Objective To investigate the relationship between arsenic in drinking water and skin lesions in endemic arsenism area in Shanyin County of Shanxi Province,in order to provide epidemiologic data for further arsenism research.Methods One hundred and eighty-nine endemic arsenism patients and 59 controls were randomly selected in 17 endemic amenism countries in Shanyin County of Shanxi Province.The content of arsenic in drinking water which wa8 collected indoom was half-quantitatively screened by a kit made by Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention,then quantitatively determined by HPLC-ICP-MS.Patients of endemic arsenism were diagnosed by "The Standard of Diagnosis for Endemic Amenism"(WS/T 211-2001).Results There were 64.9% (87/134)samples above the arsenic level(50μg/L)of drinking water and the median value of arsenic in drinking water was 91.43 μg/L in 134 water samples.The OR(95%CI)value between arsenic in drinking water and hyperkeratosis,hyperpigmentation,depigmentation was 2.46(1.22-4.94),3.34(1.50～7.44)and 2.86(1.50-5.46),respectively.The prevalence of hyperkeratosis,hyperpigmentation and depigmentation increased,as the arsenic in drinking water increased(≤10,≤50,≤200,＞200μg/L),especially in＞200μg/L group(OR=6.15,13.96,11.41,P＜0.05).The arsenic level in drinking water of Ⅲ degree of depigmentation patients(318.300μg/L)was higher(P＜0.05)than that of 0,Ⅰ and Ⅱ degree groups(86.670,131.800,1 10.590μg/L,P＜0.05).Conclusions Shanyin County is a medial arsenic pollution area. Arsenic in drinking water is considered as a risk factor of skin lesion. The degree of skin lesions increased,as the arsenic in drinking water increased.

Objective HupA is one of the potential drugs which can be used to treat Alzheimer's disease(AD).The aim of this study was to explore the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of HupA in vivo by using 11C-HupA.Methods A total of 25 SD rats were studied.They were divided into 5 groups (5 rats in each group).All had intravenous injection of 22 MBq(in0.2 ml)11C-HupA through tail vein.Dynamic im-aging Was acquired from 5 to 90 minutes after injection.Venous blood and organ activities were collected at 5,15,30,60.and 90 minutes after injection.Percentage activity of injected dose per gram of tissue(%ID/g)was calculated to characterize the biodistribution of tracer in different brain regions: frontal,apical, temporal,occipital,cerebellum,hippocampus,striatum,thalamencephalon, and brain stem, Variance analysis using SPSS 11.5 software was performed and compared among the study groups.Results 11C-HupA was character-istic for its quick clearance from blood,with half time T1/2 of (14.61±1.77) min,and clearance rate (CL)macokinetics of 11C-HupA in rats corresponded to a one-compartment model.with an activity curve(area 11C-HupA distribution in different brain regions,being greater in cerebral cortex,hippocampus,hypothala-mus and brain stem. Conclusions Pharmacokinetic study of 11C-HupA in brain was fast.convenient and showed high specificity and sensitivity.Its ability to quantitatively evaluate brain function and its character-istic distribution in mice provided some evidence for monitoring therapy in AD patients.

OBJECTIVETo observe the inhibitory effect of gefitineb on the proliferation and its inducing effect on the apoptosis of mouse I-10 Leydig testicular cancer cells in vitro.

METHODSWe treated I-10 Leydig testicular cancer cells of mice with gefitineb at 0, 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 40 µmol/L. Then we determined the inhibitory effect of gefitineb on the growth of the cells by MTT, detected their early and late apoptosis by Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide double staining and Hoechst 33258 nuclear staining, respectively, and observed the expressions of apoptosis-related proteins Bcl-2, Bax and caspase 3/9 by Western blot.

RESULTSCompared with the blank control group, gefitineb significantly inhibited the proliferation of the I-10 cells at 10 and 20 µmol/L (P < 0.05). The survival rate of the cells was (32.4 ± 2.8)% (P < 0.01) and their early and late apoptosis rates were (26.7 ± 4.2)% and (59.33 ± 10.2)% in the 40 µmol/L group, significantly different from those in the control (P < 0.05 and P <0.01). In comparison with the blank control group, gefitineb at 10, 20, and 40 µmol/L increased the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax by (41.9 ± 7.1), (60.1 ± 9.8), and (69.0 ± 11.3)% (all P < 0.05), decreased that of apoptosis-inhibitory protein Bcl-2 by (50.3 ± 8.9), (63.9 ± 6.9), and (88.7 ± 13.9)% (all P < 0.05), and elevated that of the cleft proteins caspase-3 by (69.0 ± 6.9)% (P < 0.05), (71.5 ± 8.1)% (P < 0.05), and (110.9 ± 14.2)% (P < 0.01) and caspase-9 by (51.8 ± 4.9), (54.7 ± 6.7), and (43.8 ± 11.8)% (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONGefitineb can increase the cytotoxicity of I-10 Leydig testicular cancer cells of mice and induce their apoptosis via the mitochondria-mediated apoptosis signaling pathway.

Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins ; metabolism ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Caspase 9 ; metabolism ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cell Survival ; Leydig Cell Tumor ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Mice ; Neoplasm Proteins ; metabolism ; Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; Quinazolines ; pharmacology ; Testicular Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; metabolism

Objective To establish an indirect immunofluorescence assay for detection of murine norovirus ( MNV) .Methods Mouse leukaemic monocyte macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 cells were infected with MNV-1 and cultured for 36 hours to collect the virus and uninfected cells , and to make antigen glass slides .BALB/c mice were gavaged with MNV-1 (107 TCID50) and infected sera were collected as positive control .The serum was 1:10 diluted and used for measuring MNV antibody by immunofluorescence assay ( IFA ) .80 serum samples were tested using the two methods , IFA and ELISA, and the discrepant samples were validated by Western blotting .Results RAW264.7 cells were infected with MNV-1 for 36-48 h, showing an infection rate of 60% of the cells, and the cells infected for 36 h were preferred.IFA method was used to detect the serum with MNV-1 infection and showed that the antibody content was gradually increased at one week after infection , reaching a maximum antibody concentration at 4 weeks after infection , and maintained a stable level later .The mouse serum at four weeks after MNV-1infection was used as positive quality control . Among the 80 serum samples , 27 positive and 53 negative cases were detected by IFA method , and 32 positive and 48 negative cases were detected by ELISA .The five discrepant samples were verified by Western blotting , resulted in 3 positive and 2 negative cases . The coincidence rate of IFA was 96.0% and that of ELISA methods was 97.5%. Conclusions Basically, immunofluorescence assay can be used to detect the MNV-1 infection in mice, although false negative result may occur occasionally .IFA and ELISA detection can be selected as initial screening measures , and use Western blot assay to verify the discrepant samples .

OBJECTIVETo explore the differences in the survival, adhesion and diffusion capacity between different carcinomas originating from different immunosurveillance in the same patient.

METHODSThe expressions of survivin, MMP2, TIMP1, CD44, and nm23 proteins were detected immunohistochemically in a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphoma after allogeneic blood stem cell transplantation.

RESULTSSurvivin, MMP2, TIMP1, CD44, and nm23 proteins were positive in acute lymphoblastic leukemia samples obtained before transplantation and negative in the lymphoma tissue occurring after the transplantation.

CONCLUSIONThe expressions of survivin, MMP2, TIMP1, CD44, and nm23 proteins vary between the two carcinomas originating from different immunosurveillance in the same patient.

Adult ; Female ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; adverse effects ; Humans ; Hyaluronan Receptors ; metabolism ; Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins ; metabolism ; Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse ; etiology ; metabolism ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; metabolism ; NM23 Nucleoside Diphosphate Kinases ; metabolism ; Neoplasms, Second Primary ; metabolism ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma ; therapy ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 ; metabolism

Natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphomas represent a rare type of lymphoma derived from either activated NK cells or cytotoxic T cells. They are most commonly extranodal and tend to present as destructive lesions within the midline facial structures. Other than the nasal cavity and Para nasal sinuses, several other extra nodal sites of involvement have been reported, including the pharynx, gastrointestinal tract, and testis. Occasionally, pleural effusion has also been observed. Here, a case of lymphoma of NK/T-cell type presented as pleural effusion was reported. The patient was previously misdiagnosed as B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma by pathological and immunohistochemistry (IH) analysis for pleural membrane biopsy specimen. After the analysis of the pleural fluid cells by a combination of morphologic, immunophenotypic, cytogenetic and molecular (MICM) methods in Beijing Dao-Pei hospital, some lymphoblasts were found morphologically, which expressed cytoplasmic CD3 (cCD3) and CD56 by flow cytometry analysis and had a clonal T-cell receptor gamma (TCR-gamma) gene rearrangement by molecular analysis, so that the diagnosis was finally corrected as NK/T-cell lymphoma and an allogeneic stem cell transplantation was successfully performed. In conclusion, this unusual case highlights the significance of MICM combined techniques for the diagnosis of lymphoma, as well as an unusual presentation of a rare disease and the successful treatment.
Cytological Techniques ; Humans ; Lymphoma, Extranodal NK-T-Cell ; complications ; diagnosis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Natural Killer T-Cells ; Pleural Effusion ; diagnosis ; etiology

Objective:To improve the genetic stability of HBV gene in transgenic mice.Methods:HBV transgenic mice were bred by backcross and double cross.The HBV gene expression and replication were studied with real-time PCR,ELISA and chemiluminescence.Results:The HBV transgenic mice have stably bred to 23rd generation.The serum HBsAg level is 4122.31?2044.74IU/ml;The rate of HBV transgenic mice whose serum HBV DNA reach 104~106copies/ml was 93.93%.The HBV replication and expression were improved markedly.There is no difference between male and female mice about serum HBsAg level.Conclusion:After breeding the HBV gene was expressed stably with high-level in transgenic mice.

BACKGROUNDA new technique developed in 2002, real time endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA), has been one of the most important tools in lymph nodes (LNs) staging before lung cancer surgery. EBUS-TBNA was introduced into China in 2008.

METHODSBetween June 2009 and October 2009, 30 patients with mediastinal/hilar lymphadenopathy and thoracic masses previously detected with CT scan underwent EBUS-TBNA without rapid onsite cytological examination.

RESULTSFrom 30 patients, 33 samples were obtained from LNs and seven samples from intrapulmonary lesions. Twenty out of the 23 lung cancer diagnoses were clarified through the procedure, with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy being 87%, 100%, 100%, 70% and 90%, respectively. All three false negative cases were found in the first five procedures. Additionally, among the 33 LNs examined, three specimens that had no lymphocytes were also found within the first five procedures. There were no major complications, and the procedures were uneventful.

CONCLUSIONSEBUS-TBNA seems a safe and effective technique in making diagnosis for mediastinal/hilar LNs and intrapulmonary masses. For pulmonologists experienced in bronchoscopy, the sensitivity of the procedure for diagnosing lung cancer should be no less than 90% after the initial five procedures.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Biopsy, Fine-Needle ; methods ; Bronchoscopy ; methods ; Endosonography ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged

AIMTo study on the release profile in vitro and biodistribution in mice of the compound liposomes carried with vincristine sulfate (VCR) and mitoxantrone chlorhydric acid (MTO).

METHODSThe release behaviors of the VCR and MTO from compound liposomes were studied in vitro. HPLC was developed for the determination of the contents of VCR and MTO in tissues in mice.

RESULTSThe release time of VCR from compound liposome was 24 h and that from free drug (in control solution) was 6 h. The release of MTO from compound liposome was 0.05% after 288 h and release time of MTO from free drug (in control solution) was 12 h. The liposomes and free drugs were injected intravenously at same dose to mice. The elimination half-life time (T 1/2) in plasma of liposomal and free VCR were 0.16 h and 0.14 h, and the AUCs (0 - 48 h) of them were 2.69 (ug x g(-1)) x h and 1.58 (ug x g(-1)) x h, respectively. The elimination half-life times (T 1/2) in plasma of liposomal and free MTO were 21.6 h and 0.05 h and the AUCs (0 - 48 h) of them were 17.06 (ug x g(-1)) x h and 0.42 (ug x g(-1)) x h, respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe compound liposome with high entrapping efficiency and small particle size could be prepared by pH-gradients method and reverse evaporation technique. Two drugs were sustained-released from the compound liposome. Mice tail intravenous injection of compound liposomes showed that compound liposome prolonged the retention time and improved the concentration of MTO and VCR in the blood circulation system compared to control. In the mean time, compound liposome reduced the concentration of the MTO and VCR in heart, lung, kidney etc. These observations indicated that compound liposome could improve anticancer activity and reduce side effect.

Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Liposomes ; Male ; Mice ; Mitoxantrone ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; pharmacokinetics ; Solubility ; Tissue Distribution ; Vincristine ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; pharmacokinetics

Objective We investigated the changes of the motorial network in patients suffered from brain tumors adjacent to the central sulcus occurred with reorganization of motor function using function connectivity MRI(fcMRI)technique in order to provide the new evidence for the compensational hypothesis of the reorganization caused by focal lesions.Methods Using 1.5 T MRI unit,14 patients with brain tumors in the vicinity of the central sulcus occurred with reorganization of motor function and 6 normal volunteers were examined with fcMRI technique while the subjects performed no task.By selecting seed voxels(region of interest)in the regions showing the most activation in M1 area on the activated map and cross correlating with every voxel within the brain,the fcMRI maps based on unilateral primary motor(M1)area were calculated.The location,extent and volume of the region showing significant connectivity to the several seed voxel,such as left/right M1 area in the health group and affected/unaffected M1 area in the patient group were evaluated on the fcMRI map.Results In healthy group,the extent and volume of the region showing significant connectivity to the left M1 area[(9514.17±186.92)mm3]were almost similar to those to the right M1 area [(9364.67±382.75)mm3].There showed no significant difference in motor connectivity between the two groups(P>0.05).In the tumor group,the volume of regions showing significant connectivity to the M1 area located in the affected hemisphere [(11193.14±811.29)mm3]was obviously higher than that of regions based on the seed voxel in the unaffected side[(6549.86±400.94)mm3](t=20.383,P＜0.01).The volume was significantly different among the regions showing high connectivity to the M1 of the affected side in patient group.those showing significant connectivity to the left M1 and fight M1 in health group(P＜0.01),the former was the biggest(P＜0.01).The extent of the regions showing connectivity to the affected M1 was consistent with the reorganization area of motor function revealed by fMRI.The volume of regions showing significant connectivity to M1 area of unaffected hemisphere in patient group showed significant difference compared with those showing significant connectivity to the left M1 and right M1 in health group(P＜0.01),the former was smallest(LSD,P＜0.01).especially in the affected hemisphere.It might mean the disrupted functional connectivity between the M1 area of unaffected hemisphere in patient group and motor area located in the collateral side.Conclusion The increased connectivity between the M1 area of the affected hemisphere and the other motor cortex might indicate that the reorganization in the motor pathway and the formation of the potential compensatory network second to the impairment of the normal motor pathway resulted in the functional reorganization of the motor cortex.The fcMRI technique might be a valuable approach to reveal the pathophysiological changes of nerve network caused by brain tumor.