Objective To investigate the relationship between subgroups of central lymph node metastasis (sCLNM) and lateral lymph node metastasis (LNM) of unilatal papillary thyroid carcinoma (uPTC) with cervical lymph node negative(cN0).Methods The clinical and pathological data of 161 patients with cN0-uPTC who underwent total thyroidectomy+central lymph node dissection+lateral lymph node dissection from Jan.2016 to Dec.2016 were retrospectively analyzed.The relationship between the lymph node metastasis of each subarea in the central area of the affected side and the lymph node metastasis of the affected side was investigated.Results Binary logistic regression analysis of cN0-uPTC subregions in the affected central region showed:pre-laryngeal lymph node metastasis,pre-tracheal lymph node metastasis and paratracheal lymph node metastasis were independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis in the affected lateral region(P=0.008,0.016,0.035,respectively).Prelaryngeal lymph node metastasis was an independent risk factor for lymph node metastasis in the affected area Ⅱ (P=0.015).Pre-tracheal lymph node metastasis was an independent risk factor for lymph node metastasis in affected area Ⅲ (P=0.004).Pre-tracheal and para-tracheal lymph node metastasis were independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis in the affected Ⅳ area (P=0.035,0.011,respectively).Conclusions The lymph node metastasis pathway of thyroid cancer had certain regularity.The pre-laryngeal lymph node metastasis has the prediction value for the lymph node metastasis of the affected area Ⅱ.The pre-tracheal lymph node metastasis has the prediction value for the lymph node metastasis of the affected area Ⅲ.The pre-tracheal and paratracheal lymph node metastasis have the prediction value for lymph node metastasis of the affected area Ⅳ.Lymph node dissection in affected areas Ⅲ and Ⅳ needs to be considered in patients with pre-tracheal or paratracheal lymph node metastases.On this basis,lymph node dissection on the affected areas Ⅱ,Ⅲ,and Ⅳ might be considered if there is pre-laryngeal lymph node metastasis at the same time.

Objective To study the antigen-specific immune response induced by the graphene oxide (GO) in mice.Methods OVA-loaded GO nano-immunocomplexes (GO-OVA) were prepared by co-incubation of nano GO with model antigen ovalbumin (OVA).Nano GO was characterized by atomic force microscopy and laser particle sizeanalyzer.The cytotoxicity of GO to mouse bone marrow dendritic cells (BMDCs) was detected by cell counting kit (CCK-8).The GO-OVA uptake of BMDCs were observed by fluorescent staining.C57BL/6 mice were divided into OVA group,aluminum adjuvant OVA (Al-OVA) group and GO-OVA group (6 mice in each group) by body weight for in vivo immunization.The levels of OVA-specific antibody IgG (total IgG,IgG1,and IgG2a) in serum of mice were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).The T lymphocyte subsets in spleen and inguinal lymph nodes of mice were detected by flow cytometry.Results The average particle size of the prepared nano GO was (294.34±4.68) nm,and the polydispersity coefficient was 0.208.Nano GO has less toxicity to mouse BMDCs.The results of in vitro experiments indicated that GO-OVA nanovaccine can be efficiently internalized by mouse BMDCs.The antigen-specific IgG antibodies induced by the GO-OVA was similar to that of aluminum adjuvant and the difference was not statistically significant (P＞0.05),and the Th1-type response was predominant.The proportions of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in the spleen and inguinal lymph nodes in GO-OVA group were significantly higher than those in OVA and Al-OVA groups,and the differences were statistically significant (all P＜0.05).Conclusions GO-OVA nano-immunocomplexes can induce both humoral and cellular immune responses in mice,which provides basis for the development of novel vaccine vectors and adjuvants.

Objective To study the maturation and activation effects of hyaluronic acid (HA) modified polymer nanoparticles co-delivering adjuvants and antigens on mouse bone marrow dendritic cells (BMDCs). Methods HA-modified polylactic acid-glycolic acid copolymer (PLGA) and cationic lipid DOTAP were used as nanocarriers (DOTAP-PLGA) to co-deliver adjuvant CpG with model antigen ovalbumin (OVA). In the drug-loaded nanocarriers, CpG was covalently bound to the surface of HA, and OVA was physically blended into DOTAP-PLGA nanocarriers. The nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. The in vitro release of CpG and OVA in the nanoparticles was investigated. The uptake and distribution of nanoparticles in mouse BMDCs were studied by flow cytometry and laser scanning confocal microscopy. The maturation and cytokine expression of mouse BMDCs were evaluated by flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Results The CpG-HA-OVA-PLGA nanoparticles loading CpG and OVA were prepared. The average particle size was (305.1±2.2) nm and the polydispersity index was 0.203. A core-shell structure of the nanoparticles modified by HA was clearly observed by transmission electron microscopy. Cellular experiment results showed that CpG-HA-OVA-PLGA nanoparticles could be efficiently uptaken by mouse BMDCs, and promote lysosomal release of CpG and cytoplasmic delivery of antigen OVA. Compared with free OVA group and free OVA+CpG group, the CpG-HA-OVA-PLGA nanoparticles significantly up-regulated the expression of co-stimulatory molecules CD86 and CD40 (all P<0.01), major histocompatibility complex I (MHC-I) (P<0.01), and cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (P<0.01). Conclusions HA-modified CpG and OVA nanoparticle co-delivery vectors can effectively promote the maturation and activation of dendritic cells, which provides a basis for the development of novel vaccine vectors for the co-delivery of antigens and adjuvants.

Objective To improve the canines myocardial infarction curative effect by using ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) combining with nuclear localization signal(NLS) peptide to increase hAng-1 gene transfection efficiency.Methods Forty-six canines were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=10 in each group) after the models of myocardial infarction were prepared.Group A were untreated control;Group B were transfected with hAng-1;Group C were transfected with UTMD+hAng-1;Group D were transfected with UTMD+NLS nuclear localization signal+hAng-1.The therapeutic agents were intravenously injected at one week after myocardial infarction in each group,and the ultrasound were irradiated at the precardium in group C and D.①Echocardiography was used before and at one week after myocardial infarction and 28 days after gene transfection.Two-dimensional echocardiography was used to detect cardiac function,the left ventricular ejection fraction,the left ventricular wall motion and the myocardial contrast echocardiography were used to detect myocardial perfusion of all canines in the four groups.②On twenty-eight days after gene transfection,mRNA and Western Blot were used to detect the expression of hAng-1.Immunohistochemistry was used to detect capillary density of peri-infarct area and microvessel density (MVD).Masson′s trichromatic staining and gross specimen were used to evaluate the degree and the area of myocardial fibrosis.The gene transfection efficiency and the curative effect of all the four groups were evaluated and compared.Results ①Before myocardial infarction,in four groups canine ventricular wall motion and cardiac function were normal,and myocardial filling defect was not showed by myocardial contrast echocardiography.At one week after myocardial infarction,the left ventricular anterior and interval walls motion and the left ventricular ejection fraction in the four groups were significantly decreased.Myocardial contrast echocardiography showed anterior and interval walls myocardial filling defect.There was no significant difference among the four groups(P>0.05);On 28 days after gene transfection the left ventricular ejection fraction in the four group were increased in an order of group A,B,C,D,there was significant difference when comparing group C and D with other groups separately(P<0.05).Myocardial contrast echocardiography showed much contrast filling in the infarction and surrounding area in group D,a little contrast filling in group C and filling defect in group A and group B,there was significant difference when comparing group C and D with other groups separately(P<0.05).②RT-PCR and Western Blot showed the hAng-1 mRNA and protein expression in group D were higher than those in the other group.There was significant difference when comparing group C and group D with other groups separately(P<0.05).③Immunofluorescence showed the capillary densities were(4.7±1.6)/mm2,(11.2±2.8)/mm2,(70.0±6.4)/mm2 and (85.3±7.0)/mm2 in group A,group B,group C and group D.The differences were statistically significant compared group C and group D with other groups (P<0.05).④Masson′s trichromatic staining and cardiac gross specimen showed that the degree and area of myocardial fibrosis were gradually reduced in an order of group A,B,C,D.Conclusions UTMD and NLS peptide could effectively transfect hAng-1 gene and it provided a novel strategy of gene treatment for ischemic heart disease.

Objective:To analyze the factors related to metastasis of contralateral central lymph node (CLN) in cN0 papillary thyroid car-cinoma (PTC) and discuss the indications for CLN dissection. Methods:We enrolled 149 unilateral PTC patients who underwent total thyroidectomy and prophylactic bilateral (CLN) dissection. This work analyzed the relationship of gender, age, extrathyroidal extension, multifocality, thyroiditis, ipsilateral central lymph nodes, and prelaryngeal lymph node with CLNs. Results:The rates of metastasis to ip-silateral and contralateral central compartments were 73.2%and 23.5%, respectively. In univariate analysis, gender, age, tumor size, multifocality, and thyroiditis were not important in predicting contralateral central compartment lymph node metastasis (P=0.792, 0.097, 0.531, 0.269, and 1.000, respectively);by contrast, extrathyroidal extension (P=0.017), prelaryngeal lymph nodes (P=0.006), and ipsilateral CLNs (P<0.001) are related to CLN metastasis. However, multivariate analysis showed that ipsilateral central metastasis was an independent risk factor for lymph node metastasis in the contralateral central region when the number of ipsilateral central metas-tases is≥3 (P=0.010). Conclusion:Extracapsular invasion, prelaryngeal lymph nodes, and ipsilateral CLN influence the metastases of CLN. Bilateral CLN dissection should be performed when the number of ipsilateral central metastases is≥3 and there is merger of ex-tra-laryngeal lymph nodes or capsule invasion.

Objective:To retrospectively analyze the regularity and risk factors of skip metastasis (central lymph node negative and lat-eral lymph node positive) in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Methods:A total of 521 PTC patients underwent total thyroidectomy and central plus lateral lymph node dissection at The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2013 to De-cember 2016. Clinicopathological characteristics of the patients were collected and analyzed. Results:Skip metastasis rate of PTC was 8.3％(43/521). Tumors in the upper lobe (OR=3.401, 95％CI:1.770-6.536;P=0.001) and in the lateral part (OR=3.424, 95％CI:1.182-9.920;P=0.023) of the thyroid, as well as age above 45 (OR=2.856, 95％CI:1.488-5.482;P=0.002), were independent risk factors for skip metastases for this disease. Clinically node-negative (cN0) PTC patients with tumors in the upper lobe had higher possibility of skip metastases than those with clinically involved lateral neck nodes(cN1b) (P=0.022). Conclusion:Skip metastasis of PTC is not un-common. Thus, preoperative clinical assessment and imaging examination for lateral lymph node is necessary, especially for PTC pa-tients who are above 45 years old and with tumors in the upper lobe and/or unilateral area of thyroid. The lateral lymph node dissec-tion should be performed when necessary.

Objective To investigate the effects of proanthocyanidins on depressant-like behaviors and the structure of adrenal gland in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) rats. Methods Rats were randomly divided into 6 groups:control group, stressed group (CUMS + vehicle), three treatment groups (CUMS + proanthocyanidins 25,50,100 mg·kg-1,respectively) ,and imipramine group (CUMS + imipramine 10 mg·kg-1). Used the CUMS model in rats to investigate the effects of chronic oral administration (21 days) of proanthocyanidins and imipramine (ip) on the open-field;and forced swimming and sucrose consumption tests and the ratio of adrenal gland/body weight,and its thickness were examined by HE stain. Results Compared with control group, rats subjected to CUMS exhibited increased ratio of adrenal gland /body weight ( P < 0. 01), less sucrose consumption( P<0.01) and inhibited in the open-field test( P<0.01) as well as more despair time in the forced swimming test( P<0.01). While compared with stressed group,treatments with proanthocyanidins (25,50,100 mg·kg-1, po ,21 days) could significantly improve the activities in open-field test ((39.6±3.4) vs (49±4.5), (52.6±3.7),(54.1±1.8) ;all P<0.01) and sucrose consumption( (5.8±2.5)ml vs (8.1±3.3)ml,(8.5±4.1) ml, (9.2±2.6) ml; P < 0.05, P < 0.05, P < 0.01 respectively); Meanwhile, it could reduce the duration time in forced swimming test significantly( (103.5±10.2)s vs (83.7±8.8)s,(75.8±5.9)s,(67.2±6.5)s; all P<0.01) as well as thickness of the adrenal gland(P<0.05, P<0.01).Conclusions This study suggests that the proanthocyanidins (25,50,100 mg·kg-1) has an antidepressant-like effects in CUMS rats. The antidepressant actions of proanthocyanidins, in some degrees, may be related with the regulation of the adrenal gland's structure.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the anti-human CEM lymphoma cell activities induced by TCR idiotypic DNA vaccine containing different antigen determinants in BALB/c mice.

METHODSThe specific rearranged gene fragment encoding TCRVbeta region of CEM cell line was obtained by RT-PCR technique. The PCR product was cloned into eukaryocytic expression vector pcDNA3, which was used as DNA vaccine and template for PCR amplifying different antigen determinant. Gene fragments encoding different antigen determinant were amplified and cloned into pcDNA3, separately. The experimental mice were immunized by intramuscular injection of the DNA vaccines. The specific anti-idiotype antibodies were detected by indirect immunofluorescence assay.

RESULTSTCRbetaV of CEM cell line contains five antigen determinants. Specific anti-idiotype antibody was detected in all of the six mice immunized with DNA vaccine containing all the five determinants (the highest titer was 1:480). Although the antibody could also be detected in four of the six mice immunized with DNA vaccine containing four of the five antigen determinants, the antibody titer was lower (the highest titer was 1:80). DNA vaccine containing two of the five determinants could not induce the specific antibody.

CONCLUSIONThe idiotypic DNA vaccine containing the whole TCRbetaV five antigen determinants could induce the specific anti-lymphoma idiotypic antibody in BALB/c mice.

Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic ; blood ; immunology ; Base Sequence ; Complementarity Determining Regions ; genetics ; immunology ; Epitopes ; genetics ; immunology ; HL-60 Cells ; Humans ; Lymphoma ; immunology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta ; genetics ; immunology ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Tumor Cells, Cultured ; Vaccines, DNA ; genetics ; immunology

This study was undertaken to investigate the anti-lymphocytic malignacy immunologic effects induced by TCR idiotypic DNA vaccine on BALB/c mice. CEM lymphoma cell line and BALB/c mice were used as models. The rearrangement gene fragment coding TCR Vbeta region of CEM cell line was obtained by RT-PCR technique. The PCR product was cloned into the eukaryocytic expression vector pcDNA3 to be used as DNA vaccine. The experimental animals were immunized by intramuscular injection with DNA vaccine. The specific anti-idiotypic antibody was detected by indirect immunofluorescence assay. The specific anti-idiotypic cellular immunity was detected by CTL activity assay using MTT method. The results showed that specific anti-idiotypic antibody in the immunized mice sera could be found since four weeks after immunization and came to the peak of titer on the sixth week. Using IL-6 as immunological adjuvant could significantly increase the antibody titers. It was concluded that the TCR idiotypic DNA vaccine could induce effectively the specific anti-lymphoma idiotypic antibody in BALB/c mice. Using IL-6 as immunological adjuvant could significantly increase the antibody titers induced by idiotipic DNA vaccine.