Objective To investigate the imaging manifestations of granular cell tumor of soft tissue,and to improve its diagno-sis.Methods The clinical,CT and MRI data of 21 granular cell tumors of soft tissue confirmed by surgery and pathology were ret-rospectively analyzed.Results Among 21 cases,there were 8 cases located in skin and subcutaneous soft tissue,3 cases in saddle ar-ea,2 cases in throat,and each 1 case in broad ligament of the uterus,mediastinum,tongue,breast,penis,vagina,ileocecal region and the bladder.The imaging findings were solid masses in 12 cases,cystic and solid masses in 7 cases,and cystic masses in 2 ca-ses.Conclusion Granular cell tumor of soft tissue does not have specific predilection sites and obvious imaging specificity.There-fore,the final diagnosis often relies on pathology.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic labeling of stem cells is a recently developed stem cell in vitro labeling technique. Through in conjunction with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), it can monitor transplanted stem cells in vivo. OBJECTIVE: To identify the method of superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) labeling pig bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), to investigate the characteristics of stem cells labeled by various SPIO following MRI, and to determine the minimum amount of labeled cells fer MRI. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: A control observation was performed at the laboratories of Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Medical College of Soochow University, and Medical Imaging Centre, First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University between September 2006 and March 2007. MATERIALS: Fresh porcine iliac bone marrow was collected from Taihu Meishan pigs. SPIO nanometer particles were purchased from Schedng, Germany. Ultramicro SPIO (USPIO) nanoparticles were provided by School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Soochow University. For such particles, crystal nucleus surface was coated with dextran, and following coating, they were named 1#, 2#, 3# for short according to particle size. METHODS: Following isolation, purification, and culture, BMSCs were in vitro labeled by various kinds of SPIO nanoparticles. The labeled cells were subjected to Prussian blue staining and fluorescence microscope observation. The cell growth was observed using MTT method and the growth curve was plotted. For Feridex-labeled cells, 1×106), 5×105, and 1×105 three cell amount groups were set, for unlabeled cells, a 5×105 cell amount group was included, and for 1#, 2#, and 3# SPIO-labeled cells, only 5×105 cell amount group was used. MRI was conduced for measurement of signal intensity of cells labeled by different scanning sequences, followed by statistical analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Detection of SPIO nandparticles-labeled cells by Prussian blue staining; Growth curves of SPIO nanoparticles-labeled cells; Detection of cellular apoptosis by double staining; Determination of signal intensity of cell masses from different Ependoff tubes using MRI with T1WI, T2WI, and fast field echo (FFE) sequences. RESULTS: BMSCs could be labeled with SPIO and the labeling efficiency was 100%. Different amounts of blue-stained Fe particles could be observed in the cytoplasm by Prussian blue staining. SPIO labeling caused a significantly lower signal attenuation effect in T2WI and FFE (T2*WI) images than in T1WI images. In a labeling concentration of 25 mg/L Fe solution, the minimum cell amount for MRI was 1 x 105. The signal intensity exhibited significant difference in 2#, 3#USPIO- and Feridex-labeled cells in no matter T2WI or T2*Wl images(P < 0.01). But no significant difference was found between 1#USPIO- and Feridex-labeled cellss in no mater T2WI or T2*WI images(P > 0.05). There was significant difference in signal intensity of Feridex-labeled BMSCs between T2WI, T2*WI and T1Wl images (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: BMSCs can be easily and efficiently labeled by SPIO nanoparticles without interference, at proper concentrations on cell viability and proliferation. MRI visualization of SPIO-labeled BMSCs is feasible in both T2WI and T2*WI images.

Objective To evaluate how well the risk factors associated with stroke recurrence been controlled by community-based medical centers in urban areas of Beijing.Methods A cross-sectional study was performed in 5 community-based medical centers in urban areas of Beijing.A total of 999 patients with the experience of ischemic stroke were evaluated from Dec.2004 to Nov.2005.Results Ninety-six percent of patients suffered from at least one of the most common diseases(risk factors) associated with stroke recurrence,i.e.hypertension(HT),heart disease,diabetes,hyperlipidemia and obesity,and 80% of patients were with more than 1 disease.The proportion of HT was 79.1%(790/999) and the awareness,treatment and control rates of HT patients were 93.3%(737/790),84.3%(666/790) and 40.3%(318/790),respectively.The proportion of heart diseases and obesity among 999 stroke patients were 34.4% and 19.1%%,respectively.31.9%(319/999) of patients had diabetes and 84.0%(268/319) of the patients knew their history of diabetes.Of 319 diabetes patients,68.3%(218/319) were under active treatment and 45.4%(99/218) of them had their fasting blood glucose well controlled.The proportion of hyperlipidemia was 72.9% and the treatment rate for hyperlipidemia was as low as 29.5%(215/728).There were 43.7% and 50.0% of patients quit smoking and alcohol drinking after their acute stroke.72.7%(726/999) of patients were receiving aspirin regularly.Conclusion The proportion of cardiovascular diseases were high among the patients with ischemic stroke who were under the management of community-based medical centers.The community-based medical centers have played an important role in the secondary prevention of stroke.However,the management for ischemic stroke patients with diabetes and hyperlipidemia needs to be improved.

Objective To evaluate the accuracy of continuous noninvasive partial pressure of carbon dioxide monitoring in the old diabetic patients undergoing general anesthesia.Methods Sixty-six old diabetic patients of both sexes,aged 65-76 yr,weighing 49-95 kg,of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ,undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia,were included in this study.Transcutaneous partial pressure of carbon dioxide (TcPCO2) was monitored by a noninvasive transcutaneous carbon dioxide monitor.Arterial blood samples were collected at 30 and 60 min after endotracheal intubation,partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) was monitored,and TcPCO2 and end-tidal pressure of carbon dioxide (PET CO2) were recorded.Bland-Altman analysis was used to measure the agreement.Results At 30 min after intubation,the results of Bland-Altman analysis showed that the mean difference between PaCO2 and TcPCO2 was 1.3,95％ confidence interval (CI) was 1.0-1.6,and the limit of agreement was-1.1-3.7;the mean difference between PaCO2 and PETCO2 was -3.2,95％CI:-3.6--2.8,and the limit of agreement was-6.6-0.2.At 60 min after intubation,the results of Bland-Altman analysis showed that the mean difference between PaCO2 and TcPCO2 was 1.4,95％ CI was 1.1-1.7,and the limit of agreement was-1.0-3.4;the mean difference between PaCO2 and PETCO2 was-3.1,95％CI was-3.5--2.7,and the limit of agreement was-6.7-0.5.The repeatability coefficients of PaCO2,TcPCO2 and PETCO2 were 2.1,2.3 and 2.3,respectively,at 30 and 60 min after intubation.Conclusion Continuous noninvasive partial pressure of carbon dioxide monitoring provides good accuracy and can be used as an alternative to PaCO2 monitoring,and the accuracy is higher than that of PETCO2 for the old diabetic patients undergoing general anesthesia.

Objective To investigate the value of the application of fibrobronchoscopy in extubation for patients suffering from acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(AECOPD)with low cough peak expiratory flow(CPEF). Methods A single-center prospective controlled study was conducted. The ventilated AECOPD patients who were cooperative at the time of extubation in Department of Critical Care Medicine of Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease of Guangzhou Medical University from June 2009 to May 2014 were enrolled. All patients successfully passed the spontaneous breathing trial(SBT). Extubation was performed after determination of CPEF following energetic coughing. According to the CPEF,the patients were divided into CPEF≥60 L/min group (high CPEF group)and CPEF<60 L/min group(low CPEF group). After extubation,fibrobronchoscopic drainage was given to the patients in high CPEF group when necessary. Fibrobronchoscopic drainage was given to the patients in low CPEF group at least once a day,and the frequency of such treatment could be increased according to the patient's condition. If the patients did not require re-intubation within 48 hours,extubation was recorded as successful. The gender,age,acute physiology and chronic health evaluationⅡ(APACHEⅡ)score before extubation,ventilation time,the time of intensive care unit(ICU)stay,the mortality in ICU,the rate of re-intubation,the ability to cough and the frequency of application of fibrobronchoscopy after extubation were recorded. Results A total of 102 patients with AECOPD were enrolled,58 patients in high CPEF group and 44 in low CPEF group. Compared with high CPEF group,the mean age in low CPEF group was older(years:74.3±15.2 vs. 69.5±11.4,t=2.164,P=0.041),the time of ICU stay was significantly longer(days:20.1±11.2 vs. 17.4±7.3,t=2.274,P=0.030), but there was no significant difference in gender〔male/female(cases):35/9 vs. 45/13,χ2=0.057,P=0.812〕, APACHEⅡscore(11.9±1.9 vs. 10.3±4.2,t=1.290,P=0.200),mechanical ventilation time(days:14.8±10.8 vs. 13.3±9.6,t=0.677,P=0.501)and the rate of re-intubation〔18.18%(8/44)vs. 12.07%(7/58),χ2=1.412, P=0.235〕between low CPEF group and high CPEF group. The cough strength of patients in high CPEF group was almost alwaysstrong(52 cases),and in the low CPEF group,most of them wasmoderate(14 cases)orweak(26 cases). The frequency of application of fibrobronchoscopy in low CPEF group was higher than that in high CPEF group(times:4.1±1.8 vs. 1.3±0.9,t=2.626,P=0.011). All patients underwent weaning successfully,and no death occurred. Conclusion The application of fibrobronchoscopy in the extubated AECOPD patients with low CPEF can reduce the rate of re-intubation,avoid the prolonged ventilation,but cannot reduce the time of ICU stay.

Objective To evaluate the relationship between extracelluar signal?regulated protein kinase 1∕2 (ERK1∕2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathways involving in cardioprotection induced by diazoxide postconditioning in rats. Methods Sixty adult male Sprague?Dawley rats, aged 3 months, weighing 240-260 g, were randomly divided into 5 groups ( n=12 each) using a random number table: sham operation group ( SH group ) , ischemia?reperfusion ( I∕R ) group, diazoxide postconditioning group ( D group ) , ERK1∕2 inhibitor U0126 group ( U group ) , and STAT3 inhibitor Stattic group ( St group) . Myocardial I∕R was produced by occlusion of anterior descending branch of the coronary artery followed by 120 min reperfusionIn I∕R and D groups, 0?4% dimethyl sulfoxide 1 ml and 7 mg∕kg diazoxide ( in 1 ml of 0?4% dimethyl sulfoxide) was injected through the femoral vein at the onset of reperfusionIn U and St groups, U0126 100 μg∕kg and Stattic 500 μg∕kg were injected through the femoral vein at 10 min before reperfusion, and the other procedures were similar to those previously described in group DAt 120 min of reperfusion, the rats were sacrificed, and myocardial specimens were obtained from the left ventricle for determination of myocardial infarct size, cell apoptosis, and ERK1, ERK2 and STAT3 mRNA expression ( real?time PCR), and phosphorylated ERK1∕2 ( p?ERK1∕2) and phosphorylated STAT3 (p?STAT3) (using Western blot). Apoptosis index (AI) was calculated. Results Compared with group S, the myocardial infarct size and AI were significantly increased, and the expression of ERK1, ERK2 and STAT3 mRNA, p?ERK1∕2 and p?STAT3 was down?regulated in group I∕R. Compared with group I∕R, the myocardial infarct size and AI were significantly decreased, and the expression of ERK1, ERK2 and STAT3 mRNA, p?ERK1∕2 and p?STAT3 was up?regulated in group D. Compared with group D, the myocardial infarct size and AI were significantly increased in U and S groups, the expression of ERK1, ERK2 and STAT3 mRNA, p?ERK1∕2 and p?STAT3 was down?regulated in group U, and the expression of STAT3 mRNA and p?STAT3 was down?regulated, and no significant change was found in ERK1 and ERK2 mRNA and p?ERK1∕2 expression in group S. Conclusion STAT3 signaling pathway is located downstream of ERK1∕2 signaling pathway in the mechanism by which diazoxide postconditioning reduces myocardial I∕R injury in rats.

Objective To evaluate the role of ERK1/2 signaling pathway in mitigation of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury by diazoxide postconditioriing in rats.Methods Sixty adult male SpragueDawley rats,aged 3 months,weighing 240-260 g,were randomly divided into 5 groups (n =12 each) using a random number table:sham operation group (S group),I/R group,vehicle group (Ⅴ group),diazoxide postconditioning group (D group),and ERK1/2 signaling pathway inhibitor U0126 group (U group).Myocardial I/R was produced by occlusion of left anterior descending branch of coronary artery for 30 min followed by 120 min reperfusion.In V and D groups,0.4％ DMSO and diazoxide 7 mg/kg (in 1 ml 0.4％ DMSO) were administrated,respectively,through the femoral vein at the onset of the reperfusion.In U group,U0126 was given through the femoral vein at 10 min before reperfusion,and the following procedures were similar to those previously described in group D.At 120 min of reperfusion,myocardial specimens were obtained for detection of myocardial infarct size,cell apoptosis (using TUNEL),and expression of ERK1/2 mRNA (by RT-PCR),total ERK1/2 (t-ERK1/2) and phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) (by Western blot).Apoptosis index was calculated.Results Compared with S group the myocardial infarct size and apoptosis index were significantly increased in the other groups,the expression of ERK1/2 mRNA and p-ERK1/2 was down-regulated in I/R,V and U groups,and no significant change was found in the expression of ERK1/2 mRNA and p-ERK1/2 in Dgroup.Compared with I/R group,the myocardial infarct size and apoptosis index we re significantly decrcaed,and the expression of ERK1/2 mRNA and p-ERK1/2 was up-regulated in D group,and no significant change was foundin the parameters mentioned above in V and U groups.Compared with D group,the myocardial infarct sizeand apoptosis index were significantly increased,and the expression of ERK1/2 mRNA and p-ERK1/2 was down-regulated in U group.There was no significant difference in t-ERK1/2 expression between five groups.Conclusion Diazoxide postconditioning mitigates myocardial I/R injury possibility through activating ERK1/2 signaling pathway in rats.

Objective To investigate the effects of high concentrations of iodide exposure on mitochondrial superoxide production,cell viability and cell damage in the thyroid of metallothionein Ⅰ/Ⅱ knockout (MT-Ⅰ/Ⅱ KO) mice and corresponding wild type (WT) mice.Methods Thyroid cell suspension of six to eight weeks old healthy male MT-Ⅰ/Ⅱ KO mice and WT mice were prepared.The thyroid cells were treated with high concentrations (10-4,10-3,10-2 mol/L) of potassium iodide(KI),or 10-3 mol/L hydrogen peroxide(H2O2) for 2 hours,respectively.Cell viability was evaluated with methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT) assay.Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level in cell culture medium was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Mitochondrial superoxide production in the thyroid cells was measured by flow cytometry using a fluorescent probe,mitochondrial superoxide(MitoSOX).Results Compared to the control group[(100.00 ± 0.00)％,(100.00 ± 0.00)％],the cell viability of 10-4,10-3,10-2 mol/L KI and 10-3 mol/L H2O2 exposure groups were significantly decreased in the thyroid cells of both WT [(73.63 ± 2.05)％,(72.41 ± 2.26)％,(69.63 ± 2.29)％,(44.90 ± 2.93)％] and MT-Ⅰ/Ⅱ KO mice[(65.40 ± 2.39)％,(64.51 ± 2.27)％,(61.48 ± 2.33)％,(40.80 ± 2.76)％,all P＜ 0.05].Compared to the control group [(1 995.28 ± 30.52),(2 004.96 ± 19.71)U/L],significantly increased LDH activities were detected in the thyroid cells of WT [(2 809.22 ± 156.53),(2 850.80 ± 137.83),(2 920.45 ± 152.92),(4 487.49 ± 130.67)U/L] and MT-Ⅰ / Ⅱ KO mice [(3 261.06 ± 120.44),(3 474.19 ± 142.15),(3 597.08 ± 150.86),(4 706.64 ± 148.57)U/L,all P ＜ 0.05].Compared to the control group (26.49 ± 7.66,37.11 ± 8.48),the MitoSOX red fluorescence intensities of 10-2 mol/L KI and 10-3 mol/L H2O2 groups were significantly increased in WT mice(58.96 ± 5.11,87.95 ± 4.25) and MT-Ⅰ/ⅡKO mice(71.21 ± 5.55,99.76 ± 4.42) by flow cytometry (all P ＜ 0.05).Compared to the thyroid cells in WT mice,significantly decreased cell viability (all P ＜ 0.05),significantly increased LDH activity(all P ＜ 0.05) and significantly increased MitoSOX red fluorescence intensity by flow cytometry (all P ＜ 0.05) were detected in the thyroid cells of MT-Ⅰ/Ⅱ KO mice following treatment with KI or H2O2.Conclusions High concentrations of iodide (10-2 mol/L) and 10-3 mol/L H2O2 may lead to significant increase of mitochondrial superoxide production and LDH activity,decrease of cell viability in both WT and MT-Ⅰ / Ⅱ KO mice.More significant increase of superoxide production is detected in MT-Ⅰ / Ⅱ KO mice,indicating the potential protective role of metallothionein in the thyroid cells of WT mice.

Objective To investigate the effects of different concentrations of dexmedetomidine on the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) mRNA in rat peripheral blood monocytes exposed to lipopolysaccharide ( LPS ). Methods Peripheral blood monocytes isolated from male Wistar rats were seeded in 24-well plate in RPMI 1640 liquid culture medium in CO2 incubator at 37 ℃ and 5% CO2 for 2 h, and were randomly divided into 5 groups ( n = 8 each): group A negative control; group B was exposed to LPS 1 μg/ml and C, D and E groups were exposed to LPS 1 μg/ml + dexmetomidine 0.5, 5.0 and 50.0 ng/ml respectively. The monocytes were then incubated for 24 h. The concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in the supernatant of the cultured monocytes were detected by ELISA. The expression of TLR4 mRNA in the monocytes was detected by RT-PCR.Results Exposure to LPS significantly increased the expression of TLR4 mRNA and the concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL -6 in group B as compared with group A ( P ＜ 0.01 ). Dexmedetomidine attenuated the LPS-induced increase in the expression of TLR 4 mRNA and the concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in a dose-dependent manner ( P ＜0.05or 0.01 ). Conclusion Dexmedetomidine can inhibit the synthesis of TLR4 and inhibit the secretion and dilivery of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 by down-regulating the gene expression of TLR4 in rat peripheral blood monocytes exposed to LPS.

Objective To investigate the effects of different time administration of parecoxib sodium on acute opioid tolerance after remifentanil-based anesthesia in patients.Methods Fifty-four ASA Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients aged 30-64 yr undergoing transabdominal cholecystectomy were randomly divided into 3 groups(n=18 each):group I received parecoxib 40 mg at 30 rain before anesthesia;group Ⅱ received parecoxib 40 mg at 30 min before termination of anesthesia;group C control.Anesthesia was induced and maintained with propefol and remifentanil administered via TCI.The target plasma concentration of propofol was set at 3μg/ml and that of remifentanil at 4 ng/ml.Tracheal intubation was facilitated with rocuronium 0.6 ms/ks.Muscle relaxation was maintained with intermittent iv boluses of vecuronium during operation.Pain was assessed using behavioral pain score(O=quiet and no pain,1=complaining,2=severe pain and/or agitation).When the pain score >0,the patients received iv injection of morphine and then PCIA with morphine(bolus dose 1 mg,lockout interval 5 min,no background infusion)30 min later.Morphine consumption and side effects were recorded within 30 min,and during 30 min-24 h and 24-48 h after operation.Results Compared with group C,the morphine consumption was significantly decreased during all the time periods within 48 h after operation in group I and during 30 rain-24 h and 24-48 h after operation in groupⅡ(P<0.05).The morphine cousumption was significantly higher within 30 min after operation in group Ⅱ than in group Ⅰ (P<0.05).No obvious side effects occurred in the 3 groups.Conclusion Parecoxib sodium 40 mg given before anesthesia can reduce acute opioid tolerance after remifentanil-based anesthesia in patients.