Objective: Lung metastases are common in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). Post-therapeutic 131I-whole-body scan (WBS) was conventionally administered after the radioactive iodine treatment (RAI) of DTC lung metastases. This study aimed to investigate the influencing factors of WBS imaging on the RAI of DTC lung metastases. Methods:DTC patients (n=60) with lung metastases treated with 131I were retrospectively included. Before treatment, the thyroid function was assessed. Neck and chest computed tomography (CT) was performed, and WBS was inspected. Patients with lung metastases were classified into negative and positive subgroups according to the imaging of 131I WBS, and the relative influencing factors were analyzed. Results:Univariate analy-sis showed that age and chest CT imaging, which revealed pulmonary fibrosis, calcification, and patchy shadows, were related to WBS imaging. Binary variable logistic regression analysis revealed that pulmonary fibrosis (OR=0.175, P<0.001) and calcification (OR=0.088, P<0.05) went against the development of WBS. Conclusion:WBS imaging on RAI of lung metastases was not obvious in the el-derly. The fibrosis, calcification, and patchy shadows of the lung were not conducive for WBS imaging. The fibrosis and calcification of the lung were the main factors that affect WBS imaging.

Objective:To evaluate the accuracy and ch aracteristics of combined use of 99Tcm-sulfur colloid (SC)and 9 9Tcm-diethyliminodiacetic acid (EHIDA)imaging on the diagnosis of hepat ic adenoma (HA). Methods:8 patients with HA were involved in this study.All of them were studied by nuclear medicine (NM)with dual-radiopharmaceuticals.The 99 Tcm-SC imaging was perfomed first ,then the 99Tcm-EHIDA im aging two days later,and the ratios between lesions and normal liver tissue(L/N) were calculated in terms of different counts within the same size regions of int erest (ROI) in different phases(30min,1h and 2h respectively).Some of the cases were also analysed by CT and/or MRI within one week before the operations. Results:All of the cases were submitted to surgical treatment and c onfirmed diagnosis of HA by pathology. For HA, scintigrahy presented a accuracy of 100%(8/8),which was higher than that of CT and MRI comparatively.For 99 Tcm-EHIDA imaging,there were significant differences in L/N ratios among different phases(30min,1h and 2h). Conclusion:The results show that radionuclide imaging proved to be a safe,invasive and effcetive method on the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of HA,especially ,when CT and/or MRI findings are not typical.

Objective To investigate whether the malignant transformation of macrophages ( Mφ) in glioma mesenchyme was induced by the fusion of glioma cells ( SU3 ) and Mφ.Methods SU3 cells transfected with red fluorescent protein genes were co-cultured in vitro with Mφexpressing enhanced green fluorescent protein.The cell lineages with RFP+/GFP+dual-color fluorescence were established by using monoclonal selection method.A series of tests for analyzing cancer-related phenotypes, tumorigenicity and specific markers for murine macrophage were performed.Results (1) A few of dual-color fluorescent cells were observed in the co-culture.Three monoclonal cell lineages (C3, C4 and C12) were obtained success-fully.(2) Three types of cells including RFP+, EGFP+and RFP+/EGFP+cells were formed during the cul-ture of monoclonal C12 cell lineage.The percentage of EGFP+cells was increased along the extended culture time and increased passages.Then, EGFP+cells gradually became the predominant cell population.Nota-bly, the percentage of RFP+/EGFP+cells were decreased and maintained at a low level, but the RFP+cells almost disappeared.(3) EGFP+cells from monoclonal C12 cell lineage showed the malignant characteristics such as loss of contact inhibition, rapid proliferation andchromosome aneuploidy, as well as high tumorigenic rate in nude mice (5/5).They also expressed macrophage specific marker CD68 and showed a large number of telocentric chromosomes.Conclusion The results of this study suggested that the malignant transforma-tion of host macrophages as previously observed in solid tumor might be induced by cell fusion occurred be-tween human glioma cells and macrophages.Along with the previous evidences showing the isolation of the malignantly transformed macrophages ( ihCTC) from solid tumor tissue of tumor-bearing mice, the results confirmed an objective existence of malignant transformation of host macrophages in tumor microenvironment. The malignant transformation of host cells induced by fusion with tumor cells revealed not only a new under-standing for the progression of tumor and cancer heterogeneity, but also new targets for cancer therapy.

Objective To establish a new congenic inbred mouse strain carrying and expressing EGFP and Foxn1nugene for cancer research including human glioma as well .Methods According to criterion of GB14923-2010, the male Foxn1nu nude mice backcross the female C57BL/6-Tg (CAG-EGFP) transgenic mice for 10 times, Then identify the phenotype using the methods and equipment as below: fluorescent flashlight and matching glasses; multifunction vivo imager; fluorescence microscopy.Results The congenic inbred mouse strain named Foxn1nu.B6-CAG-EGFP/SU ( Soochow University ) .All the 14 biochemical loci are homozygous and same with Balb/c mouse in addition to the Pep3 loci (“b” type instead of “a” type).Peripheral blood lymphocyte count shows the lymphocytes occupy 15%of nucleated cells;T lymphocytes occupy 0.3%, meet the requirement of inbred strain of EGFP nude mice .Conclusions Established a new congenic inbred strain -Foxn1nu.B6-CAG-EGFP/SU which both express EGFP stably, and own immunodeficiency with lack of T lymphocytes .The phenotype “b” of biochemical loci “Pep3” is the unique characteristic that distinguish SU to Foxn1nu.

To report the clinical, imaging, and pathological feature of a rare case of central precocious puberty with primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease(PPNAD), and to conduct a retrospective analysis of PPNAD with relevant literatures. The pubic hair was found in the child for more than one year. Physical examination showed Cushing′s syndrome. ACTH in blood decreased, cortisol rhythm was disordered, 24-hour urine free cortisol increased and the paradoxical increase of urine free cortisol after high dose dexamethasone suppression test. Adrenal enhancement computed tomography(CT)showed multiple small nodular shadows in bilateral adrenal glands. Gonadotropin releasing hormone(GnRH)stimulation test supported central precocious puberty and GnRH analogue was used to control the sexual development. PPNAD was supported by pathology result. The symptoms of Cushing′s syndrome were relieved partially after left adrenalectomy.

Objective To investigate the influence of body temperature on the recovery from vecuronium-induced neuromuscular block.Methods Sixty-eight ASA I - II patients (39 male, 29 female) aged 19-69 yr undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia were randomly divided into 2 groups: group I in which patients' body temperature was maintained at 37 ℃ using warming blanket; group II in which no measures were taken to maintain the patients' body temperature. The patients were premedicated with phenobarbital 2 mg?kg-1 and atropine 0.01 mg? kg-1 intramuscularly. Anesthesia was induced with fentanyl 5 ?g? kg -1, propofol 2 mg? kg-1 and vecuronium 0. 1 mg?kg-1 . After tracheal intubation anesthesia was maintained with inhalation of 0.8%-2.5% isoflurane and propofol infusion at a rate of 2-4 mg ? kg-1? h-1 .Neuromuscular block was monitored using accelograph (Biometer, Denmark) .The changes in TOF and T1 were monitored. T1was maintained at 10% by vecuronium infusion during operation. At the end of operation a bolus of vecuronium 80?g ? kg-1 was given intravenously and T1 was completely depressed. The time for T1 to returned to 5% ,25% and 90% and the time required for T1 to return from 25 % to 75 % were recorded. The total amount of vecuronium given was recorded. Temperature probe was placed in the esophagus ( core temperature) . The room temperature was also recorded. Results The body temperature was lower, the total dose of vecuronium was smaller and the vecuronium-induced neuromuscular block lasted longer in group II as compared with group I . There was close correlation between body temperature and vecuronium-induced neuromuscular block. Conclusions Lower core body temperature could prolong the vecuronium-induced neuromuscular block.

For microbial production of lycopene, the lycopene synthetic genes from Pantoea agglomerans were integrated into Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain BY4742, to obtain strain ZD-L-000 for production of 0.17 mg · L(-1) lycopene. Improving supplies of isoprenoid precursors was then investigated for increasing lycopene production. Four key genes were chosen to be overexpressed, inclu- ding truncated 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase gene (tHMG1), which is the major rate-limiting enzyme in the mevalonate (MVA) pathway, a mutated global regulatory factor gene (upc2.1), a fusion gene of FPP synthase (ERG20) and endogenous GGPP synthase (BTS1), which is a key enzyme in the diterpenoid synthetic pathway, and GGPP synthase gene (SaGGPS) from Sulfolobus acidocaldarius. Over-expression of upc2.1 could not improve lycopene production, while over-expression of tHMGI , BTS1-ERG20 and SaGGPS genes led to 2-, 16. 9- and20. 5-fold increase of lycopene production, respectively. In addition, three effective genes, tHMG1, BTS1-ERG20 and SaGGPS, were integrated into rDNA sites of ZD-L-000, resulting in strain ZD-L-201 for production of 13.23 mg · L(-1) lycopene, which was 77-fold higher than that of the parent strain. Finally, two-phase extractive fermentation was performed. The titer of lycopene increased 10-fold to 135.21 mg · L(-1). The engineered yeast strains obtained in this work provided the basis for fermentative production of lycopene.
Bacterial Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Biosynthetic Pathways ; Carotenoids ; biosynthesis ; Genes, Synthetic ; Genetic Engineering ; Pantoea ; enzymology ; genetics ; Saccharomyces cerevisiae ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo explore clinical effects of suturing-assisted locking plate in treating elderly proximal humeral fractures.

METHODSFrom January 2005 to January 2013, 55 elderly patients with three- and four-part fractures of proximal humeral fractures were divided into treatment group and control group. In treatment group, there were 31 patients including 12 males, and 19 females aged from 65 to 85 with an average of (74.00±5.42) years old, and treated with suturing-assisted locking plates; 19 patients were Neer 3-part fractures, and 12 patients were Neer 4-part fractures of proximal humerus; 23 patients were suffered from low-energy injuries and 8 patients were caused by high-energy injuries. In control group, there were 24 patients including 7 males, and 17 females aged from 65 to 85 with an average of (72.79±5.34) years old, and treated with locking plates; 16 patients were Neer 3-part fractures, and 8 patients were Neer 4-part fractures of proximal humerus; 17 patients were suffered from low-energy injuries and 7 patients were caused by high-energy injuries. Operative time, blood loss during operation, and bone healing time between two groups were observed and compared. Postoperative Neer scoring were used to evaluate recovery of shoulder joint function.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up from 6 to 24 months with an average of 16.1 months. In treatment group, blood loss was (495.806±143.150) ml, function of Neer scoring was 22.645±2.443, range of action was 18.194±2.613, anatomy was 7.935±1.504 and total score of Neer scoring was 77.161±8.335; while in control group, blood loss was (641.667±169.851) ml, function of Neer scoring was 13.958±1.989, range of action was 13.083±2.165, anatomy was 5.500±1.978 and total score of Neer scoring was 58.792±7.313. There were sigificant difference between two groups in these indexes.

CONCLUSIONSuturing-assisted locking plate for the treatment of proximal humerus fractures in elderly, has advantages of less blood loss, simple fracture reduction and rapid recovery of shoulder joint, and is a effective method.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Bone Plates ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Recovery of Function ; Shoulder Fractures ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Shoulder Joint ; physiopathology ; Sutures

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of efavirenz-based therapy in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection. Methods Fiftythree HIV/HCV co-infected patients received efavirenz-based therapy were followed up for 7 years.The changes of CD4+ T lymphocyte count, HIV virus load, hepatic function, hepatic fibrosis index,blood lipid, blood glucose, blood uric acid and blood routine were observed. The comparison of means before and after treatment was performed by t-test. Results The HIV RNA levels at baseline and endpoint were (4. 56±0. 88) lg copy/mL and (1.70±1.10) lg copy/mL, respectively (t=14. 781, P＜0.01). The peripheral blood CD4+ T lymphocyte counts were ( 188.37±151.14)×106/L and (445.18±314.25)×106/L, respectively (t=5.362, P＜0.01).The alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were (36.6±16.3) U/L and (57.2±9.9) U/L, respectively (t=7.864, P＜0. 01).The glycocholic acid levels were (444.22±476.74) mg/L and (556.88±733.05) mg/L, respectively (t=0.938, P＜0.05). The Ⅳ-collagen(Ⅳ-C) levels were (45.13±8.25) ng/mL and (47.88±4.51) ng/mL, respectively (t= 2.129, P＜0.05). The riacylglycerol levels were (1.57±0.65)mmol/L and (2.51±1.29) mmol/L, respectively (t=4.737, P＜0.01). The blood uric acid levels were (298.5±48.2) mmol/L and (495.1±89.4) mmol/L, respectively (t= 14.092, P＜0.01).Conclusions The efavirenz-based therapy is efficacious in HIV/HCV co-infected patients, but it could cause liver injury and metabolic disorder.

Synthetic biology research methods which design and build a new artificial biological systems (medicinal plants or microorganisms system) with specific physiological functions through clarifying and simulating the basic law of the biosynthesis of active components of traditional Chinese medicine, is considered to be a potential method to produce an abundant resources of bioactive components. Tanshinones is a kind of diterpene quinone compounds with important pharmacological activities from traditional Chinese medicine Salvia miltiorrhiza. This article systematically introduced the research progress of the synthetic biology of S. miltiorrhiza, in order to provide references for studies on other terpenoid bioactive components of traditional Chinese medicines, and give new research strategies for the sustainable development of traditional Chinese medicine resources.
Diterpenes, Abietane ; biosynthesis ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Salvia miltiorrhiza ; metabolism ; Synthetic Biology