BACKGROUND: Bag-1 is a multifunctional and anti-apoptotic gene. Its anti-apoptotic ability is enhanced when binding to bcl-2 to form a complex.Now it is considered as a predictive biomarker for the early diagnosis of breast cancer. However, whether it is useful in the assessment of the prognosis of breast cancer is still elusive.OBJECTIVE: To explore the expression of bag-1 in breast cancer and its role for prognosis.DESIGN: A controlled study with breast cancer, benign breast tumor and normal breast tissues as subjects.SETTING: The Vascular and Endocrine Surgery Department of Xijing Hospital of the Fourth Military Medical University of Chinese PLA.MATERIALS:Totally 100 breast cancer specimens were obtained form May 1995 to May 2000. Ten benign breast tumor and 10 normal breast tissues were used as control. All the specimens were paraffin-embedded and came from the Pathological Department of Xijing Hospital Affiliated to Fourth Military Medical University of Chinese PLA.METHODS: Immunohostochemical strept avidin-biotin complex(SABC) method was adopted to detect bag-1 expression in these specimens.pression levels of bag-1.RESULTS: The positive expression rate of bag-1 in breast cancer (85%) was significantly different form those of benign breast tumor (10%) and normal breast (10%) (χ2= 29.98, P = 0.00). While the positive expression rates in breast cancer of different stages (stage Ⅰ, stage Ⅱ and stage Ⅲ ) were 88%, 82% and 88%, respectively, which has no significant difference (χ2 = 0. 61, P = 0.75) . In duct carcinoma, lobular carcinoma and special carcinoma, bag-1 positive expression rate was 86%, 85% and 80%,which was also no significantly different (χ2 =0.16, P =0.95). In the 94followed patients, the 5-year survival rate of positive bag-1 expression was 79% and that of negative bag-1 expression was just 9%. The difference was significant (χ2 = 0. 07, P = 0.04).CONCLUSION: High bag-1 expression exists in breast cancer and its level is not associated with the clinical stages or pathological types of the cancer.Therefore, bag-1 may be used as a predictive marker for the prognosis of breast cancer.

Objective To investigate the effect of one stage arterialization of posterior tibial vein in treatment of peripheral arterial extensive occlusive disease.Methods Forty-six cases(56 limbs) of patients with peripheral arterial extensive occlusive disease were treated with one stage arterialization of posterior tibial vein.Results The symptom of pain disappeared right after one stage arterialization of posterior tibial vein in all patients.Skin temperature went up.The long-term results were satisfactory during the period of 3 months to 7 years follow-up,except two limbs were amputated and two limbs were reoperated with pedicle omental transplantation.Conclusion The technique of one stage arterialization of posterior tibial vein has advantages of one-stage procedure,various indications,little influence to venous return and rapid relief of ischemic symptoms.

With the development of organ transplantation for nearly half a century, currently the hot issues in clinical renal transplantation have already shifted to the application of low toxicity immunosuppressive drugs and their projects, as well as the research of technique which induces low or no immunity response to the specific donor. At present the main effective strategies of inducing immune tolerance are donor specific blood transfusion and donor specific bone marrow transplantation. This article summarizes the background, mechanism and clinical application of these two strategies.

Objective To explore adherence to highly active antiretroviral treatment(HAART)and related factors in dnlg users with HIV/AIDS.Methods From July to September 2007,111 HIV-infected drug users who received national free HAART were investigated in the HAART clinics in Hengyang,Yueyang,and Chenzhou districts of Hunan Province.A questionnaire of Community Programs for Clinical Research on AIDS(CPCRA)Antiretroviral Medication Self-Report Was used to assess adherence to HAART,and Zung Depression Scale and Adaptation Partnership Growth Affection Resolve Scale were used to assess patients'depression and family function respectively.ResllIts The average level of adherence to HAART was 83%.Among 111 patients.28.8%of patients reported poor adherence and took medication less than 90%.The mean score of depression was 60.8 1±13.03.There were 83.9%patients demonstrating depressive symptom and only 30.6%patients' family had good function.Logistic regression analysis showed that the degree of depression(β=-0.48,P=0.024)and treatment time(β=-1.11,P=0.036)were significantly associated with adherence negatively,while family function (β=0.65,P=0.043)and the time of being free from drug(β=0.55,P=0.040)were positively associated with adherence.Conclusion The level of adherence to HAART is low in the drug users with HIV/AIDS.Comprehensive interventions are needed to improve adherence to HAART,including managing depression,encouraging drug rehabilitation,improving family function,and evaluating adherence periodically.

The multi-potent differentiation capability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) implies potential to achieve patient-specific regenerative therapy for myocardial infarction. However, it is evident that transplanted stem cells do not survive well in the harsh ischemic microenvironment. Erythropoietin (EPO) has been shown to be a potent inhibitor of neuronal and myocardial apoptosis. Here, we investigate the cell viability and the change of erythropoietin signal pathway of MSCs challenged by hypoxia treatment.Methods MSCs were derived from the bone marrow of 2-week-old Wistar rats and expanded. Hypoxia treatment of cells was performed using a ProOx-C-chamber with the oxygen concentration set to 0.5% for the times required.Results The rate of trypan blue staining was 3.5% ± 0.4% in control group, and 3.9% ± 0.2%, 5.0% ±0.5%, 7.1% ± 0.5% in the groups treated with hypoxia for 24, 48, 72, 96 hours. Western blot analysis suggested the expression of EPO in MSCs was significantly upregulated after 48-hour treatment with hypoxia, which was further confirmed by immunofluorescence staining. There was higher and earlier expression of EPOR. And the expression level of total ERK remained constant during the hypoxic treatment. However, the expression of HIF-1α phosphorylated ERK was significantly upregulated after 24-hour treatment with hypoxia and peaked at 72 hours.Conclusions MSCs is not sensitive to hypoxia insult alone. The components in EPO signal pathway (e. g.EPO, EPOR and P-ERK) is upregulated in MSCs after hypoxic treatment, which suggests that EPO signal pathway plays an important role in the hypoxia-tolerance and paracrine protecting capability of MSCs.

Acute Disease ; Cardiomyopathies ; chemically induced ; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury ; Critical Illness ; Ethylene Oxide ; poisoning ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nervous System Diseases ; chemically induced ; Occupational Diseases ; chemically induced ; Respiratory Tract Diseases ; chemically induced

Objective To probe into the effects of fluoride on metal elements in the testis tissue of male rats, and provide experimental basis to further research for reproductive toxicity of fluoride. Methods Thirty-two healthy male Wistar rats, weighting 150 - 180 g, were randomly divided into 4 groups, normal sodium(control) by intragastrie administration for 90 days, and body weight was observed daily. After the last intragastric administration, all rats were killed by cervical dislocation. The contents of calcium(Ca), ferri(Fe), zincum(Zn),cuprum(Cu ) and magnesium(Mg) in the testis tissue were measured by atomic absorption speetrophotometry.Results After 30 days exposure, the difference of body weight between groups was statistically significant(F=3.884, P < 0.05). The body weight in low- and medium-dose groups[(235.00 :t: 14.56), (235.44 ± 24.99)g] were significant increased than high-dose group[(206.00 ± 18.16)g, all P < 0.05]. There was no significant difference of body weight between the groups at 0, 60 and 90 days(F = 0.501, 0.578, 1.893, all P > 0.05). The difference of Ca, Zn and Mg levels among four groups was statistically significant(F = 6.630, 6.844, 5.333, all P < 0.05). The content of Ca of the low-dose group[(56.15 + 4.21 )mg/kg] decreased than that of the control group[(77.57 ± 6.66)mg/kg, P < 0.05];the content of Zn of the low-, medium- and high-dose groups[(4.80 ± 0.55), (4.56 ± 0.33),(5.46 ± 0.79 )mg/kg] deceased than that of the control group [(7.16 ± 0.28 )mg/kg, all P < 0.05];the content of Mg of the high-dose group [(32.44 ± 1.53 ) mg/kg] decreased than that of the control group [(42.54 ± 8.07 ) mg/kg,all P < 0.05]. The difference of testis Fe and Cu between four groups was not statistically significant(F = 1.324,0.207, all P > 0.05). Conclusion Chronic fluorosis can affect the levels of metal elements in rat testis and damage the reproductive system.

BACKGROUND: Limb negative pressure treatment can dilate limb vessels and improve terminal microcirculation. P-substance has strong vasodilative activity and is involved in the sensation of the skin to traumatic stimulation and the modulation of local vascular function.OBJECTIVE: To observe the influence of limb negative pressure on cutaneous P-substance immunoreactive nerve fibers in dogs with peripheral arterial occlusive disease.DESIGN: Randomized controlled experiment.SETTING: The 3rd Department of General Surgery, Xijing Hospital Affiliated to the Fourth Military Medical University of Chinese PLA.MATERIALS: This experiment was conducted at the Animal Laboratory of Xijing Hospital Affiliated to the Fourth Military Medical University of Chinese PLA between April 2003 and May 2004. Totally 17 healthy hybrid dogs were randomized into 3 groups, namely, treatment group of 10 dogs,non-treatment group of 5 dogs, and normal control group of 2 dogs.INTERVENTIONS: Negative pressure treatment on affected limbs: After superficial anesthesia, the left hindlimbs of the animals were put into the home-made negative cabin for negative pressure treatment with pressure designed as -12kPa, for 15 minutes, once a day for consecutive 10 days.[1] Treatment group: The left hindlimb ischemic model was prepared 14days before starting 10-day negative pressure treatment; after that the animals were subjected to infusion, the skin of the 2nd toe of affected limbs, as well as L1-5 spinal cords and dorsal root ganglion were obtained for immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Meanwhile prostaglandin E1 immunoreactive nerve fibers were detected. [2] Non-treatment group: The animals received the same treatment and examination as treatment group except for negative pressure. [3] Normal control group: No ischemic model was prepared or negative pressure treatment was given except for IHC staining.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes of cutaneous P-substance immunoreactive nerve fiber in each group. RESULTS: Totally 17 dogs entered the result analysis. Changes of cutaneous P-substance immunoreactive nerve fibers: The cutaneous P-substance immunoreactive nerve fibers in dermis connective tissues and layer vessels were reduced in treatment group compared to those in non-treatment group[(24.70±4.6), (43.49±6.3) μm/mm2, P ＜ 0.01], but still higher than those in control group [(18.10±5.4) μm/mm2, P ＜ 0.01]; dermis P-substance immunoreactive nerve fibers in non-treatment group were more than those in normal control group (P ＜ 0.01), with P-substance immunoreactive nerve fibers increased and deeply stained in dermis connective tissues and small vessels. In contrast, P-substance immunoreactive nerve fibers were not observed in the horny layer but in the dermis of the toe in normal control group.CONCLUSION: Results of the present study suggest that limb negative pressure can enhance P-substance release from cutaneous sensory nerve fibers.

Background Human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell transplantation treating retinal degenerative diseases is a researching topic,and the source of human RPE cells is a key problem.Many biological carriers can be used for the preparation of RPE cell layer.However,some advantages,such as cytotoxicity,lack of stability and immunologic reaction etc.are still existed.To study an ideal biological carrier is very important.Objective This experimental was to determine the effects of amniotic membrane on the proliferation and differentiation of human RPE cells and the possibility as a scaffold for RPE cell transplantation.Methods ARPE19 cell line cells were cultured and passaged in DMEM/F12 medium with 10％ fetal bovine serum,and 8-12generation of cells were used.The cells were divided into two groups.One group of cells were incubated on the denuded amniotic membrane,and the other group of cells were cultured in the medium (control group).MTT was performed to detect the A492 value of RPE cells for the evaluation of cell proliferation ability 24,48,72,96 hours after culture.Cell morphology was compared by histopathological examination 3 weeks after culture.The mRNA expression of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF),N-cadherin,β-catenin and cell connection related proteins in the cells of both groups were assayed using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).Ultrastructure of the cells was observed under the transmission and scan electronic microscope 3 weeks after culture.Results The number of ARPE-19 cells cultured on denuded amniotic membrane was decreased significantly in comparison with the normal culture plate(F=41.760,P =0.000).Histopatholy also showed that the cell density on amniotic membrane was lower than of normal cells on plate surface.Moreover,the expression level of claudin 1 mRNA,N-cadherin mRNA and PEDF mRNA were significantly up-regulated in denuded amniotic membrane group in comparison with control group (t=15.828,P=0.000 ;t=6.839,P=0.002 ;t=14.667,P=0.000),but the expression of Connexin 43 mRNA was down-regulated in denuded amniotic membrane group compared with control group(t=3.358,P=0.024).Ultrastructural examination revealed that ARPE-19 cells cultured on amniotic membrane exhibited a polygonal epithelial phenotype with cilium on the apical side,however,the cells cultured on normal culture plate displayed fusiform shape and uneven thickness.Conclusions Amniotic membrane plays a promoting effect on the differentiation of ARPE-19 cells and a inhibitory effect on the proliferation of ARPE-19 cells,suggesting that amniotic membrane might be an useful scaffold for the preparation of functionally mature RPE cells for clinical transplantation.

To observe the clinical results of innercapsular phacoemulsification with primary intraocular lens ( lOL ) implantation in the treatment of lens dislocation.METHODS: A total of 23 cases ( 23 eyes ) of lens dislocation ( lla and llb ) were underwent innercapsular phacoemulsification combined with primary lOL implantation. lOL implantation were underwent during operation, the complications of intraoperative and postoperative, postoperative vision, intraocular pressure ( lOP ) , corneal endothelial cell, lOL location were analyzed.RESULTS: The operations were successfully completed for all patients in accordance with the pre - surgery program; lens nucleus or its fragments did not crash into the vitreous cavity; 20 cases of corneal edema and 17 cases of lOP presented at the first day after surgery, the deviation or displacement of lOL and serious complications such as retinal detachment were not appeared. At the first week postoperation, the average lOP was 15. 81 ± 2. 10mmHg, with statistically significant differences when compared with the preoperative ( P<0. 01 ) , the visual acuity in all eases increased, with statistically significant differences when compared with the preoperative ( P < 0. 01 ). Corneal endothelial cell density and percentage of hexagonal cells decreased, the variation coefficient increased in first week of postoperative, with no statistically significant differences when compared with the preoperative (P>0. 05) CONCLUSlON: lnnercapsular phacoemulsification combined with primary lOL implantation in the treatment of the whole lens dislocation (‖a and ‖b ) can restore function in patients with diplopia and control lOP effectively, reduce corneal endothelial cell damage, which is an effective method to treat the whole traumatic lens dislocation.