Osteoclast (OC) are bone resorbing cells whose development and activity are under the influence of osteoblast (OB). The potential association between those two cell lineages is an area of significant interest. It was not until 1998 that osteoclast differentiation factor (ODF) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) was cloned. The two novel TNF superfamily members have been recently demonstrate to be the key extracellular regulators of osteoclasteogenesis and bone resorption both in vivo and in vitro, and they play important roles in osteoporosis development, diagnosis and treatment.

Objective Focal nodular hyperplasia(FNH) is composed of multiple hyperplastic liver cell nodules,but its pathogenesis has not been elucidated. Foci (FAH) or nodules of altered hepatocytes (NAH) are precursors of hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) and carcinoma.This study aimed at identifying FAH and NAH from FNH and evaluating their role in FNH development.Methods 6 FNH lesions from 5 patients and 10 HCA from 9 patients were examined histologically,and expression levels of CD_(34) cytokeratin 19(CKl9) and Ki-67 antigen were demonstrated immunohistochemicailly.Proliferative activity was evaluated by Ki-67 antigen-labeling indices(Ki-67 LI).Results Multiple FAH and NAH were identified in all of the 6 FNH lesions. Whiie micmvasculatures were demonstrated by CD_(34) immunoreactivity in both HCA and FNH,their density and distribution were different in these two lesions,being diffuse in HCA and focal or nodular,mainly within NAH.CKl9 expression Was found in FNH,localized in ductal and ductular cells,but not within NAH and HCA.Average Ki.67 LI of 73 NAH(2.8%) was shown to be higher than that of the whole FNH lesions (0.6%),and had no statistieal difference comparable to that of HCA(1.8%).Conclusion Muhiple NAH are present in all classical FNH lesions.Unlike the surrounding parenchyma,NAH lesions are more proliferative and equipped with CD_(34)-positive microvasculatures as in HCA.

Objective To introduce 13 clinical cases of reconstructing traumatic defect on skin of thumb and first web using nail skin flap of big toe connectedwith tibial flap of second toe.Methods From May 2003 to April 2007,a series of 13 case8 of traumatic thumb and first web defect were treated by transplantation of nail skin flap of big toe connecting with tibial skin flap of second toe.Among which two total hand degloving injury cages were included too.Two kind of way according the Gilbert type of the Ist metatarsus dorsal artery were used.Results All the cases were successful and healed by first intention.The contour of reconstructed thumbs showed to be normal or approximately normal.Follow-up examination were obtained in nine cases for 3-17 postoperative months(average 7 months).Sensations of pain,touch and temperature recovered.The two-point-discrimination sensation were found to be 7-17 mm respectively.Opposition measured were 60°-85°(average 75°).All the patients can be back to work and restored activities of daily living.Conclusion In treating soft tissue defect of thumb and first web,transplantation of the nail skin flap of big toe connecting with tibial lateral skin flap Can yield ideal skin covering and exceHent motor function.

Objective To describe the development of nodules of altered hepatocytes (NAH) in chronic hepatitis B and to reveal progression of the nodules to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods HCC, NAH and ordinary regenerative nodules (ORN) were identified and compared histologically. Expression levels of hepatitis B virus (HBV) antigens, mitoactivity and p53 accumulation in these lesions were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Results Multiple foci of altered hepatocytes (FAH) and NAH were identified in the liver parenchyma surrounding HCC in all of the samples examined. Sequential architectural and cellular changes were observed during the progression of FAH to NAH and HCC. Expression levels of HBV surface and core antigens were found to be significantly decreased in ORN, NAH and HCC, with their positive rates being 70 % (35/50), 50 % (25/50), 10 % (5/50) and 60 % (30/50), 40 % (20/50), 6 % (3/50), respectively (P ＜0.05). Ki-67-1abelling indices were determined to be (0.58±0.49) %, (2.46±1.05) % and (40.36±26.27) %in these lesions, respectively (P ＜0.05). Nuclear p53 accumulation was found only in HCC. Its occurrence was associated to a high histological grade, with its frequencies being 13 % (1/8), 41% (11/27) and 73 % (11/15)in grade 1, 2 and 3 lesions, respectively. Conclusion NAH lesions, identified by their morphologic features and mitoactivity elevation, are detectable in resected liver samples with chronic hepatitis B and cirrhosis. They represent a common HCC precursor and can be used as a surrogate marker for the surveillance of high-risk individuals.

Objective To investigate the changes of CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T lymphocyte (Treg) and expressions of folkhead helix transcription factor 3 (FoxP3) in intestinal mucosa in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients. Methods Twenty-one HIV infected patients and 17 control subjects without HIV infection were included in this study. The expression of FoxP3, which was considered as a specific marker of CD4+ CD25 + Treg, was detected in intestinal mucosa specimens from HIV infected patients by immunohistochemistry. Meanwhile, the in situ expression of CD4+ T lymphocyte was also determined by immunohistochemistry. The data were analyzed by t test. Results The positive labeling index of CD4+ T lymphocyte in intestinal mucosa was significantly lower in HIV infected patients compared to the controls (11. 56%±4. 44% vs 43. 49% ±8. 90% ,t=-11. 86,P<0. 01). The positive labeling index of FoxP3 in intestinal mucosa was also significantly lower in HIV infected patients compared to the controls (0.46% ± 0.20% vs 1. 18% ± 0. 44% ,t= - 5. 98,P<0.01). Conclusion The depletion of CD4+ CD25+ Treg is accompanied with the depletion of CD4 + T lymphocyte and the reduction of FoxP3 expression in intestinal mucosa of HIV infected patients.

Objective To investigate the value of positron emisson tomography-computed tomography ( PET-CT) in monitoring the residual lesions in lipiodol sedimentary region and extrahepatic metastastic lesions of hepatocellular carcinoma ( HCC) with alpha fetoproteins ( AFP) positive after interventional therapy. Methods The data of 20 cases with primary HCC confirmed by histopathology were retrospectively analyzed. Their AFP levels decreased to normal range after interventional treatments, but rose to abnormal high level during following-up. After the abdominal routine imaging examinations, the definite diagnosis of the residual lesions in lipiodol sedimentary region or extrahepatic lesions can't be made confidently. All cases were scanned by PET-CT, and according to their PET-CT results, the further treatments were given and the therapeutic results were monitored with radiology and AFP tests. Results In all 20 cases, 10 of them were detected to have the extrahepatic metastastic lesions by PET-CT, including 4 with abdominal wall metastasis upon the liver, 3 with solitary pulmonary metastasis with diameter less than 1 cm, 2 with mesenteric mestastasis, 1 with mestastasis of operative incisions, but these lesions were neglected by abdominal routine imaging examinations. Eight cases showed the uneven lipiodol sedimentary region in the primary lesion by CT or MRI examination, but can't be diagnosed whether it was residual lesion with other examinations including DSA. A definite diagnosis was obtained by PET-CT. In 2 cases, lymph nodes less than 1. 5 cm were found in the hepatic portal area(PHA) and retroperitoneum on CT images,which was determined to be metastatic by PET-CT. All the detected lesions were given further treatments of surgery or interventional therapy. Most patients showed decreased AFP levels except the 2 patients with lymph node metastasis. The imaging examinations also indicated that the treatments had a good effect on lesions. Conclusion In the patients with HCC and abnormal high levels of AFP, in addition to abdominal routine imaging examinations, PET-CT is beneficial for those who is suspected of residual lesions in lipiodol sedimentary region or extrahepatic metastasis.

Objective To compare the diagnostic values of US-guided optical imaging system (OPTIMUS) and full-field digital mammography (FFDM) in breast neoplasms. Methods Sixty-four patients suspected of breast neoplasms underwent OPTIMUS and FFDM before surgery. All patients were proved histopathologically. The accuracy of diagnosis was compared with chi-square test. Results Sixty-five masses were delineated by OPTIMUS and FFDM. The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of OPTIMUS were 86. 2% ( 56/65 ), 87.0% ( 20/23 ) and 85.7% ( 36/42 ), respectively. The positive likelihood ratio was 6. 09 and the negative likelihood ratio was 0. 175. The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of FFDM were 73.8% (48/65), 82. 6% ( 19/23 ) and 71.4% (30/42), respectively. The positive likelihood ratio was 2. 892 and the negative likelihood ratio was 0. 243. There were no significant differences between OPTIMUS and FFDM ( x2 = 3. 077 ,P ＞ 0. 05). Conclusion OPTIMUS is similar and supplementary to FFDM for the diagnosis of breast neoplasms.

Objective To investigate the trans-arterial delivery of p53 gene transfection efficiency and therapy effect on hepatic carcinoma in combination with transferrin mediated by liposome. Methods Twenty-five VX2 experimental rabbits were randomly divided into five groups, and the different doses of transferrin combined with p53-LipofectAMINE complex were delivered into the hepatic arteries of the VX2 hepatic carcinoma models. The tissue protein of the carcinoma was extracted after 48 h and the transfection efficiency and expression rate of p53 gene were analyzed by western blot and immune histochemical techniques, to inspect the expression proportion of p53 with different doses transferring. Another ten VX2 were divided into two groups, recombinant plasmid p53-LipofectAMINE complex and transferrin-p53-LipofectAMINE complex were delivered into the hepatic arteries in two groups respectively. The liver function, size of the tumor and survival time of the animals was compared between the two groups, and results were analyzed statistically. Results Semiquantitative analysis by Western Blot showed that the transfection and expression efficiency of p53 gene combined with transferrin were higher than those without it. By immune histochemieal techniques, the p53 gene's positive rate of highly expression with various doses of transferrin were found to be different, and there was remarkable difference between the groups with and without transferring. They were 58. 33%, 69. 44%, 80. 00%, 83.33%, 81.67% respectively, there was remarkable difference between the groups with and without transferring ( Totality: x2 = 42. 37, P < 0. 01 ). The p53 gene's positive rate of expression increased gradually as the doses of transferrin increasing from 0 up to 200 μg, but the differences of positive rate had no statistical significance as the doses of transferrin increasing from 200 up to 400 μg ( x2 section : 3 groups as former x2 = 4. 82, P < 0. 05,3 groups as latter x2 =0. 67 ,P <0. 05). There was no statistical difference in the liver function at points of time between VX2 rabbits with and without transferring. But the tumors' sizes had significant difference at various points of time. Conclusion Liposome-mediated p53 gene on treating hepatic carcinoma by trans-arterial gene delivery combined with transferrin is safe, and it can markedly enhance transfection efficiency and improve the therapy effect of p53 gene.

OBJECTIVETo identify the type of iron deposition and describe its amount, distribution and associated lesions, in order to support an etiologic diagnosis for hemochromatosis.

METHODSHematoxylineosin (HE) stain, reticular fiber stain, Masson's stain and Perl's iron stain were used to assess liver biopsies from 31 patients with hemochromatosis. The Ishak scoring system and Deugnier scoring system were used to assess the histological change in liver and to semi-quantify the excess of hepatic iron. Genetic testing results were received from a portion of the patients and used in analysis.

RESULTSOne patient had hereditary (-HFE) hemochromatosis complicated with Gilbert's syndrome, for which the pattern of iron deposition was similar to that of the four patients with Gilbert's syndrome. Iron accumulation appeared as fine granules predominating at the biliary pole of cells and was distributed throughout the lobule with a decreasing gradient spanning from the periportal to centrolobular areas. Mild chronic inflammation was found to be commonly associated with low stage fibrosis.One patient had HFE hemochromatosis complicated with hepatitis B virus infection, and the pattern of iron deposition resembled that in the eight patients with viral hepatitis, wherein the deposition was mainly in the sinusoidal cells and/or portal macrophages. Histological grading and fibrosis staging differed among patients. The five patients with blood disordered showed iron accumulation mainly in the periportal hepatocytes, but mesenchymal iron deposits were also present. The grade of inflammation, as well as of fibrosis,was mild. The five patients with alcoholic disease and the five patients with drug-induced hepatitis showed hepatic iron deposition in swollen or ballooned hepatocytes. The two patients with excessive iron supply showed iron deposition localized within the parenchymal and mesenchymal cells.

CONCLUSIONEtiologic diagnosis of hemochromatosis relies on both the type of iron deposition and the nature of associated lesions. Liver biopsy is necessary for both diagnosis and prognosis.

Objective To investigate the tissue characteristics within vascular stent and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)on swine and to provide more information for the understanding and prevention of vascular stent and TIPS restenosis.Methods Animal models for TIPS were built in 6 swine and vascular stents were implanted in iliac veins simultaneouly.14-28 days after the operation.the 6 swine were killed to remove the TIPS and vascular stent and the pathological examinations were performed on the tissues within the shunt and stent.The similarities and difierences of the tissues within the shunt and stent were analvzed with Kruskal Wallis test. Results Restenosis of TIPS occurred in 4 models and complete occlusion were seen in 2,while all vascular stents were patent and coated with a thin layer of intimal tissueElectron micmscopic results showed that the tissues in restenotic TIPS were loose and with more extra matrix and fibers.and less smooth muscle,fibroblastic and myofibroblastic cells with different and irregular shape and rich secretory granules.The tissues in patent,TIPS contained more extra fibers,smooth muscle and fibmblastic cells with normal organdie.The intimal tissues in vascular stent contained more fibers and fibroblasts cells.less smooth muscle cells.On immunohistoehemical staining,the tissues in restenotlc and Datent TIPS as well as the intimal tissues in vascular stent had strong positive expression for anti-SMCactin-α.the expression were gradually weakened for PCNA,the intimal tissues in vascular stent had a strong positive expression for vimentin,while the expression of the tissues in restenotic and patent TIPS were weakened gradually.For myoglobulin,the tissues in restenotic TIPS had weakly positive expression,the expression in patent TIPS and vascular stent were almost negative. Western blot results for TGF-β showed that the absorbance ratios of the intima tissues in vascular stent,normal vascular tissues,normal liver tissues.the tissues in restenotic and patent TIPS were 0.23,0,0,0.57 and 0.30 respectively,and they were significantiy different (H=27.8,P＜0.01).Conclusions The tissues in restenotic TIPS mainly contain proliferated SMCs which have positive expression for anti-SMC-actin-α,strong proliferation and movement but unstability.The tissues in patent TIPS and intimal tissues in Vascular stent mainly contain fibroblastie cells which have positive expression for vimentin and stability.