Objective To evaluate the ultrasonic feature and clinical significance of persistent left superior vena cava(PLSVC)in fetal life.Methods Fetal echocardiography was performed in 3368 fetuses.Thirty-one fetuses of PLSVC were confirmed.Results The dilated coronary sinus was observed in 30 of 31 fetuses.Congenital heart defects were presented in 14 of these cases,and extracardiac anomalies were presented in 6 fetuses.Both congenital heart defects and extracardiac anomalies were observed in 4 fetuses.Conclusions PLSVC is always associated with congenital heart defects.The prognosis Of affected fetuses largely depends on whether or not the PLSVC is associated with a congenital heart defect.Prenatal diagnosis of PLSVC can help US plan perinatal counseling and ameliorate the postnatal course.

Objective To assess the reproducibility of vascularization measurement in cervical carcinoma using transvaginal three-dimensional power Doppler angiography (3D-PDA) with virtualorgan computer-aided analysis ( VOCAL), and compare the reproducibility of two different contour mode (manual and automatic mode) of VOCAL. Methods Eighty patients with cervical carcinoma were examined by observer 1 using transvaginal 3D-PDA. The two acquired volume datasets were analyzed using manual and sphere automatic contour mode of the VOCAL imaging program for assessing carcinoma vascularization index( VI), flow index(FI), and vascularization flow index(VFI). Forty patients of them were examined randomly by observer 2 by the same method. Reproducibility of vascularity measurement was assessed by calculating intraclass (intra-CC) and interclass (inter-CC) , limits of agreement, 95% confidence interval definition. The contribution of various factors (examiner, measurement, contour mode and patient) to intrasubject variance was estimated using different analysis of variance models (ANOVA). Results For intraobserver,manual contour mode was more valid than sphere automatic contour mode for each observer (0. 92～0. 99 vs 0. 75～0. 94) ,and it also had smaller standard deviation,narrower limit of agreement range, 95% confidence interval and higher intra-cc than those of sphere automatic contour mode. Interobserver agreement of manual contour vascular measurements was similar to the intraobserver agreement for manual contour vascular measurements ( 0. 89 ～ 0. 97 vs 0. 92 ～ 0. 99 ) , but interobserver agreement for sphere automatic contour vascular measurements dramatically reduced (0. 52～0. 72). Conclusions Manual contour mode for 3D-PDA vascular measurement has better reproduciblity than sphere automatic contour mode, especially useful for irregular shape tissue.

To improve the expression of heterologous genes using baculovirus expression system, we constructed a novel shuttle vector based on the Bm-Bacmid. In the Bm-Bacmid, partial sequences of Chitinase and Cystein Protease were replaced with a tandem cassette of Cm and egfp through homologous recombination. Bombyx mori bidensovirus (BmBDV) ns1 under the control of polyhedrin promoter was inserted into the modified Bm-bacmid by transposition. For comparison, BmBDV ns1 under the control of polyhedrin promoter was also cloned in the wild type Bm-bacmid. The resulting Bm-bacmids were transfected into the cultured BmN cells to prepare recombinant virus to infect silkworms for expression of BmBDV ns1. Total proteins of hemocyte from infected silkworms were subjected to Western blotting and ELISA analysis. The yield of BmBDV NS1 1 with the modified vector was three times as much as that with the unmodified vector. The method to improve the yield of BmBDV NS1 in silkworms will facilitate the function and three-dimensional structure study of BmBDV NS1.
Animals ; Baculoviridae ; Bombyx ; virology ; Cell Line ; Chitinases ; Cysteine Proteases ; Genetic Vectors ; Insect Viruses ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Transfection

ObjectiveTo observe the influence of different dietary protein intake (DPI) on nitrogen balance and nutritional indices in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, and explore the minimal DPI to maintain nitrogen balance.MethodsThirty-four PD patients were randomly divided into group A, B and C with DPI as 1.2, 0.9 and 0.6 g·kg-1·d-1 respectively. All the patients admitted into our hospital and completed a 10-day assessment for nitrogen balance, as well as nutritional status including serum albumin (Alb), pre-albumin at baseline, the 7th and 10th day. ResultsThe DPI of group A, B and C was (1.18±0.05), (0.87±0.02), (0.66±0.03) g·kg-1·d-1, whose differences were significant (P<0.01). The dietary energy intake (DEI) was 129.29 (117.57-133.89), 111.71 (100.42-133.47), 146.86 (128.03-163.18) kJ·kg-1·d-1 respectively. Nitrogen balance was positive in group A, B, C [2.99 (2.15-4.72) g, 1.20(0.59-1.89) g, 0.24 (-0.87-1.27) g]. The BUN decreased at the 7th and 10th day (P<0.01) in group C. The BUN and phosphorus in group A increased, but without significant difference as compared to baseline. No significant differences of nutritional status were found among three groups throughout the trial. ConclusionMinimal DPI 0.65 g·kg-1·d-1 plus the supplement of protein loss in dialysate can maintain the nitrogen balance in peritoneal dialysis patients.

Objective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in uterine tissues of rats with primary dysmenorrhea (PD), thus to explore the possible mechanism of EA for PD. Methods: Fifty female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, an EA at non-acupoint group, an EA at acupoint group and a Western medicine group, with 10 rats in each group. Except for the normal group, rats in the other four groups were treated with estradiol benzoate combined with oxytocin for 11 d to establish PD rat models. From day 1 of the modeling, rats in the normal group and the model group were only properly grasped without any intervention; Guanyuan (CV 4) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) were selected for EA treatment in the EA at acupoint group; rats in the EA at non-acupoint group were treated with EA at 5 mm away from the acupoints selected above; rats in the Western medicine group were treated with ibuprofen via gavage. Rats in each group were treated for 10-day successively. On the 11th day, except for the normal group, rats in the other groups were intraperitoneally injected with oxytocin (2 U/rat), and the writhing number within 30 min in each group was compared; the pathological changes in rat uteruses were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and the pathological damage scores were evaluated. Protein expression levels of NF-κB p65, phospho-NF-κB p65, NLRP3, cysteine aspastic acid-specific protease 1 (caspase-1), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 were detected by Western blot. Results: Compared with the normal group, the writhing number increased significantly (P<0.05), and the extensive exfoliation of the endometrium, severe edema, and histopathological score all increased significantly in the model group (P<0.05) as well as the protein levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18, and the ratio of phospho-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 in rat uterine tissues (all P<0.05); compared with the model group, the numbers of writhing reaction decreased within 30 min (P<0.05), the endometrial exfoliation was rare, the edema degree was mild, and the histopathological scores decreased significantly (all P<0.05) in the EA at acupoint group and the Western medicine group; compared with the model group, the phospho-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 ratio and the NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18 protein levels of rat uterine tissues in the EA at acupoint group were significantly lower (P<0.05); compared with the model group, the caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18 protein levels of the rat uterine tissues decreased significantly (all P<0.05), and the differences in the NLRP3 and phospho-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 levels were statistically insignificant (all P>0.05) in the Western medicine group; compared with the Western medicine group, the phospho-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 ratio, also the NLRP3, IL-1β and IL-18 protein levels of the uterine tissues decreased significantly in the EA at acupoint group (all P<0.05), while the difference in the caspase-1 level was statistically insignificant (P>0.05); there were no significant differences between the EA at non-acupoint group and the model group in any indicators (all P>0.05). Conclusion: EA at acupoints significantly improves the pain and pathological damages of PD rats. The mechanism may be related to the reduced uterine inflammation via inhibiting NF-κB phosphorylation and NLRP3 activation in uteruses of PD rats.

The genus Nodulisporium, is known to produce secondary metabolites with structural diversity. A new alkaloid, 2-hy- droxy-1,1-dimethyl-1,2,3,9-tetrahydro-4H-carbazol-4-one(1), was isolated from the extract of a fungal strain Nodulisporium sp. fermented with rice, together with three known phenols, tyrosol(2), hydroxytyrosol(3), and hydroxytyrosol acetate(4). Their structures were identified by detailed spectroscopic analyses.
Alkaloids ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Xylariales ; chemistry

ObjectiveTo unify the definitions of colonoscopic characteristics of Crohn disease (CD) and intestinal tuberculosis ( ITB),and to evaluate colonoscopic and clinical features in the differential diagnosis of CD and ITB.MethodsA collaborative group composed of 10 experts from 5 hospitals voted to identify and confirm the colonoscopic characteristics.Clinical and colonoscopic characteristics were analyzed,thereafter,characteristics were scored based on different diagnostic specificity.ROC curve was used for determining the cutoff point to differentiate CD from ITB.ResultsFirstly,standard endoscopic images and descriptions were determined.Secondly,colonoscopic parameters which were significantly different between the CD and ITB patients included the follows:involvement of more than four intestinal segments,anorectal involvement,longitudinal ulcers,cobblestone appearance and transverse ulcers.Clinical findings which were significantly different between the CD and ITB patients included active pulmonary tuberculosis,PPD-test strong positive,anal fistula/perianal abscess and extra-intestinal manifestations in CD.4.4％(6/136) patients were confirmed by histological evidence of caseating granulomas.By using our scoring system,39.7％ (54/136) confirmed diagnoses and 18.4％ (25/136) suspected diagnoses were made in patients without histological evidence.ConclusionIdentification of colonoscopic characteristics and unification of the colonscopic diagnostic criteria were helpful in the differential diagnosis between CD and ITB.The differential diagnosis rate could he improved by using the scoring system.Half cases could not be confirmed even with combined pathology and the scoring system,so a more comprhensive scoring system would be warranted.

To investigate the influence of HIF-1alpha overexpression on the differentiation of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) ex vivo, EPCs were isolated from human peripheral blood by density gradient centrifugation, overexpressed HIF-1alpha was transfected to EPCs by electroporation; HIF1alpha, HIF1beta, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA level were measured with RT-PCR; HIF-1alpha protein was detected with immunohistochemistry in a time course. CD31(+) cells were measured with flow cytometry. Cell morphology was observed after transfection. The results showed that the transfection efficiency of HIF-1alpha to EPCs was about 20%. HIF-1alpha and its controlled target gene VEGF were markedly induced by HIF-1alpha vector (P < 0.05). HIF1beta had its same level as it before interference (P > 0.05). HIF-1alpha protein was induced by HIF-1alpha transfection after 12 hours but was undetectable at 24 hours. After 7 - 14 days cultured in 21% oxygen pressure, fluorescence-trace experiments revealed that CD31 + EPCs/EC could be generated more efficiently from overexpressed HIF-1alpha than that from pEGFP transfected group (P > 0.05). EPC morphology was observed by light microscopy. HIF-1alpha-transfected cells under normoxia sprouted more rapidly from the EPC colonies than the untransfected cells or cells transfected with an GFP vector, which essentially maintained the original colony formation. HIF-1alpha transfected cells took on an array-like arrangement rather than random dispersal, suggesting that they were in an advanced state of differentiation. It is concluded that the utility of overexpression of HIF-1alpha can induce target genes which have influence on cell differentiation. HIF-1alpha transfection was found to give a prospected way to do the insight research on ischemic treatment in vivo.
Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; Humans ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Plasmids ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Stem Cells ; cytology ; Transfection ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; biosynthesis ; genetics

OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study was to explore the possibility of creating a toxin, C-CPE-ETA', by fusing C-terminal high affinity binding domain of CPE (C-CPE) with a truncated form of Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A (ETA') and to examine whether C-CPE-ETA' could specifically target CLDN-3, 4 molecule and the targeted toxin was cytotoxic against CLDN-3,4-overexpressing ovarian cancer.

METHODSCLDN-3 and CLDN-4 expressions were analyzed at the mRNA level in three ovarian cancer cell lines and epithelial ovarian cancer tissues from 20 patients. After transforming an expression plasmid of C-CPE-ETA' into E. coli BL21 (DE3) plysS strain, the recombinant protein was purified using His-Bind resin chromatography column and analyzed by Western blot and Coomassie blue staining. The specific binding, proapoptotic and cytolytic activities were evaluated by flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy with the JC-1 probe and MTT assay in CLDN-3,4-overexpressing ovarian cancer cells.

RESULTSQuantitive RT-PCR results showed there existed high levels of CLDN-3 and CLDN-4 in ovarian cancer cells, CAOV3, OVCAR3 and SKOV3. Moreover, high expressions of CLDN-3 and CLDN-4 were observed in 90.0% (18/20) and 60.0% (12/20) of ovarian cancer tissues, with an expression level 10-fold higher than that in the normal ovarian tissue. A 58 000 recombinant protein C-CPE-ETA' was demonstrated by Western blot and Coomassie blue staining. Purified and recombinant C-CPE-ETA' was bound with high affinity to CLDN-3,4-overexpressing ovarian cancer cells, CAOV3, OVCAR3 and SKOV3 cells. C-CPE-ETA' was strongly proapoptotic and cytotoxic towards the CLDN-3,4-overexpressing ovarian cancer cells. The concentration of IC(50) was 7.364 ng/ml for CAOV3 cells, 8.110 ng/ml for OVCAR3 cells and 22.340 ng/ml for SKOV3 cells, respectively. However, control CLDN-3,4-deficient cell line HUVEC was not susceptible to the recombinant C-CPE-ETA' at a concentration up to 10 µg/ml.

CONCLUSIONSThe C-CPE-ETA' protein exhibits remarkably specific cytotoxicity for CLDN-3,4-overexpressing ovarian cancer cells. Its therapeutic potential warrants further development for ovarian cancer molecular targeted therapy.

ADP Ribose Transferases ; metabolism ; physiology ; Apoptosis ; Bacterial Toxins ; metabolism ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Claudin-3 ; Claudin-4 ; Claudins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Enterotoxins ; metabolism ; physiology ; Exotoxins ; metabolism ; physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Immunotoxins ; metabolism ; Ovarian Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; metabolism ; physiology ; Virulence Factors ; metabolism ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the potential correlation between the level of Th17 cells in peripheral blood and the development of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODSTh17 cells in the blood samples from 61 HCC patients and 38 healthy controls were assessed by flow cytometry (FCM). The mRNA expression levels of IL-17, IL-23p19 and RORc in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were detected by quantitative real-time PCR. The potential correlation of increased Th17 cells in blood with the clinical characteristics of the 61 patients, including gender, age, preoperative AFP concentration, tumor diameter, portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT), metastasis and TNM stages was analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using the software GraphPad Prizm 5.0.

RESULTSThe number of Th17 cells in 61 HCC patients was significantly higher than that in the normal controls (4.67% ± 0.79% vs 3.25% ± 0.68%, P < 0.0001). The same tendency was also found in the mRNA levels of IL-17, IL-23p19 and RORc in PBMC (P < 0.05). The increased level of Th17 cells in HCC patients showed a positive correlation with the tumor size, PVTT, metastasis and TNM stages (P < 0.05 for each group). The level of Th17 cells in HCC patients was increased along with the increasing TNM stages I to stage IV: 4.05% ± 0.82%, 4.32% ± 0.67%, 4.94% ± 0.70%, and 5.22% ± 0.87%, respectively, where the level of Th17 cells in patients with advanced stage of HCC (III-IV) was significantly higher than that in early stage (I-II, P = 0.0008).

CONCLUSIONThe increased of level of Th17 cells in peripheral blood of HCC is significantly correlated with the tumor size, PVTT, metastasis and TNM stage, indicating that the Th17 cells might participate in promoting invasion and progression of HCC directly or indirectly by secreting characteristic cytokines.

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Interleukin-17 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Interleukin-23 Subunit p19 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Liver Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Lymphocyte Count ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Neoplasm Staging ; Neoplastic Cells, Circulating ; Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Portal Vein ; pathology ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Th17 Cells ; pathology ; Tumor Burden