Objective To evaluate safety and clinical significance of single balloon enteroscopy (SBE) for small intestinal diseases. Methods Data of 83 patients with suspected or known small intestinal diseases, who underwent SBE from March 2009 to July 2010, were reviewed in terms of preparation time,procedure time, detection rate and complication occurrence. Results The 83 patients included 37 cases of digestive tract bleeding, 38 chronic abdominal pain, 1 chronic diarrhea, 2 fever and 5 incomplete ileus. A total of 94 procedures of SBE were performed, including oral route in 46 patients, anal route in 26 and both routes in 11. Excluding 6 cases with endoscopic therapy, the mean procedure time of oral approach was 29.6 ± 10. 3 min, and that of anal route was 57.1 ± 15.6 min. Abnormalities were detected in 57 ( 68.7% )of the 83 patients, with detection rate of 81.1% (30/37) in digestive tract bleeding with unknown reason,57. 8% (22/38) in chronic abdominal pain of unknown reason, 50. 0% (1/2) in fever of unknown reason and 80. 0% (4/5) in incomplete ileus. Peutz-Jeghers syndrome was diagnosed in 6 patients and endoscopic polypectomy was performed, with complicated bleeding in one patient. No other procedure-related complications were observed. Conclusion SBE is well-tolerated and safe for diagnosis of small intestine diseases,with easy manipulatiou, short procedure time, high detection rate and satisfactory location of intestinal hemorrhagic lesions.

BACKGROUND: In our previous study, we prepared some silk fibroin/polyactic acid composite materials at different proportions, which are verified as tissue-engineered materials with good performance by systemic hypersensitivity test, acute toxicity test, hemolysis test, pyrogenic test, and cell co-culture experiment. OBJECTIVE: To study the subcutaneous degradation of silk fibroin/polylactic acid composite materials at different proportions in mice. METHODS: Fifty-four ICR mice were subjected to subcutaneous cystic clearance on the both sides of the spine, and then randomized into three groups. The silk fibroin/polylactic acid composites at 40:60, 50:50, and 30:70 were implanted into the cystic space, respectively. The specimens were taken out at 1, 3, 9 weeks after implantation. Histopathological staining, Masson staining, and CD34 immunohistochemical staining were performed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Hematoxylin-eosin staining: At 9 weeks after implantation, new blood vessels gradually formed and visible fibroblasts gradually grew into the composites in the three groups. Structural collapse of the materials became more apparent, and tissues and cells further grew into the materials. The 40:60 and 50:50 composites were degraded more quickly than the other one. (3) Masson staining: At 9 weeks after implantation, mature blood vessels and collagen fibers were detectable in the three groups, which were more apparent in the 40:60 and 50:50 groups than the 30:70 group. The collagen fiber expression in the 50:50 group was significantly higher than that in the other two groups at different time after implantation (P < 0.05). (3) CD34 immunohistochemical staining: At 1-3 weeks after implantation, CD34 positive expression gradually increased in the three groups. After 9 weeks, the CD34 expression decreased in the three groups; however, the CD34 positive expression in the 50:50 group was significantly higher than that in the other two groups at different time after implantation (P < 0.05). To conclude, the silk fibroin/polylactic acid composite material at a proportion of 50:50 was degraded more quickly in mice.

BACKGROUND:WWOX,a tumor suppressor gene,can affect the growth of ovarian cancer stem cells;however,there is no report on whether its mechanism of action is related to Hedgehog signaling pathway.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect and mechanism of overexpression of WWOX on the apoptosis of ovarian cancer stem cells.METHODS:pcDNA3.1-WWOX (pcDNA3.1-WWOX group) and pcDNA4.0-WWOX (pcDNA4.0-WWOX group) were transferred into ovarian cancer stem cells,respectively;and meanwhile,pcDNA3.1 (pcDNA3.1 group) and pcDNA4.0 (pcDNA4.0 group) were transferred into the cells.A non-transfection group (only with Lipofectamine2000) was set up.After cultured 48 hours,the levels of WWOX in the pcDNA3.1-WWOX group and pcDNA4.0-WWOX group were detected using western blot assay,and the cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected using MTT assay and flow cytometry,respectively.Western blot assay was also used to detect the levels of Hedgehog signaling pathway associated proteins,SHH,PTCH1,Gli-1,SMO and apoptosis-related protein Cleaved Caspase-3 in the cells.Cyclopamine,Hedgehog signaling pathway inhibitor,was used in ovarian cancer stem cells without transfection (cyclopamine group) and after the transfection of WWOX overexpression vector (WWOX+cyclopamine group) followed by 48 hours of culture,and then MTT,flow cytometry and western blot detections were performed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) The expression level of WWOX in the pcDNA4.0-WWOX group was significantly higher than that in the pcDNA3.1-WWOX group (t=27.84,P=0.00).The ovarian cancer stem cells which were transfected with pcDNA4.0-WWOX were used to overexpress WWOX in the late experiment.(2) Overexpression of WWOX could inhibit the proliferation of ovarian cancer stem cells and promote the apoptosis of ovarian cancer stem cells.(3) Overexpression of WWOX could inhibit the expression of Gii-1,PTCH1,SMO and SHH in ovarian cancer stem cells,and promote the expression of Cleaved Caspase-3.(4) Cyclopamine could inhibit the expression of SHH,PTCH 1,Gli-1,SMO,and promote the expression of Cleaved Caspase-3.Cyclopamine had obvious inhibitory effect on Hedgehog signaling pathway.(5) Cyclopamine could enhance the apoptosis induced by overexpression of WWOX in ovarian cancer stem cells,and enhance the inhibition of proliferation of ovarian cancer stem cells induced by overexpression of WWOX.To conclude,WWOX effects on proliferation and apoptosis of ovarian cancer stem cells may be related to the inhibition of Hedgehog signaling pathway.

To report a case of cutaneous and subcutaneous coinfection caused by Lichtheimia corymbifera and Candida parapsilosis.A 67-year-old female peasant consulted about proliferative granuloma developing on her left forearm after topical application of a Chinese herbal drug and splint fixation for the treatment of suspected fracture of the wrist.Direct microscopic examination showed gram positive budding yeast cells in lesion secretions.Pathological study with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and gormori methenamine silver (GMS) staining revealed broad non-separate hyphae in the corneum and dermis.Fungal culture of lesional tissue at 35℃ grew both mould and yeast.The mould was identified as Lichtheimia corymbifera based on morphological findings and sequences of the internal transcribed space (ITS) 1-4 regions.Thermal tolerance study revealed that the isolate grew fast at 37℃ but slowly at 40℃.Under a scanning electron microscope,the acrogenous sporangia were pear-shaped with conical sporangiophores originating from the top of stolon,which were among but not opposite to the rhizoids.The yeast was identified as Candida parapsilosis by Chromagar test and D1/D2 region sequencing.As antimicrobial susceptibility test indicated,the Lichtheimia corymbifera isolate was most sensitive to terbinafine and itraconazole.The proteolytic activity of Lichtheimia corymbifera was higher than that of Candida parapsilosis.The granuloma completely subsided after surgical resection and 6-week treatment with oral itraconazole 200 mg twice a day.No recurrence was observed during a 4-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the bond strength of total-etch or self-etch dentin bonding agents after using two different dentin desensitizers on exposed dentin and investigate the bond interface by scanning electron microscope (SEM).

METHODSThirty intact and non-carious human third molars were used. The occlusal enamel was removed with the use of a slow-speed saw under water cooling. These teeth were divided into three groups using a table of random numbers with 10 teeth each. These three groups were treated with water (Group C), UltraEZ (Group U) and MI Paste (Group M) respectively. Then 10 teeth from each group were divided into A subgroup (n = 5) bonded with Single Bond 2 adhesive system and B subgroup (n = 5) bonded with Xeno III adhesive system according to manufacturers' instructions. A block of composite resin was build up to 4-5 mm. All the teeth were sectioned occluso-gingivally to obtain bar-shaped specimens with bonded surface area about 0.9 mm x 0.9 mm. The tension of the sample was tested by a microtensile tester at 1 mm/min. The mean values of bond strength were compared using one-way ANOVA. Three samples were chosen randomly from each of six groups for SEM investigation.

RESULTSThere were no significant differences between Group U and Group C both in A and B subgroups. While there were significant differences between Group M and Group C in two bonding-agent subgroups. For SEM, the hybrid layer was thin and dense in six groups. Both total-etch and self-etch bonding systems could get fair resin tag infiltration in Group C and Group U. In Group M, the resin tags were relatively shorter and fewer than the anterior mentioned two groups.

CONCLUSIONSUltraEZ had no effect on bond strength of both kinds of dentin bonding agents, while MI paste could diminish bond strength.

Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate ; chemistry ; Dental Materials ; Dental Stress Analysis ; Dentin-Bonding Agents ; chemistry ; Humans ; Materials Testing ; Molar, Third ; Nitrates ; chemistry ; Potassium Compounds ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo better understand the molecular mechanism of tumorigenesis and progression, the monoclonal antibody against G3BP (Ras-GAP SH3 binding protein), which serves as an important downstream effector of Ras signaling, was prepared, characterized and utilized in analysis of various human tumors.

METHODSBy using the prokaryotic expression vector pGEX-5X1, GST-G3BP fusion protein was expressed in E. coli BL21 under induction of IPTG. Purified GST-G3BP fusion protein was used to immunize BALB/c mice. The monoclonal antibody against G3BP was produced through conventional hybridoma method and characterized by ELISA, Western blot and immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTSA hybridoma cell line secreting anti-G3BP IgG1 subtype antibody was obtained. Western blot and competitive inhibition assay showed that the antibody was G3BP-specific. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that G3BP was over-expressed in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues of some human tumors, such as lung cancer, colon cancer, gastric cancer and breast cancer. In breast cancer specimens, the degree of G3BP expression correlated positively with the presence of lymph node metastasis and c-erbB2 expression.

CONCLUSIONSThe G3BP-specific monoclonal antibody derived from recombination protein can be used in ELISA, Western blot and immunohistochemical assay. It may provide an important tool in analysis of G3BP in in vitro and in vivo experiments. Besides, G3BP may serve as another prognostic marker for breast cancer.

Animals ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; biosynthesis ; immunology ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; Breast Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Carrier Proteins ; genetics ; immunology ; metabolism ; DNA Helicases ; Female ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; Hybridomas ; secretion ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Poly-ADP-Ribose Binding Proteins ; RNA Helicases ; RNA Recognition Motif Proteins ; Receptor, ErbB-2 ; metabolism ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Tumor Cells, Cultured

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of herbs capable of activating blood circulation or inducing diuresis on the expressions of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), and aquaporin-4 (AQP-4) in rats with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and to study their possible mechanisms.

METHODSThe ICH rat model was established by injecting autologous arterial blood into the right caudate nucleus. The 168 male rats were randomly divided into four groups, the sham-operative group, the model group, the blood activating group, and the diuresis inducing group, 42 in each group. Chinese compound decoction (consisting of 0.2 g rhubarb, 0.02 g leech, and 0.3 g notoginseng in each milliliter decoction) was given to rats in the blood activating group by gastrogavage at the dose of 10 mL/kg, once daily. Chinese compound decoction (consisting of 0.2 g poria, 0.2 g water plantain tuber, and 0.2 g acori graninei in each milliliter decoction) was given to rats in the diuresis inducing group by gastrogavage at the dose of 10 mL/kg, once daily. 4.0 mL/kg normal saline was given to rats in the model group and the sham-operative group by gastrogavage, once daily. A series of brain samples were obtained on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th day, respectively. The mRNA and protein expressions of TNFalpha, NF-kappaB p65, and AQP-4 were determined by immunohistochemical staining and Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR respectively.

RESULTSAfter ICH, TNF-alpha, NF-KB, and AQP-4 protein positive cells in the brain tissue and their protein and mRNA expressions significantly increased in rats of the model group at each time point when compared with the sham-operative group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The gene and protein expressions of TNF-alpha and AQP-4 significantly decreased in the blood activating group and the diuresis inducing group at each time point when compared with the model group (PP < 0.05). The expression of NF-kappaB p65 in the blood activating group obviously decreased when compared with the model group (P < 0.05), but there was no statistical difference in the NF-KB expression when compared with the diuresis inducing group (P > 0.05). Compared with the model group, the water content of the brain tissue decreased to some degree in the blood activating group and the diuresis inducing group at each time point. There was statistical difference between the blood activating group and the diuresis inducing group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSChinese herbs capable of activating blood circulation or inducing diuresis could inhibit the release of TNF-alpha, down-regulate the expression of AQP-4, and alleviate the brain edema around hematoma. But the action strength and the effect links were different.

Animals ; Aquaporin 4 ; metabolism ; Brain ; metabolism ; Cerebral Hemorrhage ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Diuresis ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Male ; NF-kappa B ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

OBJECTIVEIt aims to study potential genotoxicity of almond skins.

METHODSA bacterial reverse mutation assay was performed on S. typhimurium strains TA97, TA98, TA100, TA102, and TA1535 in the absence or presence of S-9 mixture at a dose range of 312.5 to 5 000 μg/plate. A micronucleus test and a mammalian bone marrow chromosome aberration tests were performed in Swiss Albino (CD-1) mice at doses of 625, 1 250, and 2 500 mg/kg bw used.

RESULTSAlmond skins exerted no mutagenic activity in various bacterial strains of Salmonella typhimurium in either the absence or the presence of metabolic activation at all doses tested. Various doses of almond skins did not affect the proportions of immature to total erythrocytes, the number of micronuclei in the immature erythrocytes, or the number of structural and numerical chromosomal aberrations of Swiss albino mice.

CONCLUSIONAlmond skins are not genotoxic under the conditions of the in vitro bacterial reverse mutation assay and two in vivo tests - micronucleus test and mammalian bone marrow chromosome aberration test, which supports the safety of almond skins for dietary consumption.

Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; drug effects ; Chromosome Aberrations ; chemically induced ; Female ; Male ; Mice ; Micronucleus Tests ; Plant Extracts ; chemistry ; toxicity ; Prunus ; chemistry ; Salmonella typhimurium ; drug effects ; Seeds ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of blood-activating Chinese medicinal compounds and water-draining Chinese medicinal compounds on tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κ B) expressions in rats with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) at the acute stage, and to monitor their therapeutic effect and mechanism of action on inflammation and cerebral edema.

METHODSA rat model of cerebral hemorrhage was achieved by injecting autologous arterial blood into the caudate nucleus. A total of 168 rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: blood-activating medicine group (n=42), water-draining medicine group (n=42), sham operated group (n=42), and the model group (n=42). A series of brain samples were obtained at days 1, 3 and 5 after ICH from rats in all groups. Protein expression levels of TNF-α and NF-κ B were measured by immunohistochemical staining and gene expression levels of TNF-α and NF-κ B were measured by real-time fluorescent PCR.

RESULTSCompared to the sham operated group, protein expression levels of TNF-α and NF-κ B in the model group significantly increased (P<0.01). Protein and gene expressions of TNF-α from the blood-activating medicine group and water-draining medicine group significantly decreased when compared to those in the model group P<0.05). Meanwhile, compared to the model group, the expression of NF-κ B in the blood-activating medicine group significantly decreased (P<0.05), while expression of NF-κ B in the water-draining medicine group did not differ (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONSBlood-activating Chinese medicinal compounds and water-draining Chinese medicinal compounds can alleviate inflammation of peripheral tissue and cerebral edema. However, the blood-activating Chinese medicinal compounds were more effective than the water-draining Chinese medicinal compounds. The possible effective mechanism may be by means of inhibiting the activation of NF-κ B so as to suppress the transcription of target genes including gene expression of TNF-α.

Animals ; Base Sequence ; Blood ; Body Water ; DNA Primers ; Intracranial Hemorrhages ; metabolism ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; NF-kappa B ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo assess the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the follow-up of patients with hepatocellular carcinomas treated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and to compare it with that of computed tomography (CT).

METHODSFrom December 2009 to September 2011, 40 patients (47 hepatocellular carcinomas) were treated with RFA after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and underwent MRI and CT for follow-up. RFA margins were assessed on a five-point scale with receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were evaluated.

RESULTSThe interobserver agreement rate for MRI was significantly higher (Kappa=0.935) than for CT (Kappa=0.714; P < 0.05). The scores of 1 and 5 points for MRI, which confirms the presence or absence of residual tumor, accounted for 89.4% (84/94), while for CT accounting for only 31.9% (30/94). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of MRI was significantly higher than that of CT (P < 0.05), as were the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of detection rate (mean, 100%, 96.4%, 76.9%, 100%, and 96.8% for MRI, respectively, vs. 30.0%, 57.1%, 10.3%, 87.7%, and 63.8% for CT).

CONCLUSIONMRI is superior to CT in assessing the RFA margins in terms of the diagnostic accuracy and detection rate .

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; diagnosis ; pathology ; surgery ; Catheter Ablation ; Female ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; pathology ; surgery ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm, Residual ; diagnosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed