Objective To study the effect of modified sensorimotor training (SMT) method on standing ba- lance of the stroke patients during their recovery stage. Methods Sixty stroke patients at recovery stage were ran- domly divided into an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group was trained by modified SMT method which combined Thera-band with partial body weight support (PBWS) system, while the control group was trained only with their standing balance in the parallel bars based on the neurodevelopment therapy (NDT) method. Both groups were given the same medications as well as physical therapy, acupuncture and OT. The patients in the two groups practiced standing balance in front of a mirror daily, 40 minutes every day and 6 days every week for 4 weeks. The balance abilities of patients were evaluated by Berg balance scale (BBS) , and their lower extremity func- tions were assessed by simplification Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA). Results After training, both groups showed significant improvement in BBS and FMA ( P

Objective To explore the possible role of B7 family cell surface costimulatory molecules and their receptors in immunopathogenesis in children with asthma.Methods Forty children with acute exacerbation of asthma and 36 cases of age-matched healthy children were enrolled in the study.Interferon(IFN-?),IFN-? and lipopolysaccharide(LPS),phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and ionomycin or zero were used to stimulate peripheral blood mononuclear cells,flow cytometry was used to detect B7-1 and B7-2,B7H1,B7DC and B7H expression on CD14+ cells;CD4+ cells were separated by immune beads and stimulated by phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate and ionomycin and fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect CD28,cytotoxic lymphocyte associated antigen-4(CTLA-4),programmed death-1(PD-1)and inducible costimulator(ICOS) mRNA expression.Results 1.The levels of B7-1 and B7-2 expression in children with asthma were higher than those of healthy control group [B7-1:(6.68?3.97)% vs(1.74?0.69)%;B7-2:(10.87?5.99)% vs(1.58?0.75)% Pa

Objective To study the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)-C, VEGF-D and their receptor-3(VEGFR-3)in patients with colorectal cancer and their clinicopathological value.Methods Eighty specimens of the colorectal cancer and thirty normal adjacent bowels were stud- ied.The expression of VEGF-C,VEGF-D and VEGFR-3 proteins and mRNAs in specimens of colorectal cancers and normal colorectal tissues was studied by Strept-avidin-biotin complex method and RT-PCR. Clinicopathological data and survival of each patient were recorded and analyzed.Results①The staining of brown or filemot in cytoplast were observed as the positive expression of VEGF-C,VEGF-D and VEGFR-3 proteins.The positive rate(48.8%,56.3%,38.8%)and mean value(1.09?1.20,1.13?1.09,0.90?1.19)of VEGF-C,VEGF-D,VEGFR-3 expressions in specimens of colorectal cancer were significantly higher than those of the normal bowel tissues(P＜0.05).The expression of VEGF- C,VEGF-D and VEGFR-3 mRNAs by RT-PCR was correlated with that of VEGF-C,VEGF-D and VEGFR-3 proteins in colorectal carcinomas and normal bowel tissues.②Significant correlation between VEGF-C(P=0.0069),VEGF-D(P=0.0024)and VEGFR-3 expression was observed in colorectal cancers;moreover,no correlation between VEGF-C and VEGF-D.③The expression of VEGF-C, VEGF-D and VEGFR-3 in colorectal cancers was not correlated with age,gender,site and dimension of lesion,types of gross and histological,degree of differentiation and liver and pulmonary metastasis,but correlated significantly with Dukes' stage(P=0.0234,P=0.0003,P=0.0429)and lymph node me tastasis(P=0.0059,P＜0.01,P=0.0068).The increased death rate(P=0.0374,P=0.0127) and poor survival(P＜0.01,P＜0.01)were observed in the colorectal cancer patients with positive ex- pression of VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 when comparing with the patients of the negative expressions,but the expression of VEGF-D in colorectal cancers was not correlated with prognosis of the patients.Con- clusions Colorectal cancer cells may secrete lymphangiogenetic growth factors VEGF-C,VEGF-D and their receptor VEGFR-3,which induce the growth of lymphatic vessel endothelium and lymphangiogene- sis by VEGF-C,VEGF-D/VEGFR-3 signaling pathway,further accelerate lymphatic metastasis of colo- rectal cancers.VEGF-C,VEGF-D and VEGFR-3 might be acted as molecular phenotypes of lym- phangiogenesis in coiorectal cancers and important markers for evaluating lymphatic metastasis and prog- nosis in patients with coloreetaI carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE:To observe clinical efficacy and safety of citalopram in the treatment of depression patients after lung cancer operation. METHODS:114 depression patients after lung cancer operation were selected and randomly divided into observa-tion group and control group (n=57). Control group was given routine treatment as nutrition support and electrolyte balance,but had no anti-depression drugs;observation group was given Citalopram tablet 20 mg orally,qd. Two groups were treated for 6 weeks. Clinical efficacy,HAMD and HAMA scores,each score and total score of SF-36 were observed before and after treatment. The occurrence of ADR was recorded. RESULTS:The total effective rate of observation group was 87.72%,which was significant-ly higher than that that of control group(71.93%),with statistical significance(P<0.05);there was no statistical significance in HAMA score,HAMD score,each score and total score of SF-36 between 2 groups before treatment(P>0.05);HAMA score and HAMD score of 2 groups decreased significantly after treatment,the observation group was lower than the control group;each score and total score of SF-36 increased significantly,the observation group was higher than the control group,with statistical sig-nificance(P<0.05). No obvious ADR was found in 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS:Citalopram is effective and safe for depression af-ter lung cancer operation,can improve mental state and quality of life.

OBJECTIVETo explore the value of phase ordering with automatic window selection(PAWS)and simultaneous multiple volume(SMV)algorithm double respiratory navigator-gated two-dimensional(2DNAV)dual inversion recovery(DIR)fast spin echo(FSE)high-resolution black-blood coronary artery wall magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)and evaluate its advantages and limitations.

METHODSPAWS and SMV 2DNAV DIR FSE high-resolution black-blood MRI was performed in 21 healthy volunteers. The images were evaluated qualitatively by using four grades(grade 0can not evaluate;grade 1bad;grade 2good;grade 3perfect). Images defined as grade 0 and grade 1 were excluded and those defined as grade 2 and 3 were evaluated further. Thickness of proximal(or middle)segment of right coronary artery(RCA)and left anterior descending branch(LAD)were measured. The difference of wall thickness was analyzed by using two-tailed independent sample t-test. P values of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTSAmong the 38 slice images,31 slices(RCA13 slices,LAD18 slices;grade 214 slices,grade 317 slices)were obtained for further evaluation. The mean thickness of RCA and LAD was(0.94±0.16)and(0.89±0.15)mm,respectively,and the difference was not significant(t=-0.790,P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONPAWS and SMV algorithm 2DNAV DIR FSE high-resolution black-blood MRI has certain clinical value for coronary artery wall imaging.

Adult ; Coronary Vessels ; anatomy & histology ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo prepare Sj14-3-3 DNA vaccine and observe its immunoprotection against Schistosoma japonicum in mice.

METHODSThe Sj14-3-3 gene was amplified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and subcloned into eukaryotic expression vector pBK. The recombinant plasmid pBK-Sj14-3-3 was extracted, purified and inoculated into BALB/c mice by intramuscular injection. Mice were attacked by Schistosoma japonicum cercariae and then killed. Adult worm and egg were counted, respectively. Diameter of the egg granulomas in the liver of infected mice was measured.

RESULTSElectrophoresis on 1% agarose gel showed that the product of RT-PCR and the inserted fragment of recombinant plasmid digested with EcoR I and Xho I had the same size, about 765 bp, confirming the latter was the 14-3-3 encoding gene by nucleotide sequencing. Adult worm load declined by 27%, average egg load of per gram (EPG) of the liver tissues by 79%, average egg production per couple of adult worm (EPWP) by 51%, and mean diameter of egg granulomas by 29% in vaccinated mice.

CONCLUSIONThe recombinant plasmid pBK-Sj14-3-3 was successfully constructed, which had some immunoprotection against Schistosoma japonicum in infected mice, indicating its potential to be vaccine candidate molecule of Schistosoma japonicum.

14-3-3 Proteins ; genetics ; immunology ; Animals ; Antibodies, Helminth ; blood ; Antigens, Helminth ; genetics ; immunology ; Cloning, Molecular ; DNA, Helminth ; genetics ; Female ; Helminth Proteins ; genetics ; immunology ; Membrane Proteins ; genetics ; immunology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Parasite Egg Count ; Rabbits ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; immunology ; Schistosoma japonicum ; genetics ; immunology ; Schistosomiasis japonica ; immunology ; prevention & control ; Vaccines, DNA ; immunology

An enhance matrix removal ( EMR) QuEChERS method for simultaneous determination of 22 triazine herbicide residuals such as atrazine, propazine, terbumeton, and desmetryn in corn was established and validated. The corn samples were initially extracted with acetonitrile ( MeCN ) in high-speed homogenization, and the targeted pesticides were prepared using EMR-Lipid (Enhanced matrix removal-lipid) method to clean-up and EMR-Polish to salt out, separated on a Kinetex XB-C18 with acetonitrile and 0. 1%formic acid aqueous as eluant, and then detected by UFLC-MS / MS under positive ( ESI+ ) electrospray ionization and MRM models. The average recoveries of 22 herbicides were in the range of 72% -105% at the spiked level of 5, 10 and 20 μg / kg. The relative standard deviations were less than 15% . In the method validation, correlation coefficients were higher than 0. 993 with the linear range from 1. 0 μg / L to 50 μg / L. The qualitative analysis and quantitative analysis were investigated by UFLC-MS / MS and matrix-matched calibration curves. The results showed that EMR QuEChERS combined with UFLC-MS / MS purification method was rapid, accurate and sensitive for the determination of 22 triazine herbicides residues in corn.

OBJECTIVETo study lymph node micrometastases (LNMM), expression of nm23-H(1), MMP(9), TIMP(2) proteins, and their relationship and clinical significance in patients with stage Dukes B colorectal cancer.

METHODSThirty patients with stage Dukes B colorectal cancer were studied. LNMM in these patients was detected by immunohistochemical anti-cytokeratin 20 (CK20) staining. The expression of nm23-H(1), MMP(9) and TIMP(2) proteins in primary tumors was examined by Strept-avidin-biotin complex method. Clinical-pathological data and survival of each patient were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS(1) The positive dyeing of CK20 was observed in 26.7% for cases and in 7.8% for lymph nodes of 30 patients with stage Dukes B colorectal cancer. (2) Different expression of nm23-H(1) and MMP(9) proteins in the patients between stage Dukes B and stage Dukes CD was observed (P < 0.05). The decreased nm23-H(1) expression, and/or the increased MMP(9) expression in primary stage Dukes B tumors were significantly associated with LNMM (P < 0.05). Sensitivity and specificity for detection of LNMM by using nm23-H(1) or MMP(9) were respectively 62.5% and 81.8% or 75.0% and 69.8%. If by combining nm23-H(1) with MMP(9), specificity for detection of LNMM became 90.9%. The expression of TIMP(2) protein was not related with stage Dukes and LNMM. (3) The percent of tumor recurrence and/or metastasis for the stage Dukes B patients with LNMM was significantly higher than that for the patients without LNMM (P < 0.05), but the survival percent for the patients with LNMM was significantly lower than that for the patients without LNMM. The outcome for the patients with nm23-H(1) (-) LNMM (+) or MMP(9) (+) LNMM (+) was significantly worse than that for patients with nm23-H(1) (+) LNMM (-) or MMP(9) (+) LNMM (-) (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSLNMM is detected by immunohistochemical anti-CK20 staining. The expression of nm23-H(1) and MMP(9) in primary stage Dukes B tumors was significantly associated with LNMM. The outcome in the LNMM patients with nm23-H(1) (-) and/or MMP(9) (+) were worse. Combining examination of CK20 for lymph nodes with expression of nm23-H(1) and MMP(9) for primary tumors is of important clinical significance for staging of Dukes, selection of adjuvant treatment and evaluation of prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer.

Colorectal Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; therapy ; Humans ; Keratins ; metabolism ; Lymph Nodes ; pathology ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; metabolism ; NM23 Nucleoside Diphosphate Kinases ; Neoplasm Staging ; Nucleoside-Diphosphate Kinase ; metabolism ; Prognosis ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical significance of detection on lymphatic microvessel, lymphatic microvessel density (LMVD) and vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) in patients with colorectal carcinoma.

METHODSEighty tissue specimens of the colorectal carcinoma and the peritumoral tissue and thirty of adjacent normal bowel tissue were collected. The lymphatic microvessel and LMVD were determined by 5'-nucleotidase histochemical staining. The expression of VEGF-C protein and VEGF-C mRNA in specimens of colorectal carcinoma and normal colorectal tissues were studied by RT-PCR and immunohistochemical methods utilizing strept-avidin-biotin complex. Clinicopathological data and survival of each patient were obtained and analyzed.

RESULTS(1) The brown or filemot stained lymphatic microvessels were observed in specimens from the colorectal carcinoma, the peritumoral tissue and the normal bowel. Collapsed, nonfunctional lymphatic vessels were observed in the intratumoral tissue, and plenty of lymphatic vessels with large lumen referred as functional lymphatic vessels were observed in the peritumoral tissue. (2) The mean value of LMVD in the peritumoral tissue was significantly higher than that in the normal bowel tissue (9.76+/-2.85 vs. 5.49+/-1.43, t=8.220, P<0.01) and tumor tissue (9.76+/-2.85 vs. 2.13+/-0.96, t=15.118, P<0.001). (3) The positive rate (48.8% vs. 0, P<0.01) and mean value (1.09+/-1.20 vs. 0, P<0.01) of the VEGF-C protein expression in colorectal carcinoma specimens were significantly higher than that of the normal bowel tissue. The expression of VEGF-C protein was consistent with the expression of VEGF-C mRNA. The VEGF-C expression in intratumoral tissue demonstrated significant correlation with LMVD in the peritumoral tissue of colorectal carcinoma. (4) Both LMVD in the peritumoral tissue and the expression of VEGF-C in the intratumoral tissue correlated significantly with Dukes' stage (P<0.0001 and P=0.0234), lymph node metastasis (P<0.0001 and P=0.0059), and survival (P<0.0001 and P<0.0001), but not with age, sex, location and dimension of lesion, gross and histological type. Also, there was a positive significant correlation of LMVD in the peritumoral tissue with degree of differentiation (P=0.0168) and metastasis to the liver or the lung (P=0.0088).

CONCLUSIONSLymphatic microvessels in the peritumoral tissue are functional. The functional lymphatic microvessels, increased LMVD in the peritumoral tissue and the expression of VEGF-C in the intratumoral tissue may act as the morphological features and the molecular phenotype of lymphangiogenesis in colorectal carcinoma, and also as important predictive markers for evaluating lymphatic metastasis and prognosis in patients with colorectal carcinoma.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphangiogenesis ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Lymphatic Vessels ; pathology ; Male ; Microvessels ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Prognosis ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C ; metabolism ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVEDuodenogastric reflux (DGR) is a reverse flow of duodenal juice into stomach through pylorus composed of bile acid, pancreatic secretion, and intestinal secretion. The increased entero-gastric reflux results in mucosal injury that may relate not only to reflux gastritis but also esophagitis, gastric ulcers, carcinoma of stomach and esophagus. However, the exact mechanisms of gastric mucosal damage caused by DGR are still unknown. The objective of the present study is to investigate the pathogenic effect of primary DGR on gastric mucosa in children, and to explore the correlation of DGR with clinical symptoms, Hp infection and intragastric acidity.

METHODTotally 81 patients with upper gastrointestinal manifestations were enrolled and they were graded according to the symptom scores and underwent endoscopic, histological examinations and 24-hour intra-gastric bilirubin was monitored with Bilitec 2000. Of the 81 cases, 51 underwent the 24-hour intra-gastric pH monitoring by ambulatory pH recorder simultaneously. The total fraction time of bile reflux was considered as a marker to evaluate the severity of DGR. The total fraction time of bile reflux was compared between the patients with positive and negative results under endoscopy and histologically, respectively. The correlations of the total fraction time of bile reflux with clinical symptom score, Hp infection, intragastric acidity were analyzed respectively.

RESULTThe total fraction time of bile reflux in the patients with hyperemia and yellow stain gastric antral mucosa under endoscopy was significantly higher than that without those changes [17.1% (0.5% approximately 53.2%) vs. 6.5% (0 approximately 58.6%), Z = -1.980, P < 0.05; 19.8% (0.5% approximately 58.6%) vs. 8.8% (0 approximately 38.0%), Z = -2.956, P < 0.01 respectively]. Histologically, the cases with intestinal metaplasia had significantly higher total fraction time of bile reflux than in the cases without intestinal metaplasia [29.0% (1.9% approximately 58.6%) vs. 14.3% (0 approximately 53.7%), Z = -2.026, P < 0.05], but no significant difference was found either between the cases with and without chronic inflammation (P > 0.05) or between the cases with and without active inflammation (P > 0.05). The severity of bile reflux was positively correlated with the score of abdominal distention (r = 0.258, P < 0.05), but no correlation with either the severity of intragastric acid (r = -0.124, P > 0.05), or Hp infection (r = 0.016, P > 0.05) was found.

CONCLUSIONPrimary DGR could cause gastric mucosal lesions manifested mainly as hyperemia and bile-stained gastric antral mucosa under endoscopy and the gastric antral intestinal metaplasia histologically in children. There was no significant correlation between DGR and gastric mucosal inflammatory infiltration. DGR had no relevance to Hp infection and intragastric acidity. We conclude that DGR is probably an independent etiological factor and might play a synergistic role in the pathogenesis of gastric mucosal lesions along with gastric acid and Hp infection.

Adolescent ; Bile Reflux ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Duodenogastric Reflux ; microbiology ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Female ; Gastric Mucosa ; microbiology ; pathology ; Helicobacter Infections ; Helicobacter pylori ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Male