Objective To evaluate the feasibility of perfusion weighted imaging (PWI) in the differentiation of recurrent glioma and radiation-induced brain injuries. Methods Fifteen patients with previously resected and irradiated glioma, presenting newly developed abnormal enhancement, were included in the study. The final diagnosis was determined either histologically or clinicoradiologically. PWI was obtained with a gradient echo echo-planar-imaging (GRE-EPI) sequence. The normalized rCBV ratio[CBV(abnormal enhancement)/CBV(contralateral tissue)], rCBF ratio[CBF(abnormal enhancement)/CBF(contralateral tissue)]and rMTT ratio[(MTT abnormal enhancement)/MTT(contralateral tissue)]were calculated, respectively. The regions of interest (ROIs) consisting of 20-40 mm2 were placed in the abnormal enhanced areas on postcontrast T1-weighted images. Ten to fifteen ROIs measurements were performed in each lesion and the mean value was obtained. Mann-Whitney test was used to determine whether there was a difference in the rCBV/rCBF/MTT ratios between glioma recurrence and radiated injuries. Results Nine of the 15 patients were proved recurrent glioma,6 were proved radiation-induced brain injuries. The mean rCBV ratio[2.87(0.70-4.91)]in glioma recurrence was markedly higher than that[0.70(0.12-1.62)]in radiation injuries (Z=-2.55,P＜0.05). The mean rCBF ratio[1.89(0.64-3.96)]in glioma recurrence was markedly higher than that[0.56(0.12-2.08)]in radiation injuries (Z=-2.08,P＜0.05). The areas under rCBV and rCBF ROC curve were 0.893 and 0.821. If the rCBV ratio ≤0.77, the diagnosis sensitivity of radiation-induced brain injuries was 100.0%;If ≥2.44, the diagnosis specificity of recurrent glioma was 100.0%. Conclusion PWI was an effective technique in distinguishing glioma recurrence from radiation injuries and rCBV and rCBF ratios were of great value in the differentiation.

Objective To investigate the angiographic manifestation of the proper esophageal artery (PEA),the hish risk factom for the presence of the anomalous PEA in hemoptysis and to evaluate the safety of transcatheter aaefial embolization(TAE) of the PEA using gelatin sponge(GS).Methods Selective esophageal arteriography WSS performed in forty-three patients with hemoptysis,including 15 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis,18 cases of bmnchiectasis,7 cases of posttuberculous bronchiectasis and three cases of lung cancer. One case experienced failure of bronchial arterial embolization. The angiographic manifestation of the PEAs Was studied.The complications of the procedure and clinical results were observed in the patients who underwent TAE using GS.Results Thirty-nine PEAs were catheterized selectively in 37 patients(86.0%).Eighteen anomalous PEAs(46.2%)were catheterized selectively in 17 patients (45.9%).The anomalous PEAs showed tortuosity,dilatation,hyperplasia,shunting with pulmonary artery and anastomosis with the bronchial artery.All lesions involved basal segment of inferior pulmonary lobar. Bronchiectasis Was the most frequent disease for PEA abnormality. No complications occurred and satisfactory curative effect Was achieved with TAE of the anomalous PEAs.Conclusions It is necessary to perform selective proper esophageal arteriography when the lesion involves basal segment of inferior pulmonary lobar in hemoptysis.Supplemental TAE of the anomalous PEA using GS is safe and valuable in the management of hemoptysis.

Objective To investigate the protective effects of the 14-3-3 protein overexpression on the injury of PC12 cell induced by MPP~+ and its mechanisms.Methods For expression in mammalial cells, pcDNA3.1(+)-14-3-3 plasmid was constructed and transfeeted into PC12 cell with Lipofectamine~(TM)2000. The overexpression of transfected 14-3-3 gene in PC12 cell was determined by immunofluorescence and Western blotting.The effects of 14-3-3 overexpressing on the cells viability,apoptotie ratio and the activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD)as well as glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)of PC 12 cell treated with MPP~+ were measured by MTT assay,flow cytometry analysis and microplate reader respectively.Results The expression of 14-3-3 protein in transfection group(1.19?0.06)increased evidently compared with control group(0.75?0.05).And the antioxidant enzyme activity assession,MTT assay and flow cytometry analysis shows that the overexpression of 14-3-3 protein elevates the activity of SOD(transfection group:(9.13? 0.41)U/mg protein,MPP~+ group:(6.45?0.52)U/mg protein)and GSH-Px(transfection group: (89.66?3.42)?mol/mg,protein MPP~+ group:(82.73?4.15)?mol/mg protein),increases the cell viability(transfection group:0.78?0.06,MPP~+ group:0.54?0.07),and inhibits cell apoptosis (transfeetion group:11.87%?3.26%,MPP~+ group:36.30%?2.39%)of PC12 induced by MPP~. Conclusion The overexpression of 14-3-3 protein could elevate the activity of antioxidant enzymes SOD and GSH-Px,reduce oxidant stress,alleviate MPP~+ toxicity,and thus inhibit the apoptosis of PC12 cell induced by MPP~+.

Objective To investigate the incidence and relation to primary diseases of the nonbronchial systemic arteries (NBSA) supply to the pulmonary lesions, and to evaluate the clinical value of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) of the responsible NBSA for hemoptysis. Methods The aortography and subclavian artery angiography were performed in 139 patients with hemoptysis, including pulmonary tuberculosis in 66 cases (2 cases with post-thoracoplasty, 1 case with post-lobectomy, and 1 case with ventricular septal defect), bronchiectnsis in 41 ( 1 ease with post-lobectomy and 1 case with post- ligation of patent ductus arteriosus), bronchiogenic carcinoma in 15, unknown hemoptysis in 7, silicosis in 3, broncholithiasis in 3, bronchial cysts in 1, empyema in 1, postoperative lung cancer in 1, and chronic pulmonary embolism in 1, respectively. TAE was performed in patients with the discoverable responsible NBSA. The frequency, distribution and relation to primary diseases of the responsible NBSA were evaluated and the clinical results and complications were observed. Follow-up time ranged from 6 months to 5 years. Results Seventy-three patients (52. 5% ) had nonbronchial systemic contributions, including 5 cases of post-thoracotomy with pulmonary lesions, 1 case complicating with ventricular septal defect, 1 ease with post-ligation of patent ductus arterinsns, and 1 case of chronic pulmonary embolism. The total number of NBSA were 181 including posterior intercostal arteries (n = 88), internal thoracic arteries (n = 27 ), inferior phrenic arteries ( n = 21 ), proper esophageal arteries ( n = 20 ), lateral thoracic arteries ( n = 9 ), subscapular arteries ( n = 7 ), eostocervical trunks ( n = 5 ) and thyrocervical trunks ( n = 4 ) . Main responsible NBSA were posterior intercostal arteries (n = 75 ) and branches of subclavian and axillary artery (n =44) in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, and proper esophageal arteries (n = 16 ) and inferior phrenic arteries (n = 17 ) in bronchiectasis. The clinical result was satisfactory and the bleeding ceased immediately in 69 eases including 19 cases of failed or repeated bronchial artery embolization (the arteries had been obstructive) and 4 cases of the normal bronchial arteries. No severe complications occurred except ipsilateral cerebellar infarction after subclavian artery angiography in 1 case and respiratory failure after internal thoracic artery embolization in another case. Sixty patients were followed up for more than 6 months. The result demonstrated episodic bloody sputum in 16 patients, re-bleeding in 11 and non-bleeding in another after TAE. Eight patients had non-bleeding and 2 patients had episodic bloody sputum who were re- bleeding and underwent repeated TAE. Conclusions The stimulation of adjacent lesions and the cardiovascular diseases with weakened or defected pulmonary perfusion can lead to the responsible NBSA supply to the lung in hemoptysis. During TAE for hemoptysis, the integrity angiograpby and TAE can improve the curative effect.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the objective index of the diagnosis of varicocele (VC) in infertile males by ultrasonography and the testis volume changes resulting from varicocele.

METHODSForty-six healthy male volunteers and 178 infertile men with left varicocele were detected by high frequency ultrasound. According to the clinical data and ultrasonographic results, the 178 VC patients were divided into 4 groups, SVC group (45 cases), VC I group (44 cases), VC II group (48 cases), and VC III group (41 cases).

RESULTS(1) The differences in DR, DV, Vmax, TR and testis volume between the right and the left sides were not statistically significant in the control group (P > 0.05). (2) The differences in DR, DV, Vmax and TR between the experimental and control groups as well as among the VC groups were statistically significant (P < 0.001). (3) The left testis volume was smaller than the right among the VC groups (P < 0.01). The right testis volume of the VC II and VC III groups was significantly smaller than that of the control group ( P < 0.05), and the left testis volume in the VC III group was significantly smaller than that of the SVC group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION(1) High frequency ultrasound can detect the accurate diameter of the internal spermatic vein, hemodynamic index and testis volume of infertile men with VC, and hence help to screen the causes of male infertility. (2) Unilateral varicocele can cause a volume decrease in both testes, especially in the left. Both unilateral SVC and VC can cause testicular atrophy, and the more serious VC, the higher testicular atrophy.

Adult ; Humans ; Infertility, Male ; diagnostic imaging ; Male ; Testis ; diagnostic imaging ; Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color ; Varicocele ; diagnostic imaging

OBJECTIVEThe neuroprotective effect of erythropoietin (EPO) against 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+))-induced oxidative stress in cultured PC12 cells, as well as the underlying mechanism, were investigated.

METHODSPC12 cells impaired by MPP(+) were used as the cell model of Parkinson's disease. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) was used to assay the viability of the PC12 cells exposed to gradient concentrations of EPO, and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay was used to analyze the apoptosis ratio of PC12 cells. The expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in PC12 cells were examined by Western blot, and the reactive oxygen species (ROS), the mitochondrial transmembrane potential and the activity of caspase-3 in each group were detected by spectrofluorometer.

RESULTSTreatment of PC12 cells with MPP(+) caused the loss of cell viability, which may be associated with the elevation in apoptotic rate, the formation of ROS and the disruption of mitochondrial transmembrane potential. It was also shown that MPP(+) significantly induced the upregulation of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and the activation of caspase-3. In contrast, EPO significantly reversed these responses and had the maximum protective effect at 1 U/mL.

CONCLUSIONThe inhibitive effect of EPO on the MPP(+)-induced cytotoxicity may be ascribed to its anti-oxidative property and anti-apoptotic activity, and EPO may provide a useful therapeutic strategy for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease.

1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ; toxicity ; Analysis of Variance ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Drug Interactions ; Erythropoietin ; pharmacology ; Flow Cytometry ; methods ; Herbicides ; toxicity ; In Situ Nick-End Labeling ; methods ; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial ; drug effects ; Neuroprotective Agents ; pharmacology ; PC12 Cells ; drug effects ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; metabolism ; Tetrazolium Salts ; Thiazoles ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; genetics ; metabolism

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence, clinical characteristics and laboratory findings of lobar pneumonia in children caused by Mycoplasma pneumonia and to find a diagnostic tool for identifying M. pneumoniae infection in children. METHODS: We analyzed medical records of 78 children between March 2010 and December 2011, who were admitted to our hospital and diagnosed with lobar pneumonia on the basis of chest X-rays. White blood cells (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), specific antibodies to M. pneuomoniae, and cold agglutinin (CA) were measured at the time of admission. Children were divided into 2 groups: those with M. pneuomoniae infection (group A) and those without infection (group B). Group A children were also subdivided into 2 categories: those with increased CA (group 1) and those without (group 2). RESULTS: The prevalence of lobar pneumonia was higher in the year 2011 than in 2010. M. pneuomoniae infection usually occurs in summer and autumn. Group A children accounted for 75.6% (59/78) of all the cases. The onset ages was higher in group A than in group B (P=0.016). WBC counts and PCT values were higher in group B than in group A.(P=0.015 and P=0.011, respectively) Radiologic findings showed that the lower lobe was most commonly involved without predilection for either side and pleural effusion was present in 13.6% of all the cases. The duration of fever before admission was longer in group 1 than in group 2.(P=0.019) CONCLUSION: It is concluded that lobar pneumonia caused by M. pneuomoniae can be more accurately diagnosed using serum PCT values than using CRP values.
Antibodies ; C-Reactive Protein ; Calcitonin ; Child ; Cold Temperature ; Fever ; Humans ; Leukocytes ; Medical Records ; Mycoplasma ; Mycoplasma pneumoniae ; Pleural Effusion ; Pneumonia ; Pneumonia, Mycoplasma ; Prevalence ; Protein Precursors ; Thorax

OBJECTIVETo explore the influences of Mycobacterium tuberculosis on the levels of human acute monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1 apoptosis and death.

METHODSHuman acute monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1 were infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains H37Ra, H37Rv, or Beijing genotype (BJTB), respectively, to construct the infection models. Cell apoptosis was detected using flow cytometry. The distribution of the apoptotic proteins was detected using immunofluorescent staining assays. The cells late apoptosis was detected using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling staining assays. The change of cell death was determined by Tyrpan blue staining assays.

RESULTSTHP-1 apoptosis was induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains H37Ra, H37Rv, and BJTB. H37Ra strongly induced THP-1 apoptosis, H37Rv weakly induced THP-1 apoptosis, and BJTB induced THP-1 apoptosis at the lowest level among these three Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains. On the contrary, BJTB strongly induced THP-1 death, H37Rv weakly induced THP-1 death, and H37Ra induced THP-1 death at the lowest level.

CONCLUSIONSMycobacterial strains with different virulence induce different levels of apoptosis and death of THP-1 cells. Compared with highly virulent strains, attenuated strains induce more apoptosis and less death.

Apoptosis ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Humans ; In Situ Nick-End Labeling ; Leukemia, Monocytic, Acute ; Mycobacterium tuberculosis ; pathogenicity ; Virulence

BACKGROUNDMycobacterium abscessus (M. abscessus) can cause a variety of human infections, involving the lung, skin and soft tissues, and is generally believed to be acquired from environmental sources. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular diversity and antibiotic susceptibility of M. abscessus isolates as the basis for strategies to improve control and management of infection.

METHODSSeventy M. abscessus isolates from patients attending the Guangzhou Thoracic Hospital were identified from 2003 to 2005 by biochemical tests, gas chromatography, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction analysis (PRA) of heat shock protein gene hsp65, and sequencing of the quinolone resistance determining regions (QRDRs) of gyrA. Susceptibilities to six antibiotics were determined by micro-broth dilution. Isolates were genotyped using randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis.

RESULTSMost isolates (63/70; 90%) were susceptible to amikacin but rates of susceptibility to other antibiotics varied from moderate, clarithromycin (60%) and imipenem (43%), to low for ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin (3%), and 87% of isolates had intermediate susceptibility to cefoxitin. RAPD analysis showed that the 70 clinical isolates displayed 69 unique RAPD patterns.

CONCLUSIONSThe high genetic diversity of isolates suggests that they are not transmitted from person to person but, presumably, are acquired independently from environmental sources. M. abscessus isolates displayed variable levels of susceptibility to all antibiotics tested, other than amikacin, indicating a need for routine susceptibility testing to guide treatment.

Amikacin ; pharmacology ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; pharmacology ; Cefoxitin ; pharmacology ; China ; Chromatography, Gas ; Ciprofloxacin ; pharmacology ; Clarithromycin ; pharmacology ; Imipenem ; pharmacology ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Mycobacterium ; drug effects ; genetics ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Technique

OBJECTIVETo study the expression and the location of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) gene and its clinical significance in human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

METHODSIn situ hybridization, PV-9000 polymer detection system for immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression and the location of VCAM-1 mRNA and VCAM-1 protein in 48 cases of OSCC and 10 cases of normal controls. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square test in SPSS 13.0.

RESULTSVCAM-1 protein was mainly expressed in tumor cell cytoplasm and membrane, VCAM-1 mRNA was mainly expressed in tumor cell cytoplasm. The expression rate of VCAM-1 mRNA and VCAM-1 protein was significantly higher in OSCC than that in normal oral mucosa (P<0.01). The expression of VCAM-1 mRNA was positively correlated with that of VCAM-1 protein (P<0.01). In the clinicopathologic factors, lymph node metastasis and depth of infiltration were closely correlated with VCAM-1 expression (P<0.01). The expression of VCAM-1 was significantly higher in tumor with lymph node metastasis than in tumor without lymph node metastasis (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONOverexpression of VCAM-1 gene in OSCC may play a potential role in the development of OSCC. The overexpression of VCAM-1 gene in OSCC may be related to the tumor infiltration and metastasis.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Humans ; In Situ Hybridization ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Middle Aged ; Mouth Mucosa ; Mouth Neoplasms ; RNA, Messenger ; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1