OBJECTIVETo investigate the influence of stromal cells on the Kallikrein 7 (KLK7) expression of epithelial cells in benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).

METHODSWe constructed a stromal-epithelial co-culture model after separating the two types of cells from BPH tissues and identifying them by cell morphology and chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). The expression of KLK7 mRNA was detected by RT-PCR in the epithelial cells with or without the stromal cells, and that of the KLK7 protein (hK7) determined by Western blot.

RESULTSStromal and epithelial cells were successfully separated and identified, and a stromal-epithelial co-culture model successfully established. RT-PCR showed that the mRNA expression of the KLK7 gene was higher in the epithelial cells co-cultured with stromal cells than in the epithelial cells alone, and the gray value of KLK7 to GAPDH was 1.41 +/- 0.041 in the former and 1.78 +/- 0.10 in the latter (P < 0.01). The results of Western blot were consistent with those of RT-PCR.

CONCLUSIONStromal cells can suppress the expression of the KLK7 gene in the epithelial cells in BPH. KLK7 may be involved in the change of epithelial cells stimulated by stromal cells.

Cells, Cultured ; Humans ; Kallikreins ; metabolism ; Male ; Prostate ; metabolism ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; metabolism ; pathology ; Stromal Cells ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo study the fingerprint of Zedoary Turmeric Oil (ZTO) as the bulk drug of Kingkong Elemene for making it safe, effective, stable, and controllable.

METHODSFingerprints were detected by gas chromatography. β-elemene peak was regarded as reference peak (S). The relative peak area of each common peak and the relative retention time were calculated. With a total of modes for reference, the fingerprints of 10 batches of Kingkong ZTO were detected, and their similarity was calculated by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) fingerprint similarity calculation software.

RESULTSThe determination method was stable and reliable. Totally 19 common characteristic peaks of Kingkong ZTO was found. The fingerprint similarity of these batches of Kingkong ZTO were not lower than 0.96.

CONCLUSIONSGas chromatography for detecting the fingerprint of Kingkong ZTO was reliable and repeatable. The established fingerprint of Kingkong ZTO could guarantee the quality stability and safety of different product batches.

Chromatography, Gas ; Curcuma ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Plant Oils ; chemistry ; Sesquiterpenes ; chemistry

Objective:To investigate the mechanism of excessive inflammation in the lung of C3H/HeN(C3H) mice following Chlamydia muridarum(Cm) airway infection.Methods:Chlamydial pneumonitis was induced in C3H and C57BL/6(C57) mice by intranasal inoculation with 1×103IFU (inclusion forming unites) of Cm strains.The expression of TLR2,TLR4 and MyD88 mRNA in the lung at different time point post-infection was measured by RT-PCR.Results:Cm infection induced Toll-like receptors expression in two strains of mice.The expression of TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA,especially TLR2 mRNA(P<0.001 or P<0.05),were significantly higher in highly susceptible C3H mice on day 7 and day 14 d post-infection compared with C57 mice.Further studies showed that the expression of MyD88 mRNA was also significantly higher in C3H mice on day 7 post-infection,and maintained high expression untill the day 14.Conclusion:Cm lung infection induced high level of TLR2,TLR4 and MyD88 mRNA expression in C3H mice,which may associate with excessive inflammation in C3H mice.

OBJECTIVETo explore in-vivo targeted imaging techniques for liver cancer detection using quantum dots (QDs) labeled probes in a nude mouse model of human hepatocellular carcinoma.

METHODSMercaptoacetic acid (MAA) modified QDs were linked to mouse-anti-human alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) monoclonal antibody to form water soluble QD-AFP-Ab probes, which were validated by spectra analyses and transmission electron microscope. The probes were firstly used to detect AFP antigen in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HCCLM6 in-vitro by one-step immunofluorescence method. In-vivo tumor xenografts and lung metastases models were then established by inoculation of HCCLM6 cells subcutaneously and into the tail vein of nude mice, respectively. QD-AFP-Ab probes were injected into the tail vein of the tumor bearing mice for live animal fluorescence imaging. Spectra of tumor and normal tissue were analyzed under illumination of Ti: sapphire laser. Serum levels of alanine amino transferase, aspartate amino transferase, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were determined by conventional biochemical analysis. The liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys, heart and brain of the experimental nude mice were investigated for nonspecific uptake of the probes by confocal microscope.

RESULTSThe QD-AFP-Ab probes had broad excitation spectra and high fluorescence intensity. They could specifically and efficiently recognize AFP antigen in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Tumor targeting imaging using these probes were successful without any acute toxicity to the experimental animals. Spectra analysis showed that the probes per field were lower in the centre than the periphery of the tumor. Non-specific uptake of QD-AFP-Ab probes occurred mainly in the liver, spleen and lungs.

CONCLUSIONSQD-AFP-Ab probes have good optical properties and biocompatibility for in-vivo targeted imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma. Such approach promises to be highly desirable for molecular targeted research of liver cancer.

Animals ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; metabolism ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Diagnostic Imaging ; methods ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique ; methods ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Lung Neoplasms ; metabolism ; secondary ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Microscopy, Fluorescence ; Molecular Probes ; metabolism ; pharmacokinetics ; toxicity ; Neoplasm Transplantation ; Quantum Dots ; Tissue Distribution ; alpha-Fetoproteins ; immunology ; metabolism

OBJECTIVESTo access the prevalence of HIV infection and the associated factors among urban MSM in China.

METHODSParticipants were recruited using respondent driven sampling and snowball sampling method in Beijing, Harbin, Zhengzhou and Chengdu city. A face-to-face questionnaire was administrated to collect relevant demographic and ethological data; 5 ml venous blood sample was taken from each subject to measure HIV antibody in serum (samples were first screened by colloidal gold, latex chromatographic and double-antigen sandwich ELISA method, positive samples were further confirmed by immunoblotting method). The characteristics of HIV infection was described and the risk factors were analyzed.

RESULTSA total of 1864 MSM were recruited and the prevalence of HIV was 6.7% (125/1864). It was 9.5% (24/252) among MSM older than 39 years and it was 1.9% (2/105) among those less than 20 years old. The prevalence was 8.4% (31/371) among MSM with junior level education and was 4.8% (41/858) among those with college level education. It was 10.3% (35/340) among MSM with sexual partner old than him for over 10 years while it was 5.0% (58/1168) among those having sexual partner within 10 years older. The prevalence of HIV infection was 8.9% (61/695) among MSM with unprotected receptive anal sex and it was 5.5% (64/1169) among those without unprotected receptive anal sex. The risk factors independently associated with HIV infection included being older than 39 years (OR = 6.5, 95%CI: 1.5 - 28.7), with junior or lower level education (OR = 1.8, 95%CI: 1.2 - 2.7), having sexual partner older than himself for over 10 years (OR = 2.1, 95%CI: 1.3 - 3.3) and having unprotected receptive anal intercourse (OR = 1.6, 95%CI: 1.1 - 2.4).

CONCLUSIONMSM had a high rate of HIV infection. Older age, lower level education, having older sexual partner and unprotected receptive anal intercourse were related to HIV infection.

Adult ; China ; epidemiology ; HIV Infections ; epidemiology ; Homosexuality, Male ; Humans ; Male ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo summary the experience of the surgical comprehensive treatment of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).

METHODSFrom July 1999 to December 2009, a total of 506 patients suffered SAP were admitted with a mean APACHE II score 12.8 ± 4.6. There were 270 male and 236 female, aged from 16 to 89 years, mean age 43 years. SAP patients were treated by the SAP treatment team which consisted of pancreatic specialized and multidisciplinary doctors. Two hundreds and thirty-four cases (46.2%) received non-operative treatment and 272 cases (53.8%) received surgical intervention.

RESULTSIn 506 cases, 445 patients were cured and 52 patients died (31 died in early stage, 21 died in later stage), 9 cases discharged automatically. The overall incidence of complication, overall mortality and overall curative rate were 29.4% (149/506), 10.3% (52/506) and 87.9% (445/506), respectively. The incidences of complication in non-operative group and in surgical intervention group were 27.8% (65/234) and 30.9% (84/272), respectively (P > 0.05). The mortality in non-operative group and in surgical intervention group were 9.4% (22/234) and 11.0% (30/272), respectively (P > 0.05). The curative rates in non-operative group and in surgical intervention group were 90.6% (212/234) and 85.7% (233/272), respectively (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSPatients should be treated in ICU in the early phase of the disease when APACHE II score > 10. Pancreatic specialized and multidisciplinary team treatment, appropriate choice of timing, indication and procedure of surgical intervention and details of drainage are vital to the prognosis of SAP.

APACHE ; Acute Disease ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pancreatitis ; mortality ; surgery ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate ; Young Adult

Objective To understand the demographic and HIV risk behaviors, HIV and syphilis infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Langfang, Hebei. Methods 106 completed questionnaires were collected from 118 participants, who were recruited from MSM pubs and internet from October to November, 2007. Data on homosexual and heterosexual relationships as well as sexual behaviors were collected by face-to-face interview. Blood specimen were collected to determine HIV/syphilis serostatus. Results Age, marital status and occupation were statistically different (P＜0.05 ) among MSM subgroups enrolled through different recruitment methods. Almost 90.0% of the MSMs identified their sexual orientation, 82.1% MSMs had sexual contacts with men, 50.4% MSMs maintained sexual relationship with women. The exposures of sexual contacts were anal intercourse (87.7%), blow job (58.5%), rimming (32.1%), fist fucking (15.1%), group sex (8.5%) etc. As for the awareness of risk for HIV infection, only 31.1% of the participants were beware of their risk of HIV infection they had been facing while 23.6% of them had ever received HIV testings. The prevalence rates of HIV and syphilis antibody positive among the 84 MSMs in this program were 4.8% and 22.6% respectively. Conclusion MSMs were lack of HIV/STI awareness on their risks and having a high prevalence of HIV and syphilis.Specific HIV/STI intervention should be carried out in this population urgently.

OBJECTIVETo determine feasibility and effectiveness of the intervention on HIV/AIDS among MSM based on venues and peer network.

METHODSThe intervention trial was conducted in Mianyang and Yibin in Sichuan province, where the cultural and social environment were similar. These two cities have no HIV/AIDS intervention conducted yet before this study. The intervention was conducted in Mianyang, while Yibin was regarded as control, in which education materials related HIV/AIDS and VCT service were available. Intervention in Mianyang included MSM venue intervention distributing the education materials, condom and promoting HIV-test and STIs clinic referral by 40 MSM as Popular Opinion Leaders who received the knowledge and intervention skill training.Meanwhile, Popular Opinion Leader intervention was implemented in MSM peer network to advocate safe sex. After 6-month intervention the survey was conducted to assess the effectiveness of intervention.

RESULTSThe scores of knowledge related HIV/STDs and self-efficacy of condom use was 1.293 (95%CI: 0.657 - 1.292, P < 0.05) and 1.556 (95%CI: 0.656 - 2.456, P < 0.05) higher in post-intervention than in pre-intervention which was (12.42 +/- 0.232) and (10.25 +/- 0.327) respectively in Mianyang, while no significant changing in Yibin during the time. Score of knowledge related HIV/STDs increase 0.577 (95%CI: -0.173 - 1.327, P > 0.05) in post-intervention compared with (10.40 +/- 0.412) in pre-intervention and score of self-efficacy of condom use decreased 0.362 from 9.86 +/- 0.547 in pre-intervention (95%CI: -1.458 - 0.534, P > 0.05). In the six months prior to survey, the rate of unprotected sexual intercourse with male casual sexual partners in last 3 times decreased to 11.0% (22/200) (OR(adjusted) = 0.472, 95%CI: 0.265 - 0.841, P < 0.05) from 19.5% (39/200) baseline in Manyang, while in Yibin that increased to 19.0% (38/200) from 17.5% (35/200) in baseline (OR(adjusted) = 1.153, 95%CI: 0.660 - 2.014, P > 0.05). The rate of HIV-test increased significantly from 9.0% (18/200) to 22.0% (44/200) (OR = 2.852, 95%CI: 1.583 - 5.138, P < 0.05) in intervention city and Accordingly in the control, that was 24.5% (29/200) in baseline and 24.0% (28/200) in post-intervention (OR = 0.960, 95%CI: 0.548 - 1.682, P > 0.05). No difference was found in number of male sexual partner pre- and post-intervention both in intervention and control city.

CONCLUSIONThe intervention based on MSM venues and peer network among MSM is feasible and can increase knowledge related HIV/STDs and self-efficacy and as well as condom use and HIV testing.

Adolescent ; Adult ; China ; HIV Infections ; prevention & control ; Homosexuality, Male ; psychology ; Humans ; Male ; Risk-Taking ; Sexual Behavior ; Young Adult

Objective To explore the clinical significance of Nano-Carbon particles and 3D laparoscopy in central compartment lymph node dissection and parathyroid glands protection in treatment of cN0 thyroid cancer. Methods We conduct a retrospective analysis of sixty-five patients with cN0 thyroid cancer who were received 3D laparoscopic thyroidectomy in the last 3 years. All patients were received total resection of thyroid plus the affected side and (or) contralateral side central compartment lymph node dissection. All patients were allocated to control group (n = 32) and carbon nano-particles trace group (tracer group, n = 33). The lymph node-related indexes (including number of dissected lymph node at Ⅵ area, number of Metastatic lymph node and Frozen lymph node-positive rate at Ⅵ area), serum calcium (24 h after surgery) and PTH (48 h after surgery) were collected and compared between the 2 groups. Results Number of dissected lymph node at Ⅵ area, positive rates of intraoperative frozen-section examination of parathyroid glands and PTH (48 h after surgery) were found statistical higher in nanoparticles group than control (P < 0.05). No statistical difference were found in Number of Metastatic lymph node and serum calcium (24 h after surgery) (P < 0.05). Conclusion The clinical significance of carbon nanoparticles and 3D laparoscopy is effective and feasible for central compartment lymph node dissection and parathyroid glands protection in treatment of cN0 thyroid cancer.

PURPOSE: This study aims to analyze the clinical-pathological characteristics of multifocal and multicentric breast cancer (MMBC) in Chinese women. METHODS: Sixty-seven cases with MMBC were randomly collected and reviewed at seven hospitals in representative districts of China during 1999 to 2008. RESULTS: The incidence of MMBC in breast cancer in China was 1.75%. Compared to those with unifocal breast cancer, women with MMBC were more likely to have larger tumor size, lymph node metastasis (59.70% vs. 45.62%) and stage III to IV (46.26% vs. 21.10%). The peak age at onset of MMBC was 40 to 49 years old and has been gradually increasing during 1999 to 2008. Most of the MMBC women were treated with surgery and adjuvant therapy. CONCLUSION: In China, the incidence of MMBC in breast cancer is significantly lower than that in Western countries. Compared to unifocal breast cancer, MMBC is biologically more aggressive. Most MMBC women underwent mastectomy, instead of breast conservation surgery.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Breast ; Breast Neoplasms ; China ; Cohort Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Lymph Nodes ; Mastectomy ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Pathology, Clinical ; Retrospective Studies