Search

A variety of dermatological lesions have been described in COVID-19, although the prevalence and pathogenic relationship remain unclear particularly for chilblain-like lesions. Dermatological examination was performed in a prospective cohort of consecutive patients seen at the service for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Out of 417 patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection [median age 29.5 years (range 15–65); 62.5% males], dermatological lesions were detected in 7 (1.7%). Three patients had acral lesions; their age (range) was 15–29 years; all had a negative nasopharyngeal swab and developed IgG and/or IgM-specific antibodies; all presented none or mild symptoms. A fourth patient remained negative at repeated testing; mother, father and sister had a documented mild COVID-19. Non-acral lesions were observed in four older patients, with severe COVID-19. Chilblain-like lesions may be the sole manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 infection; their presence in asymptomatic school children and adolescents should be considered a potential signal of familial or community spread of the virus.

The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanism of miRNA-9-5p in cervical cancer.The expression level of microRNA-9-5p (miR-9-5p) in cervical cancer (CC) tissues and cell lines was examined by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction. Cells were transfected with Lipofectamine 3000. Cell proliferation was measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). Invasion assays were performed in 24-well transwell chambers system with 8 μm pores. Cell invasion was evaluated by transwell assay. Western blot was used to detect the changes of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and SOCS5. The effects of miR-9-5p on tubule formation were examined under different doses of γ radiation. Immunohistochemistry assay was used to analyze the protein expression of SOCS5. Fluorescence microscopy analysis was used to measure autophagosomes after cells treated with γ irradiation.From the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, the expression of miR-9-5p was significantly higher in cervical cancer patients than in the negative ones, and it was verified in 22 paired of lymph node-positive patient tissues and negative. The overexpression of miR-9-5p promoted proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer cells in vitro and primary tumor growth in vivo. MiR-9-5p reduced the tubule generation after the radiation dose of 4Gy. Besides, we identified SOCS5 as the target of miR-9-5p, and the overexpression of SOCS5 could inhibit miR-9-5p mimics from promoting tubule formation.MiR-9-5p could promote proliferation and invasion of CC cells in vitro and in vivo. MiR-9-5p could affect angiogenesis and radiosensitivity of CC cells by targeting SOCS5.

Background Anchorage is one of the most important treatments for severe temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Anchoring nails have shown great success in clinical trials; however, they can break under pressure and are difficult to remove. In this study, we aimed to evaluate an improved anchoring nail and its mechanical stability. Methods The experiment consisted of two parts: a tensile test and finite element analysis (FEA). First, traditional and improved anchoring nails were implanted into the condylar cortical bone and their tensile strength was measured using a tension meter. Second, a three-dimensional finite element model of the condyles with implants was established and FEA was performed with forces from three different directions. Results The FEA results showed that the total force of the traditional and improved anchoring nails is 48.2 N and 200 N, respectively. The mean (±s.d.) maximum tensile strength of the traditional anchoring nail with a 3–0 suture was 27.53 ± 5.47 N. For the improved anchoring nail with a 3–0 suture it was 25.89 ± 2.64 N and with a 2–0 suture it was above 50 N. The tensile strengths of the traditional and improved anchoring nails with a 3–0 suture was significantly different (P = 0.033–

A sub-population of chemoresistant cells exhibits biological properties similar to cancer stem cells (CSCs), and these cells are believed to be a main cause for tumor relapse and metastasis. In our study, we explored the role of SOX8 and its molecular mechanism in the regulation of the stemness properties and the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of cisplatin-resistant tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) cells. We found that SOX8 was upregulated in cisplatin-resistant TSCC cells, which displayed CSC-like properties and exhibited EMT. SOX8 was also overexpressed in chemoresistant patients with TSCC and was associated with higher lymph node metastasis, advanced tumor stage and shorter overall survival. Stable knockdown of SOX8 in cisplatin-resistant TSCC cells inhibited chemoresistance, tumorsphere formation, and EMT. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway mediated the cancer stem-like properties in cisplatin-resistant TSCC cells. Further studies showed that the transfection of active β-catenin in SOX8 stable-knockdown cells partly rescued the SOX8 silencing-induced repression of stem-like features and chemoresistance. Through chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase assays, we observed that SOX8 bound to the promoter region of Frizzled-7 (FZD7) and induced the FZD7-mediated activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In summary, SOX8 confers chemoresistance and stemness properties and mediates EMT processes in chemoresistant TSCC via the FZD7-mediated Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

To investigate the incidence rate and risk factors of acute kidney injury (AKI) after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG),and to compare the effects of AKI on complications after operation and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) after 3 years' follow-up.In the study, 299 consecutive patients who underwent scheduled off-pump CABG from January 2010 to March 2012 were included. The patients were divided into AKI group with AKI and control group without AKI after operation. The data during perioperative stage were compared, and multivariable Logistic regression modeling was used to identify the risk factors of AKI. The complications were compared after surgery and the patients were followed up for 3 years to observe the difference of MACCE between the two groups.AKI occurred in 37.1% patients (111/299). The elevated serum creatinine levels(Wald=9.276, P=0.002, 95%CI 1.006-1.028), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) (Wald=3.469,P=0.063,95% CI 0.950-7.630), decreased left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)(Wald=4.414,P=0.036,95% CI 0.965-0.999),and implantation of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) before or after operation(Wald=6.745, P=0.009, 95% CI 1.336-7.925)were risk factors of AKI in multivariable logistic regression modeling. More complications occurred in AKI group, such as the duration of mechanic ventilation, the time of ICU and the length of stay post operation, reintubation, pulmonary infection, stroke, hemorrhage of digestive tract, the volume of blood transfusion (plasma and red blood cell) and renal replacement therapy(P0.05). The difference of mortality rate had no statistical significance between the AKI group and the control group, but two patients died in the AKI group. The difference of MACCE between the two groups had no statistical significance after 3 years' follow-up either.The incidence of AKI was high (37.1%) after off-pump CABG. The elevated serum creatinine levels, COPD, decreased LVEF,and implantation IABP before or after operation were independent risk factors of AKI in multivariable Logistic regression modeling. More complications occurred in AKI group during perioperative period, but the difference of MACCE between the two groups after 3 years' follow-up had no statistical significance.

The extent to which the free-vaccine policy impacts the initiation and completion of a hepatitis B vaccine series is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the free-vaccine policy on hepatitis B vaccination. A provincial survey was conducted in 2006 in Fujian Province, south-east of China, where the free-vaccine policy for hepatitis B was announced in 2002 and implemented in 2003. A total of 1628 children were investigated, and 1443 (88.6%) were included in this analysis. Among the children studied, 55.2% were vaccinated within 24 h of birth, and 76.1% completed the hepatitis B vaccine series on time. The rate of hepatitis B surface antibody positivity increased from 29.9% among children born in 1992 to 90.5% among children born in 2005, while the corresponding HBV infection rate decreased from 30.4% to 1.72%. Logistic regression indicated that, compared to children born between 1996 and 2001, the odds ratios (ORs) for timely initiation were 2.57 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.71-3.84), 5.24 (95% CI, 3.26-8.43) and 9.06 (95% CI, 4.48-18.34) among children born in 2003, 2004 and 2005, respectively; the corresponding ORs for completing the vaccine series were 4.23 (95% CI, 1.97-9.10), 3.76 (95% CI, 1.81-7.82) and 4.94 (95% CI, 1.74-14.00) among children born in 2003, 2004 and 2005, respectively. Children with delayed vaccine initiation (>24 h after birth) were less likely to complete the vaccine series than those who received a timely first dose (OR = 0.02, 95% CI, 0.005-0.09). The impact of the free-vaccine policy on vaccine initiation and vaccine series completion did not differ by children's residence area (rural vs urban). As hypothesized, the odds of completing the vaccine series increased after the free-vaccine policy was announced in 2002 among children with delayed initiation (>24 h after birth) but not among those with timely initiation (≤ 24 h after birth). In conclusion, the free-vaccine policy significantly improved the timely initiation and completion of the vaccine series. The impact of this policy on completion of the vaccine series was larger among children with delayed vaccine initiation.

IgG

To investigate the imaging features of uterine leiomyomas with different pathological subtypes on DWI.Clinical records and MR images of pathologically confirmed uterine leiomyomas were retrospectively collected from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from June 2012 to April 2015. A total of 60 uterine leiomyomas were found and evaluated.All the patients were divided into three groups according to different pathological types, which included 17 cases of cellular leiomyomas, 10 cases of degenerated leiomyomas and 33 cases of ordinary leiomyomas.The DWI signal and ADC values in cellular portion of the lesions and adjacent normal myometrium (the control group) were measured.(1) Most cellular leiomyomas showed hyperintensity on DWI (15/17), while degenerated leiomyomas manifested hypointensity, isointensity or hyperintensity signal on DWI, and most ordinary leiomyomas displayed isointensity signal on DWI (57.6%, 19/33). (2) The ADC values of cellular leiomyomas, degenerated leiomyomas and ordinary leiomyomas were (1.01±0.14)×10(-3) mm(2)/s, (1.73±0.49)×10(-3) mm(2)/s and (1.38±0.22)×10(-3) mm(2)/s respectively.The ADC values of adjacent normal myometrium (the control group) were (1.35±0.16)×10(-3) mm(2)/s.There were no significant statistical differences in the ADC values between ordinary leiomyomas and adjacent normal myometrium (P=0.623). There were significant statistical differences in the ADC values among other groups(all P0.05). (3)The ROC curve showed that the diagnostic threshold for cellular leiomyomas was 1.11×10(-3) mm(2)/s, the sensitivity and specificity were 88.2%and 93.0% respectively.The signal intensity on DWI and the ADC values are different in uterine leiomyomas with different pathological subtypes.Combination of these two parameters in clinical practice may be helpful to reflect the histopathological characteristics of uterine leiomyomas.

The aim of this study was to detect the expression of transforming growth factor-s1 (TGF-s1) in neonatal rats with hyperoxia-induced bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and to explore its relationship with lung development. Forty-eight rats (2-3 days old) were randomly divided into a hyperoxia group and a control group (N = 24) which were then fed in ≥95% oxygen atmosphere and air, respectively. On the 1st, 3rd and 7th days of hyperoxia exposure, morphological changes of lung tissues were observed under an optical microscope. TGF-s1 mRNA and protein levels in lung tissues were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot, respectively. With increasing time of hyperoxia exposure, the hyperoxia group gradually suffered from pathological changes such as poor development of lung tissues, alveolar simplification, decrease in the number of alveoli, and hindered pulmonary microvascular development. On the 7th day of hyperoxia exposure, TGF-s1 mRNA and protein levels (relative to b-actin) of the hyperoxia group (0.34 ± 0.19 and 0.21 ± 0.09, respectively) were significantly lower than those of the control group (0.83 ± 0.45 and 0.57 ± 0.45, respectively; P < 0.05). TGF-s1 participates in the pathogenesis of BPD as an important regulatory factor during pulmonary vascular development.

We aimed to investigate the correlation between the disc status in MRI and the different types of traumatic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis.51 consecutive patients (69 joints), diagnosed with traumatic TMJ ankylosis with a residual condyle (Types A2 and A3), were included in this study. All patients had pre-operative MRI, which was reviewed to determine the disc shape, length and position. The results were compared using the Mann-Whitney test.There were 37 joints of Type A2 ankylosis and 32 joints of Type A3. All joints of Type A2 and 27 joints of Type A3 (84.4%) definitely had a discernible disc, while 5 joints of Type A3 had no discernible discs. Among the discernible discs, the lateral disc of Type A2 and the whole disc of Type A3 had severe deformity, while the medial disc of Type A2 had mild deformity. The mean (standard deviation) disc length was 10.88 (1.19) mm in Type A2, but 7.50 (0.82) mm in Type A3. There was a significant difference between Types A2 and A3 (p 0.05). As for the disc position, the intermediate position was found in all joints.There is a correlation between the disc status and the different types of traumatic TMJ ankylosis. Therefore, MRI examination is needed to help treatment planning and predict post-operative TMJ function.

To investigate the effects of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) on rat acute lung injury (ALI).ALI was mimicked by intraperitoneal (i. p.) injection of E. coli. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into three groups: control group, injected with physiologic saline (i. p.); ALI group, received a bolus injection of E. coli (1 x 10(10) cfu/l, 15 ml/kg, i. p.) followed by intramuscular physiologic saline injection; and ALI + GH group, received a bolus administration of E. coli, and then treated with intramuscular rhGH injection (2.25 U/kg/d). ALI group and ALI + GH group were subdivided into day 1 and day 3 subgroups, respectively. Left lungs were lavaged and bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was harvested. Lung injury score, lung wet-to-dry weight (W/D) ratio, percentage of neutrophils (PMNs) in BALF, lung permeability index (LPI), intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1) expression and activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) in the lungs were determined.(1) On day 1 and day 3, the lung injury score, lung W/D ratio, LPI and protein content in BALF were significantly higher in the ALI group than in the control and ALI + GH groups. rhGH attenuated lung injuries significantly. (2) Compared with the control group, the percentage of PMNs in BALF was elevated significantly in the ALI and ALI + GH groups, especially in ALI group. (3) Nuclear positive rate of NF-kappaB and ICAM-1 expression at the levels of protein and mRNA in the lung in the ALI group on day 1 and day 3 were higher than in the control group. rhGH diminished activation of NF-kappaB and expression of ICAM-1 in the lung markedly.Treatment with rhGH can significantly attenuate lung injury in the endotoxemic rats, which may be attributed to the reduction of the expression of ICAM-1, the influence on the adhesion and activation of PMNs, the inhibition of the activation of NF-kappaB and the regulation of the transcription of certain proinflammatory cytokines.

Background and Objectives To elucidate the molecular genetic background of the Ax phenotype in the Chinese population. Materials and Methods The ABO genes of eight Ax phenotype samples, four Ax and four AxB, were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and were cloned, along with those of 10 random A1 Chinese subjects. We analysed the ABO gene transcript structure and the sequences of two exons and one intron at the ABO locus. Results Among the four Ax phenotype samples, we identified one Ax02, two Ax03 and one novel Ax allele with the 543G > T mutation in the A102 background. Two of five family members also carry the allele. Of the four AxB phenotypes, one was designated as cis-AB-1/B101; the other three were shown to carry one B allele and one O with the nt261G deletion. The B alleles of the latter three were identical to B101 except for single point mutation at nt700C > G, nt640A > G and nt641T > C, respectively. The novel B101-like alleles were first associated with AweakB phenotypes. Conclusions Two ABO*B(A) alleles and an Ax allele clearly differ from all previously reported ABO alleles, suggesting that the molecular genetic background of Ax is heterogeneous in the Chinese population.

Immune-mediated mechanisms have been implicated in liver pathogenesis and subsequent progression in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Costimulatory molecules, the important regulators of immune responses, participate in the regulation of liver pathology in HBV infection. However, the role of B7-H3 (CD276, a new member of B7 family) in this process has not been investigated. In this study, we detected abundant soluble B7-H3 (sB7-H3) in the plasma of patients with chronic HBV infections. The increase of the plasma B7-H3 was associated with the progression of liver cirrhosis and accompanied by decreased expression of B7-H3 on hepatocytes. The identification analysis suggests that the plasma B7-H3 might be derived from the membrane-bound B7-H3 on hepatocytes. A functional study showed that immobilized (4Ig) B7-H3Ig fusion protein could inhibit TCR-induced proliferation and IFN-γ secretion of T cells, which could be partially blocked by soluble B7-H3flag fusion protein. These results suggest that the reduced expression of B7-H3 in the livers might temper the inhibition of T-cell responses mediated by B7-H3 expressed on hepatocytes and thus promote the hepatic inflammation and hepatitis progression in the chronic HBV-infected patients.

We designed to investigate the effects of down-regulating the tumor susceptibility gene 101 (TSG101) on the proliferation and apoptosis of the human breast cancer MCF-7 cell line, and the role of the MAPK/ERK signal pathway in this process. The siRNA against TSG101 was transfected into the breast cancer MCF-7 cell line using Lipofectamine 2000. After TSG101 knockdown, the proliferation of MCF-7 cells was measured by the MTT assay. The cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were examined by using flow cytometry while cell migration was measured using a transwell assay. The protein level of p-ERK was further assessed by immunofluorescence and western blotting. Our results are as following, the MCF-7 cells transfected with TSG101 siRNA proliferated significantly slower and exhibited significantly increased rates of apoptosis compared to the control cells. In the TSG101 siRNA transfected cells, the percentage of cells in the G₀/G₁ and S phase of the cell cycle was significantly higher and lower, respectively, compared to the control cells. Moreover, the migration ability of TSG101 siRNA transfected cells was lower than the control groups. Lastly, the level of p-ERK protein in TSG101 siRNA transfected cells was significantly decreased compared with the control cells. In conclusion, TSG101 knockdown in breast cancer cells induces apoptosis and inhibits proliferation. The TSG101 depleted cells are arrested at the G₁/S transition of the cell cycle. The migration of breast cancer cells is also impaired by TSG101 siRNA. TSG101 may play a biological role through modulation of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway in breast cancer.

Objectives: Age‐related changes are common in many tissues and organs. However, cell‐related causes in human alveolar bone remain unclear. This study has been carried out to explore the possibility that advancing age might change the biological characteristics of alveolar osteoblasts (AOBs) in women. Materials and methods: Alveolar osteoblasts from women donors (five women aged 33–38 years and five women aged 62–68 years) were cultured in vitro. The cells were serially passaged and maximal lifespan evaluated. Cell viability, ultramicrostructure and osteogenic differentiation ability were determined respectively, using MTT assay, transmission electron microscopy, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay and von Kossa staining assay. These parameters of the two groups of AOBs were evaluated. Results: When compared with cells from young adult donors, AOBs from elderly women exhibited lower maximal lifespan (P

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between disc displacement types and locations of disc perforation in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).157 patients (162 joints) with disc perforation observed through arthroscopy were included in this study. The types of disc displacement were analysed by TMJ MRI before operation. The locations of disc perforation under arthroscopy were recorded. The correlation between types of disc displacement and locations of disc perforation was analysed by Fisher's exact test.Medial disc perforation was observed in 55.6% of patients with anterolateral displacement without reduction, but was observed in only 3.7% of patients with pure anterior displacement, and was not observed in patients with anteromedial displacement without reduction. There was a statistically significant difference between these groups in the incidence of medial disc perforation.There is a correlation between different disc displacements and locations of disc perforation. The incidence of medial disc perforation in patients with anterolateral displacement was significantly higher. The types of disc displacement may have direct influence over the locations of disc perforation.

To study adaptation of rabbit diaphragm muscle after different-frequency chronic electrical stimulation, Ca(2+)-ATPase activity and Ca(2+) release-uptake kinetics of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) were respectively measured by detecting inorganic phosphorus ion and Furo-2 fluorescence. SR Ca(2+)-ATPase activity of the low-frequency stimulation group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P0.0l), but it was significantly higher in the high-frequency stimulation group against control (P0.0l). The kinetics of Ca(2+) release and Ca(2+) uptake was significantly lower in low-frequency group than that of the control (P0.0l), but the kinetics of Ca(2+) release and Ca(2+) uptake was significantly higher than that of the control (P0.01). It is thought that different-frequency electrical stimulation induced different adaptative changes in SR Ca(2+)-ATPase activity, and Ca(2+) release and uptake kinetics of rabbit diaphragm muscle.

To investigate the incidence of cedar pollinosis in district of Wuhan.A survey relative to cedar pollinosis was carried out in 309 students in Hubei Medical University in 1999, including questionnaire investigation, nasal inspection and scratch test. From February to April of 2000, a clinical investigation of cedar pollinosis was adopted among 205 patients of allergic rhinitis including scratch test and nasal mucosa test.1. The positive rate of cedar pollen scratch test of 309 students was 7.8%. 2. 59 cases (28.8%) was hypersensitive to cedar pollen clinically in allergen test.Cedar pollinosis is one kind of important pollinosis in district of Wuhan and should be paid high attention to.

To detect mRNA and protein expression of skeletal dihydropridine receptor isoform alpha1 subunit and ryanodine receptor 1 and 3 in diaphragm muscle of rabbits, the coupling mode and characteristics of Ca(2+) release were explored. Reverse transcription PCR, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical methods were employed. A higher level of mRNA and protein expression of DHPR(alpha1) and RyR(1), and a lower level of mRNA expression of RyR(3) were found. It is suggested that the calcium release unit may consist of skeletal DHPR isoform, RyR(1) and RyR(3), and there may be two kinds of Ca(2+) release mode via conformational changes in linked proteins and Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) release (CICR) in diaphragm muscle of rabbits.

CCND1 gene amplification and cyclin D1 protein overexpression are indicators for poor prognosis in invasive head and neck carcinomas. Increased CCND1 gene dosage is a more sensitive prognostic factor than protein overexpression as evaluated by conventional immunohistochemical techniques. Qualitative immunohistochemistry cannot distinguish cyclin D1 overexpression accompanied by amplification of the CCND1 gene from overexpression associated with normal CCND1 gene copy number. To improve the sensitivity of cyclin D1 protein determination, we applied quantitative techniques of image analysis to evaluate cyclin D1 in 54 head and neck carcinomas. There was a significantly higher rate of occurrence of adverse events (P = 0.043) among patients with CCND1 gene amplification than among those without gene amplification. There was a strong association between CCND1 gene amplification (as detected by Southern blot analysis) and the highest nuclear score (by image cytometry of the immunostained tumor sections). The predominance of cells in the lowest nuclear score category was significantly associated with normal copy number (P = 0.005). Conversely, the highest nuclear score was a significant predictor of gene dosage (P = 0.02). Similarly, high nuclear score was a good predictor of death as the final outcome of the disease (P = 0.01). Although somewhat less accurate than Southern blotting, image cytometry of immunohistochemical cyclin D1 stain appears to be a promising tool that could be useful for other tumor marker expression studies.

The mechanical character of diaphragm muscle after chronic electrical stimulation(CES) and effect of the extracellular Ca2+ change have not yet been explored. We wondered whether there might be great different change and effect on muscle mechanics after CES and the extracellular Ca2+ change.The twitch tension(Pt), time to peak tension(TPT), half-relaxation time(1/2 RT), tetanic tension(Po), fatigue index (FI) and fatigue recovery index(FRI) were respectively measured in normal group and CES groups; the switch tensions of diaphragm muscle strips were observed in the standard Hank's solution and the Hank's with free Ca2+.There were more significant decrease in Pt, Po, FI and FRI, more significant lengthening in TPT and 1/2 RT in 10 Hz and 20 Hz groups(P0.01). However, there was completely opposite effect in 50 Hz and 100 Hz groups. There were more significant effect on muscle mechanics of contraction and relaxation in 10 Hz and 20 Hz groups than that in 50 Hz and 100 Hz groups when the extracellular Ca2+ changed.After CES the significantly frequency dependent were presented on mechanical character of diaphragm muscle strips, and there were more effect on diaphragm muscle mechanics in 10 Hz and 20 Hz groups when the extracellular Ca2+ was changed.

E2F-1 is the best known ultimate transcription factor in the cyclin/cyclin-dependent kinase/retinoblastoma gene pathway and is probably involved in carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Because E2F-1 can be detected in paraffin sections using immunohistochemical techniques, it could be a useful tumor/proliferation marker. We studied the expression of this gene product in 130 breast tissue specimens from 100 patients and compared it with the expression of Mib-1, the widely used prognostic/proliferative marker, to assess E2F-1 as a new marker of neoplastic proliferation. The percentage of E2F-1-positive cells increased from 1.9% in the normal breast (NB) to 6.3% in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and to 15.3% in invasive ductal carcinomas (IDC). In addition, higher-grade tumors as well as advanced-stage disease correlated with higher expression of E2F-1. A similar tendency of Mib-1 expression was observed. There was a positive correlation between the E2F-1 and Mib-1 indices. In an in vitro experiment, we found that a similar difference in the expression of E2F-1 existed between a nontumorigenic breast cell line and two widely used breast carcinoma cell lines. The breast carcinoma cell lines T-47D and MCF-7 had more E2F-1-positive cells than the nontumorigenic cell line MCF-10F by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. Because E2F-1 expression was significantly higher in IDC and DCIS than in NB, this study indicates that deregulation of E2F-1 may be involved in the development of breast IDC. In addition, E2F-1 expression could also be involved in tumor progression because the increased E2F-1 index correlated with the known prognostic predictors of breast cancer, such as histological grade, stage, metastasis status, estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor and Mib-1 expression. Thus, E2F-1 is a promising candidate to become a new prognostic/predictive marker of breast cancer.

To study the long-term toxicity of modified recombinant human tumor necrosis factor (rhTNF-NC) in Macaca mulatta compared with recombinant human tumor necrosis factor (rhTNF).rhTNF-NC 93, 9.3 GU/m2, and rhTNF 62 GU/m2 were injected i.v. daily to 16 Macaca mulatta for 1 month and 10 d, respectively. Hematologic, chemical, urinalysis values, ECG, specific antibody, bone marrow, and pathologic profile of organs were measured.No more adverse effects of rhTNF-NC were found in spite of anorexia in 4 monkeys and palpebral edema in 2 monkeys of 93 GU/m2 group. Besides, in rhTNF group, the injury of liver and kidneys, the decrease of erythron, the phlebitis, and thrombosis at injection site occurred. Both drugs caused the production of specific antibody.No serious adverse effects of rhTNF-NC were found in Macaca mulatta. The toxicity of rhTNF-NC was much lower than that of rhTNF.

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is an interesting model for cancer research because of the presence of the specific PML-RARalpha fusion gene associated with the clinical response to retinoic acid differentiation therapy. To better understand and improve differentiation induction with retinoic acid, we have established a human APL-ascites model in SCID mice using the NB4 human APL cell line. NB4 (1 x 10(6) cells) were transplanted into the peritoneum (IP) of SCID mice for 1 month. NB4 ascites cells (A-NB4) appeared, which were then engrafted in SCID mice periodically for 18 passages at an interval of 3 to 4 weeks with a 100% success rate of tumor induction. The mean survival times of SCID mice transplanted with 1 x 10(6) A-NB4 cells was 21.6 +/- 2.3 days. Analysis of the biologic characteristics of ninth passage NB4 ascitic cells was performed and they were found to have the morphologic, immunologic, cytogenetic, and molecular features of cultured NB4 cells. Furthermore, A-NB4 cells were capable of differentiating when treated with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), as manifested by enhanced NBT reduction and CD11b expression. In vivo treatment with ATRA in SCID mice for 4 days also increased NBT reduction by A-NB4 cells. ATRA treatment significantly prolonged survival time in the group after transplantation (28.1 +/- 6.8 to 29.1 +/- 8.4 days) compared with the control (P.001). Furthermore, treatment with adriamycin, an effective chemotherapeutic drug in APL, had a strong growth suppressive effect on A-NB4 cells. These results demonstrate that this SCID-APL (NB4 ascites cells) model is a useful preclinical system for evaluating new or known drugs in the treatment of APL.

Twelve spontaneously delivered Hu sheep neonatal lambs with a birth weight of 1.5-4.5 kg were used to study the characteristics and developmental changes of plasma nutrition metabolites during postnatal period in 7 days of age. The results showed that plasma glucose (Glu) concentration rose significantly within 4 h after lambing and then maintained a fluctuent upward tendency until day 7 of age. Fructose (Fru) and lactic acid (LA) concentrations were highest at 1 h after birth, tended to drop thereafter, and remained relatively stable levels after day 3 of age. Free fatty acid (FFA) tended to increase within 12 h after birth, followed by keeping comparatively high levels although decreasing fluctuently. An obvious increase of total protein (TP) occurred within 8 h after birth and then remained a relatively high concentration until day 7 of age. a-Amino nitrogen (a-NH2N) tended to rise by 4 h and fell slightly thereafter, urea nitrogen (UN) had an elevated concentration from birth to 8 h and then dropped obviously. Both a-NH2N and UN appeared to be fairly stable during the first week of age in neonatal lambs.

In order to know whether there are changes of the clinical features of infective endocarditis (IE) in recent decades, 66 cases of IE diagnosed from 1983 to 1992 were included in this study and compared with the IE patients of Beijing area from 1948 to 1963. The results showed the following changes in the recent decade: 1. Rheumatic heart diseases accounted for less and congenital heart diseases more of the proportion of IE cases when compared with materials of previous decades. Idiopathic mitral valve prolapse and valvular degeneration were found in some of the patients. 2. Cardiac operation and catheterization induced IE became more common, whereas oral infection incited IE less. 3. Skin lesion got much less so that the clinical manifestations of IE were atypical. 4. Hospital mortality decreased markedly.

Alterations in the p53 tumor suppressor gene are involved in the pathogenesis of diverse human cancers. Immunohistochemical detection of the p53 protein has been strongly correlated with mutations in the p53 gene. Fifty-four human exocrine pancreatic tumors of American, Japanese, and Senegalese origin and six xenotransplanted human pancreatic carcinoma cell lines were investigated immunohistochemically with monoclonal anti-p53 antibodies pAb 1801 and BP53-12. Positive nuclear p53 immunoreactivity was detected in 37% of paraffin-embedded primary tumors (21.8% in the Japanese group, 52.6% in the American group) and in 50% of xenotransplanted carcinoma cell lines. Since several intraductal papillary adenocarcinomas exhibited positive p53 immunostain, it seems probable that alterations in this tumor suppressor gene occur relatively early in the process of pancreatic carcinogenesis. No clear correlation was established between p53-positive immunohistochemical staining and tumor stage and histologic appearance, nor with patient age, sex, or survival time. In contrast to ductal carcinomas and intraductal papillary adenocarcinomas, none of the mucinous or adenosquamous pancreatic carcinomas exhibited positive nuclear staining for p53. The fact that more than half of the ethanol-fixed fine-needle aspirates were positive for p53 suggests that this type of immunostain may be of potential diagnostic significance. An investigation of a large series of pancreatic tumors is needed to further evaluate the relationship between p53 alterations and clinicopathologic features in human pancreatic cancer.

In this feeding trial, rats were fed with diets of (a) cereals from Kaschin-Beck's Disease (KBD) endemic area, (b) Sesupplemented cereals from the area as above, (c) cereals from non-KBD endemic area. The purpose of this experiment was to study the effects of cereals from KBD endemic area and Se on the kinetics of formation of cartilage type II collagen fibril, the stability and ultrastructure of fibrils formed in vitro. The results indicated that feeding of low-selenium cereals from KBD endemic area may cause decelaration of rats cartilage type II collagen fibrillogenesis, reduction of stability of fibril, diminishing of fibril diameters, and increase or decrease of fibril banding periods. Sesupplemented cereals from KBD endemic area partially rectified the pathologic changes mentioned above. These observations are important for further study on the etiology and pathology of KBD.

Daily urine urea nitrogen (UUN) and total urine nitrogen output (TUNO) concentrations were measured in 19 patients undergoing G-I surgery during the perioperative period of 114 days. The results showed that there was a strong correlation between UUN and TUNO in statistic regression analysis. A formula is worked out TUNO = UUN + 0.7 which is of great value in estimating the nitrogen balance of TPN patients.

Female Wistar rats were trained in a Skinner-box, 30 trials per day in a dark room to establish operant defence conditioning. Training started with a light (15 s), then combined with footshock for further 8 s. When the rats learned to press the key to avoid footshock within 15 s, conditioned response was considered established. After the rats reached a conditioning rate (CR) above 80% for 5 days, cannulae were implanted into caudate-putamen. Two to three days later, Met-enkephalin (MEK) or bestatin (an aminopeptidase inhibitor) was injected bilaterally into caudate-putamen. 30 min, 2 h, 24 h and 48 h after injection, conditioning tests were conducted, with each session consisting of 30 trials. Control experiments were done when 0.9% NaCl (NS) was injected. After injection of NS, CR maintained above 80% in all 4 test sessions. MEK (60 ng/rat) or bestatin (10 micrograms/rat) significantly lowered the CR during the 30 min and 2 h test session. In the latter case, the latency (L) was also prolonged. However both CR and L returned to the control level in the 24 h and 48 h test sessions. Naloxone (2 mg/kg, i.p.) blocked the conditioning-depression effect of bestatin. No significant alteration was seen in locomotor activity after MEK or bestatin injection. The results suggest that enkephalin in caudate-putamen may be involved in the regulation of retrieval of conditioning. Bestatin mimics the effect of MEK on conditioning reflex probably by increasing production of endogenous enkephalin.

According to the 1987 National Epidemiological Survey of Blindness and Low Vision, the prevalence of blindness in China was 0.43%, resulting chiefly from cataract (41.06%), corneal diseases (15.38%), trachoma (10.87%), and glaucoma (8.80%); the prevalence of low vision was 0.58%, of which the main causes were cataract (49.83%), ametropia/amblyopia (14.98%), trachoma (9.55%), corneal diseases (8.48%), chorioretinal diseases (6.27%), etc. Among children under 14 years of age, the leading cause of blindness and low vision was hereditary diseases (48.46%), and among the elderly of 60 years and over, the leading cause of blindness and low vision was cataract (73.13%).