Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; drug therapy ; immunology ; B-Lymphocytes ; drug effects ; Cytokines ; drug effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Phytotherapy ; T-Lymphocytes ; drug effects ; Tripterygium ; chemistry

To evaluate the methods for detection and diagnosis of mycoplasma infections in children with pneumonia. Methods:The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique,mycoplasma culture and indirect haemagglutination assay (IHA) were used to detect mycoplasma pneumoniae in clinical samples obtained from 676 children (411 male and 265 female) with pneumonia. Results: Of 676patients with pneumoniae, 115 children were confirmed to be positive of mycoplasma pneumoniae. The positive rate of detection was significantly higher with PCR than with mycoplasma culture (P<0. 01 ). There was no significant difference between the positive rate of detection with PCR and that with IHA (P>0. 05). Conclusion:PCR method and IHA are highly applicable in routine clinical laboratories for the preliminary detection and diagnosis of mycoplasmal infections,particularly in extrapulmonary cases.

This study aimed to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of combined ABZ-interferon (IFN)-α treatment for CE in mice.After 5 months of secondary infection with protoscoleces,mice were randomly allocated into four groups:ABZ-treated group,IFNαtreated group,ABZ+IFN-α group and untreated control group.Drugs in diverse treated groups were respectively administered for 2 months,of which,sera were respectively collected in 0 d,7 d,14 d,28 d,36 d,48 d,and 60 d.Mice were then euthanized and associated indications were investigated to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy.Results showed that ABZ+IFN-α induced a significant reduction of the number,size as well as weight of cysts,compared with that in ABZ (P＜0.05) or untreated group (P＜0.01) respectively.This effect was associated with ultrastructural modification of the cyst in ABZ+IFN-α group.Interestingly,significant decrease of IL (interleukin)-10 in serum and in vitro production by spleen cells with ABZ+ IFN-α treatment was observed in comparison with untreated control (P＜0.01).Serum IgE,IgG and subsets were respectively decreased in ABZ+IFN-α treatment,compared with that in control group (P＜0.01).Our findings demonstrated that combination of ABZ with IFN-α may contribute to an efficient therapeutic regimen of human and animal CE.

BACKGROUNDLung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in China. Mutation analysis reveals that LKB1 inactivation is present in 30% of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), indicating its role as a tumor suppressor. However, the molecular mechanism is still not clear. Our study attempted to establish LKB1 stable knockdown NSCLC cell line, detect alterations in gene expression and identify the genes regulated by LKB1.

METHODSLKB1 stable knockdown H1299 cell line was established using a lentiviral short hairpin RNA. To identify the knockdown effect, LKB1 mRNA and protein expression level were evaluated with quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting. We treated the cell lines with 2-deoxyglucose to determine if LKB1 protein function was impacted. Gene microarray analysis was performed to detect the gene expression alterations in LKB1 stable knockdown H1299 cells.

RESULTSLKB1 mRNA and protein expression were significantly suppressed in LKB1 stable knockdown H1299 cell line. 2-DG treatment had little impact on the phosphorylation of AMPK, which is the downstream target of LKB1, indicating the loss of function of LKB1. The microarray data showed that LKB1 knockdown resulted in expression alterations of 1243 kinds of genes, including those involved in cell migration, cell proliferation and cell apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONSThe establishment of LKB1 stable knockdown H1299 cell line provides us with a great tool to investigate various genes regulated by LKB1 through microarray. The discovery of cell proliferation and migration-related genes regulated by LKB1 is critical for unraveling molecular mechanisms of LKB1's role in the development and metastasis of lung cancer.

Blotting, Western ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Gene Expression Profiling ; methods ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases ; genetics ; metabolism ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

AIM:To investigate the role of B7 homologue 6 (B7-H6) over-expression in natural killer (NK) cell-mediated hepatocyte apoptosis. METHODS:The full-length fragment of B7-H6 gene was amplified by PCR and sub-cloned into linearized eukaryotic expression vector pIRES2-EGFP to construct recombinant B7-H6 over-expression vector pIRES2-EGFP-B7-H6. The recombinant plasmid was identified by double digestion, PCR and sequencing, and was then transfected into L02 cells. The expression of EGFP was observed by fluorescence microscopy and the transfection efficiency was evaluated by flow cytometry. B7-H6 expression was confirmed by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The L02 cells transfect-ed with pIRES2-EGFP-B7-H6 recombinant plasmid were co-cultured with NK-92 cells at different effector/target ratios,and the cytotoxicity of NK-92 cells was evaluated by CCK-8 assay.RESULTS:The strong green fluorescence in the L02 cells was observed under fluorescence microscope 48 h after transfection. The transfection efficiency reached 92.6%. The ex-pression of B7-H6 at mRNA and protein levels was remarkably increased 48 h after transfection. The cytotoxicity of NK-92 cells against L02 cells transfected with pIRES2-EGFP-B7-H6 plasmid was significantly higher than that of the null vector transfection group (P<0.05).CONCLUSION:The recombinant eukaryotic expression vector pIRES2-EGFP-B7-H6 was constructed successfully. The cytotoxic effect of NK-92 cells against L02 cells can be enhanced by transfecting L02 cells with pIRES2-EGFP-B7-H6 plasmid.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of chitosan on the capsule inside the expanded flap.

METHODSThe expanders were implanted in animals with the treatment of chitosan(experimental group, n = 15) or without (control group, n = 15). After taking out the expanders, the flap contraction rate was calculated. The samples were observed through HE, Masson dyeing and CD34 immunohistochemical study. The thickness of capsule inside the expanded flap was measured under microscope. The samples were also studied under electron microscope.

RESULTSThe thickness of capsule was 516.000 +/- 128.491 microm in the experimental group, and 833.000 +/- 227.379 microm in the control group (P < 0.05). The number of microvessels was 8.200 +/- 2.150 per visual in experimental group, and 7.900 +/- 1.729 per visual in control group (P > 0.05). Under the electron microscope, the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) in the capsule in experimental group decreased and enlarged with degranulation. The mitochondria emerged or disappeared. The number of ribosome was reduced. In the control group, the RER enlarged without degranulation, the mitochondria was intact. The number of ribosome was not reduced.

CONCLUSIONSThe chitosan can effectively reduce the contraction of expanded flap through collagen secretion of fibroblast, delaying the differentiation from fibroblast to fiber cell, inhibiting thansform from fibroblast to myofibroblast. It has no effect on the microvascular generation and expansion, so the flap blood supply will not be affected with thicker capsule.

Animals ; Chitosan ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Female ; Graft Survival ; Male ; Rabbits ; Skin Transplantation ; methods ; Surgical Flaps ; Tissue Expansion

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVENasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is known for its propensity for distant metastases. Lung metastasis is one of the most important causes of death for patients with NPC. Solitary metastatic lung tumor from NPC is a distinctive group associated with a better survival. This study was to find a more effective treatment modality and prognostic factors for the group.

METHODSClinical data of 105 cases of solitary metastatic lung tumor from NPC were retrospectively analyzed. Survival rate was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. The difference of survival between the patients treated by different modalities was evaluated by the log-rank test. The Cox univariate and multivariate analyses of gender, age, pathologic type, stage, adjuvant chemotherapy, evaluation of treatment for NPC, disease-free interval, size of metastatic tumor, pulmonary hilar and/or mediastinal lymph node metastasis, treatment modalities, recurrent distant metastases and/or relapse of NPC were conducted.

RESULTSThe local control rate was 53.8% in chemotherapy group, 88.0% in radiotherapy ± chemotherapy group, and 96.4% in operation ± chemotherapy group (P < 0.01). The most promising progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were obtained with operation ± chemotherapy and followed by radiotherapy ± chemotherapy. Both of them showed much better efficacy than chemotherapy (P < 0.001). The Cox multivariate analysis showed that recurrent distant metastases and/or relapse of NPC affected the survival (OR = 2.087, 95% CI = 1.277-3.410, P = 0.003). The T stage of NPC, size of metastatic tumor, hilar and/or mediastinal lymph node metastasis, and the treatment modality were independent prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONSOperation ± chemotherapy and radiotherapy ± chemotherapy are better treatment of solitary metastatic lung tumor from NPC, which could improve the local control and prolong the PFS and OS. Chemotherapy is recommended for patients with higher T stage of NPC, size of metastatic tumor ≥ 3 cm, pulmonary hilar and/or mediastinal lymph node metastasis.

Adult ; Aged ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; secondary ; therapy ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Disease-Free Survival ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; secondary ; therapy ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; pathology ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Neoplasm Staging ; Pneumonectomy ; methods ; Radiotherapy, High-Energy ; Remission Induction ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate ; Young Adult

To determine the potential of the high mobility group box-1 protein 1 (HMGB1) to activate Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and investigate the subsequent transition of HSC towards the inflammatory phenotype. Three immortalized mouse HSC cell lines, wild-type (JS1), TLR4-/- (JS2) and MyD88-/- (JS3), were subcultured in plates and divided into groups of normal control (untreated), postive control (lipopolysaccaride, LPS treatment), and experimental (HMGB1 treatment). All groups were transfected with luciferase reporter plasmids carrying responsive elements for either the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) or activator protein-1 AP-1 transcription factors. Following stimulation with normal saline, LPS (100 ng/mL) or HMGB1 (100 ng/mL), the activation of NF-kB or AP-1 was detected by a dual-luciferase reporter assay system. The induction of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) transcription was determined by measuring the mRNA levels using real time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). The secreted protein levels of MCP-1 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of the culture supernatants. Activation of NF-kB- and AP-1-responsive reporters was significantly up-regulated in JS1 cells treated with HMGB1 or LPS, and the activation was coincident with markedly up-regulated transcription and secretion of MCP-1. However, HMGB1 and LPS treatment produced no responsive of the NF-kB and AP-1 reporters, and no increase in expression or secretion of MCP-1, in JS2 or JS3 cells. As an endogeous ligand of TLR4, HMGB1 may activate TLR4 signaling and the TLR4-mediated inflammatory response of HSC.
Animals ; Cell Line ; Chemokine CCL2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Gene Knockout Techniques ; HMGB1 Protein ; pharmacology ; Hepatic Stellate Cells ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Lipopolysaccharides ; pharmacology ; Mice ; NF-kappa B ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; Toll-Like Receptor 4 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transcription Factor AP-1 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transfection ; Up-Regulation ; drug effects

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the feasibility, safety, and technical strategies of hand-assisted laparoscopic complete mesocolic excision (HAL-CME) and to compare oncological outcomes between HAL-CME and the open approach (O-CME) for right colon cancers. METHODS: Patients who were scheduled to undergo a right hemicolectomy were divided into HAL-CME and O-CME groups. Measured outcomes included demographic variables, perioperative parameters, and follow-up data. Demographic variables included age, sex distribution, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification, previous abdominal surgery, tumor localization, and potential comorbidities. Perioperative parameters included incision length, operative time, blood loss, conversion rate, postoperative pain score, postoperative first passage of flatus, duration of hospital stay, total cost, number of lymph nodes retrieved, TNM classification, and postoperative complications. Follow-up data included follow-up time, use of chemotherapy, local recurrence rate, distant metastasis rate, and short-term survival rate. RESULTS: In total, 150 patients (HAL-CME, 78; O-CME, 72) were included. The groups were similar in age, sex distribution, BMI, ASA classification, history of previous abdominal surgeries, tumor localization, and potential comorbidities. Patients in the HAL-CME group had shorter incision lengths, longer operative times, less operative blood loss, lower pain scores, earlier first passage of flatus, shorter hospital stay, higher total costs, similar numbers of lymph nodes retrieved, similar TNM classifications, and a comparable incidence of postoperative complications. The 2 groups were also similar in local recurrence rate, distant metastasis rate, and short-term survival rate. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that the HAL-CME procedure is a safe, valid, and feasible surgical method for right hemicolon cancers.
Body Mass Index ; Classification ; Colectomy ; Colonic Neoplasms ; Comorbidity ; Drug Therapy ; Flatulence ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hand-Assisted Laparoscopy ; Humans ; Incidence ; Laparoscopy ; Length of Stay ; Lymph Node Excision ; Lymph Nodes ; Mesocolon ; Methods ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Operative Time ; Pain, Postoperative ; Postoperative Complications ; Recurrence ; Sex Distribution ; Survival Rate

OBJECTIVETo investigate remodeling characteristics of coronary lesions in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) versus stable angina pectoris (SA) using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), and to explore the relationship between arterial remodeling and clinical presentation or matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) or hyper-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP).

METHODSWe studied culprit lesions of 38 patients with ACS and 18 patients with SA using IVUS before coronary intervention. The lesion site and a proximal or distal reference site including the external elastic membrane (EEM) area and lumen area were analyzed. Plaque area and remodeling index (RI) were calculated, and directions of arterial remodeling were determined. Positive remodeling was defined as RI > 1.05 and negative remodeling as RI < 0.95. We analyzed the culprit lesion qualitatively, identified high risk plaque and compared them in each group. The blood level of MMP-2, MMP-9 and hs-CRP in each group were also determined.

RESULTSThe plaque area at culprit lesions in patients with ACS was significantly larger (11.94 +/- 4.90 versus 9.17 +/- 3.36 mm2; P = 0.035), and also the RI in ACS group was significantly greater than that of patients with SA (0.972 +/- 0.222 versus 0.796 +/- 0.130; P = 0.003). The distribution of remodeling in these two groups was different: positive remodeling was more frequent in ACS group than in SA group (34.2% versus 5.6%, P = 0.047), whereas negative remodeling was more frequent in SA group (52.6% versus 88.9%, P = 0.003). There was higher incidence of high risk plaque in ACS group compared to SA (76.3% versus 50.0%, P = 0.040). The level of serum MMP-2 in ACS group was higher than that of SA group (250.65 +/- 47.97 microg/L versus 214.21 +/- 47.20 microg/L, P = 0.029). The same applied for plasma MMP-9 (84.26 +/- 9.78 microg/L versus 68.46 +/- 22.82 microg/L, P = 0.038) and serum hs-CRP (3.62 +/- 3.37 mg/L versus 1.48 +/- 1.52 mg/L, P = 0.041).

CONCLUSIONSPositive remodeling, larger plaque area and higher incidence of high risk plaque are associated with ACS, whereas negative remodeling is more common in patients with SA. This association between the extent of remodeling and clinical presentation may reflect a greater tendency that plaques with positive remodeling can cause ACS. The change of level of MMP-2, MMP-9 and hs-CRP in ACS patients may be helpful in investigating vulnerable plaques.

Adult ; Aged ; C-Reactive Protein ; analysis ; Coronary Disease ; blood ; pathology ; Coronary Vessels ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; blood ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; blood ; Middle Aged ; Ultrasonography, Interventional