Objective To improve the diagnosis and management of solid-pseudopapillary tumor (SPT) of the pancreas. MethodsTwenty-two SPT patients were retrospectively reviewed and divided into two groups, misdiagnosed group and those with preoperatively correct diagnosis. ResultsAbout one half (46%) SPT cases were misdiagnosed preoperatively. With time SPT tends to invade its capsule resulting in impossibility of radical resection, and increased medical expenses. ConclusionsAlthough SPT is of low degree malignant, and the prognosis after surgical resection is satisfactory, misdiagnosis and preoperative misdiagnosis and inappropriate management still cost the patients increased expenses and inhospital stay.

To investigate the distribution of the genes of two major metallo-beta-lactamases (MBL; i.e., IMP and VIM) and class 1 integrons (intI) in the clinical imipenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a total of 65 isolates, from a university hospital in Sichuan between December 2004 and April 2005 were screened for MBL genes by PCR using primers specific for bla ( IMP-1 ), bla ( VIM ) and bla ( VIM-2 ) genes. The MBL-positive isolates were further assessed for class 1 integrons by PCR using specific primers. The nucleotide sequences of several PCR products were also determined. The results revealed that the bla ( VIM ) gene was found in 81.5% (53/65) of all isolates, bla ( VIM-2 ) gene was found in only 1 isolate and the intI gene was observed in 45.3% (24/53) of bla ( VIM )-positive isolates. One isolate carried simultaneously both bla ( IMP-1 ) and intI genes, and to the best of our knowledge this is the first report of such isolate in southwest China. These observations highlight that the genes for VIM beta-lactamase and class 1 integrons were predominantly present among the imipenem-resistant P. aeruginosa tested, confirming the current widespread threat of imipenem-resistant, integron-borne P. aeruginosa.
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; China ; DNA Primers/chemistry ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; Imipenem/*pharmacology ; Integrons ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Models, Genetic ; Pseudomonas Infections/genetics ; Pseudomonas Infections/*microbiology ; Pseudomonas aeruginosa/*metabolism ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; beta-Lactamases/*metabolism

Referring to the rules for agricultural seed testing (GB /T 3543-1995) issued by China, the test of sampling, seed purity, weight per 1 000 seeds, seed moisture, seed viability and germination rate had been studied for screening seed quality test methods of Pesudostellaria heterophylla. The seed quality from different collection areas was measured. The results showed that at least 6.5 g seeds should be sampled and passed through 10-mesh sieve for purity analysis. The weight of 1 000 seeds was determined by using the 500-seed method. The phenotypic observation and size measurement were used for authenticity testing. The seed moisture was determined under the higher temperature (130 ± 2) degrees C for 5 hours. The seeds were dipped into 0.2% TTC sustaining 1 hour at 40 degrees C, then the viability could be determined. The break dormancy seeds were cultured on sand at 10 degrees C. K cluster analysis was applied for the data analysis, the seed quality from different collection areas grading of P. Heterophylla was described as three grades. The seed quality of each grade should reach following requirements: for first grade seeds, germination rate ≥ 86%, 1 000-grain weight ≥ 2.59 g, purity ≥ 87%, moisture ≤ 13.1%; for second grade seeds, germination rate ≥ 70%, 1 000-grain weight ≥ 2.40 g, purity ≥ 77%, moisture ≤ 14.3%; for third grade seeds, germination rate ≥ 41%, 1 000-grain weight ≥ 2.29 g, purity ≥ 76%, moisture ≤ 15.8%. The seed testing methods for quality items of P. heterophylla had been initially established, as well as the primary P. heterophylla seed quality classification standard.
Caryophyllaceae ; chemistry ; growth & development ; Germination ; Quality Control ; Seeds ; chemistry ; growth & development ; Water ; analysis

Objective To explore the association between vitamin D deficiency and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).Methods From April to June 2013,104 outpatients met NAFLD diagnostic criteria were enrolled.At the same period,98 age and gender matched healthy individuals were enrolled as control.The clinical data were collected through questionnaire,physical examination and lab tests.The severity of hepatic steatosis was dertermined with upper abdominal ultrasound examination.The serum concentration of 25 (OH )D was detected by radio-immunology.The association between vitamin D deficiency and NAFLD was analyzed with two independent sampling t analysis,chi-square test,analysis of variance (ANOVA)and Logistic regression analysis.Results The clinical indexes including body mass index (BMI ), abdominal circumference, blood pressure, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase,glutamyl ranspeptidase,lactate dehydrogenase,uric acid,triglyceride,overall cholesterol, lower density lipoprotein cholesterol and fasting blood glucose of NAFLD group were higher than those of the healthy control group,and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05).But the level of higher density lipoprotein cholesterol of NAFLD group was lower than that of the healthy control group, and the difference was statistically significant (t=-2.941 ,P =0.004).However there was no significant difference in serum 25 (OH)D concentration,the level of calcium and phosphorus (all P >0.05).The results of stratification analysis in age and BMI indicated that the rate of 25 (OH )D deficiency (<37.5 nmol/L)in NAFLD patients aged less than 30 was higher than that of healthy control group (χ2 =6.679, OR = 13.71,P = 0.025 );the rate of 25 (OH)D deficiency in NAFLD patients with BMI≤25 kg/m2 was higher than that of healthy control group (χ2 = 3.734,OR = 4.97,P < 0.01).Among BMI≤25 kg/m2 group,after the adjustment of age,gender and metabolic syndrome,the results of multiple group Logistic regression analysis indicated that serum 25(OH)D concentration was negatively correlated to NAFLD (OR= 1 .16,95 % CI :1 .03 to 1 .30,P = 0.032).Conclusion Vitamin D deficiency might be a risk factor in pathogenesis of NAFLD patients with age less than 30 year old and BMI ≤25 kg/m2 .

Individual identification plays an import role in the practice of forensic medicine, and often provides crucial evidence for the analysis and detection of criminal cases.However, for individual identification in complex situations, such as monozygotic (MZ) twins assumed to be genetically identical, it is impossible to distinguish one from the other by using traditional forensic DNA typing system.Therefore, how to discriminate the MZ twins has become and will continue to be one of the difficult problems in forensic field.This paper summarized the genetic and epigenetic changes recently identified in MZ pairs, which might provide a new insight to forensic discrimination of MZ twins.

The major antigen region of E2 gene of Hog Cholera Prevalent Strain (Guangxi Yuling Strain) and Chinese Hog Cholera Lapinised Virus (C-strain) derived from hog and rabbit spleen tissue, was amplified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) and the nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (nPCR). After the amplified fragments were cloned into the expression vector pPROEX-HTb, the recombinant plasmids pPROEX-GXYL and pPROEX-C were obtained. The insert position, the size and the reading frame were right by PCR, restriction digestion and the sequence analysis. SDS-PAGE indicated that both of the reciepient germs transducted and induced by the recombinant plasmids pPROEX-GXYL and pPROEX-C could express the major antigen region of E2 gene. Western-blot indicated that the expressed antigen protein could be recognized by the positive serum of CSFV.
Blotting, Western ; Cloning, Molecular ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; Viral Envelope Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; immunology

Many antineoplastic agents can cause myelosuppression and thrombocytopenia. Thrombopoietin (TPO) is believed to be the major cytokine affecting the proliferation and maturation of megakaryocytes and increasing circulating platelet levels. We have designed and synthesized a TPO mimetic peptide, it can increase circulating platelet levels in vivo. For increasing half-life and forming dimer, the peptide was expressed as chimeric proteins with human IgG1 Fc fragments. The cDNA of TPO mimetic peptide was synthesized chemically and linked respectively to 5' terminus of human IgG1 Fc cDNA fragments in various length (Fc1: Fc 5' 648 bp; Fc2: Fc 5' 270 bp; Fc3: Fc 5' 267 bp; Fc4: Fc 5' 90 bp), and cloned into expression plasmid pET28a (+) for constructing four recombinant plasmids. By transforming the four recombinant plasmids into E. coli. BL21 (DE3) respectively, we got 3 kinds of engineered E. coli which express TPO + Fc chimeric proteins(28 kD TPO + Fc1, 12 kD TPO + Fc2 and 12 kD TPO + Fc3) at high level respectively, the expressed proteins were purified with DEAE-Sepharose FF and S-Sepharose FF column. The bioactivities of the expressed chimeric proteins(TPO + Fc1, TPO + Fc2 and TPO + Fc3), TPO mimetic peptide, and PEG4000 coupled TPO mimetic peptide were evaluated with Ba/F3-mp1 in vitro and with carboplatin-induced thrombocytopenia mice in vivo, the expressed chimeric proteins have higher activity than TPO mimetic peptide both in vitro and in vivo, the EC50 on Ba/F3-mp1 cells were 13, 10, 10, 50, and 25 nmol/L respectively, all of them can increase circulating platelet counts. Their imol/Lunogenicity were valuated in mice, none of them can elicit mice to produce antibodies to TPO mimetic peptide, meanwhile three TPO + Fc chimeric proteins can elicit mice to produce antibodies to human IgG1 Fc. These studies have laid basis for production of TPO mimetic peptide by genetic engineering.
Animals ; Base Sequence ; Blood Platelets ; drug effects ; Cell Division ; drug effects ; Female ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments ; genetics ; immunology ; pharmacology ; Immunoglobulin G ; genetics ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Oligopeptides ; chemical synthesis ; genetics ; pharmacology ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; genetics ; immunology ; pharmacology ; Thrombocytopenia ; blood ; immunology ; Thrombopoietin ; genetics ; immunology ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo explore the effects and the molecular mechanisms of 4-phenylbutyric acid (PBA) on carbon tetraehloride (CCl4)-induced acute liver injury in mice.

METHODSSixty adult, healthy, male ICR mice were divided equally into the control group, PBA group, CCl4 12 h group, CCl4 24 h group, CCl4 48 h group, CCl4 72 h group, PBA+CCl4 12 h group, PBA+CCl4 24 h group, PBA+CCl4 48 h group, and PBA+CCl4 72 h group. The CCl4 groups and the PBA+CCl4 groups were intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with CCl4 (300 mL/kg). In the PBA+CCl4 groups, the mice were i.p. injected with PBA (400 mg/kg). All mice were sacrificed to collect blood and liver specimens at different time points after the CCl4 treatment. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was detected. Histological examination was performed using hematoxylin-eosin staining and light microscopy, and apoptosis was detected using terminal transferase dUTP nick end labeling. The hepatic distribution of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was detected by immunohistochemistry. The hepatic protein expression of glucose-regulated protein (GRP78), C/EBP homologousprotein (CHOP), phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinases (p-JNK), phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor 2a subunit (p-eIF2a), phosphorylated serine threonine kinase (p-akt), and nuclear factor-kappa B p65 (NF-kappa Bp65) were determined by western blot.

RESULTSThe serum ALT level in the PBA+CCl4 groups was reduced as compared with that in the CCl4 groups at the various time points examined.The liver-to-body weight ratio of two groups showed a significant difference only at the 48 h time point (P<0.01). PBA reduced the degree of hepatic necrosis and apoptosis caused by CCl4, and reduced the expression of hepatic GRP78 and other endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins (P<0.01). The protein levels of p-akt, NF-kappa Bp65 and PCNA was significantly decreased in the PBA+CCl4 groups (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibitor PBA alleviated acute hepatic necrosis and apoptosis but restrained hepatic proliferation.

Alanine Transaminase ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; Carbon Tetrachloride ; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury ; Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress ; HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins ; Male ; Membrane Proteins ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; NF-kappa B ; Phenylbutyrates ; Phosphorylation

OBJECTIVETo detect the factors relevant to stenosis of tracheal graft and to find feasible methods to solve this problem.

METHODSSixteen mongrel dogs were divided into groups A and B randomly and equally. Five-ring-length tracheal segments were allotransplanted. All grafts and anastomotic sites were covered with omental pedicles. In group A, no immunosuppressant was given and in group B, the recipients were treated with cyclosporine. The animals were sacrificed 4 weeks after operation, and their postmortem specimens were examined grossly and histologically. All allografts were assessed by percent patency. Epithelial regeneration and morphology of the cartilage were semiquantitatively evaluated.

RESULTSStructural integrity of the allografts were maintained better in group B than in group A. Tracheal stenosis was found to be more serious in group A. The scores of epithelial regeneration and cartilage morphology were higher in group B than in group A, and in each group positive correlation was found between the percent patency and the score of epithelial regeneration or cartilage morphology.

CONCLUSIONSImmunosuppressive drugs are necessary to maintain the structure of allografts. Tracheal stenosis is correlated closely with epithelial regeneration and morphological maintenance of the cartilage.

Animals ; Dogs ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; pharmacology ; Male ; Trachea ; pathology ; transplantation ; Transplantation, Homologous

OBJECTIVETo provide new germplasm materials for breeding new varieties of Pseudostellaria heterophylla.

METHODThe method of single plant selection was adopted, with the comparative experiments being carried out under the same conditions in Shibing county. The 8 plants of Shibing SB-4 were compared respectively with factor analysis for 27 phenotypic traits and 8 yield traits, and single factor variance analysis for the contents of polysaccharides.

RESULTUsing factor analysis, 27 phenotypic traits were classified into 7 principal divisors and 8 yield traits were simplified into 3 principal divisors. The 4 strains of P. heterophylla, ZT-01, ZT-02, ZT-06 and ZT-07, performed better than others in the phenotypic traits, and ZT-01, ZT-02, ZT-03 and ZT-07 in the yield traits. The contents of polysaccharides of ZT-01, ZT-02, ZT-05 and ZT-08 showed significantly higher value.

CONCLUSIONThere is significant difference among the 8 strains of P. heterophylla in phenotypic traits, yield traits and quality traits, making it possible to select certain strains for different purposes. ZT-01 and ZT-02 can be breaded further. ZT-06 and ZT-07 were used as ornamental cultivars for its great phenotypic traits. ZT-03 with good resistance and high yield was taken as resistant variety, and ZT-05 would face next selection on the basis of its high content of polysaccharide.

Breeding ; Caryophyllaceae ; chemistry ; growth & development ; China ; Phenotype ; Polysaccharides ; analysis