Objective To identify histopathologic correlates for the various MRI appearances of breast fibroadenomas.Methods Thirty-eight fibroadenomas in 33 patients(aged 24—57 years)examined with gadolonium-enhanced MR imaging were observed for signal intensity on T_2-weighted images,contrast enhancement,shape,and internal septation,and these findings were correlated with histopathologic findings.All cases underwent surgery and were proved by pathology.Results(1)The lesion shape was lobular,or round in 34 of 38 fibroadenomas(89.5%).(2)The signal intensity on T_1-weighted images was less than or equal to that of fibroglandular tissue in all cases.The signal intensity on T_2-weighted images was highly varible:high T_2 signal intensity was associated with more myxomatous stromal(mean myxoid-sclerotic index value of 1.9),higher stromal cellularity(mean stromal cellularity index value of 2.2); Fibroadenomas with low T_2 signal intensity had stromal that was nearly uniformly sclerotic(mean myxoid- sclerotic index values of 2.8)and low stromal cellularity(mean stromal-cellularity index value of 1.2). Significant differences were found between these two groups,x~2=11.267 and x~2=10.415(P0.05).The degree of contrast enhancement was proved to be related to ages of patients.The enhancement was more intensely in younger patients.(5)Internal septations were identified within nine of 33 enhancing fibroadenomas (27.3%)and appeared to correlated with collagenous bands at histopatholigic analysis.Conclusions Fibroadenomas demonstrate marked histopathologic variability.The resultant variability in the MR appearance correlated with the degree of myxomatous or sclerotic and stromal cellularity.Lobulation and internal septation,which appear to reflect intrinsic growth patterns of fibroadenomas,may provide more reliable information for distinction.Familiarity with the diagnostic features would facilitate to make the differential diagnosis correctly.

Objective To evaluate the b value of diffusion-weighted(DW)MRI in distinguishing between benign and malignant breast lesions.Methods Three diffusion-weighted sequences were implemented with 500,1000 and 2000 s/mm~2 b values respectively on 95 breast lesions in 83 patients.All lesions were confirmed by pathology.The apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC)values and signal intensity (SI)were recorded and compared in different lesions(breast cancer,benign lesion,cyst and normal beast tissue)with the same b value and the same lesions with the different b values.Results(1)The mean ADC value and SI of breast cancer were 1.375?0.378 and 839.713?360.493 respectively with b= 500 s/mm~2,1.176?0.311 and 459.314?229.609 with b=1000 s/mm~2,0.824?0.198 and 243.825? 110.616 with b=2000 s/mm~2.The differences in the mean ADC value were significant between two type lesions(cancer and benign lesion,cancer and cyst,cancer and normal breast tissue)with b values of 500 s/mm~2 and 1000 s/mm~2.But the significant differenee was only seen between cancer and benign lesions when b value was 2000 s/mm~2.(2)The one-side upper limits of 95% confidence interval of mean ADCs were adopted as the point to separate the malignant from the benign lesions,the sensitivity was 70.92%, 70.73% and 69.77%,the specificity was 77.19%,75.70% and 54.76%,the accuracy was 77.12%, 74.32% and 62.35% respectively with b values of 500 s/mm~2,1000 s/mm~2 and 2000 s/mm~2.The areas under ROC eurves were Az_(500)=0.775?0.046(P0.05).Conclusion DWI MRI is useful for the differential diagnosis of breast lesions with b values of 500 s/mm~2 and 1000 s/mm~2.

Objective To explore the factors influencing the premarital medical examination in Chinese population and to discuss the related possible intervention strategies.Methods Data were collected through self-designed questionnaires on 2572 newly married respondents,selected under a stratified randomized sampling method,at Marriage Registration Office in 12 counties in Zhejiang province.Predictive factors were derived from the integrating complementary constructs of Health Belief Model,Theory of Reasoned Action as well as individual demographic characteristics.Multiple logistic multilevel analyses was used as the main statistical method,with individuals as the ' low' and counties as the 'high' levels.Results Behaviors on premarital medical examination showed a clustering trait at the county level (P=0.018) and variance partition coefficients (VPC) of each variables was between 15.40％ and 17.58％.There were no statistical significances found in the rates of premarital medical examination among gender,age,residence of Household Registration,education,income,health insurance and history of premarital medical examination.However,significant correlation was seen on occupation of the respondents.The rate of premarital medical examination among the respondents who had not attended medical examination during the last six moths was 1.31times (95％ confidence intervals,1.05 -1.65 ) more than those who had,with OR (odds ratio) as 1.51 (95％CI:1.14-2.00) for the pregnant respondents in their first marriage and 0.35 (95％CI:0.23-0.51 )for remarried respondents,compared with women at first marriage but remained unpregnant.Regarding premarital medical examination,the respondents reported greater benefits,less barriers,greater positive behavioral attitudes and normative beliefs to it,with an ORs as 2.32 (95％ CI:1.18-4.60),0.71 (95％CI:0.57-0.90),1.69 (95％CI:1.10-2.58) and 1.72 (95％CI:1.34-2.20)respectively,but with no significant association with perceived susceptibility,perceived severity and motivation to comply.Conclusion Factors such as individual perceived benefits,barriers,attitudes and normative beliefs etc.,were determinants of premarital medical examination accompanied by minor (16％) influence coming from the geographical environment.

Microdialysis technique in free-moving animals can be used to monitor continuously the changes of many extracellular neurotransmitters in certain brain areas and study the relationship between neurotransmitter and functions. Using detection of capillary electrophoresis combined with laser-induced fluorescence (CE-LIF) further improves the above-mentioned technique. In the present study, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) was used to derivatizate amino acid in very low concentration. We found that increasing derivatization temperature could shorten derivatization time and that the derivatizative efficiency was not different from that when experiment was performed under the traditional derivatization condition (room temperature for 16 h). We also got an optimized condition of amino acid derivatization with FITC at 30 degrees C water bath for 5 h. Using the optimized condition of amino acid derivatization, we investigated the changes in L-arginine (L-Arg) and L-glutamate (L-Glu) concentration in periaqueductal gray matter (PAG) microdialytes of free-moving morphine-withdrawal rats. The results indicated that there was no significant difference in the concentration of L-Arg and L-Glu in PAG between non-dependent and dependent rats. The concentration of L-Arg and L-Glu in PAG increased by 63% and 105%, respectively, in the first 10 min after naloxone-precipitated withdrawal and then declined gradually. These changes were in correspondence with the scores of morphine withdrawal symptom.
Animals ; Arginine ; analysis ; metabolism ; Electrophoresis, Capillary ; methods ; Fluorescence ; Glutamic Acid ; analysis ; metabolism ; Lasers ; Microdialysis ; methods ; Morphine ; adverse effects ; Periaqueductal Gray ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Substance Withdrawal Syndrome ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo develop a method of three-dimensional computer aided design (CAD) of post-and-core restoration.

METHODSTwo plaster casts with extracted natural teeth were used in this study. The extracted teeth were prepared and scanned using tomography method to obtain three-dimensional digitalized models. According to the basic rules of post-and-core design, posts, cores and cavity surfaces of the teeth were designed using the tools for processing point clouds, curves and surfaces on the forward engineering software of Tanglong prosthodontic system. Then three-dimensional figures of the final restorations were corrected according to the configurations of anterior teeth, premolars and molars respectively.

RESULTSComputer aided design of 14 post-and-core restorations were finished, and good fitness between the restoration and the three-dimensional digital models were obtained. Appropriate retention forms and enough spaces for the full crown restorations can be obtained through this method.

CONCLUSIONSThe CAD of three-dimensional figures of the post-and-core restorations can fulfill clinical requirements. Therefore they can be used in computer-aided manufacture (CAM) of post-and-core restorations.

Computer-Aided Design ; Dental Prosthesis Design ; methods ; Humans ; Post and Core Technique

Overexpression of recombinant Human Cu, Zn-Superoxide Dismutase (rhCu, Zn-SOD) in E. coli results in the form of insoluble inclusion body. Purity of rhSOD inclusion body was over 80% by isolation and purification. After preliminary renaturation by conventional dilution or dialysis, enzyme preparations was respectively purified by using Copper Metals-Chelating Affinity Chromatography (Copper-MCAC). RhSOD specific activity purified by MCAC (from the sample renatured partly by dialysis) was 2.2 times as much as that by dialysis and protein recovery was 64%. RhSOD specific activity purified by MCAC (from the sample renatured partly by dilution) was 5.3 times as much as that by dilution and protein recovery was 25%. The two rhSOD preparations purified by MCAC had specific activities about 5000 u/mg and activity recoveries were all over 130% of the enzyme activities in the samples renatured partly by dilution or dialysis. The above-mentioned results indicated that Copper-MCAC resulted in a purification and further renaturation of target protein. SDS-PAGE showed that the target protein rhSOD (19 kD) was purified homogeneously and NBT activity identification proved that the purified and renatured rhSOD had very strong SOD activity. In conclusion, Copper Metals-Chelaing Affinity Chromatography appears to be a simple, rapid and efficient procedure for purifying and further renaturing rhCu, Zn-SOD by dilution or dialysis. The method provided a new idea for purifying and renaturing recombinant proteins expressed in the form of inclusion body in E. coli.
Chelating Agents ; chemistry ; Chromatography, Affinity ; methods ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Inclusion Bodies ; genetics ; Protein Renaturation ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Superoxide Dismutase ; biosynthesis ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo observe the metabolism-based interaction of diphenytriazol and flavone compounds.

METHODSFlavone compounds kaempferol, isoharmnten and Elsholtzia blanda benth extract were chosen as the substrate of glucuronidation in the phase II metabolism. The metabolism was investigated in different rat liver microsome incubates pretreated with beta-naphthoflavone (BNF), diphenytriazol and tea oil (control). The concentrations of residual substrate were determined by HPLC. Quercetin and kaempferol were coincubated with diphenytriazol in control microsome to evaluate the inhibition for phase I metabolism. The concentration of diphenytriazol was determined by HPLC.

RESULTThe phase II metabolic activity of kaempferol, isoharmnten and Elsholtzia blanda benth extract in diphenytriazol-treated microsome was more potent than that in BNF-treated microsome (P<0.01). The phase I metabolism of diphenytriazol was markedly inhibited by quercetin and kaempferol, with the inhibition constants (Ki) (12.41 +/-0.26)microg . ml(-1) and (7.97 +/-0.08)microg . ml(-1), respectively.

CONCLUSIONDiphenytriazol demonstrates metabolism-based interaction with flavone compounds in vitro.

Abortifacient Agents ; metabolism ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Drug Interactions ; Female ; Flavones ; metabolism ; pharmacology ; Kaempferols ; metabolism ; pharmacology ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology ; Quercetin ; metabolism ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Triazoles ; metabolism ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the prevalence and configuration of the isthmuses in the apical 6 mm of the mesial and distal roots of Chinese mandibular first molar by means of micro-computed tomography.

METHODSThirty-six extracted human mandibular first molars were selected. Specimens were subject to micro-CT and a slice thickness of 30 microm was obtained in the apical 6 mm of the roots examined. The number of sections showing isthmuses at each apical level was recorded. Three-dimensional images of isthmuses of mandibular first molars were reconstructed and observed.

RESULTSThe mesial roots of human mandibular first molars had a high incidence of isthmus. The isthmus incidence was greatest 4-6 mm from the apex in human mandibular first molar, with prevalence figures of 49.5%-66.1% and 17.3%-17.8% in mesial and distal roots, respectively. The chi-square test indicated a significant difference in the distribution of isthmuses between the two roots (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSThe mesial roots of human mandibular first molars have a high incidence of isthmus, which may have clinical implications especially when surgical endodontics is performed on the mesial roots of mandibular molars.

Adult ; Dental Pulp Cavity ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Mandible ; diagnostic imaging ; Molar ; diagnostic imaging ; Root Canal Therapy ; Tooth Root ; diagnostic imaging ; X-Ray Microtomography

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the role and the performance of diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) for predicting the early response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in local advanced breast cancer (LABC) and to assess the accuracy of DWI in evaluating residual lesion after NAC.

METHODS88 women with LABC (89 lesions) underwent DWI before and after the first and final cycle of NAC. For each patient, the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were compared between the baseline and follow-up to predict the early response to NAC. The residual tumor volumes were obtained using 3D maximum intensity projections (MIP) of DWI map, and were compared with pathological findings to assess the accuracy of DWI in detecting and measuring residual tumor. All results were proved or analyzed comparing with the data from histopathology.

RESULTSThere were 68 lesions responding to NAC, while 21 non-responders. The baseline ADC values of responders and non-responders were (1.049 +/- 0.135) x 10(-3) mm(2)/s and (1.171 +/- 0.134) x 10(-3)mm(2)/s, respectively, with a significant difference (t = -2.731, P = 0.009 < 0.01). The ADC value measured prior to treatment was (1.087 +/- 0.146) x 10(-3)mm(2)/s, and the degree of the changes in tumor volume after NAC was (70.4% +/- 55.1)%. A negative correlation was observed (r = -0.430, P = 0.025 < 0.05). In the response group, there was a significant difference in ADC value between prior to NAC and 1st cycle of NAC, the final cycle of NAC, respectively (P < 0.001). While no significant differences were found in non-responders during NAC (P > 0.05). The tumor volume correlation coefficient between DWI and pathology measurements was very high (r = 0.749, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONDWI appears to provide functional information regarding changes in ADC value of tumors due to NAC. DWI may be useful in monitoring the early pathological response of tumor after the initiation of treatment and in evaluating the residual tumor after NAC.

Adult ; Aged ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Breast Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Carboplatin ; administration & dosage ; Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Carcinoma, Lobular ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Neoadjuvant Therapy ; methods ; Neoplasm, Residual ; pathology ; Paclitaxel ; administration & dosage ; Prospective Studies ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) on the airway remodeling and expression of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in the lungs among asthmatic mice.

METHODSThirty female mice (BALB/c strain) were randomly divided into control, asthma and 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) intervention groups. An asthmatic mouse model was established by intraperitoneal injection and aerosol inhalation of ovalbumin. The intervention group was given 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) by intraperitoneal injection 0.5 hour before each aerosol inhalation, while the control group used normal saline instead. The hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the mouse airway structural changes. The mRNA and protein expression of HMGB1 and TLR4 was measured by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Pearson correlation analysis was performed.

RESULTSThe asthma group had a significantly increased airway wall thickness compared with the control group (P<0.05); the intervention group had a significantly lower increase in airway wall thickness than the asthma group (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of HMGB1 and TLR4 was significantly higher in the asthma group than in the control group (P<0.05); the mRNA and protein expression of HMGB1 and TLR4 in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the asthma group, but still higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). A positive correlation was found between the protein expression of HMGB1 and TLR4 (P<0.01), and so was their mRNA expression (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSHMGB1 and TLR4 may be involved in asthmatic airway remodeling. 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) can reduce the airway remodeling in asthmatic mice, which may be related to the downregulation of HMGB1 and TLR4 expression in the lungs of asthmatic mice.

Airway Remodeling ; drug effects ; Animals ; Asthma ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Calcitriol ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Female ; HMGB1 Protein ; genetics ; Lung ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Toll-Like Receptor 4 ; genetics