossa stain was found in radial arteries from 12 of 40 patients (30％) in study group,which located in the layer of medial smooth muscle cells.However,there was no obvious positive stain in control group.Additionally,in study group,significant expressions of gremlin and BMP-2 were detected in those radial arteries of positive yon Kossa stain,which also located in the layer of medial smooth muscle cells.Positive correlations were found among gremlin expression level,BMP-2 expression level and yon Kossa stain intensity.However,the BMP-7 expression intensity in arteries of study group was much weaker as compared to control group.Conclusions Both gremlin and BMP-2 may be involved in the process that the smooth muscle cells of radial arteries in patients with stage 5 of CKD phenotypically transform into osteoblast-like cells.However,BMP-7 possibly prevents this process.

Objective To explore the effect of apolipoprotein E deficiency on astrocyte destruction in the ex vivo spinal cord slice model. Methods Vibratome-cut transverse spinal cord slices from C57BL/6 postnatal day 7 ApoE -/-mice and wild-type mice were cultured on transwell porous supports. After 7 days in the culture , spinal cord slices were exposed to LPS for 5 days. The expression of AQP4, GFAP and Iba1 was detected by immunofluorescence. The concentration of TNF-α and NO were detected by ELISA and method of nitrate reductase, respectively. Results Marked loss of AQP4 and GFAP staining were shown in LPS-affected groups, not in the control group, and the lesion score was higher in ApoE-/-group than WT-group (P<0.05). In addition, the expression of Iba1 and concentration of TNF-α, NO in the LPS-affected groups were more than that of the control group (P < 0.05), and they were higher in the ApoE-/-LPS group than the WT-LPS group (P < 0.05). Conclusions ApoE deficiency exacerbates astrocyte injury, likely through promoting the release of pro-inflammatory mediators from microglia.

ObjectiveTo detect the changes of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with high resolution endoscopy,and to explore its diagnostic value for nonerosive reflux disease (NERD). Methods From April 2007 to January 2008, consecutive out-patients visiting the Department of Gastroenterology due to continuous or recurrent symptoms of acid reflux, heartburn, cardiac-like chest pain for at least three months and volunteer healthy controls were recruited to the study. The subjects were classified into the normal group ( n =48 ), the NERD group ( n =70), the erosive esophagitis (EE) group ( n =70), and the Barrett esophagus (BE) group ( n =48). All subjects underwent endoscopy, and the shape of Z-lines, the shape of mucosal pits, mucosa roughness above Z-line and the shape of mucosal blood vessels were observed. The NERD changes were analyzed with optimal scale. ResultsZ-line shape of NERD group showed a significant difference from that of EE and BE groups ( P ＜ 0. 01 ), which was not different from that of normal controls ( P ＞0. 01 ). The shape of mucosal pits of NERD group was different from that of EE and BE (P ＜0. 01 ), which also was not different from that of control (P＞0. 01 ). Roughness of the mucosa above Z-line of NERD group was different from other 3 groups (P ＜0. 05). And the shape of mucosal blood vessels of NERD was different from the control (P＜0. 05), but was not from two others. Features of NERD relative images were thin,straight and spiral blood vessels, bar-like pits, plat mucosa, round, smooth and wide tooth-like Z-line and mucosa of white particle hypertrophy. ConclusionHigh resolution endoscopic features of most NERD patients are cloudy, white and rough mucosal surface, with white particular hypertrophy, spiral vascular dilation, extending to Z-line. These features can be indicators of NERD.

ObjectiveTo prepare a novel etimicin-encapsuled chitosan/hydroxyapatite nano-scaffolds and offer assistances for bone defect or osteomylitis.MethodsDrug-carried chitosan nanoparticles which was prepared by ionotropic gelation were combined with nano-hydroxyapatite.The mixture were shaped in molds and then prepared into porous scaffolds by freeze-dry.The surface of one scaffold was scanned.The grinded,particles of the scaffold were detected by field emission scanning electron microscope; X-ray diffraction was used to analyze components of the scaffold and total porosity.Staphylococcus aureus was choosed as the experimental bacteria,we studied lasting antibacterial property of drug-carried bone scaffold by antibacterial experiments,long-term drug releasing experiments and accumulation drug releasing experiments.Bone mesenchymal stem cells were used to detect the histocompatibility and inductivity of etimicin-carried scaffold.ResultsFreeze-dried porous scaffold has a surface with proper pore distribution (total porosity 70.68％) and the grinded scaffold has a globular and coliformed microstructure known after scanned by electron microscope.The drug-carried scaffold has a typical wave of hydroxyapatite under X-ray diffraction.The lasting antibacterial property study indicated that the drug-carried bone scaffold had maintained an inhibition zone for more than 7 days.The long-term drug releasing experiments and accumulation drug releasing experiments show that the fictional drug-carried bone scaffold released above the bacteriostasis concentration after one week and the accumulative amount within the safety scale.The scaffold had not an inhibitory effect on bone mesenchymal stem cells.ConclusionThe etimicin-encapsuled chitosar/ hydroxyapatite nano-scaffolds has similar microstructure and components of bone tissue.It is promising in bone tissue engineering applications because of its slow-release,antibacterial properties and satisfactory histocompatibility.

OBJECTIVETo investigate let-7c's effect on the proliferation of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell HCCLM3 by transient transfection and the mechanism inside.

METHODSLipofectamine 2000 was used to transfect miRNAs into HCCLM3 cells. The cells were divided into three groups, let-7c group: let-7c was transfected, negative control group: negative control miRNA was transfected, blank control group: nothing was transfected. The proliferation of HCCLM3 cells was evaluated using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). The cell cycles of each group were assayed by flow cytometry. Western blot and Real time PCR were used to analyze the protein and mRNA expressions of cyclin D1. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 17.0.

RESULTSThe absorbances of let-7c group were 0.70 ± 0.05, 0.77 ± 0.09 at 48 h and 72 h after transfection, lower than that of blank control group (0.97 ± 0.10, 1.21 ± 0.12) and negative control group (0.91 ± 0.07, 1.12 ± 0.09), 48 h: F = 14.431, P < 0.05, 72 h: F = 21.146, P < 0.05. The flow cytometry at 72 h after transfection revealed that let-7c increased the percentage of cells in G1 phase. The percentage of blank control group was 43.53% ± 0.86%, the negative control group was 44.82% ± 0.77%, and the let-7c group was 54.52% ± 0.13%, F = 240.739, P < 0.05. let-7c suppressed expressions of cyclin D1 at both protein and mRNA levels. The protein levels of cyclin D1 were 0.48 ± 0.09, 0.47 ± 0.06 and 0.23 ± 0.06 (F = 11.316, P < 0.05) in blank control group, negative control group and let-7c group, respectively. The mRNA levels were 1.03% ± 0.29%, 1.01% ± 0.11% and 0.63% ± 0.14% (F=6.315, P < 0.05) in the above three groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONLet-7c can inhibit proliferation of HCCLM3 cells and increase the proportion of cells in G1 phase. The mechanism may be that let-7c represses the expressions of cyclin D1 at both protein and mRNA levels.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; genetics ; pathology ; Cell Cycle ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Cyclin D1 ; metabolism ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; MicroRNAs ; genetics ; RNA, Small Interfering ; Transfection

Objective To detect the changes of the NJ001 specific antigen expression before and after surgery, and evaluate whether the NJ001 specific antigen could be used as a serum biomarker for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.Methods With the method of sandwich ELISA, the serum samples from 85 pancreatic cancer patients, 22 pancreatic benign tumor and 40 healthy controls were detected respectively. The results of the NJ001 specific antigen in the serum samples from 85 pancreatic cancer patients were compared with CA19-9 detected by ECLIA.Results The positive rate of NJ001 for the pancreatic cancer group was obviously higher than that for the benign pancreatic tumor and health control groups[50.6%(43/85) vs 18.2%(4/22), χ2 =7.451, P<0.05; 50.6%(43/85) vs 10.0%(4/40), χ2 =19.098, P<0.05].The difference between benign pancreatic tumor group and health control group had no statistical significance[18.2%(4/22) vs 10.0%(4/40),χ2 =0.845, P>0.05].The positive rate in the group of pancreatic cancer before surgery was higher than that after surgery[50.6%(43/85) vs 23.5%(20/85),χ2=13.341, P<0.05].In addition, the results from 85 pancreatic cancer patients showed the specificity of NJ001 specific antigen was up to 87.1%.Although the positive rate of NJ001 specific antigen for pancreatic cancer was lower than that of CA19-9[50.6%(43/85) vs 75.3%(64/85), χ2 =11.121, P<0.05], it was higher when they combined [ 85.9%( 73/85 ) ] .Conclusions It shows high positive rate of NJ001 specific antigen in the patients of pancreatic cancer in this study, which suggests that NJ001 specific antigen might be a potential valuable biomarker for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

Objective To study the radiosensitizing effect of caffic acid phenethyl ester(CAPE)on human cervical cancer HeLa cells.Methods MTT assay was used to measure the relation between the inhibition effect and CAPE concentrations by CAPE with different concentrations on HeLa cells for 24 hours.HeLa cells were divided into the control and experimental groups,both of which were given 0,2,4,6 and 8 Gy of 60Co γ-irradiation,respectively.The cell clones were counted.Meanwhile HeLa cells were divided into the control,CAPE,irradiation and combination groups.Flow cytometric analysis was adopted to detect the changes of cell cycle distribution induced by CAPE.Results The inhibition rate of CAPE acting on Hela cells increased with concentrations(F=126.49～3654.88,P＜0.01).HeLa cells cloning survival decreased with the increase of radiation dose(F=174.42～9422.81,P＜0.01).At the game radiation dose,HeLa cells cloning survival was less in experimental group than conlrol group(F=120.14～251.91,P＜0.01).The mean lethal dose(D0)(1.45 and 1.82 Gy)and the quasi-threshold dose(Dq)(1.89 and 3.21 Gy)of HeLa cells in experimental group decreased comparing with control group,SER was 1.26.Compared with the sole irradiation group,cells in G2/M phase of the CAPE group and the sole irradiation group increased(P＜0.01)while the combination group decreased(P＜0.01).Conclusions CAPE could increase the radiation sensitivity of HeLa cells by G2/M arrest and may be related to the inhibition of the sub-lethal damage repair.

Toad venom is the Bufo bufo gargarizans or B. melanostictus after the ears of the gland secretion, used in the treatment of various cancers in recent years. Research shows that the main anti-tumor components in bufadienolide. Bufadienolide have free type structure and conjunct type structure. To identify and clarify the difference between bufogenin and bufotoxin contained in Bufonis Venenum, which was from B. bufo gargarizans, an UPLC-TQ-MS method has been established. UPLC-TQ-MS method was used to identify and quantify the major bufadienolides in Bufonis Venenum. UPLC-TQ-MS assay with positive ion mode was performed on a Waters ACQUITY UPLC BEH C, (2.1 mm x 100 mm, 1.7 µm) with the mobile phase consisting of 0. 1% aqueous formic and acidacetonitrile in gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.4 mL · min⁻¹ and the column temperature was set at 35 °C. By comparing their retention time and high resolution mass data of Bufonis Venenum extracts, 37 effective components were primarily identified by MS/MS analysis in positive ion mode. Twenty-six of them were free-type bufadienolides (bufogenin), 11 of them were conjugated bufadienolides. There were significant differences in the main composition between fresh and processed Bufonis Venenum. The study found that the chemical composition of toad venom through great changes after processing, conjunct type content is much less, free type content as well change.
Amphibian Venoms ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Animals ; Bufonidae ; classification ; metabolism ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Molecular Structure ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; methods