Background The dosage of verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) for central exudative chorioretinopathy(CEC) depends on the calculation formula of Treatment of Age-related Macular Degeneration with Photodynamic Therapy Study Group(TAP)and Verteporfin in Photodynamic Therapy Study Group(VIP).Some local adverse responses or normal tissue damage have been noted under the standard dose of verteporfin during the treatment of CEC.So it is necessary to explore an appropriate therapeutic dosage of verteporfin.Objective This clinical study aimed to observe and compare the clinical efficacy and safety of different doses of verteporfin PDT for CEC.Methods Ninety eyes of 90 patients with CEC were enrolled in this study with the approval of the Ethic Commission of Affiliated Second Hospital of Nanchang University.Written informed consent was obtained before PDT.The patients were randomly divided into standard dose group,half dose group and 1/3 dose group.All of the patients received PDT.Standard dose(6 mg/m2),3 mg/m2 or 2 mg/m2 of verteporfin was applied in the three groups respectively,with the laser intensity 50 J/cm2.The patients were followed-up for 3 months.Repeat treating regimen was performed in the same way in the patient with fundus fluorescein leakage after initial PDT.Results The BCVA(logMAR) value was 0.44±0.36 after PDT in the standard dose group.Visual acuity improved in 20 patients (66.67％),stabilized in 8 patients(26.67％)and decreased in 2 patients (6.67％).The BCVA showed a significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative BCVA (t =6.719,P =0.000).CNV disappeared in 19 patients (63.33％),obviously improved in 7 patients (23.33％),partially disappeared in 3 patients (10.00％) and unchanged in 1 patient (3.33％).The central fovea thickness (CFT)value was significantly declined in postoperation compared with preoperation (t =5.758,P =0.000).Eight patients received secondary PDT with the recurrence rate 26.67％.In the half dose group,visual acuity improved in 18 patients(60.00％),stabilized in 11 patients(36.67％)and decreased in 1 patient (3.33％).CNV disappeared in 16 patients (53.33％),obviously improved in 8 patients (26.67％),partially disappeared in 5 patients (16.67％) and unchanged in 1 patient (3.33 ％).Significant difference was seen between the preoperative BCVA and postoperative BCVA(t=8.294,P =0.000).The decrease of C FT was significant in postoperation(t =8.493,P =0.000).Ten patients received secondary treatment with the recurrence rate 33.33％.In 1/3 dose group,visual acuity improved in 8 patients (26.67 ％),stabilized in 12 patients (40.00％),decreased in 10 patient (33.3％).CNV disappeared in 8 patients (26.67％),obviously improved in 8 patients (26.67％),partially disappeared in 6 patients (20.00％) and unchanged in 8 patient (26.67％).There was no significant difference between the preoperative BCVA and postoperative BCVA (t =0.536,P =0.596).The difference between preoperative CFT and postoperative CFT was insignificant(t =0.942,P=0.354).Fourteen patients received secondary PDT and 8 patients received three times with the recurrence rate 73.33％.Conclusions 3 mg/m2 verteporfin PDT for CEC shows a similar clinical efficiency and safety to 6 mg/m2 verteporfin.3 mg/m2 verteporfin PDT can decrease cost,but the effect of 2 mg/m2verteporfin PDT is not satisfacted.

Objective To understand the current situation of iodine deficient disorder(IDD) 10 years after achieving the stage goal of eliminating IDD in Longyan city and to evaluate the effect of prevention and treatment measures, and to provide the basis for the development of control strategies. Methods There were 7 counties in the city, and each county(city, district) was as a unit to carry out the inspection for organization and leadership,iodine salt management, monitoring and control, health education (referred to as the four management indicators)according to "The County-Level Assessment and Evaluation Implementation Detailed Rules of Realizing the Goal to Eliminate IDD in Fujian Province". According to the east, west, south, north and middle positions in each county,a village and a primary school were selected. Forty 8 to 10 year-old students in each school were randomly selected to check thyroid and among them 20 students were collected urine samples to determine urinary iodine. Nine townships were selected in the 7 counties of the city and among which 4 administrative villages were selected in each township. Eight edible salt samples from each household in each administrative village were collected to test salt iodine. Goiter was examined by palpation, the level of urinary iodine was examined by arsenic and cerium spectrophotometry, salt iodine was detected by direct titration. Results The average score of the four management indicators was 94.1 in Longyan city. The adjusted goiter rate of children aged 8 - 10 years old was 1.9%. The median of urinary iodine was 278.6 μg/L, among which less than 100 μg/L accounted for 4.57%(32/700), 100 -＜ 200 μg/L accounted for 24.00%(168/700), 200 - ＜ 300 μg/L accounted for 25.29%(177/700), and higher than 300 μg/L accounted for 46.14%(323/700). The using rate of qualified iodized salt was 98.86%. The coverage rate of iodized salt was 99.50%, the qualified rate of iodized salt was 99.35%, and the rate of non-iodized salt was 0.50%. All the indicators had reached the national standard to eliminate IDD. Conclusions After achieving the stage goal of eliminating IDD, the disease is stable and the effect of control measures are significantly. But the iodine provided has a trend of more than suitable. Therefore, it is reasonable to reduce the current salt iodine content.

Objective To investigate the clinicopathology and immunophenotype of primary non- Hodgkin lymphoma(NHL)of the female genital system,and to analyze the prognosis of such tumors. Methods Clinicopathologic features of 43 cases of primary NHL of the female genital system were studied retrospectively,with the histological classification based on the Classification of Haematopoietic and Lymphoid Tumors(WHO,2001).Immunochemistry technique,in-situ-hybridization and polymerase chain reaction methods were used to detect the immunophenotype,epstein barrvirus(EB)virus infection status and immunoglobulin heavy chain gene rearrangement,respectively.Results(1)Primary lesions:there were 24 cases of lymphoma originating in the ovary,3 cases in the endometrium,10 cases in the cervix,2 cases in the vagina and 4 cases in the vulva.(2)Staging:12 cases(28%)were in stage Ⅰ,9 cases (21%)in stage Ⅱ,and 22 cases(51%)in stage Ⅲ.(3)Histological classification:37 cases(86%)were diffuse large B cell lymphoma(DLBCL),3 cases were Burkitt lymphoma and the remaining 3 cases were unspecified peripheral T-cell lymphoma according to biopsy,immunophenotype analysis,in-situ- hybridization technique and IgH gene rearrangement detection.(4)Prognosis analysis:increase in the level of lactic acid dehydrogenase,stage Ⅲ,DLBCL and single operation suggest poor prognosis.Conclusions Establishment of the diagnosis of primary NHL of the female genital system is based on biopsy, immunophenotype analysis,in-situ-hybridization technique and IgH gene rearrangement detection,which play important roles in diagnosis and differential diagnosis of the tumor.Combined therapy is the first choice of therapeutic regimens.

ObjectiveTo campare the quality of life of schizophrenics treated with aripiprazole or clozapine.Methods90 cases with schizophrenia were randomly divided into aripiprazole group and clozapine group.After 6 mouths of treatment,all subjects were assessed with Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale(PANSS),WHO QOL-100 and Treatment Emergent Symptoms Scale(TESS).ResultsAripiprazole could significantly improve all aspects of quality of life except domination,and had a better result in physical,psychological,level of independence,solial relations,environment domain than clozapine did.Clozapine could only improve psyclological domain.There was no significant difference between the score of PANSS in two groups.However,aripiprazole had a better result in negative symptoms.ConclusionSchizophrenic outpatients treated with aripiprazole have a better quality of life than those with clozapine.

Objective To understand the current situation of iodine deficiency diserders(IDD) in Longyan City and to evaluate the effect of prevention and control measures of IDD in order to provide evidence for formulating prevention and control tactics. Methods During the year of 2006 and 2007, the 30 primary schools were screened by population proportion survey(PPS) from the 7 counties of Longyan City. Forty children aged 8-10 years in each school were randomly selected as a group to examine thyroid, and 7 children in each group were selected to measure the urine iodine and the salt iodine at the same time. The goiter rote, the median urinary iodine, the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt, the iodine salt coverage rate, the rate of qualified iodized salt and the non-iodized rate were detected. Results The goiter rate of children aged 8-10 years old in Longyan City was 0.94%(79/8438). The median urinary iodine was 259.12 μg/L. The consumption rate of qualified iodized salt was 97.86% (1462/1494). The iodine salt coverage rate was 99.46%(1486/1494). The rate of qualified iodized salt was 98.38 (1462/1486), and the non-iodized rate was 0.54% (8/1494). Conclusions All indicators have reached the national standard of eliminating IDD in Longyan City.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) in the spinal dorsal horn in visceral hypersensitivity in rats with colonic inflammation. METHODS: Seventy adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into the experimental group and the control group. Colonic inflammation was induced in the experimental rats by intraluminal administration of trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS). Saline was administered intraluminally in the control rats. After 3, 7, 14, and 28 days of administration, abdominal contractions induced by inflation of a balloon colonically inserted were recorded in rats by implanting electrodes in the abdominal striated muscles. Immunohistochemistry method was used to study the expression of NMDAR1 and NMDAR2A/B in lumbarsacral spinal cord after inflammation. RESULTS: Colonic distension evoked a significant increase of abdominal contractions after 3, 7 and 14 days of TNBS administration. After 28 days of TNBS administration, abdominal contractions were still significantly increased in 2 TNBS-treated rats compared with the control rats. After 7 and 14 days of TNBS administration, NMDAR1 and NMDAR2A/B-immunoreactive cells were significantly increased compared with the control group (P <0.05). Twenty-eight days after TNBS administration, the number of NMDAR1-IR and NMDAR2A/B-IR neurons was still significantly increased in 4 TNBS-treated rats compared with the saline-treated rats (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION NMDAR was involved in the transmission of visceral nociceptive stimuli. After the remission of colonic inflammation, increased expression of NMDAR1 and NMDAR2A/B in the spinal dorsal horn may induce persistent neuronal hyperactivity, which results in visceral hypersensitivity.
Animals ; Colitis ; chemically induced ; metabolism ; Male ; Posterior Horn Cells ; metabolism ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid

Objective To investigate the correlation between the CT perfusion and microvessel density (MVD),expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in neoplasm of head and neck.Methods Eighty-eight lesions of head and neck were scanned by spiral CT.The largest axial surface of the mass was searched on unenhanced imaging,and at this level the dynamic contrast enhanced scan series was acquired.Time-density curves (TDC)were created from circular or oval regions of the interest drawn over the mass,target artery by Toshiba Xpress/SX spiral CT with perfusion functional software.The parameters were measured including:peak height (PH ),peak time (PT ),mean transit time (MTT), contrast enhancement ratio(RPH),and perfusion flow (PF).Histopathological slides of 35 masses were carefully prepared for the anti-CD34 and VEGF immunohistochemical staining and tumor microvessel density and calculation of VEGF expression scores.The parameters of CT perfusion were correlatively study with MVD and VEGF.Results(1)The TDC of CT perfusion imaging could be classified into 3 types.The TDC of 53/77 (68.9% )malignant tumors presented the type with rapid ascending and rapid descending after injecting contrast.The TDC of 6/9 malignant lymphomas showed low platform curve。(2)The PF median of thyroid carcinoma was 82.2(41.0,183.4)ml?min~(-1)?100 g~(-1).There was significantly difference in the parameters of CT perfusion among thyroid carcinoma and squamaous cell cancer (Median 23.8 (7.0, 108.4)ml?min~(-1)?100 g~(-1))and lymphomas (Median 24.5(13.2,78.6)ml?min~(-1)?100 g~(-1)).(3) MVD in benign tumors was (44.7?3.4),and in malignant tumors,it is (49.6?14.8 ).There was no significantly difference in MVD between benign and malignant tumors.High VEGF expression was found in 15 malignant tumors and 1 benign tumors,low VEGF expression was found in 9 malignant tumors and 10 benign tumors.(4)There were no significantly difference in VEGF expression and MVD.There was good correlation between MVD (M 40.0 )and PH (M 26.9 ),RPH (M 14.5 ),PF (M 46.8 )(r = 0.35,45.49, 0.41 ).There was correlation between VEGF(M 4.0)and MTT(M 16.7 )(r = -0.41 ).Conclusion The TDC and CT perfusion could be helpful to differentiate benign from malignant tumors. CT peffusion in neoplasm of head and neck is correlated with MVD and VEGF,and may reflect MVD and expression of VEGF.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of autophagy gene Beclin 1 on growth of cervical cancer HeLa cells in vitro and vivo.

METHODSThe eukaryotic expression vector of Beclin1 was constructed and transfected via lipofectamine into HeLa cells. The experimental cells were classified into 3 groups: pcDNA3.1(+)-Beclin1 group,pcDNA3.1(+) group and HeLa group. Real time-ploymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used for detecting expression of Beclin1 mRNA and protein in the transfected cells. Flow cytometry (FCM) was employed to observe the effect of transfection on the apoptosis of HeLa cells, and proliferation was analyzed by MTT assay. The formation of autophagic vacuoles was measured by MDC staining. HeLa cells transfected with plasmid pcDNA3.1(+)-Beclin1 and pcDNA3.1(+) were inoculated subcutaneously in nude mice. The carcinogenic and growth activities of cancer cells in vivo were observed.

RESULTSEukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1(+)-Beclin1 was constructed successfully. It significantly improved the expression of Beclin1 mRNA and protein in HeLa cells. The proliferation of HeLa cells was inhibited, and the inhibition rate was 58.7%. FCM investigation showed that the apoptotic rate was (28.22 ± 2.34)% of pcDNA3.1(+)-Beclin1 group, significantly higher than the (14.6 ± 4.6)% in the pcDNA3.1(+) group and (11.2 ± 3.0)% in the HeLa group (P < 0.05). The monodansylcadaverin (MDC) staining showed significantly more autophagic vacuoles in the pcDNA3.1(+)-Beclin1 group (10.9%) than that in the pcDNA3.1(+) group (3.1%) and HeLa group (2.5%) (P < 0.05). After transfected with vector pcDNA3.1(+)-Beclin1, the carcinogenic activity of HeLa cells was decreased in nude mice, and the inhibition rate of tumor growth was 52.2%.

CONCLUSIONSAutophagy gene Beclin 1 overexpression can inhibit the proliferation and growth of HeLa cells in vitro and vivo,while promote autophagy and apoptosis of HeLa cells. So it might be one of new gene therapy strategies for cervical carcinoma.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Autophagy ; Beclin-1 ; Cell Proliferation ; DNA, Complementary ; genetics ; Genetic Vectors ; HeLa Cells ; Humans ; Membrane Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Neoplasm Transplantation ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Recombinant Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transfection ; Tumor Burden

OBJECTIVETo construct THY1 eukaryotic expression plasmid and study its effects on the growth of epithelial ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3.

METHODSTHY1 gene fragment was obtained from normal human ovarian tissue using RT-PCR, and inserted into the eukaryotic expression plasmid pcDNA3.1(+) to construct the recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1(+)-THY1, which was transformed into E. coli JM109 followed by selection of the positive clones containing the target inserts. The eukaryotic expression plasmid was analyzed by PCR, restriction endonucleases digestion and DNA sequencing. SKOV3 cells divided into SKOV3-THY1, SKOV-3-Null and SKOV3 groups were transfected via liposome with the recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1(+)-THY1, empty plasmid, or not transfected, respectively. The expression of THY1 mRNA and its protein were examined by RT-PCR and Western blot methods. The cell growth and apoptosis were evaluated by MTT assay and flow cytometry.

RESULTSThe gene fragment of exogenous THY1 was correctly inserted into the eukaryotic expression plasmid pcDNA3.1(+) as verified by PCR, restriction endonucleases digestion and DNA sequencing, and recombinant expression plasmid pcDNA3.1(+)-THY1 transfection resulted in stable expression in SKOV3 cells as shown by RT-PCR and Western blotting. The cell growth inhibition rate of SKOV3-THY1 group (56.6% at the fifth day) was significantly higher than that of the SKOV3-Null group (12.5%, P<0.05), and the cell apoptosis rate in SKOV3-THY1 group (31.8%) was significantly higher than those in SKOV3-Null group (10.5%) and SKOV3 group (9.8%, P<0.05), but the apoptosis rate between the latter two groups was similar (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1(+)-THY1 can be expressed stably in human ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3. THY1 transfection can inhibit the growth of SKOV3 cells in vitro, suggesting the important role of THY1 gene in pathogenesis and development of ovarian cancer.

Apoptosis ; genetics ; physiology ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Cell Survival ; genetics ; physiology ; Epithelial Cells ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Flow Cytometry ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Ovarian Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Plasmids ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; metabolism ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Thy-1 Antigens ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; physiology ; Transfection

OBJECTIVEGas-containing encephalo-meningitis is very rare. There have only been a few cases reported in the literature. The majority of neonatal cases reported in literature died. We report a case of a 5-day-old neonate who developed diffuse pneumocephalus from Enterobacter cloacae septicemia and intracranial infection.

METHODThis neonate was initially treated with penicillin and mezlocillin. He also received phototherapy, intravenous infusion, correction of acidosis and other supportive therapy. Complete blood count, C-Reactive protein, cranial CT scan, blood culture, cerebrospinal fluid culture and biochemistry were tested repeatedly.

RESULTSThis neonate's condition deteriorated after admission. He developed respiratory distress, increased muscle tone and decreased level of consciousness. His WBC and C-reactive protein were elevated, while blood gas, electrolytes, liver enzymes and renal function were within normal range initially. Cranial CT scan was done which demonstrated diffuse pneumocephalus. He was transferred to a higher level hospital for further management at the request of the family. Blood culture done in our hospital subsequently showed growth of Enterobacter cloacae. The infant developed seizures and further deterioration in level of consciousness after transfer. Antibiotics were switched to penicillin and ceftizoxime. Cranial CT scan repeated 2 days after transfer showed hydrocephalus and some resolution of pneumocephalus. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was aspirated from the lateral ventricles two weeks after admission. CSF culture also showed growth of Enterobacter cloacae. Antibiotic was switched to imipenem according to antibiotic sensitivity. His general condition was improved. Blood and CSF cultures were negative 1 month after admission. His head circumference at discharge was 34.6 cm. Repeat cranial CT scan at 4 month of age demonstrated severe hydrocephalus, diffuse leukomalacia and calcification. This infant suffered significant neurodevelopmental deficit. Muscle tone was diffusely increased. Head circumference at 9 month of age was 48.4 cm.

CONCLUSIONThis case suggests the importance of Enterobacter cloacae infection in the newborns. Our analysis of 34 cases of Enterobacter cloacae infection showed that 93.75% - 100% were sensitive to quinolones, 94.12% were sensitive to imipenem, 73.33% were sensitive to gentamicin, 50% were sensitive to piperacillin-tazobactam. Enterobacter cloacae is generally not sensitive to penicillin, first and second generation cephalosporins (0 - 21.4%). Enterobacter cloacae septicemia and intracranial infection in neonates have a high mortality rate and can result in severe neurodevelopmental deficit in survivors.

Enterobacter cloacae ; Enterobacteriaceae Infections ; pathology ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Meningitis ; microbiology ; Pneumocephalus ; microbiology