Endostatin is a potent, endogenous inhibitor of angiogenesis, which corresponds to the C-terminal fragment of collagen ⅩⅧ. The human endostatin gene was amplified from a human fetal liver cDNA library by means of PCR and was cloned into pPIC9K vector. Soluble endostatin was superexpressed in Pichia pastoris (50.5mg/L) . The recombinant protein was purified by cation exchange chromatography with the final yield of more than 95%. Western blotting analysis showed positive immunoreactivity to the expressed product. Recombinant endostatin was able to suppress the angiogenesis on the CAMs. Also, the endostatin inhibited specifically of the migration of HMECs stimulated by bFGF, with EC50 being about 0.4 ?g/ml.

Objective To improve the recognition of meconium ileus and pseudohypoaldosteronism type Ⅰ and to explore the relationship between neonatal meconium ileus and cystic fibrosis.Methods The clinical and follow-up data of a premature infant with meconium ileus and pseudohypoaldosteronism type Ⅰ was analyzed.Relevant literature was reviewed.Results The child was a very low-birth weight premature infant who didn′t pass meconuim within 24 hours of birth and persistent abdominal distention was noted.Laparotomy was performed on day 4.Thick and inspissated meconium was found in the ileum with perforation.The atretic intestine was resected,and a double-barreled enterostomies was performed.On day 30,the child presented hyponatremia,hyperkalemia,high levels of plasma renin and aldosterone and was given 9 g/L salt supplementation.At 6-month age,9 g/L salt supplementation was discontinued.Anastomosis was performed at 8-month age.The child recovered with a good prognosis whose catch-up growth was obtained at 18-month age and didn′t pre-sent manifestations of cystic fibrosis.Conclusions This case could be diagnosed as meconium ileus and pseudohypoaldosteronism type Ⅰ.The relationship between neonatal meconium ileus and cystic fibrosis is different in China and the regions of Caucasian.

OBJECTIVETo explore the invasiveness of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma(PTMC)with BRAF mutation.

METHODSTotally 99 patients with PTMC with BRAF mutation were enrolled in this study, meanwhile another 97 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) (tumor size>1 cm)with BRAF mutation were included as controls. The clinicopathologic factors including extrathyroidal invasion, multifocality, and distant metastasis were analyzed.

RESULTSThe rates of extrathyroidal invasion and nodal metastasis in PTMC group were as high as 16.10% and 71.74%, respectively. In the PTMC group and PTC group,the extrathyroidal invasion rate was 16.10% and 39.18%, cervical lymph node metastasis rate was 71.74% and 91.75%, and distant metastasis rate was 1.01% and 9.28%, respectively. In the PTMC subgroups with tumor sizes ≤0.3 cm, 0.3-0.6 cm, and 0.6-1.0 cm, the cervical lymph node invasion rate was 60.00%, 72.50%, and 73.81%, the extrathyroidal invasion rate was 10.00%, 9.09%, and 24.44%, and the multifocality rate was 60.00%, 38.64%, and 57.78%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that the tumor size was not significantly correlated with multifocality (Χ (2)=3.752, P=0.153), cervical lymph node metastasis (Χ (2) = 0.780,P = 0.677), extrathyroidal invasion (Χ (2) = 4.182, P = 0.124), and distant metastasis (Χ (2)=1.212, P = 0.545). While the BRAF group and PTC group were not significantly different in multifocality (Χ (2) = 1.742, P=0.187), they were significantly different in terms of extrathyroidal invasion (Χ (2) = 13.000, P = 0.000), nodal involvement (Χ (2) = 12.819, P = 0.000), and distant metastasis (Χ (2) = 5.316, P = 0.021). Multivariate analysis showed that nodal metastasis was independently associated with size>1 cm (P=0.001) and extrathyroidal invasion (P=0.003).

CONCLUSIONSBRAF mutant PTMC manifests relative high extrathyroidal involvement and nodal metastasis, and the similar multifocality as BRAF mutant PTC. Radioactive iodine should be considered in PTMC with the presence of BRAF mutation combined with extrathyroidal invasion or nodal metastasis.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Papillary ; genetics ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; Female ; Humans ; Iodine Radioisotopes ; therapeutic use ; Logistic Models ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mutation ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf ; genetics ; Thyroid Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; Young Adult

AIMTo investigate the effects of mild and moderate hypoxia on human cognitive performance.

METHODSEighteen healthy young male volunteers performed a set of tests of human ergonomics at sea level (300 m in Xi'an) and simulated high altitude of 2 800 m, 3 600 m and 4 400 m for 1 h in hypobaric chamber, respectively.

RESULTSThe performance of continuous recognition memory tests compared with the controls' was deteriorated significantly (P < 0.01) after exposure to 2 800 m for 1 h. After exposure to 3 600 m for 1 h, in all test, the reaction time was much longer, the accurate rates were lower and the performance was worse than that of control (P < 0.05). All the parameters were deteriorated with the increment of altitude and the performance of all tests were much worse at 4 300 m for 1 h (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONDifferent parameters of human cognitive performance may have different susceptible thresholds to hypoxia according to the results from our studies. The cognitive performance after exposure to 3 600 m for 1 h was not sufficiently effective for the demands of human ergonomics due to its significant deteriorating changes. However, the performance can be effectively restored after exposure to enough oxygen supply for 1 h.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Altitude ; Cognition ; Humans ; Hypoxia ; psychology ; Male ; Reaction Time ; Young Adult

BACKGROUNDPostoperative preablative stimulated thyroglobulin (ps-Tg) has been evaluated in predicting prognosis and success of ablation regarding differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC); however, its relationship with recurrence risk and radioiodine decision-making remains uncertain, especially in Chinese DTC patients. We aimed to evaluate the association between ps-Tg and recurrence risk stratification in DTC, to provide incremental values for ps-Tg in postoperative assessment and radioiodine management.

METHODSSeven hundred and seven patients with DTC were included; low-risk (L; n = 90), intermediate-risk (I; n = 283), and high-risk (H; n = 334, 117 with distant metastasis [M1]) patients were divided according to recurrence risk stratification. The M1 group was further analyzed regarding evidence of metastasis. Cut-off values of ps-Tg were obtained using receiver operating characteristic analysis.

RESULTSPatients with more advanced disease at initial risk stratification were more likely to have higher ps-Tg levels (I vs. L: P < 0.05; H vs. I: P < 0.001; H vs. L: P < 0.001). The corresponding cut-off value of ps-Tg for distinguishing sensitivity and specificity in each of the two groups was 2.95 ng/ml (I vs. L: 61.5%, 63.3%), 29.5 ng/ml (H vs. I: 41.9%, 92.6%), 47.1 ng/ml (M1 vs. M0 in the H group: 79.5%, 88.9%) and 47.1 ng/ml (M1 vs. M0 in all patients: 79.5%, 93.7%). With the cut-off value at 47.1 ng/ml, ps-Tg was the only factor that could be used to identify distant metastases, and consequently if measured before radioiodine therapy would prevent 10.26% of patients with M1 from undertreatment.

CONCLUSIONSPs-Tg, as an ongoing reassessment marker, favors differential recurrence risk grading and provides incremental values for radioiodine treatment decision-making.

Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Iodine Radioisotopes ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Period ; Retrospective Studies ; Thyroglobulin ; Thyroid Neoplasms ; blood ; pathology ; radiotherapy

OBJECTIVETo systematically study the clinical diagnosis and treatment of smooth muscle tumor in the male reproductive system.

METHODSWe analyzed the ultrasonographic features, pathological findings, treatment strategies and postoperative follow-up results of 5 male patients with smooth muscle tumor in the reproductive system, and reviewed other relevant literature.

RESULTSCompared with leiomyoma, leiomyosarcoma exhibited stronger mixed echoes than the testis at ultrasonography, typical mitotic phase (> or = 2/10 HP) of tumor cells at HE staining, and significant expressions of HIF-1alpha and Glut-1 at immunohistochemistry. No relapse was observed in the 2 cases of leiomyoma during the 10-year follow-up after simple tumor resection, nor were recurrence and metastasis in another 3 cases of leiomyosarcoma during the first year after radical surgery without combined radio- and chemo-therapy.

CONCLUSIONPrimary smooth muscle tumor of the male reproductive system is difficult to be diagnosed. Ultrasonography can help to preliminarily screen leiomyosarcoma. For those with possible leiomyosarcoma, preoperative MRI and intraoperative frozen sectioning examinations are recommended for the possibility of lymphatic metastasis. Postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy should be chosen cautiously for those confirmed with leiomyosarcoma by pathological examination.

Adult ; Genital Neoplasms, Male ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Smooth Muscle Tumor ; diagnosis ; therapy

OBJECTIVETo assess the optimal configuration of double-screw fixation for subtalar arthrodesis using finite element analysis.

METHODSThree-dimensional finite element double-screw models of subtalar arthrodesis were reconstructed using Mimics 13.0, Geomagic 10.0 and solid works software based on the 3-D images of the volunteer's right foot. The external and internal rotation torques of 4 N·m were applied, and the micromotion at the bone-to-bone interface were measured to evaluate the initial stability of subtalar arthrodesis.

RESULTSA neck screw plus an anterolateral dome screw was the most stable model. The peak micromotion at the fusion site of this fixation configuration were 41.67mnplus;0.49 and 42.64mnplus;0.75 µm in response to the respectively. A neck screw plus a posteromedial dome screw was the least stable model, with peak micromotion at the bone-to-bone interface of 61.76mnplus;1.00 and 62.32mnplus;0.90 µm, respectively.

CONCLUSIONA neck screw plus an anterolateral dome screw is the best fixation configuration while a neck screw plus a posteromedial screw provides the least stability of subtalar arthrodesis. Three-dimensional finite element models allow effective preoperative planning of the screw number and placement.

Adult ; Ankle ; diagnostic imaging ; Arthrodesis ; methods ; Bone Screws ; Finite Element Analysis ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Internal Fixators ; Models, Anatomic ; Software ; Subtalar Joint ; surgery ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of sea cucumber cerebroside(SCC) and its long-chain base(LCB) on lipid and glucose metabolism in obese mice.

METHODSThe mouse obese model was established by feeding high fat diet. The mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups: control group, model group, SCC group and LCB group. After 4 weeks, the glucose tolerance test was undertaken. After 5 weeks, the body fat content, organic indexes, serum lipid level, glycemic index and liver lipid level were determined.

RESULTSCompared with the model group, the glucose tolerance in the SCC group and LCB group was ameliorated significantly (P<0.01, P<0.05); glycemic index (P<0.01, P<0.01), the weight of adipose tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01) and the hepatic TG were reduced significantly (P<0.05, P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSea cucumber cerebroside and its long-chain base can improve the glucose and lipid metabolism in obese mice.

Animals ; Blood Glucose ; metabolism ; Cerebrosides ; pharmacology ; Lipid Metabolism ; Lipids ; blood ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mice, Obese ; Obesity ; blood ; drug therapy ; Sea Cucumbers ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo investigate the alternation of biological characteristics of residual ear chondrocytes when proliferating in vitro, and study the effects of CDMP-1 on proliferation and differentiation of residual ear chondrocytes.

METHODSResidual ear chondrocytes were cultured in vitro. Then we observed the effect of CDMP-1 on differentiation by immunohistochemistry of collagen type II and dyeing with toluidine blue, investigated proliferation effects of CDMP-1 by method of MIT, and analysis cell cycle changes by flow cytometry.

RESULTSThe quantity of GAG gradually decreased along with the increase of the doubling time of chondrocytes in vitro. The quantity of chondrocytes with positive expression of collagen type II were significantly more in the experimental group used with CDMP-1 than the contrast. And the most efficient concentration of CDMP-1 was 100 ng/ml.

CONCLUSIONSCDMP-1 had a good effect on proliferating and could maintain morphology of the residual ear chondrocytes of microtia cultured in vitro.

Cell Differentiation ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Chondrocytes ; cytology ; drug effects ; Ear Deformities, Acquired ; Female ; Growth Differentiation Factor 5 ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Male

Objective To observe the microanatomy of the bridging veins emptying into the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) for preservation of the bridging veins in surgeries through the anterior transcallosal approach. Methods Blue latex was injected into the SSS and internal jugular veins in 20 cadaver heads (40 sides), in which the bridging veins of the frontal zone and central zone were dissociated and their positions relative to the body surface were determined. Such indexes of the lateral veins in each zone as the caliber, the number of bridging veins, and convergence angle were determined. The opposite hemisphere was manipulated in an identical manner to measure the indexes of the sagittal sinus. Results in an area posterior to the frontal region of the SSS, a "safe zone" was identified where no bridging veins drained into the SSS, covering the area 32.6 nun anterior and 7.5 mm posterior to the coronal suture. After complete dissociation of the bridging veins near the longitudinal fissure in the "safe zone", the fissure allowed an opening width of 4.48～10.86 mm. Conclusion Thorough knowledge of the venous anatomy can help avoid the bridging veins in the anterior transcallosal approach. Total dissociation of the sticking segment and arachnoid segment of the bridging veins can broaden the opening width of the longitudinal fissure without increasing the tension of the bridging veins to better preserve the bridging veins during surgery.