Objective To evaluate cytotoxic effects of cytokine-induced killer cells (CIK cells) transfected with the interleukin-2 (IL-2) gene on malignant melanoma cells.Methods Mouse spleen cells were extracted,lymphocyte cells were separated,and CIK cells were prepared from these lymphocyte cells.PEGF-N1 plasmids containing IL-2 gene (PEGF-NI-IL-2) were transfected into CIK cells.Fluorescence microscopy was used to observe transfection products,and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was conducted to determine the IL-2 mRNA expression.Then,effector cells such as CIK cells and IL-2-transfected CIK cells were separately co-cultured with target cells (B16 melanoma cells) at effector-target ratios of 10∶ 1,20∶1 and 40∶1,then 4-hour lactate dehydrogenase release assay was performed to evaluate cytotoxic effects of the two kinds of CIK cells on B 16 cells.After effector cells were cocultured with target cells at the effector-target ratio of 40∶1 for 48 hours,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted to detect levels of IL-2,interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the supernatant of the two kinds of CIK cells.Finally,mouse models of melanoma were established,and a total of 28 melanoma-bearing mice were divided into 4 groups to be peritumorally injected with 0.2 ml sodium chloride physiological solution (control group),100 IU IL-2 solution (IL-2 group),CIK cell suspension at a cell density of 1 × 106 cells per milliliter (CIK group) and IL-2-transfected CIK cell suspension at a cell density of 1 × 106 cells per milliliter (IL-2-transfected CIK group) respectively.Tumor morphology,tumor inhibition rate and cell apoptosis rate were used to evaluate tumor growth in the above groups.If data were normally distributed,t-test was used for comparing means between two groups,and analysis of variance and least significant difference (LSD)-t test were used for comparing means among multiple groups.Results Fluorescence microscopy and RT-PCR both showed that IL-2 was successfully transfected into CIK cells.The cytotoxic effect of IL-2-transfected CIK cells on B16 cells was strongest at the effector-target ratio of 40:1.Levels of IL-2,IFN-γ and TNF-α were also significantly higher in the supernatant of IL-2-transfected CIK cells [(1107.26 ± 6.49) pg/ml,(50.01 ± 3.35) pg/ml,(39.86 ± 3.25) pg/ml] than those in that of CIK cells [(51.09 ± 3.85) pg/ml,(32.71 ± 2.43) pg/ml,(30.11 ± 3.08) pg/ml,t =442.60,14.93,6.89,all P ＜ 0.01].Animal experiments showed that the tumor volume obviously increased in the control group (P ＜ 0.05),but significantly decreased in the IL-2 group,CIK group and IL-2-transfected CIK group (all P ＜ 0.001) after intervention compared with those before intervention.Furthermore,the tumor volume in the IL-2-transfected CIK group was significantly less than that in the other three groups (all P ＜ 0.01),but no significant difference was observed between the IL-2 group and CIK group (P ＞ 0.05).In addition,the apoptosis rate was significantly higher in the IL-2 group,CIK group,and IL-2-transfeeted CIK group than that in the control group (all P ＜ 0.01).The apoptosis rate and tumor inhibition rate were significantly higher in the IL-2-transfected CIK group than those in the IL-2 group and CIK group (all P ＜ 0.01),but insignificantly different between the IL-2 group and CIK group (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion IL-2-transfected CIK cells had stronger killing effects on malignant melanoma.

ObjectiveTo assess the performance of dual-source CT (DSCT) for left atrial volume and function evaluation and compare this performance to that of cardiac cine MR ( CMR ),which was considered as the standard reference technique.Methods Forty-nine patients referred for CT coronary angiography were enrolled in this study.DSCT data sets and FIESTA cines of the vertical long axis covering the left atrium and the short axis covering the left ventricle were obtained on the same day without additional medicine.All images were analyzed to obtain left atrial volume at different time and its function values.All the parameters were corrected by body surface area.Inter-modality agreement was tested through linear regression and Bland-Altman analyses.Repeated measurements were performed to determine inter-observer variation.ResultsThe indexed measurements of DSCT and CMR were (47.4 ± 11.1 ) and (46.2 ± 9.7 )ml/m2 for LAVmax,( 22.2 ± 6.9) and ( 21.3 ± 5.8 ) ml/m2 for LAVmin,( 34.8 ± 8.8 ) and ( 33.6 ± 7.8 )ml/m2 for LAVp,(24.0 ±5.7)and(21.5 ±5.0) ml/m2 for LARV,(11.6 ±3.9)and(10.9 ±3.9) ml/m2 for LAPV,(12.4 ±3.9)and(10.7 ±3.6) ml/m2 for LAAV,(22.6 ±8.4)and(21.0 ±6.4) ml/m2 for LACV,(52.8 ± 7.4) ％ and ( 54.5 ± 6.3 ) ％ for LAEF,respectively.The correlation coefficients between DSCT and CMR measurements for LAVmax,LAVmin,LAVp,LARV,LAPV,LAAV,LACV and LAEF were 0.89,0.90,0.90,0.80,0.82,0.80,0.76 and 0.78,respectively.However,DSCT slightly overestimated LAVmax,LAVmin,LAVp,LARV,LAPV,LAAV and LACV,and the deviation was 1.2,0.9,1.1,0.3,0.1,0.2 and 0.4 ml/m2,respectively.Compared with CMR,DSCT slightly underestimated LAEF of about 0.6％.Interobserver variation was lower in DSCT examination than CMR for the measurements of left atrial function.ConclusionDSCT provided accurateand reproducible measurements of left atrial volume and function.

BackgroundIt has been proved that as a chemokine,interferon-inducible protein-10(IP-10)can regulate the immuno-inflammatory reaction.Some new researches showed that IP-10 also played role in regulating the neovascular vessel formation.Corneal neovascularization (CNV) is associated with multiple cellular factors,but its mechanism is below clear.Objective The present study was to address the roles of exogenous mouse IP-10 in alkali burn-induced CNV.Methods Eighty-two SPF BALB/c mice were used in this experiment and grouped according to random number table.The corneal alkali burn models were established by putting the filter paper with 1 mol/L NaOH at the central corneas of the left eyes for 40 seconds.10 mg/L IP-10 was topically administered from the first day or 14 days after modeling in the early intervene group( 10 eyes)or middle-late intervene group(5 eyes).CNV area was measured as a percentage of whole cornea.0.2％ sodium hyaluronate(HA) as vehicle was utilized in the model control group.Angiogenic factor expression in corneal tissue in the early intervene group was quantified by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)and compared with model control group.All animal experiments were performed in accordance with the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Statement for the Use of Animals in Ophthalmic and Vision Research and complied with the standards of Guidelines for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals of Soochow University. ResultsThe CNV percentage was(88.67±10.22) ％ in the model control mice,showing a significant increase in comparison with that of IP-10 early intervene group (70.06±12.21)％ (t=3.77,P=0.00).In 21 days after corneal alkali burn,the CNV percentage was(87.33±13.47)％ in the model control mice,and that of the IP-10 middle-late intervene group was ( 86.56± 12.47 ) ％ without significant difference between them ( t =1.26,P＞0.05 ).Two days or four days after IP-10 early intervene,the expressions of chemokine receptor type 3 ( CXCR3 ) in corneal tissue were significant higher than model control group( t =3.13,3.07,P＜0.05 ),but the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in cornea were lowed ( t =5.99,6.27,P＜0.01),and so were transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) (t =8.50,P＜0.01;t =4.53,P＜0.05).Conclusions The early topical administration of the exogenous mouse IP-10 can inhibit CNV by up-regulating CXCR3 expression and down-regulating VEGF and TGF-β1 expression in cornea.However,middle-later usage of the IP-10 is uneffective.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMS) implanted by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for patients with benign biliary stricture (BBS).Methods The clinical data of 38 patients with BBS underwent ERCP and FCSEMS placement between January 2012 and January 2016 were retrospectively recorded.Success rate of BBS,adverse events related to ERCP and stricture recurrence were analyzed.Results A total of 38 patients underwent FCSEMS placement with a mean time of stent in dwelling for 8 months (range:3-13months).During follow-up after the stent was removed,death of 1 patient after liver transplantation was due to unrelated cause.The mean follow-up time was 13 months (range:2-52 months) for other patients.Stricture recurrence occurred in 6 patients,including 2 cases of gallstone-related biliary strictures,1 case of chronic pancreatitis-related biliary strictures,2 cases of liver transplantation-related biliary strictures,and 1 case of post surgical-related biliary strictures.Stricture resolution occurred in 31 cases with 83.8％ (31/37) success rate,including 90.0％ (18/20) gallstone-related biliary strictures,75.0％ (3/4) chronic pancreatitis-related biliary strictures,80.0％ (8/10) liver transplantation-related biliary strictures,and 66.7％ (2/3)post surgical-related biliary strictures.The incidence of post-ERCP complications was 21.1％ (8/38),including mild pancreatitis in 5 case,hyperamylasemia in 2 cases,cholangitis in 1 case.All patients were cured by conservative treatment.Conclusion FCSEMS are effective and safe for BBS.Further studies are needed to assess the indwelling time of FCSEMS,whether FCSEMS are superior to multiple plastic stents and the different efficacy of FCSEMS for BBS caused by different etiology.

Head and Neck Neoplasms ; surgery ; Hemangioma, Cavernous ; surgery ; Humans ; Infant ; Thoracic Neoplasms ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo compare the therapeutic effects of aspiration via a directional soft tube and conservative treatment in patients with mild hemorrhage in the basal ganglion.

METHODSSeventy-five patients with mild cerebral hemorrhage (10~30 ml) were randomly divided into two groups for aspiration treatment with minimally invasive directional soft tube placement (minimally invasive group, n=36) and conservative treatment (medication group, n=39). The patients in the two groups had comparable mean GCS scores of 11-15 on admission. The clinical outcomes of the patients were compared between the two groups.

RESULTSIn the minimally invasive group, complete removal or absorption of the hematoma occurred within an average of 3.8 days, significantly shortened in comparison with the 24 days in the medication group. The short-term (1 month) follow-up of the patients showed good neurological recovery in 58% of the patients in the minimally invasive group, significantly greater than the rate of 29% in the medication group; 6 months after the treatment, good neurological recovery was achieved in 50% of the patients in the minimally invasive group, but only 16% in the medication. No death occurred in the minimally invasive group, and 2 patients died in the medication group. The cost of hospitalization averaged 5136.3 Yuan in the minimally invasive group and 11843.6 Yuan in the medication group.

CONCLUSIONCompared with conservative treatment, the minimally invasive treatment with soft tube placement can significantly shorten the hospital stay, promote neurological function recovery, lower the mortality rate, and reduce the cost of hospitalization.

Adult ; Aged ; Basal Ganglia Hemorrhage ; etiology ; surgery ; Catheters, Indwelling ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension ; complications ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Suction ; economics ; methods ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo explore the effects of rearing patterns on diet and temperament traits among infants in urban areas.

METHODSA total of 480 25-30-month-old infants were randomly selected from the birth cohort in Hefei Maternal and Child Health Care Center in 2008. A household survey was conducted using China Toddler Temperament Scale (CTTS), Dietary Characteristics Questionnaire and Family Environment Questionnaire.

RESULTSOf the 430 surveyed households, there were three main rearing patterns including parents rearing pattern (Group A), grandparents rearing pattern (Group B) and joint rearing pattern (Group C), accounting for 33.0%, 21.2% and 45.8%, respectively. Infants in Group A tended to adopt processed food pattern, with poor rhythmicity and adaptability; infants in Group B tended to adopt fruit, vegetable, and cereals-based food pattern, with relatively poor rhythmicity; infants in Group C tended to adopt aquatic products and fruit/vegetable-based food pattern, with good rhythmicity and adaptability. Linear regression model showed that infants who consumed more aquatic products, high-protein food, and fruits/vegetables had more positive temperamental traits, whereas infants who consumed more processed foods had more negative temperamental traits.

CONCLUSIONSA joint rearing pattern may be a favorable rearing style for infants aged 25-30 months in urban areas in terms of diet and temperament traits.

Child Rearing ; Child, Preschool ; Diet ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena ; Temperament

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the impacts of maternal weight gain during pregnancy on offspring weight and obesity from birth to 24 months of age.

METHODSThe information on maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), gestational weight gain and demographic characteristics were collected from 317 pregnant women. The information on offspring weight, BMI and breastfeeding data was obtained from various follow-up examinations from 0 to 24 months of age.

RESULTSThe logistic regression analysis showed that excessive gestational weight gain resulted in an increased risk of obesity in children at age of 6 months (adjusted RR=3.56, 95% CI:1.31-8.35) and 9 months (adjusted RR=2.87, 95% CI: 1.04-3.28) after adjustment for potential confounding factors. The linear regression model showed that there were significant correlations between gestational weight gain and Z score of weight in offsprings at birth (β=0.032, 95% CI: 0.008-0.057), 3 months (β=0.037, 95% CI: 0.013-0.062), 6 months (β=0.043, 95% CI: 0.017-0.068), 9 months (β=0.038, 95% CI: 0.013-0.063) and 12 months (β=0.034, 95% CI: 0.009-0.059), but not at 18 months and 24 months.

CONCLUSIONSExcessive gestational weight gain may affect offspring weight and increase the risk of obesity in children from birth to 12 months of age. During their second year of life, this effect will temporarily disappear.

Body Mass Index ; Body Weight ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Linear Models ; Logistic Models ; Obesity ; etiology ; Pregnancy ; Weight Gain

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of focused ultrasound for patients with white lesions of the vulva,as well as its safety and feasibility.Methods Clinical data of 941 patients with white lesions of the vulva treated with focused ultrasound from June 2003 to December 2005 were retrospectively reviewed.The mean age of the patients was 40.8 years(18-70 years)and the median course of the disease was 6.2 years(3 months-45 years).Meanwhile,pathological diagnosis was performed in all the patients before treatment,in which 498 cases were squamous hyperplasia,342 cases were lichen sclerosus and 101 cases were lichen sclerosus with squamous hyperplasia.Patients were followed up and therapeutic effects of focused ultrasound was evaluated at 6 and 12 months after the treatment,respectively.The symptoms of pruritus in the vulva and the changes in the color and elasticity of the vulvar lesions were observed.Results Of all the patients,900 were followed up after the treatment,and the ratio of effectiveness was 94.9%.Only 46 patients(5.1%)had no response to the therapy.Of the effective patients,434 cases were completely cured(48.2%),and 420 cases were improved(46.7%).Pruritus of vulva recurred in 101 patients (11.2%)one year after treatment;however,these patients still had a response to the second or third treatment.Conclusions Focused ultrasound therapy is a highly effective instrument in treatment of white lesions of the vulva.It can not only relieve the symptoms of itching,but is also helpful in recovering the color and elasticity of the vulva.

OBJECTIVETo analyze and summarize the medical treatment experience following separation of thoracopagus conjoined twins.

METHODThe clinical manifestations and the medical therapy of a pair of thoracopagus conjoined twins were analyzed. The conjunction of the female twins was from 5 cm above the nipple to the umbilicus. They also suffered from complex congenital heart diseases. At the 17th day of their lives, they were surgically separated. One girl died after the operation, the other survived but experienced heart failure, sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction (including liver, blood and kidney et al). In order to protect or maintain the main organ function, the vital signs and the objective indexes were monitored continually, such as blood routine test, C reactive protein, hepatorenal function, bacterial culture, and galactomannan test, blood gas analysis and chest radiogram.

CONCLUSIONIt is important to protect the main organ function and prevent or control infection. The early surgical correction of congenital heart disease may contribute to recovery of the children.

Abdomen ; abnormalities ; Abnormalities, Multiple ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Thorax ; abnormalities ; Treatment Outcome ; Twins, Conjoined ; surgery