Objective To investigate the perfusion characteristics of intraductal breast lesion by real-time gray-scale contrast ultrasound and to determine the value of real contrast ultrasound in the diagnosis of breast masses.Methods A total of 30 breast lumps by ultrasound contrast enhancement were observed from the enhanced level.An enhanced mode and enhanced border were observed when the lesion was clear.The perfusion characteristics were compared between the benign and malignant lesions.Results Thirty breast lumps include 17 benign lumps and 13 benign lumps by pathological operation.After injected with the microbubble contrast medium,all breast lumps enhanced to varied extent.And malignant lesions showed significant enhancement for more than 3 grade(69.2%,9/13).The radial enhancement around lesion were mainly observed in the malignant lesions (P＜0.05).Conclusion The microvascular perfusion of breast intraductal lesions can be clearly displayed by real-time gray-scale contrast-enhanced ultrasound.The feasibility of differentiation between benign and malignant lesions according to their perfusion characteristics appears to be promising.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the distribution characteristics of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter region of the toll-like receptor 9 gene (TLR9) in Chinese Han children from Zhejiang province, and their associations with asthma susceptibility and phenotypes.

METHODSA case-control study was conducted. A total of 312 asthmatic children aged between 1.9 and 11.6 and 339 age matched healthy controls were enrolled in this study from April 2007 to November 2008. The -1486 C/T in rs187084 and -1237 C/T in rs5743836 loci of the TLR9 gene were genotyped by direct DNA sequencing of the PCR products. Serum levels of IFN gamma, IL-12 and IL-4 were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.Serum levels of total IgE were detected by chemiluminescence, and serum levels of antigen specific IgE antibodies were detected by fluoroenzymeimmunoassay.

RESULTS(1) The -1486 C/T polymorphism was identified in both groups. The genotype frequencies of TT, TC and CC at -1486 C/T were 41.0%, 44.3%, 14.7% in the healthy controls, and 38.8%, 48.4%, 12.8% in the asthmatic children. The -1237 C/T polymorphism was not detected in the population. (2) There were no statistically significant differences in the allele and genotype frequencies at the -1486 C/T locus between the two groups (P;>0.05). (3) Serum levels of IFN gamma and IL-4 differed significantly among the three genotypes at the -1486 C/T locus in asthmatic children (P<0.01). The CC genotype had the lowest levels of serum IFN gamma and the highest levels of serum IL-4 among the three genotypes. There were no significant differences in these cytokines among the healthy controls (P>0.05). No statistical differences of serum IL-12 were found among the three genotypes in the two groups (P>0.05). (4) There were no significant differences of total IgE (log-transformed) among the three genotypes in the asthmatic children (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe -1237 C/T polymorphism of TLR9 gene was not detected in Chinese Han children in this study. The -1486 C/T polymorphism was associated with the levels of serum IFN gamma and IL-4 in children with asthma. However, there were no correlations between the -1486C/T polymorphism and serum IL-12 levels, total IgE levels or asthmatic susceptibility.

Asthma ; blood ; genetics ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; China ; Female ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Humans ; Male ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Toll-Like Receptor 9 ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Shenfu Injection (SFI) for attenuating the toxicity of chemotherapy in treating non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), by the regimens of combined Cisplatin (DDP) with new chemotherapeutic agents, Taxol (TXT), Vinorelbine (NVB) and Gemcitabine (GEM), respectively.

METHODSOne hundred and thirty-three patients with NSCLC, who were scheduled to be treated by at least 2 cycles of chemotherapy, with regimen TP (45 cases), NP (42 cases) and GP (46 cases), were enrolled. They were randomized into 2 groups: 67 cases in the SFI pre-treated group and 66 cases in the SFI post-treated group, on them SFI was administered for 10 successive days on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd day of the 1st and the 2nd cycle, respectively. The effects of SFI on toxicity of the three regimens were observed through a self-controlled crossover design.

RESULTSThe hemato-toxicity (the toxicity on leukocyte, neutrophil, hemoglobin and platelet) and the digestive toxicity (represented as vomiting, constipation or diarrhea) of chemotherapy revealed in the treated stage (the cycle treated with SFI) were all less than those in the control stage (the cycle untreated with SFI), no matter when SFI was applied, all showed statistical significance (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Besides, SFI showed a better toxicity attenuating effect on patients of qi-deficiency and phlegm-dampness type (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSFI can relieve the hemato-toxicity and the digestive toxicity of chemotherapy by regimen of combining DDP with TXT, NVB or GEM, and the effect is more significant on patients of qi-deficiency and phlegm-dampness type.

Adult ; Aged ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; drug therapy ; Cisplatin ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy

OBJECTIVESince most reports on bystander effect have been only concerned with radiation-induced damage, the present paper aimed at disclosing whether low dose radiation could induce a stimulatory or beneficial bystander effect.

METHODSA co-culture system containing irradiated antigen presenting cells (J774A.1) and unirradiated T lymphocytes (EL-4) was established to observe the effect of J774A.1 cells exposed to both low and high doses of X-rays on the unirradiated EL-4 cells. Incorporation of 3H-TdR was used to assess the proliferation of the EL-4 cells, expression of CD80/86 and CD48 on J774A.1 cells was measured with immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry, respectively. NO release from J774A.1 cells was estimated with nitrate reduction method.

RESULTSLow dose-irradiated J774A.1 cells could stimulate the proliferation of the unirradiated EL-4 cells while the high dose-irradiated J774A.1 cells exerted an inhibitory effect on the proliferation of the unirradiated EL-4 cells. Preliminary mechanistic studies illustrated that the differential changes in CD48 expression and NO production by the irradiated J774A.1 cells after high and low dose radiation might be important factors underlying the differential bystander effect elicited by different doses of radiation.

CONCLUSIONStimulatory bystander effect can be induced in immune cells by low dose radiation.

Animals ; Antigen-Presenting Cells ; immunology ; metabolism ; radiation effects ; Antigens, CD ; immunology ; B7-1 Antigen ; immunology ; B7-2 Antigen ; Bystander Effect ; radiation effects ; Cell Division ; immunology ; Cell Line ; Coculture Techniques ; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation ; Membrane Glycoproteins ; immunology ; Mice ; Nitric Oxide ; biosynthesis ; T-Lymphocytes ; immunology ; X-Rays

OBJECTIVETo discuss a method for reconstruction of deeply burned of extremities' functional regions with local skin flaps.

METHODSNinety-eight cases (with 126 place) of deeply burned wound of extremities were reconstructed with fasciocutaneous flaps.

RESULTSThe survival rate of 162 flaps was 93.2%. The movement of 112 joints (88.9%) was restored to normal, and the movement of 14 joints was mild limitation, none of the cases was severe obstacle.

CONCLUSIONSThe method is simple and with satisfactory results, which can decrease the rate of disability suffered from burn.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Burns ; surgery ; Child ; Extremities ; surgery ; Fascia ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Surgical Flaps ; blood supply

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the prognostic factors in treating primary liver cancer (PLC) patients by Pi-strengthening and qi-regulating method (PSQRM), thus providing evidence and optimizing Pi-strengthening and qi-regulating program.

METHODSClinical data of 151 PLC patients treated by PSQRM at Oncology Department, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from May 2007 to March 2009 were retrospectively analyzed. The univariate analysis was determined to analyze possible prognostic factors. Selected key factors were introduced into the COX proportional hazard model, and multivariate analysis was carried out.

RESULTSThe 1-year survival rate was 21.85%, the median survival time was 6.80 months, and the mean survival time was 8.98 months. The univariate analysis showed that Chinese medicine (CM) syndrome types, clinical symptoms at the initial diagnosis, ascites, tumor types, ratios of foci, portal vein tumor thrombus, intrahepatic metastasis, a-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, total bilirubin classification, albumin classification, Child-Pugh classification, and domestic staging of liver cancer were significant prognostic factors (P < 0.05). The statistic data of multivariate analysis indicated that CM syndrome types, ascites, tumor types, portal vein tumor thrombus, AFP levels, Child-Pugh classification, and domestic staging of liver cancer were independent factors influencing prognosis (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe prognosis of PLC treated with PSQRM is determined by multiple factors including CM syndrome types, ascites, tumor types, portal vein tumor thrombus, AFP levels, Child-Pugh classification, and domestic staging of liver cancer.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; epidemiology ; therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; epidemiology ; therapy ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; methods ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate ; Treatment Outcome

Many of the epiphytic Orchids are used as traditional Chinese medicine. The chemical components and pharmacology have been studied in recent 15 years. This article reviewed the studies which will be beneficial to reveal the relatives among these medicinal plants in the Orchid Family and be helpful to develop new drugs.
Adjuvants, Immunologic ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Flavones ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Molecular Structure ; Orchidaceae ; chemistry ; classification ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; classification ; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Polysaccharides ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Stilbenes ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of ERCC1 gene on the repair capability of damaged DNA in lung cancer A549 cells induced by benzo[a]pyrene.

METHODSRecombinant plasmid expressing ERCC1 antisense RNA was constructed and transfected into A549 cells by Lipofectin reagent. The stable-transfected cell colonies were selected by hygromycin. Cell viability was determined by the MTT assay. The level of ERCC1 mRNA was measured by Northern Blot analysis. Single cell gel electrophoresis assay was applied to determine the cellular DNA damage and fifty cells for each group were counted.

RESULTSSeven positive colonies expressing ERCC1 antisense RNA were screened. There was no growth rate difference between the antisense-transfected cells and the parental cells. The endogenous mRNA level in transfected colonies decreased in varied degrees, i.e. 12% approximately 86% of that of the parental cells in Northern Blot assay. After 24 h treatment of 10 micro mol/l benzo[a]pyrene, the repair capability for DNA damage in transfected colonies was reduced to 29% approximately 71% of that of the parental cells. Also, a statistically significant correlation was observed between expression of ERCC1 mRNA and repair capability (r = 0.84).

CONCLUSIONAntisense ERCC1 RNA decreased the repair capability for damaged DNA in lung cancer cells induced by benzo[a]pyrene.

Benzo(a)pyrene ; toxicity ; Cell Line, Tumor ; DNA Damage ; drug effects ; DNA Repair ; drug effects ; DNA-Binding Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; pharmacology ; Endonucleases ; genetics ; metabolism ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; pathology ; Plasmids ; RNA, Antisense ; pharmacology ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Repressor Proteins ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo develop a with high efficiency and practicality for separating and purifying total steroidal saponins lax china.

METHODUsing adsorption capacity and desorption rate of total steroidal saponins as the primary screening index, surveyed, and the optimized conditions of adsorption and desorption of total steroidal saponins were studied.

RESULTThe adsorption and desorption rate of total steroidal saponins reached 16 mg x mL(-1) and 90% respectively for macroporous resin HPD100 chosen. Macroporous resin HPD100 could be well used in separating and purifying total steroidal saponins from S. china.

Adsorption ; Anion Exchange Resins ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Rhizome ; chemistry ; Saponins ; isolation & purification ; Smilax ; chemistry ; Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet ; methods

To analyze and evaluate predictive value of preoperative changes of serum levels of brain natri‐uretic peptide (BNP) and homocysteine (Hcy) levels for therapeutic effect and prognosis of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG ) in patients undergoing CABG .Methods : Clinical data of 115 patients undergoing CABG in our hospital were collected .Preoperative serum levels of BNP and Hcy were compared among patients with different disease severity , therapeutic effect and prognosis .Influence of serum BNP and Hcy levels on therapeutic effect and prognosis of CABG were analyzed .Results : Compared with medium and mild disease group , there were significant rise in preoperative serum levels of BNP [ (151.86 ± 22.57) pg／L vs.(82.57 ± 10.26) pg／L vs.(283.51 ± 32.47) pg／L] and Hcy [ (18.37 ± 4.51) μmol／L vs.(12.74 ± 2. 04) μmol／L vs.(31.56 ± 5.17) μmol／L] in severe disease group , and those of medium disease group were significantly higher than those of mild disease group , P＝0.001 all ;compared with effective group and ineffective group , there were significant reductions in preoperative serum levels of BNP [ (227. 49 ± 24. 52) pg／L vs.(308.26 ± 34.12) pg／L vs.(90.13 ± 10. 75) pg／L] and Hcy [ (29. 12 ± 5. 83) μmol／L vs.(46.15 ± 7.49) μmol／L vs.(19.03 ± 3.77) μmol／L] in markedly effective group , and those of effec‐tive group were significantly lower than those of ineffective group , P＝ 0.001 all.Compared with stenotic graft group and smooth graft group , there were significant rise in preoperative serum levels of BNP [ (271. 47 ± 25.18) pg／L vs .(92.41 ± 11.06) pg／L vs.(312. 54 ± 35.06) pg／L] and Hcy [ (33.08 ± 6. 14) μmol／L vs.(20. 05 ± 3. 68) μmol／L vs.(50.21 ± 7.75 ) μmol／L ] in death group , and those of stenotic graft group were significantly higher than those of smooth graft group , P＝0.001 all .Spearman correlation analysis indicated that serum BNP and Hcy levels were significant positively correlated with severity of CHD and prognosis of CABG ( r＝0. 624～0.814 , P＜0.05 or ＜0. 01).Multifactor Logistic regression analysis indicated that serum BNP and Hcy levels were independent risk factors for prognosis after CABG in CHD patients (OR＝ 5.133 , 1. 803 , P＝ 0.001 both ).Conclusion : The higher preoperative levels of BNP and Hcy before CABG are , the worse therapeutic effects are , and the higher risk of adverse prognosis of vascular stenosis and death are .