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Esophageal granular cell tumors (GCTs) are rare tumors of the esophagus. We evaluated the clinical and pathologic features of 9 esophageal GCT patients (5 men and 4 women) from our institute and reviewed the related disease literature. Patient age ranged from 25 to 53 years (mean: 41 years). All the patients were asymptomatic or presented with non-specific symptoms. Most GCTs occurred in the distal esophagus and were less than 6 mm in diameter. Computational analysis showed that the average gray-scale endoscopic ultrasound images of esophageal GCTs were greater than that of esophageal leiomyomas. Eight patients were treated by endoscopic resection, and 1 patient underwent surgical excision. No post-therapy recurrence or metastasis developed during follow-up (mean: 36.4 mo, range: 1-72 mo).

Different from all reported sandwich molecular wires (SMWs), a novel class of SMW including vanadium boratabenzene (HBBz) clusters and their related one-dimensional (1D) SMWs are explored by using a density functional theory approach. The uniqueness of this class of SMWs lies in the boron heterocycles, where they possess a reactive functional atom. These features may overcome the limitation of existing SMWs which are inert and are difficult to be absorbed stably on surfaces. Theoretical calculations of the novel vanadium boratabenzene clusters indicated that they are energetically stable, with the rings having a restricted degree of rotation. In addition, its metallic 1D analog shows great promise in the applications of molecular electronics and spintronics.

Objective: To analyze the phenotype and genotype of three patients with von Willebrand disease (vWD), and to explore its molecular pathogenesis., Methods: Bleeding time (BT), APTT, ristocetin induced platelet aggregation (RIPA), von Willebrand factor (vWF):ristocetin cofactor (Rco) (vWF:Rco), vWF antigen (vWF:Ag), vWF activity (vWF:A) test, vWF collagen binding assay (vWF:CB) and multimer analysis were detected for phenotype diagnosis. The dynamic process of blood coagulation was evaluated by using the thrombelastography. Genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood. The vWF gene mutation was detected by sequencing., Results: APTT, BT were prolonged in the three probands. Plasma vWF:Rco, vWF:Ag, vWF:A and vWF:CB were decreased in different degrees. RIPA was reduced in probands B and C. vWF multimer analysis found the lost of the large molecular weight multimers in proband B, while basically normal in probands A and C. The dynamic process of blood coagulation of proband C presented obvious hypocoagulability by using the thrombelastography. Heterozygous missense mutation g.106782G > T resulting in Cys1130Phe in exon 26, g.110988G > A resulting in Gly1579Arg in exon 28 and g.110373C > T resulting in Arg1374Cys in exon 28 were found in the probands A, B and C, respectively., Conclusion: Three probands were diagnosed as type 1, type 2A or type 2M vWD by phenotype detection. Heterozygous missense mutation Cys1130Phe, Gly1579Arg and Arg1374Cys induced vWD of three probands, respectively.

Objective: To analyze the phenotype and genotype of two Chinese pedigrees with von Willebrand diseases, and to investigate the molecular pathogenesis., Methods: Bleeding time (BT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation (RIPA), von Willebrand factor-ristocetin cofactor (vWF:Rco), von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF:Ag), von Willebrand factor activity (vWF:A), von Willebrand factor collagen binding assay (vWF:CB) and multimer analysis were used for phenotype diagnosis. DNA was extracted. All of the 52 exons and exon-intron bounda ries of the VWF gene were amplified with polymerase chain reaction(PCR) and analyzed by direct sequencing., Results: APTT and BT were prolonged. Plasma RIPA, vWF:Rco, vWF:Ag, vWF:A and vWF:CB was significantly decreased. No VWF multimer can be found by plasma VWF multimer analysis. Homozygous insertional mutation g.82888_82889insCATG in exon 17 was found in proband A. Compound heterozygous mutations g.94865 G to A (Trp856stop) in exon 20 and g.110698_110699delinsG in exon 28 were found in proband B., Conclusion: Homozygous insertional mutation g.82888_82889insCATG and compound heterozygous mutations g.94865G to A(Trp856X) and g.110698_110699delinsG probably have respectively induced type 3 von Willebrand diseases in the two probands.

At room temperature, gold nanoparticles were atomically dissolved in the presence of aromatic thiols and regenerated from the solution by treatment with H(2)O(2), and the process is reversible. Moreover, the formed Au-thiol compounds have been demonstrated to be a powerful elemental building block for engineering various gold nanostructures.

Objective: To analyze the phenotype, genotype and function in four Chinese pedigrees with inherited dysfibrinogenemia., Methods: Routing tests including activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), reptilase time (RT), the activities of antithrombin (AT), protein C (PC) and protein S (PS) were detected in four pedigrees. The activity and antigen of plasma fibrinogen were analyzed by Clauss and immunoturbidimetry methods, respectively. The molecular weight of fibrinogen of four probands was assessed by Western blot. The function of abnormal fibrinogen was evaluated by fibrinogen clottability, fibrinogen dynamic polymerization and fibrinolysis velocity, respectively. The sequences of all the exons and exon-intron boundaries of the three fibrinogen genes were amplified by PCR and analyzed by direct sequencing., Results: Four probands had prolonged TT and RT, reduced plasma fibrinogen activity levels and normal antigen levels. The assays of Western blot showed no abnormal molecular weight of fibrinogen. Function tests revealed reduced fibrinogen clottability, delayed and decreased fibrinogen dynamic polymerization and reduced fibrinolysis velocity. Aα chain Arg16His and Arg16Cys mutations were identified in the four probands, respectively., Conclusion: The four probands with dysfibrinogenemia were caused by the mutations of Aα chain Arg16His or Arg16Cys. Mutation of the fibrinogen induced dysfunction of plasma fibrinogen.

Background and Aim: To investigate the clinical value of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) with miniature ultrasonic probes (MUP) for the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal leiomyoma., Methods: A total of 229 patients with esophageal leiomyoma, diagnosed using EUS, with 12-MHz MUP and a double-cavity electronic endoscope, were enrolled. The clinical characteristics of the patients were analyzed, and those who had therapeutic indications received endoscopic resection or surgical excision. Postoperative histological diagnostic results were compared with the preoperative diagnosis of EUS. All patients, including those with or without endoscopic resection or surgical excision were periodically followed up with EUS., Results: Of the 229 patients, 118 received endoscopic resection, and seven received surgical excision. Postoperative histology showed that 110 patients were completely consistent with the preoperative diagnosis of EUS, and the diagnostic accuracy of EUS was 88.6%. No treatment-related complications occurred among the patients who received endoscopic resection or surgical excision, and no recurrence was observed during the follow-up examinations., Conclusions: Esophageal leiomyoma is a benign tumor of the esophagus. EUS is a useful technique for the diagnosis of esophageal leiomyoma and for making treatment-related decisions., (© 2011 Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Foundation and Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.)

Background: Previous studies assessing associations between matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) polymorphisms and lung cancer risk reported conflicting results. A meta-analysis was therefore performed to derive a more precise estimation., Method: Case-control studies assessing associations between MMP-2 C735T and C1306T polymorphisms and lung cancer risk were included. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated., Results: 7 studies with a total of 3,189 lung cancer cases and 3,013 controls were finally included into this meta-analysis. Overall, the MMP-2 C735T polymorphism was associated with lung cancer risk under the homozygote model (CC versus TT: OR =1.44, 95% CI = 1.03-2.02, I2 = 0%), while the MMP- 2 C1306T polymorphism also associated demonstrated links with all four models (all P values less than 0.05). Subgroup analyses by race suggested obvious associations between MMP-2 C735T and C1306T polymorphisms and lung cancer risk in Asians but not in Caucasians. There was no evidence for publication bias., Conclusion: Currently available evidence supports teh conclusion that MMP-2 C735T and C1306T polymorphisms influence susceptibility to lung cancer in Asians.

Objective: To investigate the clinical phenotype, genotype and molecular mechanism of recurrent venous thrombosis in two Chinese pedigrees with type I antithrombin (AT) deficiency., Methods: The routine coagulation screening tests were detected, thrombin generation tests was performed to evaluate the hypercoagulation. Anticardiolipin antibody (ACA) and lupus anticoagulant (LA) were detected with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and diluted viper venom time assay (DVVT), respectively. The activities of protein C, protein S and AT (PC:A, PS:A, AT:A) were tested with chromogenic substrate assay or clotting method. The antigen of AT (AT:Ag) was performed with immunoturbidimetry methods. Western blot was used to analyze the molecular weight (MW) and the plasma levels of AT:Ag. All 7 exons and the flanking sequences were amplified by PCR. The mutation of AT gene and thrombophilia associated gene polymorphisms were analyzed by direct DNA sequencing. The expression plasmid of Ala404Asp mutant was constructed with site-directed mutagenesis method based on the wild-type (WT) AT cDNA contained in pcDNA 3.1 vector, and transiently expression of AT WT and the Ala404Asp mutant was performed using HEK293T cells. Cultured supernatant and cell lysates were collected and measured for AT:Ag by ELISA and Western blot., Results: The results of routine coagulation tests in two probands were normal, thrombin generation tests indicated that proband 1 presented hypercoagulable state with 2.8 and 1.5 times higher of the endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) and peak height compared with that of normal, respectively. The levels of PC:A, PS:A, ACA and LA were normal. AT:A in proband 1 and proband 2 were 45% and 32%, and AT:Ag were almost half of the normal (121 mg/L and 158 mg/L), respectively. The results of Western blot showed that both probands' plasma levels of AT:Ag were lower than the normal pooled plasma and MW was normal. Two heterozygous mutations of g.3291C→T(Thr98Ile), g.13863C > A(Ala404Asp) were identified in the probands, respectively. No proband had venous thrombosis associated gene polymorphisms. Expression in vitro showed that AT:Ag in culture media and lysates of Ala404Asp are 4.8% and 60.6% of that of WT, respectively., Conclusion: Thr98Ile and Ala404Asp mutation of AT gene significantly correlate with recurrent venous thrombosis in the two probands, respectively. Ala404Asp has not been described before. The mutant Ala404Asp protein can not be expressed due to impaired secretion and increased intracellular degradation, resulting in type I AT deficiency.

Objective: To study the level of serum vascular endothelial growth factor, matrix metalloproteinases-9 in the proliferative hemangioma before and after propranolol treatment., Methods: The serum VEGF, MMP-9 was detected with ELISA assay before treatment and after 4 weeks and 8 weeks of propranolol treatment. The relationship between the serum VEGF, MMP-9 and the prognosis was analyzed., Results: The serum VEGF (295.4 +/- 158.1) pg/ml was high before treatment, then decreased after 4 weeks and 8 weeks of treatment (255.7 +/- 130.4) pg/ml, (224.2 +/- 120.6) pg/ml. The serum VEGF was significantly lower after 8 weeks of treatment (P < 0.05). The serum MMP-9 was also decreased after treatment, showing a positive relationship with VEGF., Conclusions: Propranolol can treat the proliferative hemangioma through decreasing the serum VEGF and MMP-9.

Aim: To investigate the sonographic features and diagnostic value of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) for duodenal lipomas (DLs)., Methods: A total of eight consecutive patients with DL diagnosed pathologically were included in the study. One EUS expert reviewed the ultrasonic images for all lesions, including the original layer of the duodenal wall, the echo intensity and the echo homogeneity. The size of the lesions and the perifocal structures were also investigated. The diagnosis by EUS was compared with the histological results., Results: Using routine endoscopy, only one case was correctly diagnosed as DL. Four cases were classified as submucosal tumors, and three cases were mistaken for stromal tumors. All tumors appeared as round or oval intensive hyperechoic lesions with distinct anterior borders that originated from the submucosal layer on EUS. Tumors ranged from 8 to 36 mm in size, with an average size of 16 mm. Homogeneous echogenicity was seen in all cases except one that had a tubular structure inside the tumor. Echo attenuation was observed only in the area behind the tumors in five cases, and it was observed both inside and behind the tumors in three cases in which the posterior border was obscure or invisible. Seven (87.5%) cases were correctly diagnosed as DL, and one (12.5%) was mistaken as Brunner's gland adenoma by EUS. Pathologically, all tumors originated from the submucosal layer and consisted of mature fat cells without heteromorphism. Among the fat cells, there was a small amount of thick-wall vessels infiltrating the lymphocytes, and abundant fibrous connective tissues., Conclusion: On EUS, DL is featured as an intensive homogeneous hyperechoic submucosal lesion with marked echo attenuation and without involvement of the mucosa.

Large-scale tetracene-doped anthracene nanowire arrays were prepared, and the doping effects were studied. The high doping concentration up to 10% (molar ratio) has been achieved, attributed to both the unique long-nanowire geometry and the excellent structural compatibility of anthracene and tetracene. The incorporation of long tetracene molecules into the matrix of short anthracene molecules induced an enlarged interlayer thickness, a decreased nanowire thickness, and an expanded nanowire width. The tetracene molecules were homogeneously embedded into the anthracene matrix at low doping concentrations (<1%). The doping became inhomogeneous at high doping concentrations (≥1%). The energy transfer efficiency between anthracene and tetracene is nearly 100% at doping concentrations ≥1%.

Objective: To observe the efficacy and safety of oral propranolol in the treatment of periorbital proliferating phase infantile hemangioma., Methods: A retrospective review of patient medical records was performed. 12 patients (9 female, 3 male; 1.5-8.5 months, average 3.3 months) with periorbital proliferating phase infantile hemangioma underwent oral propranolol therapy. The dosage was slowly increased to 2 mg/kg daily in divided doses for a mean duration of 16 weeks (range 4 weeks-41 weeks). Therapeutic outcomes and safety were established by evaluating colour, size of lesion, duration of treatment and side-effects of treatment before and after treatment., Results: Of these, 9 had a signification reduction in colour and size of the lesions, 2 had no further growth. 1 is stopped therapy due to hypotension after drug administration. 11 other patients, although mild adverse effects were noted, no symptoms were severe enough to discontinue treatment., Conclusions: Propranolol appears to be a safe and effective treatment in the management of periorbital proliferating phase infantile hemangioma.

Objective: To quantitatively analyze the effects of ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) on gait stability and explore its use for walking capacity, gait stability and balance control in post-stroke patients., Methods: A total of 25 inpatients with prior chronic hemiparesis from stroke who could walk at least 10 meters without assistance were recruited. The maximal walking speed and gait asymmetry index were examined by a motion analysis system. Functional balance was assessed by the Functional Ambulation Categories, Berg Balance Scale and Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test., Results: AFO had positive effects on the hemiplegic gait parameters of improving walking speed, gait stability and functional balance (P < 0.01). Pair wise comparisons suggested that there were significant differences in the maximal walking speed, Functional Ambulation Categories and gait asymmetry index after an immediate use of AFO (P < 0.05). At Week 4, there were significant differences in the parameters of walking speed, gait asymmetry index and functional balance control (P < 0.01)., Conclusion: The use of AFO may compensate the instability of gait and balance. Functional tests improve significantly with orthosis.

Radially oriented anthracene nanowires and their self-assembled concentric ring arrays were prepared through a facial solvent-evaporation method. The successful growth of anthracene nanowires can be attributed to a combined mechanism of molecular self-assembly facilitated by strong π-π intermolecular interactions together with evaporation-induced capillary flow and fingering instability. Their radial orientation is determined by the capillary flow; their shape (either straight or curved nanowires) is governed by the competition between the capillary and Marangoni convectional flows. The self-assembly of nanowires into large-scale concentric ring arrays can be interpreted in terms of the repeated slipping-and-sticking motions of the contact line. The high-quality crystalline anthracene nanowire arrays exhibit size-dependent fluorescence emission with high-degree anisotropy.

Objective: To explore the mutations of coagulation factor VII (FVII) gene in one pedigree with hereditary FVII deficiency, and to investigate the molecular mechanisms of FVII deficiency., Methods: FVII gene mutations were analysed in the pedigree by direct DNA sequencing. The mutated DNA fragments were cloned into pMD19-T simple TA vector, and sequenced to confirm their distribution on chromosome. The plasma activity of FVII of the probands and their family members was detected with coagulation assay. The antigen of FVII were identified with ELISA., Results: Three gene mutations were detected in the pedigree: A/G to C at 15386 resulting in Arg353Pro/Gln353Pro, A to T at 15274 resulting in Lys316Stop, all three mutations were heterozygotes. Three kinds of polymorphisms were identified in his father: A to G transition at position 15386 resulting in Arg353Gln, heterozygotic deletion of 2050 - 2059 cctatatcct in promoter and G to A mutation in intron 1a, the same polymorphisms were found in his grandfather. The three polymorphisms were located in the same chromosome of his father., Conclusion: Two mutations were found in the pedigree with hereditary FVII deficiency. One is nonsense mutation (Lys316Stop), the other is missense one (Gln353Pro). Gln353Pro and Lys316Stop might be the molecular mechanisms of FVII deficiency. The two novel mutations were reported for the first time in the literature.

Objective: To analyze the phenotype and genotype in three Chinese pedigrees with inherited dysfibrinogenemia., Methods: Laboratory tests including activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), reptilase time (RT), and the activities of antithrombin (AT:C), protein C (PC:C) and protein S(PS:C) were detected in three pedigrees. The activity and antigen of plasma fibrinogen (Fg) were analyzed by Clauss and immunoturbidimetry methods, respectively. The Fg of three probands was assessed by Western blot and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The sequences of all the exons and exon-intron boundaries of the three Fg genes FGA, GFB and FGG were amplified by PCR and analyzed by direct sequencing., Results: Three probands had normal APTT, PT, PC:C, PS:C and AT:C, but prolonged TT and RT. The activity levels of the 3 probands's plasma Fg were reduced, but antigen levels were normal. Western blot and SDS-PAGE showed no abnormal molecular weight of Fg. The 3 heterozygous mutations of γ Arg275His, Aα Pro18Leu and Aα Arg16Cys were identified in the 3 probands, respectively., Conclusion: The three probands with dysfibrinogenemia were caused by the mutations of γ Arg275His, Aα Pro18Leu and Aα Arg16Cys, respectively. Both Aα Pro18Leu and Aα Arg16Cys were first reported in Chinese population.

We have prepared photosensitizer-doped conjugated polymer nanoparticles by using a reprecipitation method. The conjugated polymer, poly[9,9-dibromohexylfluorene-2,7-ylenethylene-alt-1,4-(2,5-dimethoxy)phenylene] (PFEMO), was used as the host matrix to disperse tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP). These TPP-doped PFEMO nanoparticles are stable and have a uniform size of ∼50 nm. Efficient intraparticle energy transfer from PFEMO to TPP has been observed. The TPP emission of the nanoparticles was found to be enhanced by 21-fold by PFEMO under two-photon excitation. Enhanced two-photon excitation singlet oxygen generation efficiency in the TPP-doped PFEMO nanoparticles has been demonstrated. Our results suggest that these photosensitizer-doped conjugated polymer nanoparticles can act as novel photosensitizing agents for two-photon photodynamic therapy and related applications.

Objective: To analyze phenotype and genotype of three Chinese pedigrees with von Willebrand disease (vWD), and explore the molecular mechanism., Methods: Bleeding time (BT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation (RIPA), von Willebrand factor (vWF): ristocetin cofactor (RCof) (vWF:RCof), vWF antigen (vWF:Ag), vWF activity (vWF:A) test, vWF collagen binding assay (vWF:CB), vWF and Factor VIII (FVIII) binding assay (vWF:FVIII:B) and multimer analysis were used for phenotype diagnosis. Genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood (PB). All the 52 exons and flanking sequences of the probands' vWF gene were amplified by PCR and analyzed by direct sequencing., Results: APTT were prolonged in all three probands, while BT were normal excepting for proband 3. Plasma RIPA, vWF:RCo, vWF:Ag, vWF:A and vWF:CB were decreased in different extents. In multimer analysis, proband 3 lost the large and intermediate molecular weight multimers, while proband 1 and 2 were normal. Gene analysis in the three probands revealed three heterozygous missense mutations of 144067 G→A (R2287Q) in exon 39, 110374G→A (R1374H) and 110770C→T (S1506L) in exon 28 and heterozygous polymorphism 110667G→A (D1472H) in exon 28, respectively., Conclusion: The three heterozygous mutations (R2287Q, R1374H and S1506L) and an heterozygous polymorphism (D1472H) are genetic defects of the hereditary vWD of the three pedigrees respectively. R2287Q is a novel mutation reported for the first time in the literature.

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, [Ni(C(2)H(8)N(2))(3)](C(8)H(4)O(5))·H(2)O, contains one [Ni(en)(3)](2+) cation (en is ethane-1,2-diamine), one 5-hy-droxy-isophthalate dianion and one water mol-ecule. In the cation, the Ni(2+) ion is coordinated by six N atoms from three ethyl-enediamine ligands in a distorted octa-hedral geometry. The complex ions and water mol-ecules are linked by weak N-H⋯N/O and O-H⋯N/O hydrogen bonds into a three-demensional structure.

Background: Apoptosis plays an important role in central neural diseases and trauma. B-cell lymphoma/Leukemia-2 (Bcl-2) can inhibit apoptosis in a wide variety of cells including neurons. In this experiment, by studying Bcl-2 over-expression transgenic (TG) mice subjected to spinal cord injury (SCI), we investigated whether Bcl-2 could reduce posttraumatic neuronal apoptosis, reduce the range of damage, and improve the behavioral functional recovery after contusive SCI., Methods: Nine Bcl-2 TG mice and nine control mice were subjected to SCI of moderate severity at T10, with the use of weight dropping (WD) method (impact force 2.5×3.0 g/cm). At times up to 1 day, 7 days and 14 days after SCI, functional deficits were evaluated with Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scales, and apoptosis of neurons was investigated by using the TUNEL method. Another three control mice only underwent lamina opening, but were not subjected to SCI, to provide blank comparison., Results: The mean functional scores for the control mice (5.05 ±0.35) were lower than those for the Bcl-2 TG mice (5.45 ±0.15), although the unpaired T-test revealed no significant difference (P=0.67). On the other hand, the number of TUNEL positive neurons and integrated option density (IOD) scores for the Bcl-2 TG mice were both significantly lower than those for the control mice (P<0.05)., Conclusions: This experiment suggests that overexpression of Bcl-2 may suppress neuronal apoptosis after SCI. Bcl-2 may be an important factor within the central nervous system that can relieve the damage after trauma.

A facile and simple approach for the covalent functionalization of surfactant wrapped graphene sheets is described. The approach involves functionalization of dispersible graphene sheets with various alkylazides and 11-azidoundecanoic acid proved the best azide for enhanced dispersibility. The functionalization was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy. The free carboxylic acid groups can bind to gold nanoparticles, which were introduced as markers for the reactive sites. The interaction between gold nanoparticles and the graphene sheets was followed by UV-vis spectroscopy. The gold nanoparticle-graphene composite was characterized by transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, demonstrating the uniform distribution of gold nanoparticles all over the surface. Our results open the possibility to control the functionalization on graphene in the construction of composite nanomaterials.

Geese form a fatty liver after feeding on a carbohydrate-rich diet, possibly as an evolutionary adaptation to accumulate reserves for migration. To gain insight into the gene-regulation processes of hepatic steatosis in geese, we examined the profile of transcriptional expression in goose fatty liver and control liver by suppression subtractive hybridization and measured the levels of serum biochemical variables. We found 107 genes whose expression was different between the treatment and control groups. The main functions of these genes are metabolic processes, including the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, and lipids. Twenty-four genes were classified using the Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes pathways. Twelve genes that related to metabolic and cellular processes were confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR. A specific positive effect of feeding was observed on the expression of genes involved mainly in unsaturated fatty acids and triglyceride synthesis, and a negative effect was observed on genes involved in β-oxidation, cholesterol metabolism, and glycolysis. The results could serve as an important reference for the development of goose breeding for fatty liver production and human liver disease research.

Objectives: The velocity vector imaging (VVI) technique is useful to assess regional myocardial mechanics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of this technology in assessing regional right ventricular longitudinal functions in the fetus and to establish a nomogram of the right ventricle (RV)., Methods: We studied 170 healthy fetuses that were divided into five groups based on gestational age. Dynamic digital images of four chambers were collected and analyzed off-line. The longitudinal VVI parameters were calculated in the right free wall and ventricular septum, respectively., Results: A total of 151 out of 170 fetuses (89%) were successfully analyzed using VVI, with good inter- and intra-observer agreements. Normal values for velocity, strain, and strain rate were established. The tissue velocity gradually decreased from basal to apical segment (P < 0.05), whereas strain and strain rate remained stable. The tissue velocity increased with gestational age (P < 0.05), whereas strain and strain rate were stable (P > 0.05)., Conclusion: Fetal myocardial velocity, strain, and strain rate measurements are easy to obtain and are reproducible. From mid-to-late gestation, the longitudinal tissue velocity of the RV increases with gestational age, whereas strain and strain rate remain stable. These results indicate that myocardial contractility is established in mid-gestation and remains constant throughout gestation.

Novel multifunctional nanoparticles that combine two functionalities (a gold nanorod core and a porphyrin-doped mesoporous silica shell) into one entity were synthesized. Due to the encapsulation of mesoporous silica, the porphyrin can be well protected against the external bioenvironment. In addition, the generated singlet oxygen by porphyrin molecules can be easily released from the silica. We have demonstrated that these multifunctional nanoparticles can generate singlet oxygen with relatively higher yield compared to free porphyrin. These multifunctional nanocomposites are attractive candidates for simultaneous photosensitization and two-photon imaging as well as imaging guided therapy.

Objective: To comprehend the anatomic characteristics and correlations between the accessory nerve and the phrenic nerve in the adult corpses., Methods: The bilateral accessory nerves, phrenic nerves, and their branches of 20 adult corpses (38 sides) were underwent exposure. The morphologic data of the accessory nerves and the phrenic nerves above clavicle were measured. In addition, the minimal and maximal distances from several points on the accessory nerve to the full length of the phrenic nerve above clavicle were measured. Then, the number of motor nerve fibers on different locations of the nerves utilizing the method of immunohistochemistry were counted and compared., Result: The accessory nerves after sending out the sternocleido-mastoid muscular branches were similar in the morphologic data with the phrenic nerves. Meanwhile, the accessory nerve had a coiled appearance within this geometrical area. The possibly minimal distance between the accessory nerve and phrenic nerve was (3.19 ± 1.23) cm, and the possibly maximal distance between the starting point of accessory nerve and the end of the phrenic nerve above clavicle was (8.71 ± 0.75) cm., Conclusions: The accessory nerve and the phrenic nerve are similar in the anatomic evidences and the number of motor nerve fibers. And the length of accessory nerve is sufficiently long to connect with phrenic nerve as needed. It is possible to suture them without strain directly.

By using a series of type-specific primers for Plasmodium vivax circumsporozoite protein (CSP) gene and nested PCR, genotyping was conducted for the specimens of Plasmodium vivax isolated from China-Myanmar border. In 174 isolates of P. vivax, four genotypes, namely, tropical zone family strain, temperate zone family strain, genotype-mixed infection and PV-II type, were identified each accounting for 54.6%, 35.6%, 6.9%, and 2.9%, respectively. The tropical zone family strain was dominant in the border area. There was no significant difference on the P.v CSP genotype constitution between Laza isolate of Myanmar and Tengchong isolate of Yunnan, China.

We previously demonstrated that acetonitrile (N[triple bond]C-CH(3)) binds to the adjacent adatom-rest atom pair of Si(111)-7x7 through a [2+2]-like cycloaddition reaction, forming a (Si)N=C(Si)-CH(3)-like surface species [Tao et al., J. Phys. Chem. B 106, 3890 (2002)]. Current investigation clearly showed that chloroacetonitrile (N[triple bond]C-CH(2)Cl), propargyl chloride (HC[triple bond]C-CH(2)Cl), and 3-chloropropionitrile (N[triple bond]C-CH(2)-CH(2)Cl) react with the surface via enelike reactions, concurrently involving N[triple bond]C/C[triple bond]C as well as the breakage of the C-Cl/C-H bond. Further separation of the unsaturated bond (C[triple bond]C) from the C-Cl bond using CH(2) spacers in 5-chloro-1-pentyne (CH[triple bond]C-CH(2)CH(2)CH(2)Cl) would direct the reaction to a [2+2]-like cycloaddition. These experimental results clearly suggest the possibility of controlling the surface reaction pathways by tuning the organic molecular structures. This strategy can be useful in designing and fabricating functional molecular templates on Si(111)-7x7.

Objective: To examine the expression of CEACAM-land CXCL-14 in the different stages of infantile hemangioma and to explore the role of CEACAM-1 and CXCL-14 in the occurrence and development of infantile hemangioma., Methods: The expression of CEACAM-1 and CXCL-14 was detected by immunohistochemical technique and Western Blot in cases of proliferating hemangiomas, involuting hemangiomas, involuted hemangiomas. The mean optical density was measured by image analysis system., Results: The expression of CEACAM-1 in early stage of proliferating hemangiomas was weak or negative, while it was strong in involuting hemangiomas and positive in the involuted stage. The differences between different stages had a statistically significance (P < 0.05). The expression of CXCL-14 was weak or negative in stage of proliferating hemangiomas, positive in involuting hemangiomas and strong in the involuted stage. The differences between different stages had a statistically significance (P < 0.05)., Conclusions: CEACAM-1 and CXCL-14 are involved in the occurrence and development of infantile hemangioma.

Aim: To evaluate the diagnostic value of double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB)., Methods: The data about 75 OGIB patients who underwent DBE in January 2007-June 2009 in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed., Results: DBE was successfully performed in all 75 patients without complication. Of the 75 patients, 44 (58.7%) had positive DBE findings, 22 had negative DBE findings but had potential bleeding at surgery and capsule endoscopy, etc. These 66 patients were finally diagnosed as OGIB which was most commonly caused by small bowel tumor (28.0%), angiodysplasia (18.7%) and Crohn's disease (10.7%). Lesions occurred more frequently in proximal small bowel than in distal small bowel (49.3% vs 33.3%, P = 0.047)., Conclusion: DBE is a safe, effective and accurate procedure for the diagnosis of OGIB.

The disability of visuospatial attention can lead to poor volitional movement and functional recovery in patients with brain lesions. However, the accurate clinical method to assess visuospatial attention is limited. The frontoparietal network including the posterior parietal cortex and the frontal eye fields has been shown to involve in visuospatial attention. The Attention Network Test provided measures for three different components of visuospatial attention: alerting, orienting and executive control. This study was to probe the deficit and relationship of visuospatial attention using Attention Network Test paradigm in patients with frontoparietal network lesions. During this task, patients responded significantly slower on each cue condition and target type than controls, and showed deficits in the alerting and orienting networks. The efficiency of resolving conflict was decreased in patients with frontal lesions whereas this was increased in patients with parietal lesions. These findings suggest that the frontoparietal network is involved in the alerting and orienting attentional function and the executive function is possibly selectively associated with the frontal lobe. The Attention Network Test paradigm produces sensitive, valid and reliable subject estimates of visuospatial attention function in patients with brain lesions, and may be useful for clinical rehabilitation strategy selection for patients with the frontoparietal network lesions., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To identify the phenotype and genotype in four Chinese pedigrees with inherited coagulation factor V (FV) deficiency., Methods: The tests of activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), FV activity (FV:C) and FV antigen (FV:Ag) were used for phenotype diagnosis. All the exons and exon-intron boundaries of F5 gene were amplified by PCR and analyzed by direct sequencing., Results: The APTT and PT in each of the four probands were obviously prolonged, and both activity and antigen of FV in the four probands were extremely lower compared with that of normal mixed plasma. Sequencing of F5 gene in proband 1 identified a heterozygous mutation, G16088C (Asp68His), and four polymorphisms, T35788C (Met385Thr), A47295G (His1299Arg), A58668G (Met1736Val) and A74083G (Asp2194Gly), which were located in the same chromosome; proband 2 was homozygous for two mutations, C46253T (Arg952Cys) and C46724T(Gln1109stop); the F5 gene of proband 3 showed a homozygous missense mutation, C67793G(Pro2006Ala); and proband 4 was homozygous for one missense mutation, C74022T (Arg2174Cys)., Conclusion: Five mutations (Asp68His, Arg952Cys, Gln1109stop, Pro2006Ala and Arg2174Cys) and four polymorphisms (Met385Thr, His1299Arg, Met1736Val and Asp2194Gly) may lead to type I inherited FV deficiency for these four probands, respectively. Gln1109stop, Pro2006Ala and Arg2174Cys haven't been identified before.

Objective: To identify the clinical phenotype and gene mutation in two kindreds with type I inherited antithrombin (AT) deficiency., Methods: The coagulation and anticoagulation testing and thrombophilia screening were used for phenotypic diagnosis and immunonephelometry and chromogenic assay for plasma level of AT antigen (AT:Ag) and AT activity (AT:A), respectively. All of the seven exons and intron-exon boundaries and untranslation regions of AT gene were amplified by PCR, and the PCR products analysis was by direct sequencing. The corresponding gene sites of the two family members and healthy individuals were detected according to the gene mutation sites., Results: The plasma levels of AT:Ag of proband 1 and proband 2 were 126 mg/L and 117 mg/L, and AT:A was 49% and 48%, respectively. Heterozygotic deletion of 3239-3240delCT in proband 1 and nonsense mutation 3206A-->T (K70Stop) in proband 2 were rchaacterized in exon 2 of AT gene. And some of their family members were also detected with the heterozygotic gene mutation., Conclusion: Type I inherited antithrombin deficiency of the two probands were caused by AT gene mutation 3239-3240delCT and 3206A-->T (K70Stop).

Objective: To summarize the clinical features of the duodenal lipomas in order to explore effective diagnostic methods and appropriate treatment preoperatively., Methods: The clinical features, laboratory results, endoscopic appearance, radiological and pathological data of 8 cases of duodenal lipoma were retrospectively analyzed., Results: Four patients suffered with repeated melena, 3 cases with epigastric discomfort, sour regurgitation or hiccup, while 1 patient without any symptoms. Liver functions, serum lipids and tumor markers were normal in all patients. Six patients had been detected lesions by gastroscopy (2 cases missed diagnosed in the first examination), these lesions were appeared in duodenal bulb (2 cases) or descendant duodenum (4 cases). Abdominal CT examination revealed partial duodenal wall thickening (6 cases), partial enteric cavity narrowing (4 cases), or low-density lesions in enteric cavity (3 cases) with CT value of -85 HU and evenly intensified when enhanced. EUS showed intensive hyperechoic lesions from submucosa, with homogeneous echo and clear margin. Biopsy under endoscopy in all patients showed chronic inflammation of mucosa, while the pathologic diagnosis was lipoma after surgical excision or endoscopic resection. Pancreaticoduodenectomy performed in 1 patient, duodenal tumorectomy in 3 patients and endoscopic resection with snare in 4 patients., Conclusion: Common site of duodenal lipoma is descending part, and the clinical manifestations are non-specific. Imaging and endoscopic examination are the mainly methods to detect the lesion, while EUS is significantly valuable in diagnosing and differential diagnosing. It can be treated by partial tumorectomy or endoscopic trap resection.

Poly-copper tetraaminophthalocyanine (CuTAPc) nanotubes were successfully fabricated on porous alumina templates by electropolymerization. Their high surface area and simple preparation protocol made them potential candidates as the modification layer of electrodes for sensor application. High sensitivities and improved linear ranges were obtained through different measurements such as differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), differential potential amperometric (DPA) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Detection limits as low as 10 nM were demonstrated in common voltammetric analysis with ultra-high response current in the microA range.

Diffuse liver infiltration by melanoma of unknown primary origin is rare. We encountered a unique case of diffuse liver infiltration by melanoma of unknown primary origin in our hospital. A 62-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for anorexia of 6 months duration and abdominal distension for 1 month. Ultrasonography (US), computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an obvious enlarged liver without detectable nodules. She was diagnosed as liver metastasis by melanoma of unknown primary origin via percutaneous liver biopsy. The report demonstrates the difficulty of making a noninvasive diagnosis of diffuse hepatic infiltration on metastatic melanoma.

Statins are being widely used for the therapy and prevention of several types of tumors, including human chronic myelogenous leukemia, but the underlying molecular mechanisms still remain unknown. Therefore, inhibition of cell proliferation, apoptosis and involved molecules were investigated in K562 cells after incubation with simvastatin.The results showed that simvastatin diminished K562 cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. At the same time, the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and intracellular calcium concentration increased. Furthermore, nitric oxide (NO) content and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression were significantly higher in the simvastatin-treated group than in the corresponding control group. The elevated ROS level and intracellular calcium concentration, enhanced mRNA expression of iNOS and total NO content might be responsible for the apoptotic and anti-proliferative effects of simvastatin in K562 cells.

An experiment was conducted on Haloxylon ammodendron C.A. Mey, a small xeric tree. Soil water content, soil evaporation, leaf water potential, leaf transpiration rate and stomatal conductance were measured at the two sites that contrast in soil texture: sandy and heavy textured, 8 km apart on the southern periphery of Gurbantonggut Desert, Central Asia, during the 2005 and 2006 growing seasons. Leaf specific hydraulic conductance was calculated from the measurements, and root distributions of plants grown at the two sites were quantified by whole-root system excavation. In general, plants grown in sandy soil experienced better water status than in heavy textured soil. Low soil evaporation loss is not the main reason for this better plant water status at sandy site. Plants in sandy soil developed much deeper root systems, larger root surface areas and higher root: leaf surface area ratio than in heavy textured soil, which facilitated plants acquiring more water and surviving the prolonged drought period. Plants growing at light textured sites should have an advantage in acclimatising to the changed water conditions of the future. Plants at the more sandy sites have a larger buffering capacity to excessive variation in ambient conditions.

Objective: To explore the apoptotic effect of simvastatin on K562 cells through Caspase-12 activation., Methods: Morphological changes of apoptotic cells were observed by Hoechst33258 fluorescent staining under fluorescent microscope; Apoptosis rate of cells was determined with annexin V-FITC/PI double staining by flow cytometry; Intracellular calcium concentration ([ca2+]i) was measured by Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope(LSCM); The expression levels of GRP78 and Calpain gene mRNA were determined by RT-PCR; The expression levels of Caspase-3,-6,-7,-9,-12 and GRP78 proteins were evaluated by Western blot., Results: Typical morphological changes of K562 apoptosis cells were observed post 72 hours treated with 10, 20, 30 micromol/L simvastatin. The apoptotic rates of K562 cells were (12.41 +/- 0.32)%, (19.08 +/- 0.26)% and (23.41 +/- 0.36)%, respectively. The fluorescent intensities were 43 +/- 2.9, 54 +/- 2.7 and 64 +/- 2.6, respectively in K562 cells treated with 10, 20, 30 micromol/L simvastatin, which represented the increase of [ca2+]i The expression levels of GRP78 and Calpain gene mRNA were up-regulated. And the cleavage and activation of Caspase-3,-6,-7,-9,-12 and upregulation of GRP78 expression were demonstrated by Western blot detection for the treated cells., Conclusion: Caspase-12 is a important pathway of apoptosis in cells and participates simvastatin-induced apoptosis in K562 cells.

Objective: To examine the values of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) on diagnosis and treatment of esophageal hamartoma., Methods: We compared and analyzed various kinds of imaging examinations such as barium esophagram, contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and conventional gastroscopy in retrospectively reviewing the clinical data of an esophageal hamartoma patient seen in our clinic in the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China. Having received various imaging examinations, this patient was finally diagnosed with esophageal hamartoma and underwent gastroscopic resection of hamartoma with the diagnostic information obtained from EUS. The patient had been regularly followed up for 13 months after treatment., Results: Barium esophagram, CT and conventional gastroscopy detected the lesion, but were unable to distinguish it from common esophagopolypus and other submucosal lesions, and unable to determine etiopathogenisis. EUS detected the hamartoma and identified its internal structure, echo, exact size, depth of invasion, origin and the relationship between adjacent tissues and organs, differentiating the lesion from other submucosal tumors and clearly defining the diagnosis. EUS-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) also helped to identify the etiological diagnosis., Conclusion: EUS was superior to other imaging means in diagnosis and treatment of hamartoma.

Background and Aim: Gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumors (GIMTs) are tumors which arise from mesenchymal cells other than lymphocytes or epithelial cells and include gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), smooth muscle tumors, neurogenic tumors, fibroblast tumors, and liparomphalus. Here, we studied the clinicopathologic characteristics of GIMTs and determined the diagnostic value of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in GIMTs., Methods: The morphological characteristics of 415 GIMT cases were observed using light microscopy. The expression of CD117, CD34, smooth muscle actin (SMA), S-100, and Ki-67 were detected using immunohistochemistry. EUS results were retrospectively analyzed in 76 cases., Results: Among the 415 GIMT cases, there were 229 GIST cases, 178 smooth muscle tumor cases, and eight neurogenic tumor cases. Diffuse strong expression of CD117 was observed in 202 (88.2%) GISTs and strong expression of CD34 was observed in 135 (59.0%) GISTs. SMA and S-100 expression was detected in smooth muscle tumors (leiomyomas/leiomyosarcoma) and neurogenic tumors, respectively. Of the 12 cases with GISTs, nine cases with positive ki-67 expression and accompanied with more mitosis were pathologically diagnosed as malignant GISTs. Most of the borderline and malignant tumors were found in male patients. EUS was 98.7% accurate in determining GIMT locations, 82.9% accurate in diagnosing GIMTs, and 80.3% accurate in differentiating benign from malignant tumors., Conclusions: GISTs, rather than leiomyomas, are the most common GIMTs. Immunohistochemical markers, such as CD117, CD34, SMA, and S-100, can differentiate GISTs from smooth muscle and neurogenic tumors. The expression of Ki-67 in patients with significant karyokinesis supports a malignant tumor diagnosis. EUS is an accurate method for detecting GIMTs and differentiating between benign and malignant tumors. Use of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsies may enable clinicians to make more accurate diagnoses than currently used methods.

A series of novel arylpyrrolylmaleimides was synthesized and evaluated for their in-vitro cytotoxicity against various human cancer cell lines and their protein-kinase C inhibitory activity. Some of the compounds showed high or moderate cytotoxic activity against the tested cell lines. Compound 6b is the most promising compound against the tested cancer cell lines; 6d and 6e showed moderate protein-kinase C inhibition. Structure-activity relationships are discussed based on the experimental data obtained.

Poly-copper tetraaminophthalocyanine (CuTAPc) nanowires and nanotubes were successfully fabricated on porous alumina templates by electropolymerization and characterized using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Raman microscopy. The lengths of these nanostructures could be controlled by the number of cycles applied and the monomer concentrations, while their diameters are confined by the pore size of the template. The product of electropolymerization (whether as nanowires or nanotubes) is a function of the monomer concentrations. The morphology of electropolymerized nanowires was found to be sensitive to the changes in scan rates and monomer concentrations. These organometallic nanostructures may have applications in micro-electronics, chemical sensing, and catalysis.

To explore the apoptotic effect of simvastatin on K562 cells through endoplasmic reticulum stress, morphological change of apoptotic cells was observed by Hoechst33258 fluorescent staining under fluorescent microscope. Apoptosis rate of cells was determined with annexinV-FITC/PI double staining by flow cytometry; Intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) was measured by laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM); The expression levels of glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and calpain gene mRNA were determined by RT-PCR; The expression levels of caspase-3, -6, -7, -9, -12, calpain and GRP78 proteins were evaluated by Western blotting. In this study, K562 cells treated with simvastatin for 72 h exhibited typical morphological change of apoptosis cells. After 72 h exposed to 10, 20, 30 micromol x L(-1) simvastatin, the apoptotic rates of K562 cells were 12.41%, 19.08% and 23.41%, respectively. Simvastatin induced the increase of [Ca2+]i in K562 cells, fluorescent intensities were 43, 54, and 64, respectively. The expression levels of GRP78 and calpain gene mRNA were up-regulated. The cleavage and activation of caspase-3, -6, -7, -9, -12 and upregulation of GRP78 expression were determined by Western blotting. These findings suggest that endoplasmic reticulum is an important pathway of apoptosis in cells and participates simvastatin-induced apoptosis in K562 cells. It is implied that simvastatin may be suitable for clinical usage in the treatment of myeloma patients.

The process of benzene adsorption on an adjacent adatom-rest atom pair on Si(111)-7 x 7 at room temperature was studied using in-situ scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Both adsorption and desorption of benzene were observed to take place mostly at adjacent sites during the process. DFT calculation results show that the bond length between the rest atom and the carbon atom in a pre-adsorbed benzene molecule increases due to the charge transfer from a neighboring rest atom in response to an approaching benzene molecule. Such increase in the bond length, when coupled resonantly to the C-Si thermal vibration, could result in bond breakage and desorption of the adsorbate. The studies provide evidence for the desorption of a chemisorbed benzene caused by an adsorbing benzene at a neighboring site through a substrate-mediated electronic interaction.

Objective: The diagnoses of patients with duodenal protruding lesions are difficult when using conventional examinations such as computed tomography (CT) and conventional endoscope etc. Thus, we investigated the clinical value of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) with miniature ultrasonic probes on the diagnosis and treatment of duodenal protruding lesions., Methods: Patients with duodenal protruding lesions who were indicated for EUS were examined by EUS with 12 approximately 15 MHz miniature ultrasonic probes and double-cavity electronic endoscope. According to diagnosis of EUS, those patients were indicated for biopsy and treatment received biopsy, endoscopic resection or surgical excision. The postoperative histological results were compared with the preoperative diagnosis of EUS. Those patients without endoscopic resection or surgical excision were periodically followed up with EUS., Results: A total of 169 patients with duodenal protruding lesions were examined by EUS, of which 40 were diagnosed with cysts, 36 with inflammatory protruding or polyp, 25 with Brunner's gland adenoma, 19 with ectopic pancreas, 17 with gastrointestinal stromal tumor, 12 with extrinsic compression, 12 with minor papilla, 6 with lipoma, 1 with adenocarcinoma and 1 with lymphoma. After EUS examinations, 75 patients received biopsy, endoscopic resection or surgical excision respectively. The postoperative histological results of 70 patients were completely consistent with the preoperative diagnosis of EUS, with 93.33% diagnostic accuracy. The results of follow-up with EUS indicated that duodenal cyst, Brunner's gland adenoma, ectopic pancreas, gastrointestinal stromal tumor and lipoma remained unchanged within 1 approximately 3 years. No related complications occurred among all patients that received EUS examinations., Conclusion: EUS is an effective and reliable diagnostic method for duodenal protruding lesions.

Objectives: To explore the thrombin generation capacity in patients on warfarin therapy with different prothrombin time international normalized ratio (PT-INR), the capacity in relation to bleeding, and the application of thrombin generation tests to warfarin therapy monitoring., Methods: Seventy eight blood samples were taken from patients on warfarin therapy for more than 3 months owing to valve replacement or atrial fibrillation. The patients' case history and PT-INR were collected and thrombin generation tests were performed in all samples., Results: Patients were ranked into three groups according to different PT-INR. There were 23 patients in group I with PT-INR from 1.51 to 2.00, 39 patients in group II with PT-INR from 2.01 to 3.00, and 16 patients in group III with PT-INR from 3.01 to 4.26. There were significant differences between each two of the three groups in lag time, peak, and ttpeak (time to peak) (P <0.01). There was a significant difference between group I and group II in endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) (P = 0.0001), but not between group II and group III (P= 0.06). Five patients developed bleeding and their ETP was less than 15% of normal control., Conclusion: In patients on warfarin therapy, when the PT-INR was more than 3.0, increasing the dose of warfarin doesn' t decrease the thrombin generation, but increase bleeding risk. PT-INR combined with ETP may better reflect patient's coagulation status, therefore be of more significance in preventing bleeding.

Objective: To evaluate the possible role of alkaloid sinomenine (SIN) on chronic rejection in rat heart transplantation model., Methods: After a brief course of cyclosporine A (CsA), DA recipients of PVG hearts were treated with placebo, SIN, CsA, or a combination of both drugs. Grafts were analyzed morphometrically and by immuno-histochemistry. Expressions of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and endothelin 1 (ET-1) were assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction., Results: Cardiac grafts of SIN-treated rats showed a mild degree of vasculopathy compared with untreated rats or CsA-treated recipients. Degree of vasculopathy was significantly reduced in rats treated with combined SIN and CsA than rats receiving either drug alone. Treatment with SIN alone did not affect gene expressions of bFGF, VEGF, and ET-1 while expressions of bFGF, VEGF, and ET-1 were significantly reduced by combined treatment with SIN and CsA., Conclusion: These results demonstrated a potential value of SIN, in combination with low-dose CsA to attenuate the vasculopathy in this rat model of chronic cardiac allograft rejection.