Objective To study the clinical significance of the serum angiopoietin-2(Ang-2) in the diagnosis,recurrence,invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer.Methods The serum Ang-2 and carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) levels in 158 patients with gastric cancer (gastric cancer group) and 30 normal controls(control group) were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) technique respectively.The serum Ang-2 and CEA levels were also measured 2 weeks after operation in gastric cancer group and reexamined in the recurred gastric cancer patients in 2 years after operation (recurred and metastasis group).The correlation between the serum Ang-2 level and pathologic c haracterization of gastric cancer was evaluated.Results The serum Ang-2 and CEA levels in gastric cancer group [ (331.8 ±64.3),(42.6 ±37.3)μg/L] and recurred and metastasis group [(318.7 ±72.9),(40.5 ±36.7)μg/L] were significantly higher than those in control group [ (187.4 ± 32.7),(4.2 ± 3.1 )μ g/L] (P ＜ 0.01 ),and the serum Ang-2 level 2 weeks after operation [ (211.6 ± 75.1 ) μ g/L ] was significantly decreased to the control group (P ＞ 0.05 ),while the serum CEA level [ (33.4 ± 30.6) μ g/L ] was still significantly higher than the control group (P ＜ 0.01 ).The sensitivity of the serum Ang-2 for diagnosis of gastric cancer was markedly higher than that of the serum CEA (P ＜ 0.01 ).There was correlation between serum Ang-2 and degree of tumor differentiation,TNM pathological staging,lymphatic metastasis,invasion depth and tumor size (p ＜0.01 ),but there was no correlation between serum Ang-2 and tissue classification and location of gastric cancer (P＞ 0.05).Conclusion The serum Ang-2 level is suggested to be a valuable gastric cancer marker and conduce to the diagnosis of gastric cancer,the monitoring of recurrence after operation and evaluation of prognosis.

OBJECTIVETo observe the therapic effects of the recompression treatment schedule D2 (breathing 100% oxygen at 0.12 MPa gauge pressure) on the type I decompression illness (DCI) by hyperbaric chamber pressurized with air.

METHODSThe recompression treatment schedule D2 was from the decompression treatment tables of in Germany BGI690. Seven cases on work site group (work site group) and five cases in hospital (hospital group) were treated using recompression treatment. All cases suffered from type I DCI after normal decompression procedures from working in compressed air in tunnel construction. These patients were treated with basic schedule D2 or extended schedule D2 according to the symptoms of the cases responded to recompression therapy.

RESULTSIn the work site group, the pains of joints, arms and legs were released quickly, the therapic effects appeared at (8.1 +/- 8.1) min, the cases were cured with a recompression therapy of basic schedule D2, the total mean time of treatment was (150 +/- 0.0) min. In the hospital group, the pains of joints, arms and legs disappeared slowly, the therapic effects appeared at (115.0 +/- 60.0) min, the cases were cured with a recompression therapy of extended schedule D2, the total mean time of treatment was (270.0 +/- 0.0) min, which was significantly longer than that in the work site group (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSThe treatment pressure is 0.12 MPa(gauge pressure) in schedule D2 with medical hyperbaric chamber pressurized with air,which can be used for treatment of type I DCI, the curative effects in the work site group are better than those in the hospital group.

Adult ; Decompression ; methods ; Decompression Sickness ; therapy ; Diving ; Humans ; Hyperbaric Oxygenation ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Oxygen Inhalation Therapy ; Treatment Outcome

Acute traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) represents one of the most devastating injuries that afflict the human body. Ascorbic acid ( AA) plays an important role in mammalian central nervous system, especially in SCI. In this study, the change of AA concentration after SCI was investigated by using an on-line electrochemical method integrated with in vivo microdialysis. A microdialysis probe (2 mm in length) was implanted into the spinal cord of an anesthetized rat (Thoracic-10). Microdialysis perfusate (2 μL/ min) was collected in the sample loop of an on-line injector for direct injection onto a glassy carbon electrode which was modified with the heat-treated single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). Normal ascorbic acid concentration in the extracellular fluids of spinal cords was (26. 17 ± 1. 25) μmol/ L (n =8). The experimental spinal cord injury, induced by a lesion at T-10, significantly increased the extracellular ascorbic acid levels to (53. 24± 1. 95) μmol/ L (n =8). This study provides the experimental evidence on the essential roles of ascorbic acid in spinal cord injuries.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect and toxicity profile of recombinant human interleukin 11(rhIL-11) on the platelet after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with leukemia. METHODS: Twenty-four patients with acute or chronic leukemia treated by allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) were randomly divided into a test group and a control group. The patients in the test group were treated with rhIL-11 since the 13th day after PBSCT (1.5mg/d),while the control group were given symptomatic treatment. RESULTS: The average time for the platelet to recover to the level of 20 x 10(9)/L was 20.8 days in the test group, and 26.0 days in control group respectively, there was significant difference (P<0.01). The average time for the platelet to recover to the level of 50 x 10(9)/L was 25.7 days in the test group, and 32.3 days in the control group respectively, there was also significant difference (P<0.01). The average time for the platelet transfusion was 2.2 in the test group, 4.1 in the control group, and there was significantly different (P<0.01). The average number of megakaryocytes was 12.2 in the test group, 4.8 in the control group on 30th day after the transplantation,and there was significant difference(P<0.01). The main side effects of rhIL-11 were nausea, vomit, debility, headache, dizzy and pain of injection site, and the degree was all Iapproximately II grade. CONCLUSION rhIL-11 has definite recuperative effect on the recovery of the platelet after PBSCT. There is little side effect, and it can be accepted.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Female ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Humans ; Interleukin-11 ; genetics ; therapeutic use ; Leukemia ; blood ; surgery ; Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive ; blood ; surgery ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; blood ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Platelet Count ; Recombinant Proteins ; therapeutic use ; Thrombocytopenia ; drug therapy ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo investigate the efficacy of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) therapy for HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B.

METHODSSixty-five Chinese HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients were treated with 5 MU recombinant rIFN-alpha 1b subcutaneously thrice weekly for 5 to 24 months, followed by 12 months of treatment-free follow-up; one hundred and eighty-eight Chinese HBeAg-positive patients served as controls. For each patient, serum alanine transaminase (ALT) was measured biochemically and serum HBV DNA level was detected with fluorescent-quantitative PCR, HBeAg with enzymoimmunoassay every 1 to 3 months during therapy and during the follow-up period. HBeAg loss (only for HBeAg-positive cases), HBV DNA undetectable, and ALT normalization: the three together were considered a combined response.

RESULTSRates of combined response were similar in HBeAg-negative patients (58.5%, 38/65) or HBeAg-positive ones at the end of treatment (weighted chi square test, chi2 = 1.878, P<0.05), but were higher at the end of the follow-up period in the HBeAg-negative cases (75.4%, 49/65) (weighted chi square test, chi2 = 4.796, P<0.05). Furthermore, relapse rates at the end of the follow-up period, were also similar in HBeAg-negative patients (15.8%, 6/38) or HBeAg positive (chi2 = 0.205, P>0.05). Combined response was achieved at a median of 6.0 months (2-16 months) of treatment course in HBeAg-negative patients while at a median of 6.0 months (1-22 months) in HBeAg-positive cases (Z = -0.186, P>0.05, by the Wilcoxon rank sum test). The only factor predictive of combined response, by binary logistic regression analysis, was inflammatory activity in the liver biopsy. Gender, age, baseline ALT level, baseline HBV DNA level, and anti-HBe were not predictive factors.

CONCLUSIONInterferon-alpha therapy induces a similar primary and sustained response in HBeAg-negative and in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients.

Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hepatitis B e Antigens ; blood ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; immunology ; therapy ; Humans ; Interferon-alpha ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Treatment Outcome

Cardiac Catheterization ; Heart Arrest ; therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pulmonary Embolism ; complications ; therapy ; Thrombolytic Therapy ; methods

OBJECTIVEMutations in CACNA1A, which encodes the P/Q-type calcium channel subunit, are responsible for at least 3 allelic diseases, namely type 2 episodic ataxia (EA-2), familial hemiplegic migraine?type-1 (FHM1), and spinocerebellar ataxia type-6?(SCA 6). Herein we present a case of ataxia with episodic tremors in a 19-year-old man with a missense mutation of CACNA1A gene and summarize the clinical features, genetic analysis and treatment in this case and in his affected family members.

METHODSPhysical examinations were conducted for the patient and his affected family members. DNA sample from the proband was analyzed with next-generation sequencing technology to identify the causative mutation. Sanger sequencing was used to confirm the gene mutation in the family members.

RESULTSPhysical examinations of the patient revealed signs of ataxia, drunken gait, and tremor of his head and body. Four other members in his family had similar but much milder symptoms. A heterozygous missense mutation in CACNA1A (NM_001127221.1 c.4034G->A, p.R1345Q, exon 25) was identified in the proband, which was confirmed in the affected family members. The proband did not respond to methazolamide treatment, but his tremor symptom was well controlled with flunarizine, a calcium channel blocker.

CONCLUSIONBased on the clinical features, mutation analysis and treatment response, we suggest that this patient with a missense CACNA1A mutation, R1345Q, has a new type of ataxia with episodic tremor other than any of EA2, FHM1, or SCA 6.

Ataxia ; genetics ; Calcium Channels ; genetics ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; Exons ; Genetic Testing ; Humans ; Male ; Mutation ; Mutation, Missense ; Pedigree ; Tremor ; genetics ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo analyze the spatial distribution of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and to explore environmental factors associated with HPAI using geographic information system (GIS) techniques in Mainland China.

METHODSDatabases were set up using the information of HPAI during epidemics in 2004, and linked to digital maps at provincial and county administrative layers in the country through the ArcGIS 8.3 software. Spatial cluster analyses, spatial statistics analyses and tracking analyses on epidemic situation of HPAI were implemented. Environmental factors associated with HPAI were also analyzed on data related to weather, vegetation and migratory birds etc.

RESULTSFindings from spatial cluster analyses showed that high incidence area was centralized in 113.261 degrees ordm; east longitude and 23. 119 degrees ordm; north latitude with a radius of 1090.52 kilometers (relative risk= 2.646, P value= 0.001). Spatial statistical analyses showed that HPAI took place mainly in capital cities of provinces and surrounding areas as well as in the circumference areas of arterial rivers, lakes and seacoasts. Results also showed that HPAI occurrences were associated with low air temperature, high relative humidity and high air pressure as well as with east & central migration routes of migratory birds. The average normalized difference vegetation index was 0.36 +/- 0.11 in epidemic areas of HPAI.

CONCLUSIONHPAI was unrandomly distributed and geographically clustered in China.

Animal Migration ; Animals ; Atmospheric Pressure ; Birds ; virology ; China ; epidemiology ; Cluster Analysis ; Environment ; Geographic Information Systems ; Humidity ; Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype ; pathogenicity ; Influenza in Birds ; epidemiology ; Temperature

OBJECTIVETo explore the effects of aberrant expression of sperm protein 17 (Sp17) on the migration of the ovarian cancer cell line HO-8910.

METHODSThe recombinant plasmid pEGFP-Sp17 containing Sp17 and enhanced green fluorescent protein gene was transfected into the human ovarian cancer cell line HO-8910 with Lipofectamine 2000. The expression of Sp17 was examined by RT-PCR and Western blot, and the cell migratory capability detected by Transwell chamber assays.

RESULTSSp17 was expressed as a fusion protein with EGFP after transfected. There was a significant difference in the migratory cell number of the transfected and the control cells (156.6 +/- 14.9/HP vs 39.3 +/- 8.53/HP, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe aberrant expression of Sp17 greatly enhances the migration of ovarian cancer cells.

Antigens, Neoplasm ; genetics ; Antigens, Surface ; genetics ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; genetics ; Carrier Proteins ; genetics ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Movement ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; Male ; Ovarian Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Transfection

The aim of this study was to sort the CD34(+)/CD123(+) cells from the bone marrow cells of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by Midi MACS method. Firstly, the bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNC) were isolated from the patients with AML with Ficoll Paque, CD34(+) cells were then isolated by Midi MACS method followed by the isolation of CD34(+)/CD123(+) cells from the fraction of CD34(+) cells. The enrichment and recovery of CD34(+) and CD34(+)/CD123(+) cells were assayed by FACS technique. The results showed that the enrichment of CD34(+) cells was up to 98.73%, its average enrichment was 95.6%, and the recovery of CD34(+) was 84.6%, its average recovery was 51% after the first round sorting, by the second round sorting, the enrichment of CD34(+)/CD123(+) cells was up to 99.23%, its average enrichment was 83%. With regard to BMMNCs before sorting, the recovery of CD34(+)/CD123(+) was 34%. But, on the CD34(+) cells obtained by the first round sorting, its recovery was 56%. In conclusion, these results confirmed that the method of Midi MACS sorting can be applied to sort CD34(+)/CD123(+) cells from the bone marrow cells of AML patients, which give rise to the similar enrichment and recovery of the sorted cells with that of literature reported by the method of FACS.
Antigens, CD34 ; analysis ; Bone Marrow Cells ; pathology ; Cell Separation ; methods ; Humans ; Interleukin-3 Receptor alpha Subunit ; analysis ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; pathology ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear ; pathology