OBJECTIVETo study the morphologic classification of mammary ductal hyperplasia, and its criteria and the significance in distinguishing atypical hyperplasia from carcinoma-in-situ.

METHODSThe clinicopathologic features of 300 cases of hyperplasia of breast were reviewed. Whole-organ H&E sections were also available in 86 cases of breast carcinoma. The occurrence of atypical hyperplasia in adjacent breast tissue was assessed.

RESULTSFibroadenomatoid changes were typically observed in the 21-30 age groups and atypical hyperplasia occurred more frequently in 40-60 age groups. Amongst the hyperplastic cases, cystic diseases of the breast were noted in only 6%. In contrast, fibroadenomatoid changes were more common (25.4%). Atypical ductal hyperplasia occurred in adjacent breast tissue of 65.1% of the carcinoma cases. The incidence was higher (74.9%) if the main lesion was ductal carcinoma-in-situ.

CONCLUSIONSThere is a close association between atypical hyperplasia and breast carcinoma. It is prudent to distinguish between usual and atypical hyperplasia. Morphologic differentiation between atypical ductal hyperplasia and ductal carcinoma-in-situ may sometimes be difficult.

Adult ; Breast ; pathology ; Breast Neoplasms ; pathology ; Carcinoma in Situ ; pathology ; Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast ; pathology ; Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating ; pathology ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Fibroadenoma ; pathology ; Humans ; Hyperplasia ; pathology ; Middle Aged ; Precancerous Conditions ; pathology

LMO4 is a novel member of the LIM-only (LMO) subfamily of LIM domain-containing transcription factors, so named because they are composed almost entirely of two tandem LIM domains. This subgroup of LIM proteins has 4 members: LMO-1, LMO-2, LMO-3 and LMO-4. They all play important roles in the normal mammalian development, functioning as an important regulator of cell proliferation. LMO4 is highly expressed in the epithelial compartments at locations of active epithelial-mesenchymal interactions, and can interact with some signaling pathways involved in epithelial-mesenchymal signaling. Thus the disregulation of LMO4 expression may be involved in tumorigenesis. In this paper, we will at first expound LMO4 in detail, based on which the possible mechanisms for its interaction with TGF-β signaling and the roles of this cross-talk between them in the vital process of cell will be introduced. All of those will add to our understanding of tumorigenesis and contribute to the search of new targets for the treatment of cancer.
Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing ; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition ; Homeodomain Proteins ; metabolism ; physiology ; Humans ; LIM Domain Proteins ; Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Signal Transduction ; Transcription Factors ; metabolism ; physiology ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; metabolism

An extremely thermoacidophilic isolate K4-1 was obtained from an acidic hot spring in Teng- chong Rehai, Yunnan province. Morphology, growth characteristics, utilization of carbon compounds, en- ergy sources and 16S rRNA gene sequence of K4-1 were studied. Cells of K4-1 are irregular cocci with monotrichous flagella. The strain grew aerobically in either a lithotrophic or a heterotrophic mode. Growth on elemental sulfur occurred through oxidation of sulfur. It grew optimally at 75?C and pH 3.5. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain K4-1 was shown to belong to genus Sulfolobus, being related to the type strains of genus Sulfolobus (86.6%~94.3% similarity), and being most closely related to strain Sulfolobus tengchongensis RT8-4 (98.9% similarity). The GenBank accession number of strain K4-1 16S rRNA gene sequence is EU729124.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of valsartan on expression of angiotensin II receptors in different regions of heart after myocardial infarction (MI).

METHODSCanines were divided into sham-operated control group (n=7), infarction group (n=7) and Valsartan group (10 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1) for 4 weeks after MI operation, n=7). Four weeks after operation, Doppler tissue imaging (DTI) was used to evaluate regional ventricular function in the noninfarcted myocardium (apical and basal near to the infarction region). The mRNA and protein expressions of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1-R) and angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2-R) on the corresponding regions were detected by competitive reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction technique and immunohistochemical technique respectively. Results The protein and mRNA expressions of AT1-R were significantly increased in both apical and basal regions near to the infarction in dogs with MI compared with those in control group (P < 0.05) which could be downregulated by valsartan (P < 0.05). AT2-R expressions were significantly upregulated in infarction group in both apical and basal regions compared with those in control group and valsartan further increased AT2-R expressions in both areas (P < 0.05). Myocardial peak systolic velocity (Sm), myocardial peak early diastolic velocity (Em) and myocardial peak late diastolic velocity (Am) at both apical and basal regions near to the infarction regions were significantly lower in MI group than those in the control group which could be significantly improved by valsartan.

CONCLUSIONBoth mRNA and protein expressions of AT1-R and AT2-R are upregulated in noninfarcted regions near MI, valsartan improved myocardial function via inhibiting AT1-R upregulation and enhancing AT2-R upregulation.

Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Animals ; Dogs ; Female ; Male ; Myocardial Infarction ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Myocardium ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1 ; metabolism ; Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 2 ; metabolism ; Tetrazoles ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Valine ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Valsartan

OBJECTIVETo establish a method for the simultaneous determination of 15 pesticides residues in Radix Paeoniae Alba by large volume injection-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(LVI-GC-MS).

METHODSThe pesticides, including organochlorine pesticides, organophosphorus pesticides and pyrethroid insecticides, were analyzed by LVI-GC-MS using DB-5MS capillary column (30 m X 250 μm, 0.25 μm). The column temperature programming: initial temperature 40 degree for 1 min, with the increasing rate of 20 degree/min to 210 degree for 2 min, then with the increasing rate of 5 degree/min to 280 degree for 22 min. The flow of carrier gas was 1.0 ml/min with the injection volume of 15 μl.

RESULTSThe calibration curves of the pesticides were linear in the specified concentration ranges with correlation coefficients of 0.9937-0.9995. The average recoveries of the pesticides in Radix Paeoniae Alba spiked at two spiked levels ranged from 60.4 % to 106.8 % (for pendimethalin and 4, 4'-DDE those were 53.1 % and 45.2 %) with relative standard deviation(RSD) of 3.6 % to 18.6 % and the detection limits (S/N=3) were in the range of 0.16 μg/kg to 3.59 μg/kg.

CONCLUSIONThe established method for determination of multi-pesticide residue in Radix Paeoniae Alba is rapid, convenient and accurate with high sensitivity and low-cost.

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry ; methods ; Paeonia ; chemistry ; Pesticide Residues ; analysis

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the value of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in estimating risk stratification in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and to determine the relationship between BNP and adverse cardiac events after AMI.

METHODSThe 135 subjects were selected into the study, including 25 healthy subjects and 110 patients with a first AMI. The plasma concentrations of BNP were measured at two to four days after infarction in patients and healthy controls. Left ventricular function was evaluated by echocardiography with the parameters of left ventricular ejection function (LVEF) after 3 months. Patients were followed up at 12 months. The main outcome measures were heart failure, left remodeling, mortality and other adverse cardiac events at one year.

RESULTSPlasma BNP concentrations in patients with AMI were much higher than those in the health control people (416.7 +/- 208.0 ng/L versus 61.8 +/- 34.1 ng/L, P < 0.01). The BNP count ranged from 5 to 2500 ng/L in AMI patients. There was no association between the BNP count and mortality rate. The development of new congestive heart failure (CHF) was associated with a higher BNP count (P = 0.02). The development of any of the clinical end points (death/CHF/shock) occurred more frequently in patients with a higher BNP count (13.8% for BNP count of < 100 ng/L, 39.1% for BNP count of 100 - 200 ng/L, 43.3% for BNP count of 200 - 400 ng/L, 46.4% for BNP count of > 400 ng/L; P = 0.019). Plasma BNP concentrations remained independently associated with the development of clinical end points in multivariable model that adjusted for potential confounding variables.

CONCLUSIONThe results of the present study confirm that the elevated BNP count related to the risk stratification and prognosis in patients with AMI. Elevations in BNP count are associated with a higher incidence of new CHF and adverse clinical outcomes after AMI. It could serve as a strong predictor for the subsequent development of poor outcomes in AMI patients.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myocardial Infarction ; blood ; diagnosis ; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain ; blood ; Prognosis

OBJECTIVETo investigate the efficacy of the procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids (PPH) combined with external hemorrhoids excision in the treatment of III or IV mixed hemorrhoids.

METHODSOne hundred and twelve patients with III or IV mixed hemorrhoids admitted for surgical treatment were randomly divided into three groups: PPH 1 group (34 cases), PPH2 group (36 cases), and Milligan-Morgan group (42 cases). PPH1 group received the standard PPH operation, PPH2 received PPH and external hemorrhoids excision, and Milligan-Morgan group received Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy. Postoperative 24 h-pain index, pain index when defecating, bleeding, anal discomfort feeling , wound edema, the ability of controlling feces, operating time, hospitalization time and charges were recorded. The change of anal dynamics was detected by anorectal manometry. All the patients were followed-up for 0.5-1 year.

RESULTSThere were no significant differences among the three groups in bleeding, anal discomfort feeling, the ability of controlling feces (P>0.05). The postoperative 24 h-pain index of PPH1 group was lower than those of the other two groups (P<0.05). PPH1 group and PPH2 group were better than Milligan-Morgan group in pain index when defecating, wound edema, operating time, and hospitalization time (P<0.05). Milligan-Morgan group was better than the other two groups in postoperative urinary retention and hospital charges (P<0.05). The change of anal duct pressure of Milligan-Morgan group was less than those of the other two groups (P<0.05). Within 0.5-1.0 year follow-up, 3 patients got thrombosed external hemorrhoid in PPH1 group, 2 patients recurred and 1 patient got thrombosed external hemorrhoid in Milligan-Morgan group, no recurred patients in PPH2 group.

CONCLUSIONPPH combined with external hemorrhoid excision is a safe and effective treatment for mixed hemorrhoids, which is suitable for mixed hemorrhoids with severe external hemorrhoids.

Adult ; Aged ; Anal Canal ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hemorrhoids ; pathology ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prolapse ; Surgical Stapling

In order to build a protein expression system in a cold-adapted bacterium Acinetobacter sp. DWC6, a promoter probe vector was constructed based on the plasmid pBR322. A fragment containing the promoter of the beta-lactamase gene (the ampicillin resistance gene) in pBR322 was eliminated and replaced by a fragment comprizing a kanamycin resistance gene amplified from pJRD215. DNA fragment harboring in the Acinetobacter species specific ori was also inserted into the plasmid pBR322 to construct a promoter probe vector named pBAP1, which could replicate both in E. coli and in Acinetobacter sp. DWC6. The promoter selection library was constructed by randomly inserting genomic DNA fragment of Acinetobacter sp. DWC6 at upstream of reported gene, and target promoters were screened from genomic library on ampicillin selection plates. The function of pBAP1 and isolated promoters were determined by detection of the ampicillin sensitivity and the expression level of beta-lactamase in the host cell.
Acinetobacter ; genetics ; Adaptation, Physiological ; Bacterial Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cloning, Molecular ; Cold Temperature ; DNA, Bacterial ; genetics ; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; Models, Genetic ; Plasmids ; genetics ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; genetics ; beta-Lactamases ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of combined beta(1) adrenergic receptor (AR) antagonist with beta(2)AR agonist therapy on cardiac function and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in heart failure rats.

METHODSHeart failure was induced by isoproterenol and rats were randomly divided into metoprolol group (50 mg/kg twice daily/gavage, n = 11), combined treatment group (fenoterol 125 microg/kg and metoprolol 50 mg/kg twice daily/gavage, n = 11) and placebo group (saline, n = 10), another normal 9 male Wistar rats served as control group. After 8 weeks' treatment, cardiac function, apoptosis index (AI), Caspase-3 activity, expression levels of bcl-2 and bax protein, organ weight/body weight and collagen volume fraction (CVF) were evaluated.

RESULTS(1) Left ventricular end diastolic dimension, left ventricular end systolic dimension and E/A ratio were significantly increased and fractional shortening, ejection fraction significantly reduced post isoproterenol (all P < 0.05 vs. control) and these changes were significantly attenuated by metoprolol alone (all P < 0.05 vs. placebo) and further attenuated by the metoprolol and fenoterol combination therapy (all P < 0.05 vs. placebo and metoprolol). (2) Left ventricular weight to body weight ratio, lung weight to body weight ratio and CVF were also significantly reduced in metoprolol and combined treatment group than those in placebo group (all P < 0.01). (3) Compared with placebo group, AI and Caspase-3 activity were significantly lower in metoprolol group (all P < 0.01 vs. placebo) and further reduced in combined treatment group (all P < 0.01 vs. metoprolol). (4) The expression level of bax protein was significantly lower in metoprolol group while bcl-2/bax significantly higher than those in placebo group. These changes were more significant in combined treatment group (all P < 0.01 vs. metoprolol).

CONCLUSIONSbeta(1)AR antagonist in combination with beta(2)AR agonist further improved the cardiac function and prevented cardiac remodeling compared with using beta(1)AR antagonist alone in heart failure rats. Downregulated bax and upregulated bcl-2/bax expressions might contribute to the observed beneficial therapy effects by reducing cardiomyocyte apoptosis in these animals.

Adrenergic beta-1 Receptor Antagonists ; Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists ; Adrenergic beta-Agonists ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Adrenergic beta-Antagonists ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Heart Failure ; drug therapy ; Male ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; cytology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Ventricular Remodeling

BACKGROUNDHelicobacter pylori (H. pylori) frequently colonizes the stomach. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common and costly disease. But the relationship of H. pylori and GERD is still unclear. This study aimed to explore the effect of H. pylori and its eradication on reflux esophagitis therapy.

METHODSPatients diagnosed with reflux esophagitis by endoscopy were enrolled; based on rapid urease test and Warth-Starry stain, they were divided into H. pylori positive and negative groups. H. pylori positive patients were randomly given H. pylori eradication treatment for 10 days, then esomeprazole 20 mg bid for 46 days. The other patients received esomeprazole 20 mg bid therapy for 8 weeks. After treatment, three patient groups were obtained: H. pylori positive eradicated, H. pylori positive uneradicated, and H. pylori negative. Before and after therapy, reflux symptoms were scored and compared. Healing rates were compared among groups. The χ2 test and t-test were used, respectively, for enumeration and measurement data.

RESULTSThere were 176 H. pylori positive (with 92 eradication cases) and 180 negative cases. Healing rates in the H. pylori positive eradicated and H. pylori positive uneradicated groups reached 80.4% and 79.8% (P = 0.911), with reflux symptom scores of 0.22 and 0.14 (P = 0.588). Healing rates of esophagitis in the H. pylori positive uneradicated and H. pylori negative groups were, respectively, 79.8% and 82.2% (P = 0.848); reflux symptom scores were 0.14 and 0.21 (P = 0.546).

CONCLUSIONSBased on esomeprazole therapy, H. pylori infection and eradication have no significant effect on reflux esophagitis therapy.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Amoxicillin ; therapeutic use ; Esomeprazole ; therapeutic use ; Esophagitis, Peptic ; drug therapy ; etiology ; microbiology ; Female ; Gastroesophageal Reflux ; drug therapy ; etiology ; microbiology ; Helicobacter Infections ; complications ; drug therapy ; Helicobacter pylori ; drug effects ; pathogenicity ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tinidazole ; therapeutic use ; Young Adult