OBJECTIVETo study the prognostic identification of lymph node negative breast carcinoma by quantitative pathologic technique.

METHODSSeveral morphometrical parameters, DNA content of cell nuclei were detected by means of a quantitative pathologic technique on 102 patients with lymph node negative invasive breast duct carcinoma. The effects of potential prognostic factors of lymph node negative breast cancer patients were assessed by Cox's proportional hazards regression model.

RESULTSDNA index, minimal diameter of nuclei, area of nuclei, maximal diameter of nuclei, and the perimeter of nuclei are important factors to influence the prognosis.

CONCLUSIONQuantitative pathologic technique combined with valid statistical methods, as an objective means of assessing prognosis, may reliably improve the outcome in lymph node negative breast cancer.

Adult ; Aged ; Breast Neoplasms ; pathology ; DNA, Neoplasm ; analysis ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; Prognosis

Objective To analyze the bio-mechanics when hemiplegics reach with the unaffected upper limb.Methods Thirty post-stroke hemiplegics were selected into the patient group,while 23 healthy counterparts were chosen for the control group.Both groups completed a reaching test of their upper limbs which divided reaching into a moving stage and a holding stage.Surface electromyography (sEMG) data were recorded during the tests along with the degree of torso twist,the range of motion of the shoulder,movement velocity,smoothness of movement and angle divergence collected using a wearable micro-sensor motion capture system.Results For the stroke patients whose dominant upper limb was unaffected,the average root mean square (RMS) signal from the upper trapezius (34.3 μV) and the average torso twist (-1.4°) in the moving phase were significantly larger than among the control subjects (19.7 μV and-2.3°),but their average movement velocity was significantly slower.In the holding phase the average RMS signal from the upper trapezius (55.4 μV) was still significantly higher than in the control group,but their average pectoralis major signal and the integrated EMG ratio of the anterior segments of the deltoid and upper trapezius muscle pairs were significantly lower.For the stroke patients whose dominant upper limbs were affected,in thc moving phase their average signal from the middle segments of the deltoid were significantly greater than those of the controls,but their movement velocity was significantly slower.For the control subjects,in the moving phase the average signal from the upper trapezius on their non-dominant side was significantly higher than that from the dominant upper limb.The integrated EMG ratio from the anterior segments of the deltoid and upper trapezius muscle pairs on that side was smaller throughout the whole reaching movement.Conclusion The bio-mechanical characteristics in reaching of the unaffected upper limbs of stroke patients are not the same as those of the corresponding upper limbs of healthy subjects.It is more reasonable to select the corresponding upper limbs of healthy subjects as controls when a bio-mechanical study of the affected upper limbs is conducted.

Objective To document the kinematics of upper-limb motor dysfunction among hemiplegic stroke survivors.Methods Thirty-nine stroke survivors with hemiplegia were selected as the experimental group,while twenty-five healthy counterparts were chosen as the control group.Reaching movements performed in the sagittal plane were divided into an anteflexion phase and a holding phase.Three-dimensional kinematics data were captured using a micro-sensor motion capture system,and surface electromyograms (sEMGs) were recorded synchronously from the upper trapezius (UT),the anterior (AD) and middle (MD) segments of the deltoid,the biceps brachii (BB) and the triceps brachii (TB).The torso twist (TTD),the range of motion (ROM) of the shoulder,movement velocity (MV),isotonic instability degree (IT) and isometric instability degree (IM) were extracted.Integrated electromyography (iEMG) and work ratios were chosen as indicators to compare the two groups.The experimental group's kinematic indicators were correlated with that group's sEMG parameters.Results The average TTD,IT and IM in the experimental group were significantly larger than those of the control group,while the ROM of the shoulder and the MV were significantly smaller.During the anteflexion phase,the average iEMG from the UT in the experimental group was significantly larger than that of the control group,while the average iEMGs from their AD and TB were significantly smaller;The BB/TB work ratios in the experimental group were significantly greater than those of the conrol group,while the AD/UT and AD/MD ratios were significantly smaller.The results during the holding phase were similar.In the experimental group,torso twist was found to be positively correlated with the iEMG of the UT,and the ROM of the shoulder and movement velocity were also positively correlated with the iEMG of the AD.Conclusions Kinematics variables and sEMG features can be used to evaluate the motor dysfunction of hemiplegic stroke patients' affected upper limbs quantitatively and provide guidance for rehabilitation.

Objective To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)in treating renal calculi.Methods The data of 118 patients with renal calculi who had underg- one PCNL from July 2002 to August 2004 were retrospectively analyzed.There were 86 men and 32 women. The mean age was 39 years(range,7-68 years).Of the 118 cases,11 had pelvic calculi,16 had calyx cal- culi,35 had pelvocalyceal calculi,54 had staghorn calculi,and 2 had bilateral renal calculi.The mean stone size was 2.5 cm?1.5cm(ranged from 2.0 cm?1.0 cm to 4.5cm?4.0cm).Results Of the 118 ca- ses,112 underwent one-stage PCNL,and 6,two-stage PCNL.The procedure was performed by single tract in 114 cases,and by two tracts in 4 cases.Lithotomy was done by one session in 60 cases,by 2 sessions in 42 cases,and by 3 sessions in 16 cases.The total stone clearance rate was 81.4%.The mean operative time was 120 min,and mean hospital stay was 15 d.No blood transfusion was needed during operation,and only one patient experienced bleeding(about 500 ml)after 4 d postoperatively,and was cured by conservative treat- ment such as blood transfusion and anti-inflammation.No major complications were observed in other pa- tients.Conclusions PCNL has advantages of minimal trauma,less blood loss,fewer complications,and is safe and effective in treating renal calculi,especially for patients who will have the second procedure.

This study was aimed to analyze the BP1 binding site sequence upstream of β-globin gene in Chinese Han population, and to investigate polymorphism in the BP1 binding site upstream of β-globin gene, so as to provide the basis for exploration of relation between polymorphisms in the BP1 binding site and β-globin expression. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral leukocytes of 110 healthy individuals in Chinese Han population. Sequence of the BP1 binding site upstream of β-globin gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction, the polymorphic variation in the BP1 binding site was determined by DNA sequencing. The results indicated that 2 polymorphism loci were found in the BP1 binding site upstream of β-globin gene, they were C/T at the -551 bp region and (AC)(n)(AT)(x)T(y) at the -530 bp region in Chinese Han population. Frequencies of C and T were 60.4% and 39.6% at position -551. Analysis of the (AC)(n)(AT)(x)T(y) polymorphism revealed 9 different genotypes: (AC)(2)(AT)(9)T(5), (AC)(2)(AT)(8)T(5), (AC)(2)(AT)(7)T(7), (AC)(3)(AT)(7)T(5), (AC)(2)(AT)(8)T(9), (AC)(3)(AT)(8)T(5), (AC)(2)(AT)(10)T(3), (AC)(2)(AT)(11)T(3), and (AC)(2)(AT)(7)T(5) at position -530. Frequencies of 9 (AC)(n)(AT)(x)T(y) polymorphisms were 33.2%, 29.1%, 24.1%, 5.4%, 3.2%, 1.8%, 1.4%, 0.9%, and 0.9% respectively. It is concluded that rich (AC)(n)(AT)(x)T(y) polymorphisms at the -530 bp region in the BP1 binding site upstream of β-globin gene are found in Chinese Han population. (AC)(2)(AT)(9)T(5), (AC)(2)(AT)(8)T(5), and (AC)(2)(AT)(7)T(7) are 3 major polymorphisms among Chinese Han population, and (AC)(3)(AT)(8)T(5) is a novel polymorphism at the -530 bp region. More studies should be done to explore relation between (AC)(n)(AT)(x)T(y) polymorphisms and β-globin expression.
Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Base Sequence ; Binding Sites ; genetics ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; beta-Globins ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of combined CsA and FK506 with 5-FU on hepatocellular carcinoma rats.

METHODSA syngeneic rat model of hepatocellular carcinoma was used. Control group (A) underwent 4 ml 5% GS. Treatment group was divided into 3 groups namely, group B: only 5-FU and 5% GS; group C: 5-FU, CsA and 5% GS; group D: 5-FU, FK506 and 5%GS. Cell cycle, apoptosis, necrosis and mitochondrial transmembrane potential were measured by flow cytometry, laser scanning confocal microscopy, and electron transmission microscopy. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 10.0 for Windows software. Statistical comparisons were made with ANOVA followed by Dunnett's T3 or LSD test.

RESULTSCompared to the control group, the percentage of apoptotic cells including trifle necrotic cells was significantly higher, and among the treatment group, group D was the highest, and group C was higher than group B. In the treatment group, cell cycle of hepatoma cells was mainly arrested at S phase, but in group D, G0/G1 phase cells were significantly decreased and S phase cells significantly increased. Compared to the control group, mitochondrial transmembrane potential was significantly decreased in the treatment group, among with, group B was the lowest, group C was higher than group D. Morphological changes demonstrated by electron microscopy included dispersed nuclear chromatin, loss of nucleoli, membrane bleeding, cell shrinkage, typical apoptotic bodies and marked swelling of mitochondria in the treatment group. In the control group, however, they were characterized by normal cell ultrastructure.

CONCLUSIONSThe present study reveals that 5-FU combined with CsA or FK506 demonstrated a synergistic effect on hepatocellular carcinoma rats. For FK506, the powerful mutual effect is related to the increase of tumor cell's quantity in S phase. Both CsA and FK506 can provide protection on mitochondrial transmembrane potential reduction against hepatoma cells damage from 5-FU.

Animals ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; drug therapy ; Cyclosporine ; administration & dosage ; Fluorouracil ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Liver Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; Male ; Membrane Potentials ; drug effects ; Mitochondria ; drug effects ; physiology ; Necrosis ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Tacrolimus ; administration & dosage

OBJECTIVETo investigate the pathological characters and anatomic correction of penile epispadias.

METHODSThe urethra was formed by local urethra plate mucosa flaps. The contracture on dorsum of penis was released by cutting off the superficial suspensory ligament to reposition the penile and urethral sponge.

RESULTSFrom Jun. 2004 to Dec. 2010, 26 cases with penile epispadias were treated. 18 cases were followed up for 6 months to 5 years. 10 cases were treated successfully with good cosmetic and functional results. Urinary incontinence happened in 8 cases, which healed after tightening operation.

CONCLUSIONSThe anatomic correction of penile epispadias can recover the normal anatomic structure, resulting good cosmetic and functional results.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Epispadias ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Penis ; anatomy & histology ; surgery ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Skin Transplantation ; Surgical Flaps ; Urethra ; anatomy & histology ; surgery ; Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male ; methods ; Young Adult

The study was to investigate the expression levels of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the serum of patients with acute leukemia and supernatants of leukemia cell lines as well as effects of VEGF-specific antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ASODN) on the growth of HL-60 cells. Meanwhile the methods to evaluate the VEGF level in the serum of patients with acute leukemia were explored. The levels of bFGF and VEGF in the serum from 32 patients with acute leukemia and 10 healthy subjects and in the supernatants of 5 various human leukemia cell lines were quantified by means of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and were compared. VEGF levels were evaluated not only without standardization but also after standardized by platelet and finally expressed as VEGF/PLT (pg/10(6)). After with different concentrations of VEGF ASODN, HL-60 cell viability was examined with MTT assay and VEGF levels in supernatants were measured with ELISA, respectively. The results showed that bFGF was detected (3 pg/ml) in 14 out of 32 serum samples from patients with acute leukemia, and the positive (37.5%) was significantly higher than that in healthy controls (10%) (P < 0.01). 3 out of 5 supernanant samples obtained from leukemia cell lines demonstrated positive for bFGF as well. There is no difference of the serum VEGF levels between leukemia patients and healthy controls, but the serum VEGF levels in the serum from leukemia patients were significantly higher than those in healthy controls (P < 0.05) after standardization. 4 out of 5 leukemia cell (U937 excluded) were found to express VEGF in the supernanant. After exposure of HL-60 cells to VEGF ASODN at a concentration of 0.5, 1 and 5 micromol/L for 24 hours, the cell viability gradually dropped down to lower levels (P < 0.05 vs controls). After treatment of HL-60 cells with VEGF ASODN at a concentration of 1, 5 and 20 micromol/L for 24 hours, the VEGF levels in supernatants of target cells decreased (P < 0.05 vs controls). The patients with acute leukemia represented the higher levels of serum bFGF and VEGF than controls. Most of leukemia cell lines expressed bFGF and VEGF at different levels. It is concluded that bFGF and VEGF both have effects on regulations of angiogenesis in acute leukemia, but VEGF plays a pivotal role. VEGF-specific ASODN may have a role in them VEGF expression downregulated. Different results may be obtained in the evaluation of VEGF levels in the serum of patients with acute leukemia if different calculation methods are used. The methods reported can measure leukemia associated VEGF more accurately.
Acute Disease ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Child ; Culture Media, Conditioned ; metabolism ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Female ; Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 ; blood ; genetics ; metabolism ; HL-60 Cells ; Humans ; Leukemia ; blood ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Oligoribonucleotides, Antisense ; pharmacology ; U937 Cells ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; blood ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo observe the natural process of adenoid growth and degeneration as the age grows, to investigate the related clinical significance and pathologic characteristics of hypertrophied adenoid.

METHODSTotally 2650 (age 2 to 87) cases with nasal obstruction or/and other symptoms were included in the patients group, and 810 (age 3 to 85) subjects without symptoms were included as the control group. Morphological characteristics examined with nasal endoscope. Biopsy was performed for 39 cases. The adenoid was calcified as 4 degrees according to the size.

RESULTSIn the patient group, age 2 to 9, degree III and degree II adenoid were 81.1% (198/244) and 18.9% (46/244) respectively. And adenoid of children whose age 2 to 5 was 100.0% in degree III; In above 10 years old group, the adenoid was mostly degree II. In age 60 to 69 group, degree 0 was (66.5%), and in age 81 or above, degree 0 reaches 100%. And 19 years old was the youngest age at which adenoid of degree 0 started to be found and 21 was the oldest age at which there is no adenoid of degree III. In the control group, compared with the patient group, no statistical significant difference found in all other groups except in age 2 to 9 (degree III 57.9%, 22/38, degree II 42.1%, 16/38). Shapes of adenoids at degree II varied while degree I were almost like peeled orange. Pathologically, among children there are abundant of adenoidal lymph tissue, while in adults the lymph tissue getting less as age grows but with evident inflammation reaction. Among patients, the incidence of sinusitis and snoring was higher in degree III group compared with others, 47.4% and 18.7% respectively, and the differences is statistically significant (chi2 = 51.28, P < 0.01; chi2 = 40.26, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSAdenoid volume of children (age < 10) is the biggest, especially of children under 5 years old.

Adenoids ; pathology ; surgery ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Endoscopy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nasal Obstruction ; pathology ; surgery ; Young Adult

High-throughput sequencing was performed for the peripheral blood DNA from two probands in the family with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) to determine the sequences of TSC-related genes TSC1 and TSC2 and their splicing regions and identify mutation sites. Amplification primers were designed for the mutation sites and polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing were used to verify the sequences of peripheral blood DNA from the probands and their parents. The two probands had c.3981-3982 insA (p.Asp1327AspfsX87) and c.4013-4014 delCA (p.Ser1338Cysfs) heterozygous mutations, respectively, in the TSC2 gene. The parents of proband 1 had no abnormalities at these two loci; the mother of proband 2 had c.4013-4014 delCA heterozygous mutation in the TSC2 gene, while the father and the grandparents of proband 2 had no abnormalities. c.3981-3982 insA mutation may cause early coding termination of amino acid sequence at the 1413th site, and c.4013-4014 delCA mutation may cause early coding termination of amino acid sequence at the 1412th site. These two mutations are the pathogenic mutations for families 1 and 2, respectively, and both of them are novel frameshift mutations, but their association with the disease needs to be further verified by mutant protein function cell model and animal model.
Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Frameshift Mutation ; Humans ; Tuberous Sclerosis ; genetics ; Tumor Suppressor Proteins ; genetics