Objective To summarize the clinical features of mercury poisoning diagnosed by blood and urine tests for improving the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.Methods Poisoning causes,clinical manifestations,diagnosis,treatment and prognosis were retrospectively reviewed in 92 in-patients with mercury poisoning in our hospital from January 2000 to April 2010.Results Of the 92 patients,37 were male and 55 were female with an average age of 33.1(2-65)years old.The mercury poisoning was caused by occupational exposure and non-occupational exposure,such as iatrogenic exposure,life exposure and wrong intake or suicidal intake of mercury-containing substances,mainly through respiratory tract,digestive tract and skin absorption.The most common clinical symptoms were as the followings:nervous system symptom,such as memory loss in 50 eases(54.3%),fatigue in 34(37.0%),numb limb in 25 (27.2%),dizziness and headache in 22(23.9%),cacesthesia in 20(21.7%),fine tremor(finger tip,tongue tip,eyelids)in 15(16.3%),insomnia and more dreams in 12(13.0%);gastrointestinal symptoms:nausea in 16 (17.4%),abdominal pain in 14(15.2%),stomatitis in 5(5.4%);joint and muscle symptoms:muscle pain in 16(17.4%),joint pain in 5(5.4%);cardiovaseular system:chest tightness,hean palpitations in 6(6.5%);urinary system:edema in 9(9.8%);other system:hidrosis in 20(21.7%).After the treatment with sodium dimercaptopropane sulfonate (DMPS),the symptoms were gradually alleviated.Their gastrointestinal,cardiovascular symptoms were alleviated within 2 weeks;neurological symptoms were alleviated within 3 months;kidney damage showed a slower recovery and could be completely'alleviated within 6 months.Conclusions Because of its diverse clinical symptoms,the mercury poisoning was easy to misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis:therefore the awareness of the disease should be further enhanced.Leaving from the poisoning environment timely and giving appropriate treatment with DMPS will lead to a satisfactory prognosis.

With the extensive application of cellular and molecular genetic techniques in the research of acute leukemia (AL), the diagnosis of AL type has been developed from FAB typing which was based on morphological classification in 1976 to MICM typing in 2001. This progress highlights the importance of cellular and molecular genetic changes in the diagnosis of leukemia. The cellular and molecular genetic abnormalities in acute leukemia can make the stratification of risk and give the guidance for prognosis and treatment, which is also critical for the development of new drugs. This article has focused on chromosomal abnormalities, fusion gene expression and their relationship with the leukemia diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. This article is also a concise review on several common gene mutations in cytogenetics of ANLL for the assessment of disease prognosis. In recent years, further exploration of molecular cytogenetic mechanisms of various types of leukemia in ANLL contributed to the development of new therapeutic strategy for leukemia.
Acute Disease ; Chromosome Aberrations ; Cytogenetics ; Gene Fusion ; Humans ; Leukemia ; genetics ; Molecular Structure

The aim of this study was to establish an efficient method for expansion in vitro of natural killer (NK) cells highly purified from human peripheral blood. The CD3-CD56+CD16+ NK cells purified by the negative sorting method of MACS (magnetic microbeads activated cells sorting) were expanded with the different combinations of IL-2, SCF, IL-15 in SCGM (stem cell growth medium) supplemented with 10% human AB serum for 18 days. Cultures were fed with fresh medium and cytokines every 3 days. The sum of cells was counted for evaluating the efficiency of expansion. Then the purity of the CD3-CD56+CD16+ NK cells were determined by flow cytometry and the cytotoxicity to K562 targets was detected by CCK-8 assay in the end. Furthermore, the same way was used to explore the relationship between the efficiency of expansion, cytotoxicity to K562 targets of NK cells and the dose of IL-2. The results showed that after peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNC) were purified by the negative sorting method of MACS, the purity of CD3-CD56+CD16+ NK cells increased from (12.70±2.66)% to (93.03±1.72)%. The CD3-CD56+CD16+ NK cells purified by MACS were expanded with the different combinations of IL-2, SCF, IL-15 in SCGM supplemented with 10% human AB serum for 18 days. The expanding multiple of IL-2/IL-15/SCF group was significantly higher than other groups (p<0.05). The purity of NK cells in the groups with cytokines was not significantly lower than that before expansion (p>0.05). The cytotoxicity of the groups with cytokines was significantly higher than that before expansion. Especially, the cytotoxicity (%) of NK cells in IL-2/IL-15 group and IL-2/IL-15/SCF group was more than 90%. The expanding multiples of low-dose group, medium-dose group and high-dose group were significantly higher than that of zero-dose group (p<0.05), but no significant difference was found between themselves (p>0.05). The cytotoxicity of the groups with IL-2 was significantly higher than that before expansion. Cytotoxicity to K562 cells in high-dose group was significantly higher than that in others (p<0.05); there was no significant difference between low-dose group and medium-dose group (p>0.05). It is concluded that cytokines in the 4 groups were efficient for expansion and the cytotoxicity of highly purified NK cells in vitro. IL-2/SCF/IL-15 combination is the most efficient one among different combinations, and enhanced significantly the cytotoxicity of NK cells against K562 targets. The efficiency of expansion and the cytotoxicity in vitro of NK cells are not related with the dose of IL-2, when IL-2<1,000 U/ml. It is indicated that IL-2 of high-dose (≥1,000 U/ml) may enhance the cytotoxicity of NK cells in vitro more efficiently.
CD3 Complex ; immunology ; CD56 Antigen ; immunology ; Cell Culture Techniques ; methods ; Cell Separation ; methods ; Cells, Cultured ; Humans ; Immunophenotyping ; Interleukin-2 ; pharmacology ; K562 Cells ; Killer Cells, Natural ; cytology ; immunology ; Receptors, IgG ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo study changes in the radiographic appearance during weight-bearing and non-weigh-bearing in hallux valgus, and to analyse the correlation between the elasticity of plantar soft tissue of hallux valgus and the pain under the metatarsal head.

METHODSFrom May 2012 to October 2012, 240 feet of 120 patients with hallux valgus were enrolled in the study. The degrees of the pian under the metatarsal head of all the patients were observed. AP and lateral X-ray films of feet were taken on the condition of weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing. So the hallux valgus angle (HVA), the inter-metatarsal angle between the first and second metatarsals (IM1-2), the inter-metatarsal angle between the first and fifth metatarsals (IM1-5), top angle of the medial longitudinal arch (TAOTMLA),and anterior angle of the medial longitudinal arch (AAOTMLA) were measured on the X-ray films. The differences of HVA, IM1-2, IM1-5, TAOTMLA and AAOTMLA between two groups were compared, and the correlation between the changes of IM1-2, IM 1-5, TAOTMLA, AAOTMLA and the degree of the pain under the metatarsal head were analysed.

RESULTSOne hundred and forty-eight feet had the pain under the metatarsal head. The IM1-2, IM1-5 and TAOTMLA increased on weight-bearing position compared with those on non-weight-bearing position, but the HVA and AAOTMLA decreased on weight-bearing position compared with those on non-weight-bearing position. There was a moderate relationship between the changes of IM 1-2,IM1-5 and the degree of the hallux valgus deformity, as well as the relationship between the different of IM1-5 and the degree of the pian under the metatarsal head.

CONCLUSIONThe degree of the collapse of the arch of foot with hallux valgus becomes serious with its deformity increasing. The pain under the metatarsal head of hallux valgus increases with the increased changes of IM 1-2,IM 1-5 and TAOTMLA. Analysis of the X-ray observation indexes of hallux valgus on weight-bearing position and non-weight-bearing position has important significance in evaluating the degree of the collapse of the arch of foot with hallux valgus,preventing and curing the the pain under the metatarsal head.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Hallux ; anatomy & histology ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology ; Hallux Valgus ; complications ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Metatarsalgia ; complications ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology ; Middle Aged ; Radiography ; Weight-Bearing ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo establish two-dimensional electrophoresis profiles from human esophageal cancer tissue and paired normal esophageal tissue and identify differentially expressed proteins to identify the molecular markers for early-stage diagnosis.

METHODSThe total proteins of human esophageal cancer tissue and paired normal esophageal tissue were separated by immobilized pH gradient-based two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE). The 6 differentially expressed proteins were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). The peptide mass fingerprintings (PMF) were identified by database searching. Six differentially expressed proteins were validated by RT-PCR.

RESULTSThe well-resolved, reproducible 2-DE patterns of esophageal cancer tissue and esophageal normal tissue were established. Using MALDI-TOF-MS technology, 6 differential protein spots were identified. Among them, the expressions of squamous cell carcinoma antigen 1 (SCCA1b), KRT4 and annexin A1 were downregulated and triosephosphate isomerase (TPI1), heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) were upregulated in esophageal cancer tissues.

CONCLUSIONThe identification of differential expressed proteins in human esophageal cancer and normal tissue will be helpful for screening the biomarker for early-stage diagnosis.

Biomarkers, Tumor ; genetics ; metabolism ; Early Diagnosis ; Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; genetics ; pathology ; Esophagus ; cytology ; metabolism ; pathology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; Mass Spectrometry ; Neoplasm Staging ; Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVEWe investigated the effects of intermittent negative pressure on osteogenesis in human bone marrow-derived stroma cells (BMSCs) in vitro.

METHODSBMSCs were isolated from adult marrow donated by a hip osteoarthritis patient with prosthetic replacement and cultured in vitro. The third passage cells were divided into negative pressure treatment group and control group. The treatment group was induced by negative pressure intermittently (pressure: 50 kPa, 30 min/times, and twice daily). The control was cultured in conventional condition. The osteogenesis of BMSCs was examined by phase-contrast microscopy, the determination of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, and the immunohistochemistry of collagen type I. The mRNA expressions of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and osteoprotegerin ligand (OPGL) in BMSCs were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

RESULTSBMSCs showed a typical appearance of osteoblast after 2 weeks of induction by intermittent negative pressure, the activity of ALP increased significantly, and the expression of collagen type I was positive. In the treatment group, the mRNA expression of OPG increased significantly (P<0.05) and the mRNA expression of OPGL decreased significantly (P<0.05) after 2 weeks, compared with the control.

CONCLUSIONIntermittent negative pressure could promote osteogenesis in human BMSCs in vitro.

Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; Cell Differentiation ; Cell Proliferation ; Cells, Cultured ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Osteogenesis ; Osteoprotegerin ; genetics ; Pressure ; RANK Ligand ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Stromal Cells ; cytology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of adenovirus-mediated endostatin gene transfer on transplanted lung cancer in mice and its mechanism of action.

METHODSTransplant tumor model was induced by subcutaneous inoculation of 2 x 10(6) Lewis lung cancer (LLC) cells into the back of C57BL/6 mice. The mice were treated by intratumoral injection of 2 x 10(9) pfu Ad-mEndostatin. The expression of endostatin in situ and its maintaining time were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western Blot, respectively. The endostatin level in serum was determined by ELISA . The inhibition of tumor growth and changes of survival were recorded and the microvessel density (MVD) was determined by histochemical stainingwith CD31 and CD105 antibodies. The tumor apoptosis was observed by electron microscopy.

RESULTSIn comparison with controls, intratumoral injection of Ad-mEndostatin significantly inhibited the tumor growth and metastasis, and prolonged the survival rate of mice (P < 0.05). Strong positive expression of mEndostatin was seen in the tumor tissue after injection of Ad-mEndostatin, immunhistochemically ostained by mouse endostatin monoclonal antibody, while the control groups showed only very low expression or absence. Serum endostatin concentration was 1540 +/- 560 ng/ml at the second week of administration, the expression of endostatin diminished a month later. The microvessel density (MVD)) decreased from 42.4 +/- 4.8 to 10.5 +/- 3.2 per x 200 magnificetion microscopic field by CD10 staining and from 68.5 +/- 4.5 to 37.5 +/- 4.6 by CD31 staining, respectively (P < 0.05). More apoptotic tumor cells were seen under the transmission electron microscope.

CONCLUSIONEndostatin gene therapy mediated by adenoviral vector efficiently induces expression of endostatin in vivo, and inhibits the growth and metastasis of tumor. It is concluded that its action is targeted to tumor neovasculature and the mechanism is inhibition of tumor angiogenesis.

Adenoviridae ; genetics ; Angiogenesis Inhibitors ; genetics ; metabolism ; therapeutic use ; Animals ; Carcinoma, Lewis Lung ; metabolism ; pathology ; therapy ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Endostatins ; genetics ; metabolism ; therapeutic use ; Genetic Therapy ; Genetic Vectors ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Microvessels ; pathology ; Neoplasm Transplantation ; Neovascularization, Pathologic ; pathology ; Random Allocation ; Transfection ; Tumor Burden

OBJECTIVETo detect the presence of ion channel protein and its role in cell growth and proliferation in human head and neck squamous carcinoma cells (SCC).

METHODSHuman head and neck squamous carcinoma SCC-25 cell line was tested with transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) antibody using the method of immunocytochemistry. The role of TRPM7 in cell growth and proliferation was evaluated through its blockade by ion channel blockers and specific siRNA using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay technique.

RESULTSClear immunoreactivity against TRPM7 was detected in almost all SCC-25 cells tested, whereas no immunoreactivity was observed in negative control. The inhibitory effect of Gd3+, a non-specific ion channel blocker, on cell growth and proliferation was potent. Addition of 10 micromol/L Gd3+ (n = 16) and 100 micromol/L Gd3+ (n = 16) in the culture medium significantly inhibited the growth of SCC-25 cells, as compared with control cells growing in normal medium (t was 4.1414 and 6.2661, P was 0.0256 and 0.0082 respectively). However, the effect of 2-APB was striking. Cell proliferation was almost totally suppressed in the presence of 100 micromol/L 2-APB (t = 13.4493, P = 0.0008, n = 16) compared with cells growing in normal medium. Suppression of TRPM7 expression by siRNA also significantly inhibited the growth and proliferation of these cells (t = 4.3446, P = 0.0002, n = 32, compared with nontransfected cells),whereas cells transfected with negative control siRNA showed no difference in cell proliferation compared with nontransfected cells.

CONCLUSIONSAll of those results strongly suggest the existence of TRPM7 channel in human head and neck squamous carcinoma cells. Ion channel blockers serve as a potent inhibitor of SCC-25 cell proliferation. The striking inhibitory effect of 2-APB on cell growth and proliferation may promise clinical workers an inspiring remedy for fighting against carcinoma.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Head and Neck Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Humans ; Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases ; TRPM Cation Channels ; metabolism

Objective To analyze the CT and MRI characteristics of the pineal region tumors (PRTs) to improve the accuracy of diagnosis and differential diagnosis.Methods The MRI and CT findings of 28 patients with PRTs proved by operation and pathology were retrospectively analyzed.Eight of them were performed preoperative 1H-MRS and DWI examination and thier data were analyzed too.Results of these 28 patients,11 were diagnosed as having germinoma,4 teratoma,3 astrocytoma,3 meningioma,2 pinealocytoma and 1 epidermoid cyst,1 pineoblastoma,1 hamartoma and 1 dermoidcyst.The main imaging characteristics were cystic tumors in the pineal region,variational density/signal intensity with few tumors having their specified morphology,density/signal intensity and enhancement style.The germinomas and the pineoblastomas were mainly homogeneous solid masses with symmetrical density/signal.The astrocytoma was cystic-solid,mostly,with changing shapes and odds density/signal.The mature teratoma showed blending density/signal.The 1H-MRS showed typical high Cho peak and low NAA peak in the astrocytoma; no NAA peak was found in the meningeoma; high Cho peak and no Lip peak were found in the pineoblastoma; the germinoma was noted having Lip peak.Conclusion Observation on the changes of the morphologic features,density/signal intensity and enhancement style can help in the differential diagnosis of PRTs.DWI and 1H-MRS examinations can improve the accuracy of differential diagnosis to some extent,but some PRTs remain to be non-differentiable.

Objective To investigate the method, time window, dosage of thrombolytic drug used in different intra-arterial thrombolytic therapies of patients with acute cerebral infarction Methods Sixty patients with acute cerebral infarction within 12 h were chosen in our study; they were treated by different intra-arterial thrombolytic therapies. The therapeutic effect (recanalization) were evaluated through cerebral angiography. Results The complete recanalization rate was 55％ (33/60), partial recanalization rate 38.3％ (23/60) and non-efficiency 6.7％ (4/60). Thirty-eight patients (63.3％) were clinically cured, 10 (16.7％) obviously improved, 9 (15％) partially improved and 3 (5％) invalid; no death was noted. Conclusion Treatment of acute cerebral infarction by different intra-arterial thrombolytic therapies is safe and effective. The cure rate will be improved and the death rate and disability rate will be decreased by setting up first aid system and standard therapeutic measurements.