Adult ; Aged ; Aristolochic Acids ; adverse effects ; Chronic Disease ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; chemistry ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nephritis, Interstitial ; blood ; chemically induced ; pathology

Objective To analyze the difference in computed tomography (CT) imaging findings between pulmonary alveolar pneumoconiosis Methods proteinosis (PAP) and occupational pneumoconiosis (hereinafter referred to as ). A total of 44 patients with PAP (PAP group) and 44 patients with pneumoconiosis (pneumoconiosis group) were selected as study subjects using Results convenient sampling method. The CT images of these two groups were comparatively analyzed. The detection rates of - - pulmonary CT pattern changes such as map like performance, ground glass opacity, paving stone sign and sphenoid wing like vs vs changes of pulmonary hilum in the PAP group were higher than those in the pneumoconiosis group (77.3% 0.0%, 75.0% vs vs P 2.3%, 56.8% 0.0%, 18.2% 0.0%, all <0.01); the detection rates of lymphadenopathy and calcification of pulmonary hilum, small pulmonary nodules, emphysema and interlobular septal thickening were lower in the PAP group than those in the vs vs vs vs P Conclusion pneumoconiosis group (34.1% 100.0%, 4.5% 100.0%, 2.3% 45.4%, 0.0% 22.7%, all <0.01). Paving - stone sign and map like performance were most commonly found in the CT imaging of patients with PAP, and it is uncommon in pneumoconiosis. These changes could be used as the CT differential diagnosis of the two diseases.

Objective To analyze the difference in computed tomography (CT) imaging findings between pulmonary alveolar pneumoconiosis Methods proteinosis (PAP) and occupational pneumoconiosis (hereinafter referred to as ). A total of 44 patients with PAP (PAP group) and 44 patients with pneumoconiosis (pneumoconiosis group) were selected as study subjects using Results convenient sampling method. The CT images of these two groups were comparatively analyzed. The detection rates of - - pulmonary CT pattern changes such as map like performance, ground glass opacity, paving stone sign and sphenoid wing like vs vs changes of pulmonary hilum in the PAP group were higher than those in the pneumoconiosis group (77.3% 0.0%, 75.0% vs vs P 2.3%, 56.8% 0.0%, 18.2% 0.0%, all <0.01); the detection rates of lymphadenopathy and calcification of pulmonary hilum, small pulmonary nodules, emphysema and interlobular septal thickening were lower in the PAP group than those in the vs vs vs vs P Conclusion pneumoconiosis group (34.1% 100.0%, 4.5% 100.0%, 2.3% 45.4%, 0.0% 22.7%, all <0.01). Paving - stone sign and map like performance were most commonly found in the CT imaging of patients with PAP, and it is uncommon in pneumoconiosis. These changes could be used as the CT differential diagnosis of the two diseases.

Objective To analyze the difference in computed tomography (CT) imaging findings between pulmonary alveolar pneumoconiosis Methods proteinosis (PAP) and occupational pneumoconiosis (hereinafter referred to as ). A total of 44 patients with PAP (PAP group) and 44 patients with pneumoconiosis (pneumoconiosis group) were selected as study subjects using Results convenient sampling method. The CT images of these two groups were comparatively analyzed. The detection rates of - - pulmonary CT pattern changes such as map like performance, ground glass opacity, paving stone sign and sphenoid wing like vs vs changes of pulmonary hilum in the PAP group were higher than those in the pneumoconiosis group (77.3% 0.0%, 75.0% vs vs P 2.3%, 56.8% 0.0%, 18.2% 0.0%, all <0.01); the detection rates of lymphadenopathy and calcification of pulmonary hilum, small pulmonary nodules, emphysema and interlobular septal thickening were lower in the PAP group than those in the vs vs vs vs P Conclusion pneumoconiosis group (34.1% 100.0%, 4.5% 100.0%, 2.3% 45.4%, 0.0% 22.7%, all <0.01). Paving - stone sign and map like performance were most commonly found in the CT imaging of patients with PAP, and it is uncommon in pneumoconiosis. These changes could be used as the CT differential diagnosis of the two diseases.

OBJECTIVETo measure simultaneously the time course for the circadian rhythm of brown adipose tissue(BAT) thermogenesis and core temperature, and analyzing their temporal relationship.

METHODSThe circadian rhythm of core temperature (Tc), BAT temperature (T(BAT)), axillary temperature (Tax) and motor activity were simultaneously measured by telemetry in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats at an ambient temperature of 22 degrees C during a 12-h light:12-h dark photoperiod (lights on at 06:00 h and lights off at 18:00 h).

RESULTS(1) T(BAT) was 0.67 degrees C lower than Tc group under the light phase, but it was similar to that Tc during the dark phase. The rate of increase in T(BAT) was higher than corresponding increases in Tc at the start of transition from the light to dark phase, and increase in T(BAT) commenced approximately 8 min before Tc increases. Whereas at the start of transition from the dark to light phase, decrease in T(BAT) commenced approximately 4 min before Tc decreases. (2) The amplitude of the circadian Tax rhythm was similar to that of Tc. During either the light phase or dark phase, Tax was lower than simultaneous measurement of Tc. (3) Increases in behavioral activity commenced before increases in T(BAT) and Tc at the start of transition from the light to dark phase.

CONCLUSIONBAT thermogenesis contributes to increase in core temperature during the dark phase, indicating that circadian changes of BAT thermogenesis does indeed play significant role in the overall maintenance of the circadian rhythm of core temperature.

Adipose Tissue, Brown ; metabolism ; physiology ; Animals ; Body Temperature ; physiology ; Circadian Rhythm ; physiology ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Telemetry ; methods ; Thermogenesis ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF)-A, -C and -D and their prognostic significance and relation to angio- and lymphangiogenesis in gastric cancer.

METHODSThe expression of VEGF-A, -C and -D in 123 primary gastric cancers was detected by immunohistochemical staining. The lymphatic vessel density (LVD) and microvessel density (MVD) were assessed after immunohistochemical double-staining with D2-40 and CD34, respectively. The correlation between the expression of those VEGF factors and clinicopathological parameters were analyzed by univariate method. The overall survival was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. Multivariate analysis was carried out using Cox proportion hazard model.

RESULTSThe positive expression rate of VEGF-A, -C and -D in primary gastric cancer samples were 64.2%, 65.9% and 41.5%, respectively. High expression of VEGF-A, or -C or -D, or any two of them was correlated with high LVD (P < 0.05). High expression of both VEGF-A and -C was associated with high MVD, lymph node metastasis, LVI and MVI (P < 0.05). Both VEGF-C and -D high expression was correlated with LVI and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). The patients with high expression of these factors had a statistically shorter overall survival (P < 0.05). The patients with both VEGF-A and -C expression had the shortest survival (56 months). Multivariate analysis showed that VEGF-A high expression, MVD, lymph node metastasis and depth of tumor invasion were independent survival predictors (P = 0.033, 0.002, 0.019 and P < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONHigh expression of both VEGF-A and -C imply high potential of lymphangiogenesis, metastasis and poorer survival in gastric cancer patients. High expression of VEGF-C and -D may induce lymphangiogenesis and promote lymph node metastasis, but only VEGF-A is an independent predictor of survival.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lymphangiogenesis ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Lymphatic Vessels ; pathology ; Male ; Microvessels ; pathology ; Middle Aged ; Neovascularization, Pathologic ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Stomach Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Survival Rate ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; metabolism ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C ; metabolism ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor D ; metabolism

Objective To investigate the expressions of S100B and calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) and the pathologic alterations of the hippocampus in kainic acid (KA)-induced epileptic rats. Methods Male SD rats were randomly divided into control group (n=8) and model group (n=40).Animal models of temporal lobe epilepsy were established by intracerebroventricular injection of KA; the same volume of saline was injected into the rats in the control group. Hippocampal tissues within various phases after seizures (6, 12, 24 and 72 h, and 24 h after the success of model making) were performed Nissl staining, Timm staining and immunohistochemical staining. The expressions of S100B and CGRP were observed, and the pathologic alterations of the hippocampal neurons and glial cells were studied.Results All rat models were successfully induced with epileptic seizures. Nissl staining showed that pyknotic neuronal necrosis appeared in the CA3 area of the hippocampus in the model group with cell body atrophy and disappearance of Nissl bodies 1 week after the injection. Timm staining showed that brown particles showed stripped distribution in the CA3 area of the hippocampus and some brown particles in the molecular layer of fascia dentate. Immunohistochemical staining indicated that significant neurons lost and gliosis appeared after seizures with abundant expressions of S100B and CGRP.Conclusion KA-induced epileptic rats express abundant S100B and CGRP and appear such pathological changes as disappearance of Nissl bodies and mossy fiber sprouting, indicating that both S100B and CGRP participate in the onset of epilepsy.

OBJECTIVETo speed up seedling production of pasqueflower (Puzlsatilla chinenses) and their modernization in pasqueflower.

METHODWith tissue culture method, primary culture of different explants, culture of cluster buds and their rooting culture were conducted on medium of treatment combinations of adding different hormones.

RESULTThe appropriate medium for different culture stages were MS + 6-BA 1.0-3.0 mg x L(-1) + NAA 0-0.05 mg x L(-1) + Sucrose 30 g x L(-1) in primary culture, MS + 6-BA 0.2 mg x L(-1) + NAA 0.02 mg x L(-1) + BR 0.00001 mg x L(-1) + Sucrose 30 g x L(-1) in differentiation and subculture of cluster buds, 1/2 MS + NAA 0.4 mg x L(-1) + Sucrose 20 g x L(-1) in rooting.

CONCLUSIONApplying stem tip and flower buds as explants, high frequency propagation of seedlings can be achieved with plant tissue culture in Pasqueflower.

Flowers ; growth & development ; Plant Growth Regulators ; pharmacology ; Plant Roots ; growth & development ; Plant Stems ; growth & development ; Plants, Medicinal ; growth & development ; Pulsatilla ; growth & development ; Seedlings ; growth & development ; Tissue Culture Techniques ; methods

OBJECTIVETo investigate the role of oxotremorine in arginine vasopressin (AVP)-induced hypothermia and its effects on the behavioral thermoregulatory response.

METHODSCore temperature (Tc), brown adipose tissue (BAT) temperature and motor activities were monitored in undisturbed female SD rats using radiotelemetry. The behavioral thermoregulatory response was monitored in rats using radiotelemetric temperature gradient apparatus. Effect of AVP (10 microg/kg) and oxotremorine (0.25 mg/kg) on Tc, motor activities, BAT temperature (T(BAT)), grooming activities and the behavioral thermoregulatory response were observed in rats.

RESULTSAdministration of AVP and oxotremorine caused a significant drop in Tc, T(BAT), and an increases in grooming activities, respectively. The hypothermic responses were accompanied with a preference for cooler ambient temperature. Oxotremorine augmented the reduction of Tc, T(BAT), and the elevation of grooming activities resulting from AVP, and lasting a longer time. Administration of oxotremorine followed immediately by AVP injection in rats was also shown to induce a preference for cooler ambient temperature, but there was no significant difference compared with AVP.

CONCLUSIONAVP-induced hypothermia was related with the set point temperature reduction, inhibiton of BAT thermogenesis and an increases in grooming activities. Oxotremorine could participate in peripheral AVP-induced hypothermia by affecting BAT thermogenesis and behavioral thermoregulation.

Adipose Tissue, Brown ; drug effects ; physiology ; Animals ; Arginine Vasopressin ; pharmacology ; Behavior, Animal ; Body Temperature Regulation ; Female ; Hypothermia, Induced ; Oxotremorine ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo construct a high metastatic potential human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) orthotopic transplantation model with palliative liver resection in nude mice.

METHODSA human HCC orthotopic nude mice model was established by administering a single inoculation of the highly metastatic MHCC97H tumor tissue (size 2 mm * 2 mm * 2 mm) into the left liver lobe. At day 14 post-inoculation, a random group of the mice received palliative liver resection; the unresected mice served as controls. Changes in expression levels of 113 genes with metastasis-related functions were evaluated in the residual HCC tissues. At day 35 post-resection, a random group of the mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and a comprehensive metastases examination was performed. The remaining mice were used to observe life span. All statistical analyses were performed by the SPSS v17.0 software, and significance was defined as P less than 0.05.

RESULTSThe nude mouse model of highly metastatic HCC with palliative liver resection was successfully established. Incidences of intrahepatic and abdominal metastases were higher in the palliative resected group (vs. unresected group: 11.7+/-4.7 vs. 6.3+/-2.8, t = -2.412, P less than 0.05 and 9.8+/-3.4 vs. 5.2+/-2.6, t = -2.641, P less than 0.05 respectively). In addition, the palliative resected group showed significantly enhanced pulmonary metastasis (vs. unresected group: 14.3+/-4.7 vs. 8.7+/-4.7, t = -2.348, P less than 0.05). Differential gene expression levels were found for MTSS1, TGFbl, SMAD2, IL-1b, and MMP7, and were situated in the central position of gene function net of residual HCC. The life-span of the palliative resected group was significantly longer than that of the unresected group (60.8+/-2.7 vs. 51.3+/-1.4 days, x2 = 12.850, P less than 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe highly metastatic human HCC nude mouse model with palliative liver resection that was successfully constructed in this study represents a useful investigational tool to assess the biological characteristics of residual cancer and to screen therapeutic strategies.

Animals ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; pathology ; surgery ; Disease Models, Animal ; Hepatectomy ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms, Experimental ; pathology ; surgery ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Neoplasm Transplantation ; Tumor Cells, Cultured