Abstract: Objective To detect the polymorphisms of drug resistance-related genes pvcrt-o and pvmdr1 of Plasmodium vivax in lazan city in the China-Myanmar border, in order to guide the treatment plan of Plasmodium vivax. Methods A total of 48 Plasmodium vivax samples were collected from Lazan in the China-Myanmar border in 2007, and fragments of pvcrt-o and pvmdr1 genes were amplified by PCR and sequenced. The sequences were aligned with the Salvador I (Sal-I) strain reference genome sequences to determine the presence of SNPs. Results The target fragments of pvcrt-o gene were amplified from 39 Plasmodium vivax samples, while pvmdr1 genes were amplified from 40 samples. Amongst them, 25 samples had AAG insertion before the 10th amino acid (K10 insertion) of pvcrt-o gene, accounting for 64.1%. Non-synonymous mutations were detected at three loci of pvmdr1 gene (T958M, Y976F, and F1076L), the mutation rates were 100%, 22.5%, and 55.0%, respectively. There were three haplotypes of pvmdr1 gene, of which the triple mutant 958M/976F/1076L accounted for 22.5% (9/40), the double mutant 958M/Y976/1076L accounted for 32.5% (13/40), and the single mutant 958M/Y976/F1076 accounted for 45.0% (18/40). The proportion of strains with pvcrt-o and pvmdr1 gene mutation is 63.16%, which is significantly different from those only with pvmdr1 mutation. Conclusions The proportion of pvcrt-o and pvmdr1 gene mutation of 48 Plasmodium vivax isolates is high in the China-Myanmar border, and there is a certain degree of correlation between the two gene mutations. To assess changes in Plasmodium vivax drug resistance in this region, it is required to improve the surveillance of these two molecular markers.

Objective To investigate the association between functional polymorphism IVS8-poly (T) in cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene and prostate cancer risk.Methods A population-based case-control study was conducted including 230 prostate cancer patients and 230 agematched controls.PCR-STRP was used to analysis the IVS8-poly (T) tract in CFTR gene.Results The prevalences of the low expression allele,the IVS8-5T,in prostate cancer patients and controls were 1.52 ％ (7/460) and 5.22 ％ (24/460),respectively (x2 =12.489,P =0.002).Logistic regression analysis confirmed the 5T/7T genotype was in protective association with prostate cancer risk (OR =0.232,P =0.003,95 ％ CI0.090-0.599).Conclusion The low expression CFTR IVS8-5T allele contributes to a reduced risk of prostate cancer in Chinese Han population,and may be a protective factor against prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVETo study the accuracy of position estimation of right-sided double-lumen endobronchial tubes (DLTs) without carinal hook in elderly patients according to the changes of inspiratory peak airway pressure (Ppeak), lung compliance (Cdyn), pressure-volume loop (P-V loop), and flow-volume loop (F-V loop).

METHODSNinety-six elderly patients undergoing thoracic surgery were intubated with right-sided Mallinckrodt DLTs, the depth of which was determined based on the regressive equation. After 15 min of two lung ventilation (TLV), the Ppeak showed a more than 50% increase from the baseline in 22 patients when switching to one lung ventilation (OLV) with Cdyn less than 50% of the baseline and Ppeak in excess of 22 cmH(2)O. In these 22 cases, the position of the DLT was determined by fiberoptic bronchoscope (FOB) and adjusted to the precise position at 15 min of OLV.

RESULTSDLTs were inserted into the right middle bronchi in 19 cases and the right lower lobe bronchi in 3 cases. At 124-/+39 s after OLV, the SpO(2) began to decrease, and the Ppeak of OLV increased by 91.0% and Cdyn decreased by 62.7%. The slope of P-V curve was reduced and the P-V loop extended, with reduced increment of the expiratory limb and the area of the F-V loop, so that the tips of the DLT were withdrawn by 0.5 to 1.9 cm. The Ppeak of OLV increased only by 43.4% when DLT was in correct position, and was Cdyn decreased by 33.6% ( P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONWhen changes of Ppeak and Cdyn in excess of above guidelines occurs after switching from TLV to OLV in the elderly patients, FOB should be applied to determine the tip position of DLT before SpO(2) reduction takes place.

Aged ; Bronchoscopy ; methods ; Female ; Fiber Optic Technology ; Humans ; Intubation, Intratracheal ; adverse effects ; methods ; Male ; Respiratory Mechanics ; Spirometry ; Thoracic Surgical Procedures

AIMTo study the vasorelaxation action of oxyphenamone (Oxy) and its mechanism.

METHODSThe contractile response of isolated rabbit renal, femoral and mesentery artery preparations was determined.

RESULTSOxy was shown to inhibit the contractile force of renal, femoral and mesentery arteries induced by phenylephrine in a concentration dependent manner. The vasorelaxation produced by Oxy was not attenuated by removal of the endothelium. Oxy (10(-6)-10(-4) mol.L-1) relaxed the contractions induced by KCl 30 mmol.L-1 as well as KCl 80 mmol.L-1, but the contraction curve of KCl 80 mmol.L-1 was shifted significantly to the right. Oxy in lower concentration (10(-6) and 5 x 10(-6) mol.L-1) increased the contractions induced by Ang II, and in middle concentration (10(-5) mol.L-1) it did not affect the contractions induced by Ang II. Whereas in higher concentration (5 x 10(-5) mol.L-1) it obviously inhibited the contractions induced by Ang II.

CONCLUSIONOxy showed significant vasorelaxation to various vascular preparations, and its vasorelaxation action is endothelium independent. The mechanism of its vasorelaxations seems to be related with Ca2+ activated K+ channel (Kca channel) and Ca2+ channel in vascular smooth muscle cells but its true mechanism needs further study.

Animals ; Cardiotonic Agents ; pharmacology ; Female ; Femoral Artery ; drug effects ; physiology ; In Vitro Techniques ; Male ; Mesenteric Arteries ; drug effects ; physiology ; Organic Chemicals ; Phenylephrine ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Potassium Channels, Calcium-Activated ; metabolism ; Rabbits ; Renal Artery ; drug effects ; physiology ; Vasodilation ; drug effects ; Vasodilator Agents ; pharmacology

Objective To study the mutation of FLCN gene in Chinese patients with sporadic and familial primary spontaneous pneumothorax. Methods A complete genetic analysis of FLCN by use of SSCP-PCR was performed in 102 unrelated Chinese patients with isolated PSP. Results Three novel mutations (c. 924_926del, c. 1611_1631del and c. 1740C.T) and a previously reported mutation (c. 1733insC) were identified in five familial and five sporadic PSP patients. Of the 21 family members of patients with PSP including 3 previous considered as sporadic, 4 ( 19% ) had history of at least one episode of PSP and 9 (43% ) were FLCN mutant carriers without PSP. Seven of the nine (78% ) mutant carriers had pulmonary cysts detected by high-resolution computed tomography ( HRCT) . Although c. 924_926del and c. 1611 _1631 del were found in eight patients from the same geographic district, haplotype analysis demonstrated that they did not share the same affected haplotype,thus excluding common ancestry. Conclusion This study first demonstrates that FLCN mutation contributes to not only familial but also apparently sporadic' patients with isolated PSP. It suggests that mutation analysis and HRCT scan may be recommended for first-degree family members of PSP patients with FLCN mutations, irrespective of their family history status of PSP.

SARS-CoV is a newly discovery pathogen causing severe acute respiratory problems.It has been established that the S protein in this pathogen plays an important rule in the adsorption and penetration of SARS-CoV into the host cell by interaction with the ACE2 receptor.To determinant which functional motif of the S protein was involved in the interaction with ACE2,seven truncated S proteins deleted from the N or C terminal were obtained by an E.coli expression system and purified by column chromatography to homogeneity.Each truncated S protein was fixed on to the well of an ELISA plate and an interaction was initiated with the ACE2 protein.The adsorption were quantified by ELISA,and the results indicated that amino acids from 388 to 496 of the S protein was responsible for the interaction with the ACE2 receptor,and the interaction could be completely disrupted by an antibody specific to these amino acids.Deletions adjacent to this domain did not appear to have a significant impact on the interaction with ACE2,suggesting that the S protein of SARS-CoV could be developed as a vaccine to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the possible roles of adenosine and the cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-10 in the pathogenesis of acute bacterial prostatitis (ABP) in rats.

METHODSForty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into groups A (ABP), B (ABP + theophylline intervention), C (sham) and D (blank control). ABP models were established by injecting Escherichia coli 0157 into the prostate, and those in group B were treated by intraperitoneal injection of theophylline immediately after modeling. At 4 and 14 days, the prostate tissues of the rats were collected for detection of the expressions of TNF-alpha and IL-10 by immunohistochemistry and the concentration of adenosine by high-performance liquid chromatography.

RESULTSAt 4 and 14 days, the concentrations of adenosine were significantly higher in group A ([48.38 +/- 17.27] and [26.54 +/- 11.22] microg/g) than in C ([0.45 +/- 0.25] and [0.46 +/- 0.29] microg/g) and D ([0.41 +/- 0.23] and [0.43 +/- 0.27] microg/g) (P < 0.05), and so were the expressions of TNF-alpha in A (0.23 +/- 0.08 and 0.21 +/- 0.03) than in C (0.07 +/- 0.03 and 0.07 +/- 0.01) and D (0.07 +/- 0.06 and 0.07 +/- 0.06) (P < 0.05), and those of IL-10 in A (0.13 +/- 0.03 and 0.25 +/- 0.01) than in C (0.07 +/- 0.03 and 0.07 +/- 0.03) and D (0.07 +/- 0.01 and 0.07 +/- 0.02) (P < 0.05). Compared with group A, the rats in group B showed significant increases at 4 and 14 days in the severity of inflammation, concentration of adenosine ([86.64 +/- 32.87] and [51.17 +/- 22.96] microg/g, P < 0.05) and expression of TNF-alpha (0.37 +/- 0.08 and 0.32 +/- 0.06, P < 0.05), but exhibited no remarkable difference in the expression of IL-10 (0.12 +/- 0.06 and 0.15 +/- 0.06, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONAdenosine may affect the progression of inflammation by regulating the expressions of the cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-10 in ABP rats through the adenosine receptor signaling pathway.

Adenosine ; physiology ; Animals ; Escherichia coli O157 ; Interleukin-10 ; metabolism ; Male ; Prostate ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Prostatitis ; metabolism ; microbiology ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Theophylline ; pharmacology ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene on androgen-independent prostate cancer DU145 cells in vitro.

METHODSThe iNOS gene was transfected into androgen-independent prostate cancer DU145 cells. The positive cells were selected as the transfected group for amplification, and an empty vector (EV) group and a control group were also set. The mRNA transcription of iNOS was analyzed by RT-PCR. The morphological changes of the cells were observed, the effect of iNOS transfection on the cell growth determined using the MTB method, and the apoptosis of DU145 cells detected by flow cytometry, followed by analysis of the effect of NOS inhibitors on the transfected cells.

RESULTSDU145 cells transfected with iNOS secreted significantly more nitric oxide ([272.50 +/- 15.82] micromol/L) than those of the EV and control groups ([122.00 +/- 18.93] micromol/L and [121.00 +/- 6.98] micromol/L) (P < 0.05). The rate of cell apoptosis was markedly enhanced in the transfected group as compared with the EV and control groups ([42.78 +/- 2.01]% vs [30.65 +/- 1.46]% and [28.96 +/- 1.50]%, P < 0.05). MTP test indicated a slower growth of the DU145 cells in the former than in the latter two (P < 0.05). NOS inhibitors enhanced their growth, but with no significance (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONDU145 cells transfected with iNOS could secrete high-concentration nitric oxide, induce cell apoptosis, and suppress cell proliferation, which may provide a potentially effective gene therapy for advanced androgen-independent prostate cancer.

Androgens ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; genetics ; Cell Cycle ; genetics ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; Male ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II ; genetics ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo summarize the experience of diagnosis and surgical treatment for pulmonary and pleural aspergillosis.

METHODSThe clinical data of cases with pulmonary and pleural aspergillosis were analyzed retrospectively between September 1972 and June 2003. There were 53 cases with pulmonary aspergillosis and 3 cases with pleural aspergillosis. Aspergillus was found preoperatively in 8 patients by sputum culture (5 cases) or needle biopsy of the lung (2 cases) or fibro-bronchoscopic biopsy (1 case). All patients were treated with surgical procedures following X-ray film or CT scan.

RESULTSOf 53 cases with pulmonary aspergillosis, 42 lobectomies, 3 segment-Pneumonectomies, and 8 wedge resections were performed. Of three cases with pleural aspergillosis following eliminating their diseased foci in residual pleural space, two underwent thoracoplasty, one underwent postoperative closed chest drainage for one and an half month with fluconazole injected into residual pleural space repeatedly for 1 month (200 mg/100 ml, 1 time per 2 or 3 days). No operative death and major postoperative complications occurred. None of the patients had recurrent symptoms at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONWe recommend aggressive surgical resection for pulmonary and pleural aspergillosis, and the surgical result is excellent.

Adult ; Aged ; Aspergillosis ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Lung Diseases, Fungal ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pleurisy ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Pneumonectomy ; methods ; Retrospective Studies ; Thoracoplasty ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the relationship between epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and lung metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma.

METHODSThere were 100 patients who underwent surgical resection of hepatocellular carcinoma between January 2000 and March 2004. They were classified with non-distance metastasis and lung metastasis depend on the close following up till March 2007. Their hepatocellular carcinoma specimens were retrospectively examined for EMT markers (E-cadherin, Vimentin, Fibronectin) with immunochemistry staining in tissue microarray. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used for study the relationship between EMT and lung metastasis.

RESULTSUnivariate analysis showed that down regulation of E-cadherin, overexpression of fibronectin, cytosolic expression of vimentin, AFP >or= 400 ng/ml, tumor size more than 10 cm, portal vein involvement, poorly differentiated of tumor had close correlation with lung metastasis. Multivariate analysis indicated that overexpression of fibronectin was independent factor for lung metastasis apart from tumor size more than 10 cm, portal vein involvement and poorly differentiated of tumor.

CONCLUSIONThe results proposed that EMT has close relation with lung metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Adult ; Aged ; Cadherins ; metabolism ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Differentiation ; Epithelial Cells ; pathology ; Female ; Fibronectins ; metabolism ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Lung Neoplasms ; secondary ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Stromal Cells ; pathology ; Vimentin ; metabolism