Objective To investigate the relationship between CT lung volume parameters(CT-LVP)and pulmonary function grade in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF)and its prediction of acute exacerbation.Methods A total of 204 patients with IPF were selected and divided into mild group(67 cases),moderate group(72 cases)and severe group(65 cases)according to the semi-quantitative scoring method of high-resolution computed tomography(HRCT).The correlation between CT-LVP and pul-monary function parameters(PFP)were analyzed.The predictive value of CT-LVP for acute exacerbation in severe IPF was ana-lyzed.Results The whole lung volume(WLV),normal lung volume(NLV)and normal lung volume percentage(NLV%)in severe group were lower than those in mild and moderate groups,whereas interstitial lung disease volume(ILDV)and interstitial lung disease volume percentage(ILDV%)were higher than those in mild and moderate groups,with statistical significance(P<0.05).WLV,NLV,ILDV,NLV%,ILDV%showed strong correlations with forced expiratory volume in 1 second percentage(FEV1%),forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity ratio(FEV1/FVC),diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide percent-age(DLCO%),and residual volume to total lung capacity ratio(RV/TLC).Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis showed that the combination of WLV,NLV,ILDV,NLV%and ILDV%had higher accuracy in predicting acute exacerbation,area under the curve(AUC)>0.75(P<0.05).Conclusion CT-LVP is closely related to PFP,and the accuracy of CT-LVP combination in predicting acute exacerbation is high,which provides a theoretical basis for preventing acute exacerbation of IPF.

Objective To investigate the relationship between CT lung volume parameters(CT-LVP)and pulmonary function grade in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF)and its prediction of acute exacerbation.Methods A total of 204 patients with IPF were selected and divided into mild group(67 cases),moderate group(72 cases)and severe group(65 cases)according to the semi-quantitative scoring method of high-resolution computed tomography(HRCT).The correlation between CT-LVP and pul-monary function parameters(PFP)were analyzed.The predictive value of CT-LVP for acute exacerbation in severe IPF was ana-lyzed.Results The whole lung volume(WLV),normal lung volume(NLV)and normal lung volume percentage(NLV%)in severe group were lower than those in mild and moderate groups,whereas interstitial lung disease volume(ILDV)and interstitial lung disease volume percentage(ILDV%)were higher than those in mild and moderate groups,with statistical significance(P<0.05).WLV,NLV,ILDV,NLV%,ILDV%showed strong correlations with forced expiratory volume in 1 second percentage(FEV1%),forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity ratio(FEV1/FVC),diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide percent-age(DLCO%),and residual volume to total lung capacity ratio(RV/TLC).Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis showed that the combination of WLV,NLV,ILDV,NLV%and ILDV%had higher accuracy in predicting acute exacerbation,area under the curve(AUC)>0.75(P<0.05).Conclusion CT-LVP is closely related to PFP,and the accuracy of CT-LVP combination in predicting acute exacerbation is high,which provides a theoretical basis for preventing acute exacerbation of IPF.

Receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) functions as a key regulator in inflammation and cell death and is involved in mediating a variety of inflammatory or degenerative diseases. A number of allosteric RIPK1 inhibitors (RIPK1i) have been developed, and some of them have already advanced into clinical evaluation. Recently, selective RIPK1i that interact with both the allosteric pocket and the ATP-binding site of RIPK1 have started to emerge. Here, we report the rational development of a new series of type-II RIPK1i based on the rediscovery of a reported but mechanistically atypical RIPK3i. We also describe the structure-guided lead optimization of a potent, selective, and orally bioavailable RIPK1i, 62, which exhibits extraordinary efficacies in mouse models of acute or chronic inflammatory diseases. Collectively, 62 provides a useful tool for evaluating RIPK1 in animal disease models and a promising lead for further drug development.

The preparation of collagen sponges was studied in order to develop tissue engineering scaffolds. Collagen solutions with varying concentrations were obtained by condensing the initial collagen with polyethylene glycol (PEG) at 4 degrees C for different periods of time, and then were freeze-dried to make collagen scaffolds. The porous characteristics of the prepared scaffolds were characterized by use of different methods, including laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and tensile tests. All collagen sponges were shown to have similar interconnected porous structures but were found to have different pore size, porosity, water capacity and the mechanical property, depending on the concentration of collagen solutions. These findings indicate that the way of controlling the concentration of collagen solutions with PEG permits the freeze-drying fabrication of collagen sponges with varying porous features suitable for different tissue engineering purposes.
Collagen ; chemistry ; ultrastructure ; Freeze Drying ; Polyethylene Glycols ; chemistry ; Porosity ; Tissue Engineering ; Tissue Scaffolds

BACKGROUND: Simple polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) has limited ability to cell adhesion. There are not generally accepted studies on improved effects of collagen protein modified polyvinyl alcohol on cell adhesion and proliferation.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of PVA/type Ⅰ college (COL-Ⅰ) as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) scaffolds in tissue engineering.DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: The controlled observation experiment was performed at the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Medical College. Ji'nan University, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Guangzhou Institute of Trauma Surgery from August 2006 to October 2007.MATERIALS: COL-Ⅰ gel was produced by Guangzhou Institute of Trauma Surgery.METHODS: PVA filature was used to weave fascicular scaffolds. NIH-3T3 cell line and human ACL cells were in vitro incubated, amplified, and then implanted on the PVA/COL scaffolds.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The growth of NIH-3T3 cell line and human ACL cells on the PVA/COL scaffolds and the secretion of extracellular matrix were observed using scanning electron microscope. Cell compatibility of PVA/COL scaffolds was assessed. Mechanics characteristic of PVA/COL scaffolds was measured by using the electric. tensile force apparatus. Mechanical property of PVA/COL scaffolds was analyzed using the SPSS 11.5 software package.RESULTS: NIH-3T3 cell line and human ACL cells on the PVA/COL scaffolds adhered, proliferated, and secreted extracellular matrix. NIH-3T3 cell line highly grew compared with human ACL cells on the PVA/COL scaffolds. The adhered number of NIH-3T3 cell line and human ACL cells was significantly increased on the PVA/COL scaffolds. NIH-3T3 cell line and human ACL cells presented well morphology on the PVA/COL scaffolds. COL-Ⅰ could promote the secretion of extracellular matrix from NIH-3T3 cells, but its effects on human ACL cells were not significant. Tensile force test showed that load-extension curve of the materials was identical to ACL of human and rabbits, and the scaffolds possessed strong flexibility. The maximal load, ultimate stress and elastic modulus were respectively 52.61 N, 14.96 MPa and 202.08 MPa.CONCLUSION: COL-Ⅰ accelerates the adhesion and proliferation of NIH-3T3 cell line and human ACL cells on the surface and in the pore of the PVA/COL scaffolds, promotes the secretion of extracellular matrix from NIH-3T3, and PVA filature material has mechanical property and good cell compatibility.

OBJECTIVETo study the relationship between the expression of soluble drug resistance-related calcium-binding protein (sorcin) gene and the clinical multidrug resistance in acute leukemia (AL).

METHODSA semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to investigate the transcription levels of the human sorcin gene in 95 AL patients and 27 controls.

RESULTSSorcin gene expression was significantly higher in AL patients than in normal contrls (P < 0.001), and higher in relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients than in those newly diagnosed or in complete remission. Sorcin gene overexpression was significantly lower in non-resistant patients than in resistant ones (P < 0.001). CR rates of these two groups were 20.0% and 80.0%, respectively. Sorcin gene expression was higher in AML-M(5) patients than M(2), M(3), M(4) patients.

CONCLUSIONSorcin gene overexpression is significantly associated with clinical multidrug resistance and prognosis, it is one of the indicators for predicting prognosis of AL patients.

Acute Disease ; Calcium-Binding Proteins ; genetics ; Drug Resistance, Multiple ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; Leukemia, Myeloid ; genetics ; Neoplasm Proteins ; genetics ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma ; genetics ; Solubility

OBJECTIVETo study the relationship between soluble resistance-related calcium-binding protein (sorcin) gene and multidrug resistance gene (mdr1), and their significance in clinical drug resistance and prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

METHODSAmplification of sorcin gene and mdr1 gene in K562/A02 cell detected by Northern blot, were monitored by semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in 65 AML patients and 27 normal controls, with their relationship and clinical outcame analyzed.

RESULTSThe amplification of sorcin gene and mdr1 gene in AML patients were significantly higher than that in the normal control, which were related to clinical drug resistance and prognosis. The amplification of sorcin gene was related to the amplification of mdr1 gene in the two groups. The clinical drug resistance incidence rate and complete remission rate were 92.9% and 7.1% in sorcin(+)/mdr1(+) group. They were 8.6% and 91.4% in the sorcin(-)/mdr1(-) group (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONThe co-amplification of sorcin and mdr1 gene can be taken as a good indicator of clinical drug resistance and prognosis of AML.

ATP-Binding Cassette, Sub-Family B, Member 1 ; genetics ; Acute Disease ; Blotting, Northern ; methods ; Calcium-Binding Proteins ; genetics ; Drug Resistance, Multiple ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; Leukemia, Myeloid ; genetics ; physiopathology ; Neoplasm Proteins ; genetics ; Prognosis