Objective To analyze the correlative factors of peptic ulcer recurrence in the elderly. Methods From January to December 2009,169 elderly patients (≥ 60 years old)with peptic ulcer delected by edoscopy were enrolled,whose treatment and usage of medication were analyzed.Data of treatment and recurrence in 3-year follow-up were recorded.Mann-Whitney rank sum test and Logistic regression analysis were performed to analyze the correlated factors.Results The potential risk factors associated with recurrence of peptic ulcer in the elderly were screened and analyzed by single factor analysis,and ulcer size, ulcer location, concomitant usage of drugs, smoking and condition of Helicobacterpylori (H .pylori )infection at the end of follow-up were found to be correlated with recurrence of peptic ulcer in the elderly.After adjusting age and gender,the potential risk factors were analyzed by a Logistic stepwise regression model.Smoking (OR = 1 .788,P = 0.001 ),combined medication (OR=6.202,P =0.015 ),ulcer size (OR =2.697,P =0.032 )and condition of H .pylori infection at the end of follow-up (OR=43.784,P =0.007)were found to be correlated with recurrence of peptic ulcer in the elderly.Conclusion Smoking,combined medication,ulcer size and condition of H .pylori infection at the end of follow-up have an impact on peptic ulcer recurrence in the elderly.

ObjectiveTo study how to diagnose thrombosis of intracranial venous sinus and cerebral venous thrombosis(CVT). Methods6 cases with intracranial venous sinus and CVT were analysed by clinical features and imaging signs. ResultsMost patients had symptoms and signs of intracranial hypertension. Some patients manifested symptoms of whole brain or focal neurological deficits. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance venography (MRV) play important roles for the diagnosis of intracranial venous sinus and CVT, however, digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is one of the most reliable method for early diagnosis of the above diseases.Conclusions According to clinical features and imaging signs, intracranial venous sinus and CVT could be diagnosed accurately .

This study investigated the protective effect of chrysin on hepatic fibrosis by regulating AMP-activated kinase (AMPK)-NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) mediated pyroptosis pathway. The hepatic fibrosis model of mice was established by thioacetamide (TAA) in vivo. Except the control and chrysin alone groups, the mice were injected intraperitoneally with TAA at 100 mg·kg^-1, three times per week for the first week. From the 2^nd to 5^th week, mice were injected intraperitoneally with TAA at 200 mg·kg^-1, three times per week for the next 4 weeks. Chrysin groups were intragastrically administrated once per day to 5^th week. The histopathological changes were detected by HE and Masson staining. The levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were assessed by the kits. All animal experiments were approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University (DWLL2019060). LX-2 cells were stimulated by (transforming growth factor-β, TGF-β) in vitro. The protein expressions of AMPKα, p-AMPKα, NLRP3, cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1 (caspase-1), gasdermin D (GSDMD) were detected by Western blot, and the mRNA levels of collagen-Ι, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-18, caspase-1, GSDMD were analysis by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Chrysin attenuated the increases in serum AST and ALT levels in the TAA group, while significantly improved the changes of liver morphology, reduced liver tissue inflammatory cell infiltration and inhibited collagens deposition. Compared with TAA group, chrysin effectively activated AMPKα phosphorylation and inhibited hepatic NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Additionally, the protein expressions and mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-18, caspase-1 and GSDMD in chrysin groups were decreased. Chrysin inhibited the expressions of collagen-Ι and α-SMA, enhanced the phosphorylation of AMPKα, and decreased the expressions of NLRP3 and GSDMD. Therefore, chrysin may inhibit inflammatory injury and pyroptosis possibly by activating AMPK and inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome to alleviate hepatic fibrosis.

Objective To investigate the effects on proliferation of multiple myeloma cell lines U266 and RPMI 8226 induced by puerariae radix flavones (PRF) in vitro and its possible mechanism.Methods Exposed to 0,10,30,50,100 μg/ml PRF for 48 h and 72 h,the U266 and RPMI 8226 cells proliferation inhibitory rates were detected by MTT assay,cell cycles by flow cytometry (FCM),morphologic changes of U266 cells by Wright' s staining,and early-stage apoptotic rates of U266 cells by FITC-Annexin V/PI staining with FCM.Analysis of DNA fragment was made to test characteristic apoptosis DNA ladder in U266 cells.Results 0,10,30,50,100 μg/ml PRF could inhibit the proliferation of U266 and RPMI 8226 cells in a dose-dependent manner (U266 ＞ RPMI 8226).Cell cycle analyses in U266 and RPMI 8226 cells showed that sub-diploid peaks,but cell cycles changed minor.Wright's staining of U266 cells showed hardly any apoptostic character istic.Annexin V/PI double staining indicated that early-stage apoptotic rates of U266 cells exposed to 0,10,30,50,100 μg/ml PRF for 48 h were mildly increased in a dose-dependent manner.They were (3.20±0.36) ％,(5.20±0.92) ％,(7.30±1.22) ％,(8.10±0.53) ％ and (10.80±0.90) ％,respectively.The group differences had statistical significance (P ＜ 0.05).Analysis of DNA fragment barely exhibited the characteristic DNA ladder in U266 cells.Conclusion A certain concentrations of PRF could inhibit the proliferation of U266 and RPMI 8226 cells significantly.It is suggested that apoptosis related to the proliferative inhibition mechanism induced by PRF in U266 cell line,but not main.Other pathways such as necrosis and autophagy whether or not involved need further investigation.

OBJECTIVETo study the characteristics histologic and cytologic features and clinical usefulness of plasma cell myeloma (PCM) subtyping according to WHO PCM classification.

METHODSBone marrow biopsy plastic-embedded sections were stained with H-G-E and Gomori's stains, and bone marrow aspirate smears were stained with Wright's stain. The clinicopathologic findings were then analyzed.

RESULTSOf the 131 cases with PCM, three types of growth patterns were noted: interstitial (21 cases, 16.0%), nodular (46 cases, 35.1%) and packed (64 cases, 48.9%). Besides, there were three cytologic subtypes: mature plasma cell type (43 cases, 32.8%), immature (81 cases, 61.8%) and pleomorphic (7 cases, 5.3%) types. The age of patients with mature plasma cell type was significantly higher than that of immature type (P = 0.005); and the number of tumour cells in bone marrow smears was significantly higher than that of immature type (P = 0.003). The numbers of WBC and platelets in peripheral blood were also significantly higher than that of pleomorphic type (P = 0.024, P = 0.002, respectively). On the other hand, the number of platelets in peripheral blood of immature type was significantly higher than that of pleomorphic type (P = 0.019). Marrow fibrosis was more frequently observed in immature type than in mature plasma cell type (P = 0.000). The incidence of marrow fibrosis and osteolytic lesions was higher in high risk group than in low risk group (P = 0.000, P = 0.023 respectively). Twenty-one cases (56.8%) of the 37 cases treated with MP or MP and M2 chemotherapeutic regimens showed good response. However, there was no significant difference in treatment response and survival between different subtypes.

CONCLUSIONSEach subtype of PCM carries different clinicopathologic features in some aspects. The classification carries important value in pathologic diagnosis and probably in predicting prognosis.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Biopsy ; Bone Marrow Examination ; Female ; Humans ; Immunophenotyping ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multiple Myeloma ; classification ; immunology ; pathology ; Prognosis

To investigate the crucial role of particle size in the biological effects of nanoparticles, a series of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) were prepared with particle size gradients (50, 100, 150, 200 nm) with the traditional Stober method and adjusting the type and ratio of the silica source. The correlation between toxicity and size-caused biological effects were then further examined both in vitro and in vivo. The results indicated that the prepared MSNs had a uniform size, good dispersal, and ordered mesoporous structure. Hemolytic toxicity was found to be independent of particle size. At the cellular level, MSNs with smaller particle sizes were more readily internalized by cells, which initiated to more intense oxidative stress, therefor inducing higher cytotoxicity, and apoptosis rate. In vivo studies demonstrated that MSNs primarily accumulated in the liver and kidneys of mice. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that larger MSNs were eliminated more efficiently by the urinary system than smaller MSNs. The mice's body weight monitoring, blood tests, and pathological sections of major organs indicated good biocompatibility for MSNs of different sizes. Animal welfare and the animal experimental protocols were strictly consistent with related ethics regulations of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University. Overall, this study prepared MSNs with a particle size gradient to investigate the correlation between toxicity and particle size using macrophages and endothelial cells. The study also examined the biosafety of MSNs with different particle sizes in vivo and in vitro, which could help to improve the safety design strategy of MSNs for drug delivery systems.

PURPOSE: It is controversial whether folate status is a risk factor for the development of asthma or other allergic diseases. This study was conducted to investigate whether indirect or direct exposure to folate and impaired folate metabolism, reflected as methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism, would contribute to the development of asthma and other allergic diseases. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched to identify all studies assessing the association between folate status and asthma or other allergic diseases. Two reviewers independently assessed the eligibility of studies and extracted data. The relative risk (RR) or odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was calculated and pooled. RESULTS: Twenty-six studies (16 cohort, 7 case-control, and 3 cross-sectional studies) were identified. Maternal folic acid supplementation was not associated with the development of asthma, atopic dermatitis (AD), eczema, and sensitization in the offspring, whereas exposure during early pregnancy was related to wheeze occurrence in the offspring (RR=1.06, 95% CI=[1.02-1.09]). The TT genotype of MTHFR C677T polymorphism was at high risk of asthma (OR=1.41, 95% CI=[1.07-1.86]). CONCLUSIONS: It is indicated that maternal folic acid supplementation during early pregnancy may increase the risk of wheeze in early childhood and that the TT genotype of MTHFR C677T polymorphism impairing folic acid metabolism would be at high risk of asthma development. These results might provide additional information for recommendations regarding forced folate consumption or folic acid supplements during pregnancy based on its well-established benefits for the prevention of congenital malformations. However, currently available evidence is of low quality which is needed to further elucidate.
Asthma* ; Case-Control Studies ; Cohort Studies ; Dermatitis, Atopic ; Eczema ; Folic Acid* ; Genotype ; Metabolism ; Odds Ratio ; Oxidoreductases ; Pregnancy ; Risk Factors*

OBJECTIVETo observe the association between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1alpha ) gene and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).

METHODSFour common SNPs of PGC-1alpha gene were genotyped with polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP) and then analyzed with transmission-disequilibrium test (TDT) and sib transmission-disequilibrium test (STDT) in 69 T2DM pedigrees (310 individuals). Furthermore, the authors performed a case-control study to genotype Gly482Ser in 156 patients with T2DM and 111 normal glucose tolerance people without family history.

RESULTS(1)There were no positive results in four variances in TDT-STDT analysis(P> 0.05). (2)The Gly482Ser exhibited a significant difference between the two groups. GA genotype carriers were at increased risk for T2DM (OR=1.85), and there was statistically significant difference in the allele frequency between the case and control groups(P=0.046). (3) The subjects with GG genotype at position Gly482Ser had a higher HDL-C and lower LDL-C and TG levels when compared against those with GA+AA genotype in the control group without family history(P=0.043,lzP=0.046, P=0.037 respectively).

CONCLUSIONThis study suggested that the PGC-1alpha gene might be implicated in the pathogenesis of T2DM. But the studied SNPs in PGC-1alpha gene may not be major susceptibility ones of T2DM mellitus in Han people of Shanghai.

Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; China ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; ethnology ; genetics ; Family Health ; Gene Frequency ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; genetics ; Genotype ; Heat-Shock Proteins ; genetics ; Humans ; Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Coactivator 1-alpha ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Transcription Factors ; genetics

Crosslinked chitosan microcarries were prepared by the reaction of glutaraldehyde with fructose-modified chitosan. Various factors that influence the preparation were studied and the reaction conditions were optimized. Morphology of rat hepatocyte cultured on chitosan microcarriers was observed using phase contrast microscopy and scanning electron microscope, the metabolic activity was measured. Rat hepatocytes cultured on chitosan microcarrier retained the spherical shape as they have in vivo and had high metabolic activity. Fructose can enhance the metabolic activity of hepatocytes and fructose-modified chitosan microcarrier is a promising scaffold for hepatocytes attachment, which can be used in bioartificial liver support system.
Animals ; Biocompatible Materials ; chemistry ; Cell Culture Techniques ; Cells, Cultured ; Chitosan ; chemistry ; Fructose ; chemistry ; Hepatocytes ; cytology ; ultrastructure ; Liver, Artificial ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Microscopy, Phase-Contrast ; Rats

BACKGROUNDBiomarkers in breast neoplasms provide invaluable information regarding prognosis and help determining the optimal treatment. We have examined the possible correlation between cancer stem cell (CSC)-like markers (CD133, paired box gene 2 protein (PAX2), epithelial specific antigen (ESA)), and a new membrane estrogen receptor (G-protein coupled receptor 30 (GPR30)) in invasive ductal breast carcinomas with known clinicopathological parameters, tumor recurrence, and expression of some known biomarkers.

METHODSIn 74 invasive ductal breast carcinomas, we investigated the protein expression of these molecular markers by immunohistochemistry, and their associations with known clinicopathological parameters, tumor recurrence, and expression of some known biomarkers. We studied the interrelationship between the expressions of these proteins.

RESULTSCD133, a putative CSC marker, was positively related to tumor size, tumor stage, and lymph node metastasis. PAX2 was negatively correlated with tumor recurrence. ESA, one of the breast CSC markers, was an indicator of tumor recurrence. GPR30 was associated with hormone receptors. Despite the correlation between GPR30 and the nuclear estrogen receptor, the expression was dependent. Positive staining of GPR30 in tumors displayed a significant association with high C-erbB2 expression and a tendency for tumor recurrence. A positive relationship between GPR30 and CD133 existed.

CONCLUSIONDetecting the expression of CD133, PAX2, ESA, and GPR30 in invasive ductal breast carcinomas may be of help in more accurately predicting the aggressive properties of breast cancer and determining the optimal treatment.

AC133 Antigen ; Adult ; Aged ; Antigens, CD ; analysis ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; analysis ; Breast Neoplasms ; chemistry ; pathology ; Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast ; Female ; Glycoproteins ; analysis ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Membrane Proteins ; analysis ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Neoplastic Stem Cells ; chemistry ; PAX2 Transcription Factor ; analysis ; Peptides ; analysis ; Receptors, Estrogen ; analysis ; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled ; analysis ; Receptors, Progesterone ; analysis