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

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

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.

Objective To observe the toxic reaction of the rats after repeatedly administrated with Annao wan for six months.Methods The 208 SD rats were randomly divided into blank control group ( water ) , low, medium and high dosage group ( 2, 4, 8 g? kg-1 Annao wan, everyday for six month).After six succession intragastric administration, stopped administration and all the animals experienced a stage of recovery for one month.Comparison of four groups of rats were general observa-tions, body weight, learning and memory ability, food -intake, body temperature, routine blood change, blood biochemical tests, urinalysis, gross anatomy check, the viscera coefficient of weight and inspection and histopathological examination.Results After six administration, except that the high dosage resulted in the decrease of food-intake and body weight on the male, there was no abnormal change related with Annao wan on the other physical symptoms of all the animals.Conclusion The intragastric safe dosage of Annao wan was 8 g? kg-1 on rats for a six month succession administration.The results of this research provided gist and reference for the clinical therapy.

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

Objective To investigate the effects of valsartan on expression of angiotensin Ⅱ receptors in different regions of heart after myocardial infarction(MI).Metbods Canines were divided into sham-operated control group(n=7),infarction group(n=7)and Valsartan group(10 mg·kg-1·day-1 for 4 weeks after MI operation,n=7).Four weeks after operation,Dopplor tissue imaging(DTI)was used to evaluate reglonal 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 down-regulated 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.Conclusion Both 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.

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 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