Objective To investigate radionuclide imaging and routine CT in diagnosing hepatic focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) and the combined diagnostic value of the two modalities. Methods Thirty-two patients with hepatic FNH were retrospectively studied. All patients underwent routine CT scan. Twenty-four patients were examined by 99Tcm-sulfur colloid (SC) hepatic planar scintigraphy and SPECT/CT imaging, and then patients who had abnormal foci underwent 99Tcm-diethyl iminodiacetic acid (EHIDA) triple-phase hepatobiliary imaging. x2 -test of four-table or Fisher exact probabilities in 2 × 2 table was applied for statistical analysis. Results Of all 32 patients pathologically diagnosed as FNH with single solitary nodule, 25 were classified as classic type and the rest 7 as non-classic type. Although routine CT found all hepatic lesions, only 15 cases were diagnosed pathologically as FNH classic type but the rest were either misdiagnosed or left as indeterminate. On radionuclide imaging (hepatic colloid scintigraphy plus triple-phase hepatobiliary images), 11 patients with big foci (with maximal diameter ＞3 cm) out of 24 patients were correctly diagnosed as FNH, with 7 diagnosed as classic type FNH and 4 as non-classic. Other 13 patients were either misdiagnosed or simply missed. The diagnosing rates of routine CT and radionuclide imaging were60.0% (15/25) and 38.9% (7/18) for FNH classic type, 0/7 and 4/6 for non-classic type,50.0% (10/20) and 73.3% (11/15) for big foci, 41.7% (5/12) and 0/9 forsmall foci (with maximal diameter≤3 cm), respectively. The total diagnosing rate of radionuclide imaging combined with routine CT was significantly higher than that of routine CT or radionuclide imaging alone ( x2 = 4. 48, P ＜ 0. 05;x2 =4.27, P ＜0.05 ). Conclusion Radionuclide imaging in combination with routine CT may improve the diagnostic accuracy for hepatic FNH patients.

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of ~(99)Tc~m-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) SPECT scintigraphy combined Iocalizable CT in the localization of ectopic parathyroid glands in hyperparathyroidism.Methods Retrospective data of surgery,pathology and imaging were collected from 28 patients with hyperfunctioning ectopic parathyroid glands.All cases underwent CT studies.Twenty-five patients had ~(99)Tc~m-MIBI planar imaging first:SPECT scintigraphy combined localizable CT was performed for the patients with abnormal radionuclide foci immediately.The fusion images obtained after reconstruction showed the exact location of the ectopic foci.Operative histopathologic results were regarded as "gold standards".Presuming 4 parathyroid glands as normal findings,findings confirmed by operation and pathology were regarded as positive,otherwise negative.The results of CT and radionuclide imaging were compared by X~2-test of four-foId table.Results Twenty-eight ectopic parathyroid glands were found in 28 patients,all pathologically confirmed as adenomss.CT found 22 foci,of which 17 were true positive,5 false positive,11 false negative,and 79 true negative.~(99)Tc~m-MIBI SPECT scintigraphy combined localizable CT found 23 foci,no false positive,2 false negative,and 75 true negative.The results showed that the sensitivities were 61% (17/28),92%(23/25),specificities 94%(79/84),100%(75/75),accuracies 86%(96/112),98% (98/100),positive predictive values 77%(17/22),100%(23/23),and negative predictive values 88% (79190),97%(75/77),respectively,for CT and radionuclide imaging.~(99)Tc~m-MIBI SPECT scintigraphy combined localizable CT was therefore significantly higher than CT in sensitivity(X~2=6.98,P＜0.01),specificity (X~2=4.61,P＜0.05),accuracy (X~2=10.30,P＜0.01),positive predictive value(X~2=5.88,P＜0.05) and negative predictive value (X~2=5.36,P＜0.05).Conclusion ~(99)Tc~m-MIBI SPECT scintigraphy combined localizable CT is superior to CT alone in the localization of ectopic parathyroid glands in hyperparathyroidism,but false negative can be found in some patients.

Objective: To investigate the marriage intention and its influencing factors among HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM), so as to provide the reference for formulating high-risk behavior intervention strategies and reducing the risk of HIV transmission among this population. Methods: Unmarried HIV-infected MSM were sampled from newly reported HIV/AIDS patients in Gongshu District of Hangzhou City from 2020 to 2022. Participants' sociodemographic information, family status and marriage intention were collected using questionnaire surveys. Factors affecting marriage intention were identified using a multivariable logistic regression model. Results: A total of 430 questionnaires were allocated and 400 valid questionnaires were recovered, with an effective recovery rate of 93.02%. The respondents had a mean age of (28.90±4.67) years, and included 271 cases with registered residence outside Hangzhou City (67.75%). There were 82 cases indicating that they would probably or definitely get married, accounting for 20.50%, including 46 cases (56.10%) aged 30 years and older, 67 cases (81.71%) engaged in commercial services/freelance work/worker and 53 cases (64.63%) being the only children. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that unmarried HIV-infected MSM who were aged 30 years and older (OR=2.751, 95%CI: 1.230-6.154), had a monthly income of <10 000 Yuan (5 000 to <10 000 Yuan, OR=7.010, 95%CI: 2.049-23.981; <5 000 Yuan, OR=5.229, 95%CI: 1.803-15.165), had a high school education and below (OR=5.935, 95%CI: 1.775-19.844), were the only children (OR=3.407, 95%CI: 1.468-7.910), came from families with economic conditions above the average level (OR=8.906, 95%CI: 2.070-38.308), did not disclose their sexual orientation (OR=3.298, 95%CI: 1.118-9.727), held a positive attitude towards government policies (OR=70.544, 95%CI: 14.583-341.237), had no homosexual intercourse in the past six months (OR=3.583, 95%CI: 1.278-10.044), and had not informed their sexual partners of their HIV status (OR=2.910, 95%CI: 1.228-6.897) were more willing to get married. Conclusion A certain proportion of unmarried HIV-infected MSM in Gongshu District are willing to get married, and their marriage intention is affected by age, educational level, family economic conditions, the only children or not, disclosing sexual orientation or not, having homosexual intercourse in the past six months or not, informing sexual partners of HIV status or not, and the attitude towards government policies.

Twenty-seven ERF transcription factor family genes were isolated from Arnebia euchroma, with an average size of 1,010 bp, each gene encoded a 212 amino acids on average. The gene structure and expression of physicochemical properties, subcellular localization, signal peptides, senior structural domains and conservative forecasting, and analysis of A. euchroma were studied comparing with ERF gene gi261363612 of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, and phylogenetic analysis of A. euchroma ERF family was carried out. The results showed the existence of three conserved domains in this family, the senior structure based on random coil and it clustered into CBF/DREB and ERF subfamilies.
Amino Acid Motifs ; Amino Acid Sequence ; Boraginaceae ; genetics ; Cloning, Molecular ; Computational Biology ; Genome, Plant ; genetics ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Multigene Family ; Phylogeny ; Plant Proteins ; chemistry ; genetics ; Plants, Medicinal ; Protein Structure, Secondary ; Protein Structure, Tertiary ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Transcription Factors ; chemistry ; genetics ; Transcriptome

OBJECTIVEWe aimed to construct a recombinant adenovirus Ad-APN-EGFP and to evaluate the transfection efficiency and effect of the adenovirus promoting osteogenesis around implants.

METHODSRecombinant adenovirus Ad-APN-EGFP containing adiponectin (APN) was constructed by DNA sequencing and restriction enzyme digestion. Rat bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) were transfected in vitro. Transfection efficiency and APN mRNA expression were tested. Animal models of rat femoral epiphysis and hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated implants were established. The Ad-APN-EGFP adenovirus at 10 μL was injected into the defect around HA-coated implants in the experimental group, whereas the same volume of phosphate-buffered saline was injected into the defect in the control group. Osteogenesis around implants was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining four weeks after implantation.

RESULTSAd-APN-EGFP was successfully constructed by DNA sequencing and restriction enzyme digestion. The transfection efficiency of Ad-APN-EGFP to BMSCs was up to ≥ 90%. APN mRNA expression of BMSCs transfected with Ad-APN-EGFP was higher than that of the control group. Osteogenesis in the experimental group was more evident than that in the control group in vivo.

CONCLUSIONAd-APN-EGFP could be transfected into BMSCs and express APN mRNA at a high level. Ad-APN-EGFP could improve osteogenesis around implants in vivo.

Adenoviridae ; Animals ; Dental Implants ; Durapatite ; Osteogenesis ; Rats ; Transfection

Background Eicosapentaenoic acid(EPA)function as the critical lipid mediators involved in several biological events in human body and play important role in suppressing the genesis of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF),migration and proliferation of vascular endothelial cells.Many ocular diseases were proved to be associated with neovascularization.Objecfive The purpose of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of EPA on the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) indueed by VEGF. Methods HUVEC strain was cultured and passaged,and difierent concentrations of EPA were added to the medium with and without VEGF.The cultured cells were identified by antiofactor Ⅷ polyclonal antibody.The suppressing role of different concentrations of EPA on the proliferation of VEGF-induced or-uninduced HUVEC was assessed by MTT method.The influence of difierent concentrations of EPA on the cellular cycle of VEGF-induced HUVEC was assayed using flow eytometry.The expression of Flk-1,a receptor of VEGF,in the HUVEC Was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results Cultured HUVEC showed the ftlsiform in shape and presented with the cobblestone-like arrangement with the positive response for Ⅷ factor-related antigen.Various concentrations of EPA showed obviously inhibitory effect on VEGF-induced or-unindueed HUVEC at a dose-dependent manner (F=23.072.P=0.000).The inhibitory ability of EPA on VEGF-induced HUVEC was stronger than VEGF-uninduced HUVEC(F=41.417,P=0.000).In 24,48 and 72 hours,the action of EPA on the proliferation of HUVEC was gradually enhanced with the prolong of time(F=1.495,P=0.236).Cell cycle analysis indicated that EPA arrested VEGF-induced HUVEC in G0/G1 phase.The ratio of HUVEC in G0/G1 phase in EPA group was(75.83±1.56)%,and that in control groups was(68.62±1.44)%,showing a significant difference between them(t=-5.88,P=0.00),and no apoptosis of HUVEC was found in both groups.Flk-1 was strongly expressed in the cellular nucleus and cytoplasm in control group.However,the positive expressing intensity of Flk-1 in the HUVEC weakened,and the positive cell number was evidently less in EPA group. Conclusion EPA can inhibit the proliferation of VEGF induced HUVEC through arresting the synthesis of DNA of HUVEC and downregulate the expression of Flk-1 in HUVEC.These results suggest that EPA might exert an antiangiogenic effect.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the molecular mechanism of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) monoclonal antibody (McAb) in hepatopulmonary syndrome using a rat model.

METHODSSixty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 250 ± 25 g, were randomized to a sham operation group, a common bile duct ligation (CBDL) group, or a CBDL+TNF-alphat McAb treatment group. The CBDL operation group was further divided into five subgroups, and the CBDL+TNF-alpha McAb treatment group was further divided into four subgroups. After the experimental period, all rats were sacrificed for excision of lung and liver tissues. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining were performed to observe the extent of liver fibrosis,and HE staining was used to histopathologically assess changes in the lung tissue. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting were used to investigate the changes in expression levels of FAK, p-FAK and PTEN in lung.

RESULTSThe extent of inflammatory responses and fibrosis in the liver was significantly lower in the CBDL+TNF-alpha McAb treatment group as compared to those in the CBDL group. The inflammatory responses in the lung were also significantly lower in the CBDL+TNF-alpha McAb treatment group as compared to that in the CBDL group. The CBDL+TNF-alpha McAb treatment group also showed less extensive distribution of FAK and p-FAK protein in lung tissues,but more extensive distribution of PTEN protein.

CONCLUSIONFAK and PTEN are associated with hepatopulmonary syndrome in rats. The therapeutic effect of TNF-alpha McAb may involve modulation of the expression of FAK and PTEN.

Animals ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; Blotting, Western ; Common Bile Duct ; Hepatopulmonary Syndrome ; Immunohistochemistry ; Ligation ; Liver Cirrhosis ; Lung ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Background Corneal neovascularization (CNV) is an important cause of visual impairment and graft rejection after allograft corneal transplantation in inflammatory corneal diseases. The mechanisms and therapy relating to CNV are intensely investigated at all times. Objective This study was to evaluate the effect of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on CNV induced by alkali cauterization and its mechanism. Methods The animal models of corneal neovasculation were induced in the right eyes in 72 Sprayue-Dawley rats by putting a piece of 3 mmfilter paper with 1 mol/L NaOH at the center of the cornea for 30 seconds. The rats were then divided randomly into the 0.02 mg EPA treatment group (24 rats) ,0.03 mg EPA treatment group (24 rats) ,model group (24 rats) and normal group (6 rats). EPA of 0.04 ml with doses of 0.02 mg or 0. 03 mg or saline solution of 0. 04 ml was injected subconjunctivally in model rats and immediately after cauterization. The presence of CNV and corneal edema were observed daily by slit lamp biomicroscope. 1,4,7 and 14 days after operation, corneal histopathological examination was performed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The vascular endothelial cells were stained with CD34 by immunohistochemistry,and the expression of IL-1α,IL-6 mRNA and the nuclear factor-κBp65 ( NF-κBp65 ) proteins was measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis. The use of animals complied with the Regulations for the Administration of Affair Concerning Experimental Animals by Hebei Province( version 1998 ). Results Under the slit lamp, CNV grew slowly from days 2-4 with obvious corneal edema and defect of epithelium. Larger CNV area and less edema were seen from days 7-10. Maximal vessel growth was observed 14 days after injury with thinner vessels in the model group. Histological examination showed that part of the corneal epithelium was damaged;serious corneal edema, more inflammatory cells and a lot of CNV in the stroma were presented in the model group. However, repairing of the corneal epithelium without CNV ,light corneal edema and less inflammatory cells were found in both the 0. 02 mg EPA and 0. 03 mg EPA treatment groups 7 days after alkali cauterization. The relative area of CNV in the 0. 02 mg EPA treatment group was ( 15.80±6.43 )% and ( 11.06±2. 14)% ,and that in the 0. 03 mg EPA treatment group was (16. 10±7.41 )% and (11.06±2. 51 )%, showing significant reduction in comparison with the model group [ (84. 74±7.77)% and (89.63±7.50) % ] 7 days and 14 days after operation ( P＜0. 05 ). Stronger expression of CD34 in the vascular endothelial cells of the cornea stroma was observed in the model group and an absence of CD34 was observed in the EPA-treated groups on the 7th day. RT-PCR revealed that the expression of IL-1α mRNA and IL-6 mRNA was lower in the EPA treatment groups than the model group ( P＜0. 05 ), and Western blot analysis showed that the expression of NF-κB/p65 in the corneas in the EPA treatment groups was significantly lower than that in the model group on the 4th day after operation (P＜0.05).Conclusion Topical application of EPA suppresses CNV induced by alkali burn possibly by inhibiting the expression of NF-κB,IL-1α and IL-6.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is usually comorbid with thymoma. More accurate estimates of the incidence thymoma in MG will help inform patients and their physicians, facilitate health policy discussions, provide etiologic clues, and optimize the management of MG. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review search of relevant English-language studies published between 1960 and 2012 using MEDLINE and Embase. We identified additional studies by reviewing the bibliographies of the retrieved articles and hand searched the main neurology journals. Only incidence studies and case series of unselected MG patients in which information about thymoma were included. RESULTS: Out of 2206 potentially relevant studies, 49 met the inclusion criteria. Although there was a considerable degree of heterogeneity, the pooled estimate of the incidence of thymoma in MG was 21% (95% confidence interval, 20-22%). The pooled incidence was significantly higher for surgery-based studies than for population- and hospital-based studies. A large proportion of the reported thymomas were noninvasive. Furthermore, thymoma appears to occur significantly more frequently among male MG patients and those older than 40 years at the onset of MG. CONCLUSIONS: Thymoma is common in MG patients, but appears to be found more often in male MG patients and those older than 40 years at the onset of MG. Further research is needed to expand our understanding of these association conditions.
Cohort Studies ; Hand ; Health Policy ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Myasthenia Gravis ; Neurology ; Population Characteristics ; Thymoma

Objective To investigate the clillicoradiologic characteristics of MarchiafavaBignami disease (MBD). Methods The clinical and neuroimaging findings, including lesion morphorogy, distribution, signal intensity/density in 7 MBD patients were retmspectiVely analyzed.Diffusion-weighted imaging(DWI)was performed in 5 cases.Of the 7 cases,4 underwent both CT and MRI,2 only CT and 1 MRI. Results with extensive iso-or slightly hypo-intensity on T1-weighted images and hyper-intensity on T2-weighted images, 5 patients were manifested as acute onset, in which white matter (WM) was symmetrically involved in bilateral periventricular and frontal subconical regions. Punctate or linear hypo-intensity on FLAIR images was found in the atrophied corpus callosum in 1 case presented as chronic type, with scattered patchy hyper-intensity in periventricular WM and frontal subcortical WM. DWI showed markedly hyper-intensity with diffusion restriction in 2 cases in acute phase with apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC)values(0.52～0.55)×10-3 mm2/s.Brain atrophy was found in all the 7 patients. Conclusions The MRI features of MBD are characteristic and may be associated with the clinical spectrum and prognosis.