OBJECTIVETo study the cytotoxicity induced by chrysotile asbestos (CA), rock wool (RW) and wollastonite (WS).

METHODSV79 cells were divided into 4 groups. i.e. CA group, WS group, RW group and control group (200 microl PBS). The exposure concentration of dusts was 100 mg/L, The cell viability was detected by MTT and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity assays. The technique of scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the change of V79 cells.

RESULTSSiO2 was main constituent for 3 kinds of dusts. In MTT assay, the cell viability of RW and WS groups was 64.8% and 65.7%, respectively, which were significantly higher than that (54.5%) of CA group (P < 0.01). In LDH assay, the LDH activity of RW and WS groups [(15.7 +/- 50.9), (12.3 +/- 3.7) U/L, respectively] was significantly lower than that [(20.2 +/- 0.9) U/L] of CA group (P < 0.05). In scanning electron microscopy examination, it was found that the two ends of V79 cells in CA group contained a great deal of fibers remaining bodies, but the V79 cell appearance in RW and WS groups was normal.

CONCLUSIONThe cytotoxicity induced by RW and WS is significantly lower than that induced by CA for V79 cell.

Animals ; Asbestos, Serpentine ; toxicity ; Calcium Compounds ; toxicity ; Cell Line ; drug effects ; Cricetinae ; Cytotoxins ; toxicity ; Lactate Dehydrogenases ; metabolism ; Mineral Fibers ; toxicity ; Silicates ; toxicity

OBJECTIVE Based on the brain-gut axis theory,to investigate the antipyretic effect and immune regulation function of Tongfu Xiere therapy in fever rats with meningitis.METHODS The rat fever model induced bacterial Meninggitis was established with inj ecting the Escherichia coli into cerebellomedullary cistern.The experimental animals were divided into six groups:the normal group,the model group,Dachengqi decoction group,Xingnaoj ing inj ection group,Dachengqi decoction+Xingnaojing injection group and paracetamol group.Antipyretic effect of each drug was observed by measuring body temper-ature after treatment.The levels of IFN-γ,IL-4 and SP in plasma were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.RE-SULTS Compared to the model group,Dachengqi decoction group,Xingnaojing injection group and Dachengqi decoction+Xingnaojing injection group significantly reduced the temperature of the fever rats(P<0.05),the levels of IFN-γ(P<0.01), IL-4(P<0.05)and SP(P<0.05),and the ratio of IFN-γ/IL-4(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Tongfu Xiere therapy shows anti-pyretic effect on fever rats with Meningitis,which is related to immune regulation biologically mediated by brain-gut axis com-ponents.

Background: According to the 7th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system, over 50% of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) have N1 disease at initial diagnosis. However, patients with N1 NPC are relatively under-researched, and the metastasis risk of this group is not well-stratified. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic values of gross tumor volume of metastatic regional lymph node (GTVnd) and pretreatment serum copy number of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) DNA in predicting distant metastasis of patients with N1 NPC, and to develop an integrated prognostic model that incorporates GTVnd and EBV DNA copy number for this group of patients. Methods: The medical records of 787 newly diagnosed patients with nonmetastatic, histologically proven N1 NPC who were treated at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between November 2009 and February 2012 were ana-lyzed. Computed tomography-derived GTVnd was measured using the summation-of-area technique. Blood sam-ples were collected before treatment to quantify plasma EBV DNA. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the cut-off point for GTVnd, and the area under the ROC curve was used to assess the predicted validity of GTVnd. The survival rates were assessed by Kaplan–Meier analysis, and the survival curves were compared using a log-rank test. Multivariate analysis was conducted using the Cox proportional hazard regression model. Results: The 5-year distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) rates for patients with GTVnd > 18.9 vs. ≤ 18.9 mL were 82.2% vs. 93.2% (P < 0.001), and for patients with EBV DNA copy number > 4000 vs. ≤ 4000 copies/mL were 83.5% vs. 93.9% (P < 0.001). After adjusting for GTVnd, EBV DNA copy number, and T category in the Cox regression model, both GTVnd > 18.9 mL and EBV DNA copy number > 4000 copies/mL were significantly associated with poor prognosis(both P < 0.05). According to combination of GTVnd and EBV DNA copy number, all patients were divided into low-, moderate-, and high-risk groups, with the 5-year DMFS rates of 96.1, 87.4, and 73.8%, respectively (P < 0.001). Multi-variate analysis confirmed the prognostic value of this model for distant metastatic risk stratification (hazard ratio [HR], 4.17; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.34–7.59; P < 0.001). Conclusions: GTVnd and serum EBV DNA copy number are independent prognostic factors for predicting distant metastasis in NPC patients with N1 disease. The prognostic model incorporating GTVnd and EBV DNA copy number may improve metastatic risk stratification for this group of patients.

OBJECTIVETo observe the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at five mental points and moving cupping on the Hechelu of the back on fibromyalgia syndrome (FS).

METHODSSixty-six cases who conformed to the criteria were randomly divided into the treatment group treated with acupuncture at five mental points, moving cupping on the Hechelu of the back and amitriptyline, and the control group treated with amitriptyline. Clinical therapeutic effects were assessed with McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) and HAMD depression scale.

RESULTSThe therapeutic effect of the treatment group was better than that of the control group with a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONCombination of acupuncture with cupping therapy is an effective therapy for fibromyalgia syndrome.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Biomedical Research ; Fibromyalgia ; Humans ; Pain Measurement

OBJECTIVETo establish a bcr-abl(+) cell line resistance to nilotinib, and to investigate the possible mechanisms of resistance.

METHODSK562 cells were treated with gradually increasing concentrations of nilotinib to generate resistance cell line K562-RN. The folder of drug-resistance was evaluated by MTT assay. Cells apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry, the mRNA level of bcr-abl fusion gene by FISH, and the expression of apoptosis relative gene mRNA and protein (such as bcr-abl, HO-1, mdr1, Bcl-2 and caspase-3) by RQ-PCR and western blot.

RESULTSThe resistant cell line K562-RN was successfully established, with 2.01 fold resistant to nilotinib compared with K562 cell line \[the IC(50) value of nilotinib to K562 and K562-RN were (12.320 ± 1.720) µmol/L and (24.742 ± 2.310) µmol/L, respectively\]. It also had the cross resistance to adriamycin, homoharringtonine, etoposide and imatinib. Treated with different concentrations of nilotinib, cell apoptosis rate of K562-RN was significantly lower than that of K562 cells. The rate of bcr-abl gene positive cells was 92% in K562-RN by FISH assay. The mRNA and protein levels of bcr-abl, HO-1 and mdr1 expression up-regulated in K562-RN cells, while those of caspase-3 expression down-regulated, being significantly statistical difference when compared with K562 cells (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONHuman leukemic cell line resistance to nilotinib, K562-RN is established successfully by gradually increasing concentrations of drug. The mechanisms of resistance in K562-RN is probably associated with increasing expression of bcr-abl, HO-1, mdr1 and decreasing expression of caspase-3 mRNA and protein levels.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Sub-Family B ; ATP-Binding Cassette, Sub-Family B, Member 1 ; metabolism ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl ; metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic ; Heme Oxygenase-1 ; metabolism ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; drug effects ; Pyrimidines ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the manifestation and diagnostic value of multislice spiral CT (MSCT) and MRI imaging in detection of tumor recurrence after liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODSThe clinical data of 161 consecutive HCC patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-nine HCC patients were classified by pTNM according to the "Pittsburgh criteria". MSCT and MRI findings of tumor recurrence after liver transplantation were evaluated retrospectively in 29 stage II-IVb HCC patients. The recurrence site and relapse interval between liver transplantation and recurrence were analyzed.

RESULTSLung tumor recurrence were found in 21 cases, presented as cotton-like lesions in a diameter of 2 - 3 cm, with a clear margin and homogeneous density. Pleural tumor recurrence was detected in 4 cases. Liver tumor recurrence were found in 9 cases, which can be divided into four subtypes: multinodular in 4 cases, diffuse lesion in 2 cases, huge mass in 2 cases, and uninodular in 1 case. Two cases showed tumor thrombus in the inferior vena cava and portal vein. Lymph node tumor recurrence was found in 9 cases, presented as multiple nodules at hepatic hilum, lesser peritoneal sac, posterior mediastinum, retroperitoneum, or around pancreatic head, and accompanied with merging and necrosis in one case. Bone tumor recurrence were found as osteolytic destruction in 4 cases, and accompanied with adjacent soft-tissue mass in 2 cases. The recurrence sites of the 29 cases were as following: lung (21 cases, 72.4%), liver (9 cases, 31.0%), lymph nodes (9 cases, 31.0%), bone (4 cases, 13.8%) and other sites (3 cases, 10.3%). Lung tumor recurrence was found in all the 10 stage IVb patients with tumor recurrence after liver transplantation, significantly more frequent than that in stage IVa patients (P = 0.023). After liver transplantation, all 25 patients with stage III approximately IVb HCC developed recurrence within one year, but in the 4 cases with stage II HCC at one year later (P = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONThe results of our study show that in hepatocellular carcinoma patients after liver transplantation, the lung and pleura are the most frequent site of recurrence, followed by liver, lymph node and bone as the second and third sites. The Stage IVb hepatocellular carcinoma should be regarded as a contradiction for liver transplantation due to rapid recurrence. Tumor recurrence occurs later in stage II HCC than in stage III approximately IVb patients. MSCT and MRI are of significant importance in diagnosis and formulating operation plan in HCC patients with recurrence after liver transplantation.

Adult ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; secondary ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; surgery ; Liver Transplantation ; Lung Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; secondary ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; Neoplastic Cells, Circulating ; Pleural Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; secondary ; Retrospective Studies ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; methods

ABSTRACT:OBJECTIVE To investigate the potential mechanism of aristolochic acid Ⅰ(AAⅠ)on aristolochic acid nephrop-athy and the effect of AAⅠ on PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway in rats.METHODS 27 male SD rats were randomly di-vided into three groups:control group,AAⅠ low-dose group(2.25 mg/kg) and AAⅠ high-dose group (9.0 mg/kg).Rats were intraperitoneally injected with AAⅠ once daily for 14 d.Then the serum were taken to determine the content of Cr,BUN and AKP in rats;renal pathological changes were examined by HE staining;the expression levels of PI3K,Akt,NF-κB were analyzed by Western blot;the expression changes of IL-6 and TNF-αwere detected by immunohistochemical assay.RESULTS Compared with control group,the levels of Cr,BUN and AKP in AAⅠ groups were increased significantly(P <0.05);kidney pathological examination revealed the improvement of kidney disease and inflammation;the expressions of IL-6 and TNF-αwere increased significantly(P <0.01);the expression of PI3K,Akt and NF-κB were up-regulated.CONCLUSION AAⅠ can induce the kidney injury and inflammation and activate the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway,thus worsen patho-logical changes of kidney tissue.

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous immunotherapy(SCIT)using dust mites in children with allergic asthma.Methods In a prospective randomized controlled study,98 children with dust mite-induced allergic asthma were randomly divided into a control group(n=49)and an SCIT group(n=49).The control group received inhaled corticosteroid treatment,while the SCIT group additionally received a standardized three-year SCIT regimen.The two groups were compared based on peripheral blood eosinophil percentage,visual analogue score(VAS),total medication score,Asthma Control Test/Childhood Asthma Control Test scores,fractional exhaled nitric oxide(FeNO),and lung function before treatment,and at 6 months,1 year,2 years,and 3 years after treatment.Adverse reactions were recorded post-injection to evaluate the safety of SCIT.Results Compared with pre-treatment levels,the SCIT group showed a significant reduction in the percentage of peripheral blood eosinophils,VAS,total medication score,and FeNO,while lung function significantly improved,and asthma control levels were better 3 years after treatment(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the SCIT group showed more significant improvement in all evaluated indicators 3 years after treatment(P<0.05).A total of 2 744 injections were administered,resulting in 157 cases(5.72%)of local adverse reactions and 4 cases(0.15%)of systemic adverse reactions,with no severe systemic adverse events.Conclusions SCIT is an effective and safe treatment for allergic asthma in children.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical significance of 320-slice CT hepatic artery images in patients with liver transplantation.

METHODSA total of 58 patients underwent CT scanning by 320-slice scanner after liver transplantation. They were divided into 2 groups according to the concentration of contrast media as follows: Group A (27 cases, 350 mgI/ml iopromide), Group B (31 cases, 370 mgI/ml iopromide). Contrast medium was infused at 6 ml/s, with a total dose of 50 ml. Images were generated by dynamic volume scanning and were processed by 4D digital subtraction angiography (DSA) imaging software. The time-density curve (TDC) of the hepatic artery was delineated. The time to peak, peak contrast enhancement were recorded. The physiological parameters such as body weight and height were analyzed.

RESULTS(1) There were no differences in clinical parameters such as age, sex, height, weight, or BMI between groups. The time to peak of hepatic artery of group A and B was (19.71+/-3.11) s and (20.06+/-3.67) s, and had no significant difference. The maximum peak enhancement of hepatic artery in groups B was higher than that group A (P < 0.05). (2) 4D DSA revealed hepatic artery pseudo-aneurysm (n = 2), and hepatic artery mild stenosis (n = 13), moderate stenosis (n = 5), severe stenosis (n = 9) and occlusion (n = 1), segmental moderate and severe stenosis (n = 4), and compensatory circulation with hepatic artery severe stenosis and occlusion (n = 6). hepatoportal arteriovenous fistulas (HPAVF, n = 12), donor-recipient hepatic artery mismatch (n = 3). Hepatic arterial branch are decreased and opened in 15 cases and 8 cases.

CONCLUSION320-slice CT hepatic artery images is safe, noninvasive, and accurate technique to evaluate hepatic arterial complications after liver transplantation.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Hepatic Artery ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Liver Diseases ; diagnostic imaging ; etiology ; Liver Transplantation ; adverse effects ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; methods ; Young Adult

Objective:To understand the effect of collagen peptides on the function of mouse lymphocytes under simulated microgravity.Methods:The splenocytes of mice were isolated,and the rotary cell culture system was used to simulate the microgravity.The T lymphocytes were stimulated with mitotic agents,concanavalin A(ConA),and the cells were treated with different concentrations of collagen peptides.The proliferation of lymphocytes and the levels of cytokines in the supernatant were detected.Results:Simulated microgravity could inhibit the proliferation of spleen T lymphocytes and decrease the level of cytokines in the supernatant.Collagen peptides could promote the lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production in cells cultured under simulated microgravity.Conclusion:Collagen peptides may attenuate the inhibitory effect of simulated microgravity on T lymphocytes by regulating the cell proliferation and the secretion of cytokines.