Objective To evaluate the effect of heparin and argatroban on the coagulating function and the vascular thrombosis in the early period after pediatric living related liver transplantation (LRLT).Method Eighty-four congenital biliary atresia pediatric patients who had performed LRLT were involved in this study.According to the method of anticoagulation,the patients were divided into two groups (heparin group and argatroban group).Antithrombin Ⅲ (AT-Ⅲ) activity,activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and international normalized ratio (INR) of two groups were measured in the first 5 days after LRLT.In order to determine whether vascular thrombosis existed,Doppler ultrasound was performed daily.Result There were no significant differences in gender,age,body weight,graft-recipient weight ratio and whether to accept Kassi procedure between two groups.The AT-Ⅲ activity of two groups was low and increased gradually after operation.There was no significant difference between two groups.There were no significant differences in APTT and INR between two groups immediate and at first day after operation.After anticoagulation,the differences in APTT and INR between two groups were significant.The incidence of vascular thrombosis was 4.76％ (3/63) and 0(0/21) respectively in heparin and argatroban groups.There was no significant difference between two groups.During treatment,there were no severe complications in two groups,such as active hemorrhage and allergy.Conclusion Argatroban is a direct anticoagulant.It is independent on the level of AT-Ⅲ activity.It may play an important role for preventing vascular thrombosis after pediatric LRLT.

Objective To construct and screen effective shRNA expression vectors targeting human AQP1 gene ,and evaluate the interference efficiency of the AQP1 shRNA recombinant plasmids ,thus provide basis for further exploration on the effect and mechanism of AQP1 gene on human breast cancer cells .Methods Four pairs of shRNA sequences targeting human AQP1 gene were designed and synthesized ,and then inserted into the GV115 vector .AQP1 shRNA and control shRNA plasmids were trans‐fected into human breast cancer MCF‐7 cells .The expression of AQP1 mRNA and protein were detected by real time PCR(RT‐PCR) and Western blot to evaluate the interfering efficiency .Results RT‐PCR demonstrated that AQP1 was expressed in human breast cancer MCF‐7 cells .Sequencing showed that the shRNA vectors targeting AQP1 were successfully constructed .48 h after the AQP1 shRNA transfection ,AQP1 mRNA and protein expression levels in MCF‐7 cells were reduced to a significant degree ,and the AQP1 shRNA 4 plasmid vector could inhibit the AQP1 most efficiently .Conclusion The AQP1 shRNA recombinant plasmids vectors were successfully constructed and can significantly inhibit the expression of AQP1 in MCF‐7 human breast cancer cells .

Primary signet ring cell carcinoma of the prostate is extremely rare and about 18 cases have been reported in the literature. We report two cases of primary signet ring cell carcinoma of the prostate, arising in 79-year-old and 65-year-old men. Both cases were the poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the prostate with many signet ring cells. Signet ring cells were positive for prostatic specific antigen and prostatic acid phosphatase but negative for neutral and acid mucins. In summary, the signet ring cell carcinoma of the prostate is a rare variant of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the prostate. The orgin of the prostate should be considered in cases of metastatic signet ring cell carcinoma, particularly when the signet ring cells are negative for neutral and acid mucins. Prostatic specific antigen and prostatic acid phosphatase should also be performed to confirm the primary signet ring cell carcinoma of the prostate.
Acid Phosphatase ; Adenocarcinoma ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Signet Ring Cell* ; Humans ; Male ; Mucins ; Prostate*

Objective To investigate the effect of bifidobacterial adhesin (BA) on nuclear factor of κB (NF-κB) and cytokines of intestinal mucosa of stressed rats.Methods Forty-eight rats were divided into stress group (n =24) and BA group (n =24) using the stochastic indicator method.After the stressed rat models were established withfettering as the stress condition,the experiment lasted 8 days.Both groups were given enteral nutrition (EN) with heat 125.4 kJ/(kg · d) and nitrogen 0.2 g/(kg · d).The BA group was fed with EN plus 5 mg/ (kg · d) bifidobacterial adhesin,and the stress group was fed with EN plus equivalent volume of normal saline [5 mg/ (kg · d)].The levels of NF-κB,interleukin-10 (IL-10),tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α),and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were measured in both groups before modeling,after modeling,on the 3rd intervention day,and on the 8th intervention day.The changes in the morphology of intestinal mucosal were observed by transmission electron microscopy.Results (1) Expression of NF-κB:The positive expression rate of NF-κB in the intestinal mucosa was 0,79.2％,63.5％,and 66.7％ in the control group and 0,68.4％,55.7％,and 45.8％ in the BA group before modeling,after modeling,on the 3rd intervention day,and on the 8th intervention day.The expressions of NF-κB in both groups significantly increased after the modeling (both P =0.000).Even on the 3rd and 8th intervention days,the positive expression rates of NF-κB in the intestinal mucosa were still significantly higher than the pre-modeling level (both P =0.000).Compared with the levels after modeling and in the control group,the expression of NF-κB in the intestinal mucosa in the BA group on the 8th intervention day was significantly down-regulated (P =0.015,P =0.021).(2) Quantitative expressions of TNF-α and IFN-γ:Compared with the pre-modeling levels,the intestinal mncosa levels of TNF-α [stressed group:(154.63 ± 17.52) pg/g,(198.72 ±26.59) pg/g; BA group:(154.63 ±17.52) pg/g,(201.45 ±28.16) pg/g],IFN-γ [stressed group:(39.47 ±5.76) pg/g,(55.32 ±5.93) pg/g; BA group:(39.47 ± 5.76),(60.75 ± 7.68) pg/g] and the plasma levels of TNF-α [stressed group:(17.35±2.62) pg/g,(30.56±4.85) ng/L; BA group:(83.31 ±9.78) pg/g,(114.82±13.78) ng/L] and IFN-γ [stressed group:(17.35 ±2.62) pg/g,(28.73 ±4.17) ng/L; BA group:(17.35 ± 2.62) pg/g,(30.56 ± 4.85) ng/L] significantl increased (all P ＜ 0.05).On the 3rd and 8th intervention day,the intestinal mucosa levels of IFN-γ [(58.16 ± 7.38) pg/g,(56.37 ± 7.29) pg/g] and TNF-α [(215.76 ±31.54) pg/g and (211.83 ±33.61) pg/g] and plasma levels of IFN-γ [(29.35 ±4.76) ng/L,(30.25±3.67) ng/L] andTNF-α [(125.71 ±17.38) ng/L,(141.26±19.65) ng/L] in the stressed group were significantly higher than the pre-modeling levels (all P ＜ 0.05).On the 3rd and 8th intervention day,the intestinal mucosa levels of IFN-γ [(165.43 ± 24.58) pg/g,(171.57 ± 26.87) pg/g]and IFN-γ [(42.35 ±4.92) pg/g,(40.58 ±4.65) pg/g] and the plasma levels of TNF-α [(103.96 ±13.68) ng/L,(94.53±12.66) ng/L] and IFN-γ [(20.78±2.84) ng/L,(19.65±2.45) ng/L] in the BA group were significantly lower than the post-modeling levels (all P ＜ 0.05),whereas those of IL (intestinal mucosa:(62.82 ±8.34) pg/g,(75.16 ±9.65) pg/g; plasma:(43.32 ±5.28) ng/L,(55.64 ±6.87) ng/L] were significantly higher than the post-modeling levels (all P ＜ 0.05).Compared with the stressed group,the intestinal mucosa levels of TNF-α and IFN-γand plasma levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α significantly decreased while the IL-10 level significantly increased (all P ＜0.05) in the BA group.(3) Histomorphology showed that,compared that the ileal mucosal villi and crypt structure were recovered in the BA group on the 8th intervention day.Compared with the post-modeling conditions,the ileal mucosal villi and crypt structure were damaged in the stressed group,showing edema of the lamina propria,in which inflammatory cell infiltration was observed.Conclusions BA is helpful for the repair of the intestinal mucosa injury after stress by regulating the release of inflammatory mediators and cytokines of intestinal mucosa.

No abstract available.
Adult* ; Humans ; Liver* ; Sarcoma*

PURPOSE: This study was made to evaluate the clinical characteristics of testicular microlithiasis which shows small diffuse hyperechoic nonshadowing foci throughout both testes on sonography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between July 1995 and May 1997, we had seen 15 Patients with dilateral diffuse microlithiasis of the testes on the sonography. Medical records were reviewed with respect to age at presentation, associated diseases, and sonographic and pathologic characteristics. RESULTS: The age of the patients ranged from 8 to 69 years. The testicular microlithiasis was coincidental to the presence of erectile dysfunction(n=5), epididymitis(n=5), varicocele(n=4), epididymal cyst(n=2), infertility(n=1), testicular teratoma(n=1) and diabetes mellitus(n=1). There were considerable variations in the numbers of echogenic foci on each sonography that examined the entire half of the scrotum(from 15 to more than 60 foci). The histological examinations were done in two patients and sbowed the lumina of seminiferous tubules filled with concentrically lamellated calcified concretions. CONCLUSIONS: The testicular microlithiasis showed a wide range of age at presentation and associated with diabetes mellitus and a variety of urological problems including erectile dysfunction, epididymitis, varicoce18, epididymal cyst, infertility and testicular teratoma. The clinical relevance remains unclear at this time. Further additional cases as well as a long-term follow-up would be necessary to assess the association between testicular microlithiasis and these coincidental conditions.
Diabetes Mellitus ; Epididymitis ; Erectile Dysfunction ; Humans ; Infertility ; Male ; Medical Records ; Seminiferous Tubules ; Spermatocele ; Teratoma ; Testis ; Ultrasonography

PURPOSE: A histological study was undertaken to characterized the vanished testes in boys who had impalpable cryptorchidism and found to have nubbin remnant during last 9-years period. METHODS: Of 108 impalpable cryptorchid boys, 42(44 nubbins, 38.9%) were found to have vanished testes at exploration. RESULTS: Thirty nine(88.6%) were located on the left side and the other 5(11.4%) were on the right side. The age range was 6 months to 14 years(mean;52.2 months). All 44 nubbin remnants were excised and examined microscopically. Grossly it was characterized by several centimeters of spermatic cord with small fibrotic tissue at distal end. Microscopically fibrous tissues were identified in all 44 specimens(100%), vasa deferens in 36(81. 8%), epididymis in 19(43.2%), calcifications in 18(40.9%), hemosiderin deposits in 6(13. 6%), germ cells in 5(11.4%), seminiferous tubules in 7(15.9%), tunicae albuginea in 7(15.9%) and hyalinizations in 3(6.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The finding of scattered foci of calcifications, hemosiderin deposits and the presence of relatively normal spermatic cord and epididymis, supports the concept of in utero torsion of the testis as the etiology of vanished testis. The 11.4% incidence of viable germ cells warrants exploration and removal of remnant tissue in boys with a impalpable cryptorchidism.
Cryptorchidism ; Epididymis ; Germ Cells ; Hemosiderin ; Hyalin ; Incidence ; Male ; Seminiferous Tubules ; Spermatic Cord ; Testis*

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Severe hemispheric infarction(SHI) reportedly has various range of high mortality. Recently it has been reported that more aggressive therapeutic intervention, such as decompressive hemicraniectomy or mild hypothermia might has potential benefits in the management of SHI. However, the mortality and the prognosis of Sill under the conservative treatment were rarely studied yet in Korea. METHODS: Sixty-six patients with CT proven SHI were subjected among 1649 acute stroke patients registered at the Hallym Stroke Data Bank since Jan. 1993. We analyzed the computerized databases for the mortality and compared inclusively demographic features, clinical characteristics, etiology, therapy modalities and CT findings of fatal group with those of survivors. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were expired among 66 SI-il patients(mean age: 64.9+/-11.5, male to female ratio;37:29). The mean time to expire was 160.4 hours. The fatal group had a significantly higher incidence of cardioembolism. uncontrolled BP during the acute stage, and extensive infarction territory(MCA+ACA). Risk factors for ischemic stroke such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia. smoking, previous stroke history, diabetes mellitus. and old age were not related to mortality low densities and hyperdense MCA signs on brain imaging were not different between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The early mortality rate of Sill under the conservative care was 38% in a referral hospital of Korea. intractable hypertension in the acute stage, cardioembolism and extent of infarct area may have predictable values of early mortality of SHI.
Diabetes Mellitus ; Female ; Humans ; Hyperlipidemias ; Hypertension ; Hypothermia ; Incidence ; Infarction ; Korea ; Male ; Mortality* ; Neuroimaging ; Prognosis ; Referral and Consultation ; Risk Factors ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Stroke ; Survivors

The testicular feminization is the most common type of male pseudohermaphroditism. Mutation of androgen receptor gene impairs normal sexual differentiation in genetic male (46, XY) and subsequently develops secondary female characteristics. We report three cases of complete testicular feminization syndrome with normal development of female external genitalia, but with blindly ended vagina and inguinal or pelvic masses. Microscopic examination of the testes and their adnexa had three components: 1) A testis composed of immature tubules, prominent Leydig cells and a spindle cell stroma resembling ovarian stroma with hamartomatous nodule or Sertoli cell adenoma, 2) a white, whorled, firm, smooth muscle body in the medial pole of the testis, and 3) a lateral adnexal cysts of varying sizes.
46, XY Disorders of Sex Development ; Adenoma ; Androgen-Insensitivity Syndrome* ; Cryptorchidism* ; Disorders of Sex Development ; Female ; Genitalia ; Humans ; Leydig Cells ; Male ; Muscle, Smooth ; Receptors, Androgen ; Sex Differentiation ; Testis ; Vagina

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinicopathological features and immunohistochemical features of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), and specifically the expressions of platelet derived growth factor receptor A (PDGFRA), protein kinase C theta (PKC theta), discovered on GIST-1 (DOG-1), p16 and p27. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total 118 patients who underwent surgical resection for GIST at our institution between Jan 1997 and Dec 2007 were retrospectively studied. Immunohistochemical staining for c-kit, PDGFRA, PKC-theta, DOG-1, p16 and p27 was performed on a tissue microarray of the 118 GIST. The clinicopathologic parameters, the disease-free survival (DFS) and the overall survival rate were analyzed along with immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The immunohistochemical stains for c-kit, CD34, PKC-theta, PDGFRA, DOG-1, p16 and p27 were positive in 89.8%, 72.0%, 56.8%, 94.9%, 90.7%, 69.5% and 44.1% of the tumor samples, respectively. The immunohistochemical expression of c-kit was strongly correlated with PKC-theta (p=0.000), DOG-1 (p=0.000) and CD34 (p=0.002). The DFS rate was significantly decreased for the patients with peritoneal GIST, high risk GIST, > or =10 cm-sized GIST, > or =10 mitoses/50 high power fields (HPFs) and p16 positivity (p=0.001, p=0.004, p=0.001, p=0.003 and p=0.028). GISTs > or =10 cm, epithelioid tumor cell type, and c-kit, and DOG-1 negativity were significantly associated with shorter period of overall survival (p=0.048, p=0.006, p=0.000 and p=0.000). CONCLUSION: The expression of p16 and no expression of c-kit and DOG-1 in GISTs, as well as peritoneal tumor site, high risk group, large tumor size, epithelioid tumor cell type and numerous mitoses, may be potentially prognostic factors for predicting worse outcome for patients who suffer from GIST.
Coloring Agents ; Disease-Free Survival ; Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Mitosis ; Prognosis ; Protein Kinase C ; Receptors, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate