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Angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma (AFH) is a soft tissue tumor of uncertain differentiation. Although its prognosis is good, its diagnosis and differential diagnosis remain a challenge, particularly for tumors with an atypical morphology. We evaluated the clinicopathological characteristics of 14 AFH cases and examined the key factors in its diagnosis or differential diagnosis. The cohort comprised 6 men and 8 women aged 9-65 years (average age: 31.2 years). Most of the tumors (11/14, 79%) were located in soft tissues, whereas 3/14 (21%) were located in the lung (1 case) and brain (2 cases). Tumor cells were spindle-shaped to epithelioid, with a visible fibrous capsule (9/14, 64%), hemorrhagic gap (9/14, 64%), lymphocyte sleeve (7/14, 50%), necrosis (3/14, 21%), and infiltrative boundary (4/14, 29%). The tumors expressed desmin (10/14, 71%) and exhibited low levels of Ki-67. 13 cases (93%) displayed ESWSR1 gene rearrangement. At follow-up, 1 case (7%) experienced local tumor recurrence. AFH is a rare intermediate tumor. Its pathological diagnosis requires a comprehensive analysis of histological, immunophenotypic, and molecular genetic features to avoid misdiagnosis. Our study has further enriched the histological features of AFH, emphasizing the importance of differential diagnosis and providing a reference for clinical practice., (© 2024. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to The Japanese Society for Clinical Molecular Morphology.)

Chitosan samples were prepared from the shells of marine animals (crab and shrimp) and the cell walls of fungi (agaricus bisporus and aspergillus niger). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was used to detect their molecular structures, while headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) was employed to analyze their odor composition. A total of 220 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including esters, ketones, aldehydes, etc., were identified as the odor fingerprinting components of chitosan for the first time. A principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that chitosan could be effectively identified and classified based on its characteristic VOCs. The sum of the first three principal components explained 87% of the total variance in original information. An orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis (OPLS-DA) model was established for tracing and source identification purposes, demonstrating excellent performance with fitting indices R 2 X = 0.866, R 2 Y = 0.996, Q 2 = 0.989 for independent variable fitting and model prediction accuracy, respectively. By utilizing OPLS-DA modeling along with a heatmap-based tracing path study, it was found that 29 VOCs significantly contributed to marine chitosan at a significance level of VIP > 1.00 ( p < 0.05), whereas another set of 20 VOCs specifically associated with fungi chitosan exhibited notable contributions to its odor profile. These findings present a novel method for identifying commercial chitosan sources, which can be applied to ensure biological safety in practical applications.

Background: Spinal fractures in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) mainly present as instability, involving all three columns of the spine, and surgical intervention is often considered necessary. However, in AS patients, the significant alterations in bony structure and anatomy result in a lack of identifiable landmarks, which increases the difficulty of pedicle screw implantation. Therefore, we present the clinical outcomes of robotic-assisted percutaneous fixation for thoracolumbar fractures in patients with AS., Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on a series of 12 patients diagnosed with AS. All patients sustained thoracolumbar fractures between October 2018 and October 2022 and underwent posterior robotic-assisted percutaneous fixation procedures. Outcomes of interest included operative time, intra-operative blood loss, complications, duration of hospital stay and fracture union. The clinical outcomes were assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). To investigate the achieved operative correction, pre- and postoperative radiographs in the lateral plane were analyzed by measuring the Cobb angle., Results: The 12 patients had a mean age of 62.8 ± 13.0 years and a mean follow-up duration of 32.7 ± 18.9 months. Mean hospital stay duration was 15 ± 8.0 days. The mean operative time was 119.6 ± 32.2 min, and the median blood loss was 50 (50, 250) ml. The VAS value improved from 6.8 ± 0.9 preoperatively to 1.3 ± 1.0 at the final follow-up (P < 0.05). The ODI value improved from 83.6 ± 6.1% preoperatively to 11.8 ± 6.6% at the latest follow-up (P < 0.05). The average Cobb angle changed from 15.2 ± 11.0 pre-operatively to 8.3 ± 7.1 at final follow-up (P < 0.05). Bone healing was consistently achieved, with an average healing time of 6 (5.3, 7.0) months. Of the 108 screws implanted, 2 (1.9%) were improperly positioned. One patient experienced delayed nerve injury after the operation, but the nerve function returned to normal upon discharge., Conclusion: Posterior robotic-assisted percutaneous internal fixation can be used as an ideal surgical treatment for thoracolumbar fractures in AS patients. However, while robot-assisted pedicle screw placement can enhance the accuracy of pedicle screw insertion, it should not be relied upon solely., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Objective: We aim to investigate the species composition of ticks and the pathogen characteristics they carry in the Argun port area of the China-Russia border. Materials and Methods: Ticks were collected in surrounding grassland, mixed forest land, and other different habitats around the Argun port area at the Sino-Russian Border of Inner Mongolia in China in April 2019. The presence of 16 potential pathogens, including Yersinia Pestis, Francisella tularensis , Coxiella burnetii (Cb), Anaplasma sp. ( Ap ), spotted fever group rickettsiae ( SFG Rk) , Borrelia sp. (Bl) , Leptospira , Bartonella spp., Babesia , Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, tick-borne encephalitis virus, Bhanja virus, West Nile Virus, severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome bunyavirus, Hantaan virus, and bocavirus (boca) was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction. The DNA and amino acid sequences of tick-borne pathogens were compared for homology, and the phylogenetic trees were constructed by using Mega and Lasergene software. Results: A total of 210 ticks were collected and they belonged to three species: Dermacentor nuttalli, Ixodes persulcatus, and Haemaphysalis verticalis . Among them, 165 (78.57%) ticks tested positive for 5 pathogens, namely Ap , SFG Rk , Cb , Bl , and boca . Fifteen (7.14%) ticks were detected coinfection with two pathogens, and none were coinfected with three or more pathogens. Conclusion: This study shows the prevalence of at least five tick-borne pathogens in Argun, and there is a risk of coinfection by two pathogens in one tick. This study reveals the great importance of controlling tick-borne diseases in this region.

Cardiovascular diseases are associated with platelet hyperactivity, and downregulating platelet activation is one of the promising antithrombotic strategies. This study newly extracted two polysaccharides (purified exopolysaccharides, EPSp and purified intercellular exopolysaccharides, IPSp) from Cordyceps sinensis Cs-4 mycelial fermentation powder, and investigated the effects of the two polysaccharides and their gut bacterial metabolites on platelet functions and thrombus formation. EPSp and IPSp are majorly composed of galactose, mannose, glucose, and arabinose. Both EPSp and IPSp mainly contain 4-Gal p and 4-Glc p glycosidic linkages. EPSp and IPSp significantly inhibited human platelet activation and aggregation with a dose-dependent manner, and attenuated thrombus formation in mice without increasing bleeding risk. Furthermore, the EPSp and IPSp after fecal fermentation showed enhanced platelet inhibitory effects. The results have demonstrated the potential value of Cs-4 polysaccharides as novel protective ingredients for cardiovascular diseases.

No observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) is an identified dose level which used as a point of departure to infer a safe exposure limit of chemicals, especially in food additives and cosmetics. Recently, in silico approaches have been employed as effective alternatives to determine the toxicity endpoints of chemicals instead of animal experiments. Several acceptable models have been reported, yet assessing the risk of repeated-dose toxicity remains inadequate. This study established robust machine learning predictive models for NOAEL at different exposure durations by constructing high-quality datasets and comparing different kinds of molecular representations and algorithms. The features of molecular structures affecting NOAEL were explored using advanced cheminformatics methods, and predictive models also communicated the NOAEL between different species and exposure durations. In addition, a NOAEL prediction tool for chemical risk assessment is provided (available at: https://github.com/ifyoungnet/NOAEL). We hope this study will help researchers easily screen and evaluate the subacute and sub-chronic toxicity of disparate compounds in the development of food additives in the future., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This study investigated the effect of konjac glucomannan (KGM) of different molecular weight on fecal microflora against antibiotic disturbance. KGM (~1.8 × 10 7  Da) was partially hydrolysed with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) for 10 and 60 min to KGM1 (~2.1 × 10 4  Da) and KGM2 (7413 Da), respectively. The acid treatment caused significant reduction of intrinsic viscosity, average molecular weight (MW) and particle size of KGM, but brought limited change to the molecular structure. Low-MW KGM2 showed the most significant effect on fecal microflora in the presence of two common antibiotics (ampicillin and clindamycin), by increasing the relative abundance of Bifidobacteriaceae while decreasing the proportion of Enterobacteriaceae. Additionally, both the native and acid-treated KGM counteracted the adverse influence of antibiotics on the production of short chain fatty acids. The results have demonstrated the effect of KGM on gut microbiota with antibiotic disturbance., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features of central nervous system (CNS) mesenchymal chondrosarcoma (MCS). Methods: Nine cases of CNS MCS were collected at the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from September 2010 to September 2020. The clinical,imaging,histopathological and immunohistochemical features were reviewed. NCOA2 gene rearrangement was evaluated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Results: There were three male and six female patients, with age range of 1 to 59 years (median 31 years). Six cases were intracranial and three cases were intraspinal, and the tumors showed dural attachment. They were often diagnosed as meningioma basing on preoperative imaging. Microscopically, the tumors showed a characteristic biphasic histologic pattern composed of undifferentiated mesenchymal small cells and well-differentiated hyaline cartilage islands. The small cells area were positive for SOX9 (9/9), CD99 (8/9), and without BRG1 and INI1 deletion. The cartilaginous component expressed SOX9 (9/9) and S-100 protein (8/9). NCOA2 gene break apart signal was identified in five cases (5/5). Eight patients were followed up for 4-124 months. Three patients (3/8) had recurrences within one year and two patients died of the tumor. Conclusions: CNS MCS is an extremely rare malignant neoplasm with a propensity to dural involvement. Preoperative imaging has low diagnostic accuracy. CNS MCS should be differentiated from other CNS small round cell tumors and chondrosarcoma. FISH detection of NCOA2 gene rearrangement will assist the diagnosis of MCS.

Background: As a novel high magnification module (HMM) combining with OCT (OCT-HMM) is able to detect the microstructure of retina, we apply it to explore the ultrastructure of the macula after closure of the idiopathic macular hole (IMH) by surgery., Methods: This is an observational case series study in which patients with full-thickness IMHs who had undergone successful macular closure by vitrectomy and internal limiting membrane peeling and healthy subjects were recruited. After comprehensive ophthalmic examinations, the images of macular area were obtained and collected by professional operators using OCT-HMM. Then images were independently analyzed by 4 masked vitreoretinal specialists., Results: A total of 24 IMH eyes and 42 healthy eyes were examined. HMM images were obtained in 10 IMH eyes. Among them, 4 eyes whose macula closed completely with recovery of photoreceptor layer presented a dark arc nasal to the fovea, oriented to the optic, and the notch of arc faced temporally. Six eyes in which the macula closed incompletely with photoreceptor cells loss revealed a dark ring with uneven bright spots inside. The other 14 eyes failed to obtain clear images by OCT-HMM. The contra lateral eyes of the patients and the healthy subjects' eyes succeeded to obtain the HMM images which displayed evenly grey background thickly covered with tiny bright dots that was in similar size and evenly and widely distributed and there no dark arc or ring. OCT B-scan and IR images could be acquired in all of the IMH and healthy eyes., Conclusion: The preliminary application of HMM has supplied us a brand-new insight into the microstructure of closed IMH. A dark arc sign could be detected with OCT-HMM in the macula which was functionally closed after surgery that was probably the healing mark on a microstructure photoreceptors level. Its existence and shape indicated that the functional closure followed by a retinal displacement mainly horizontally from temporal side to nasal side but not symmetric centripetally.

Objective: Several COVID-19 patients have overlapping comorbidities. The independent role of each component contributing to the risk of COVID-19 is unknown, and how some non-cardiometabolic comorbidities affect the risk of COVID-19 remains unclear., Methods: A retrospective follow-up design was adopted. A total of 1,160 laboratory-confirmed patients were enrolled from nine provinces in China. Data on comorbidities were obtained from the patients' medical records. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratio ( OR ) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI ) of the associations between comorbidities (cardiometabolic or non-cardiometabolic diseases), clinical severity, and treatment outcomes of COVID-19., Results: Overall, 158 (13.6%) patients were diagnosed with severe illness and 32 (2.7%) had unfavorable outcomes. Hypertension (2.87, 1.30-6.32), type 2 diabetes (T2DM) (3.57, 2.32-5.49), cardiovascular disease (CVD) (3.78, 1.81-7.89), fatty liver disease (7.53, 1.96-28.96), hyperlipidemia (2.15, 1.26-3.67), other lung diseases (6.00, 3.01-11.96), and electrolyte imbalance (10.40, 3.00-26.10) were independently linked to increased odds of being severely ill. T2DM (6.07, 2.89-12.75), CVD (8.47, 6.03-11.89), and electrolyte imbalance (19.44, 11.47-32.96) were also strong predictors of unfavorable outcomes. Women with comorbidities were more likely to have severe disease on admission (5.46, 3.25-9.19), while men with comorbidities were more likely to have unfavorable treatment outcomes (6.58, 1.46-29.64) within two weeks., Conclusion: Besides hypertension, diabetes, and CVD, fatty liver disease, hyperlipidemia, other lung diseases, and electrolyte imbalance were independent risk factors for COVID-19 severity and poor treatment outcome. Women with comorbidities were more likely to have severe disease, while men with comorbidities were more likely to have unfavorable treatment outcomes., (Copyright © 2020 The Editorial Board of Biomedical and Environmental Sciences. Published by China CDC. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Currently, thalassemia is commonly detected using gap-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) reverse dot blot, which have high requirements of space, instruments, and personnel. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a new method for thalassemia detection with high sensitivity, low cost, and simple and fast operation. In this study, we aimed to design and evaluate a new method for detecting three α-thalassemia genes including -Southeast Asian (SEA), -α3.7, and -α4.2 and five β-thalassemia genes including 654M, 41/42M, -28M, 17M, and 27/28M based on loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)., Methods: Primer sequences were designed using Primer Explorer V4 software. Blood samples (5 mL) were collected from all participants in EDTA. DNA was extracted using Chelex 100 and was subjected to LAMP. LAMP products were detected by fluorescence development in ultraviolet light., Results: We found that LAMP assays for positive samples of thalassemia reached a plateau before 60 minutes, whereas the negative control samples entered the plateau after 70 minutes or showed no amplification. The concentration range of positive reactions was between 20-60 pg/μL and 20-60 ng/μL. Additionally, there were no cross-reactivities among 8 thalassemia subtypes. For clinical samples, the positive sample tube showed strong green fluorescence, whereas the negative tube showed light green fluorescence. According to these results, the LAMP method has high sensitivity for detecting thalassemia (252/254). However, 43 false-positive results were obtained in the LAMP test. The LAMP assay was also of low cost and with simple and fast operation., Conclusion: The novel LAMP assay can be completed within 60 min using a heating block or a water bath, and the result can be read visually based on color change to detect thalassemia. The LAMP assay fulfills the requirements of field application and resource-limited areas, especially those with primary hospitals and rural areas., Competing Interests: Fang-li Song and Shao Huang were employed by company Jiangxi Shiningmed Medical Technology Ltd. All other authors declare no competing interests in this work., (© 2020 Wang et al.)

Background: Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are a major cause of infertility, long-term disability, ectopic pregnancy, and premature birth. Therefore, the development of fast and low-cost laboratory STD diagnostic screening methods will contribute to reducing STD-induced reproductive tract damage and improve women's health worldwide. In this study, we evaluated a novel multiplex real-time PCR melting curve assay method for the simultaneous detection of 9 STD pathogens, including Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium, Trichomonas vaginalis, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Ureaplasma parvum , and herpes simplex virus. Methods: The analytical performance of the method, including its limit of detection (LOD), specificity, repeatability, and effect on different DNA extraction kits were evaluated. Additionally, we obtained 1,328 clinical specimens from 3 hospitals to detect the 9 STD pathogens using multiplex real-time PCR melting curve and Sanger sequencing, to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and consistency of the assay method. Results: The results showed that the analytical sensitivity of the novel multiplex real-time PCR melting curve assay is very excellent, with LOD of DNA corresponding to <200 copies/μL for the DNA of the 9 STDs and 1.00 × 10 4 color change unit /ml for those of UU and UP. Additionally, this assay demonstrated excellent analytical specificity, excellent repeatability, and its results had no effect of different DNA extraction kits. The performance, in terms of sensitivity (91.06-100%) and specificity (99.14-100%), was remarkable, since the consistency between it and Sanger sequencing was more than 0.85 in the clinic. Conclusion: The novel multiplex real-time PCR melting curve assay method has high sensitivity and specificity, relatively low cost, and simple to use for the simultaneous detection of 9 STD pathogens in genitourinary secretions., (Copyright © 2019 Hu, Xu, Jiang, Deng, Gu, Xie, Ji, Wang, Li, Tian, Song, Huang, Zheng and Zhong.)

Previous studies have demonstrated that NADPH oxidase (NOX)/vascular peroxidase (VPO1) pathway - mediated oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of multiple cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to evaluate the correlation between NOX/VPO1 pathway and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) dysfunctions in hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension (PH). The rats were exposed to 10% hypoxia for 3 weeks to establish a PH model, which showed increases in right ventricle systolic pressure, right ventricular and pulmonary vascular remodeling, acceleration in apoptosis and impairment in functions of the peripheral blood derived - EPCs (the reduced abilities in adhesion, migration and tube formation), accompanied by up-regulation of NOX (NOX2 and NOX4) and VPO1. Next, normal EPCs were cultured under hypoxia to induce apoptosis in vitro. Consistent with the in vivo findings, hypoxia enhanced the apoptosis and dysfunctions of EPCs concomitant with an increase in NOX and VPO1 expression, hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) and hypochlorous acid (HOCl) production; these phenomena were attenuated by NOX2 or NOX4 siRNA. Knockdown of VPO1 showed similar results to that of NOX siRNA except no effect on NOX expression and H 2 O 2 production. Based on these observations, we conclude that NOX/VPO1 pathway-derived reactive oxygen species promote the oxidative injury and dysfunctions of EPCs in PH, which may contribute to endothelial dysfunctions in PH., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Right ventricle (RV) remodeling is a major pathological feature in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Magnesium lithospermate B (MLB) is a compound isolated from the roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza and it possesses multiple pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammation and antioxidation. This study aims to investigate whether MLB is able to prevent RV remodeling in PAH and the underlying mechanisms. In vivo , SD rats were exposed to 10% O 2 for 21 d to induce RV remodeling, which showed hypertrophic features (increases in the ratio of RV weight to tibia length, cellular size, and hypertrophic marker expression), accompanied by upregulation in expression of NADPH oxidases (NOX2 and NOX4) and vascular peroxidase 1 (VPO1), increases in hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) and hypochlorous acid (HOCl) production and elevation in phosphorylation levels of ERK; these changes were attenuated by treating rats with MLB. In vitro , the cultured H9c2 cells were exposed to 3% O 2 for 24 h to induce hypertrophy, which showed hypertrophic features (increases in cellular size and hypertrophic marker expression). Administration of MLB or VAS2870 (a positive control for NOX inhibitor) could prevent cardiomyocyte hypertrophy concomitant with decreases in NOX (NOX2 and NOX4) and VPO1 expression, H 2 O 2 and HOCl production, and ERK phosphorylation. Based on these observations, we conclude that MLB is able to prevent RV remodeling in hypoxic PAH rats through a mechanism involving a suppression of NOX/VPO1 pathway as well as ERK signaling pathway. MLB may possess the potential clinical value for PAH therapy., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Magnesium lithospermate B (MLB) shows multiple biological activities including anti-oxidation and anti-proliferation in various diseases. However, the function of MLB in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is still unknown. This study aims to investigate the effect of MLB on hypoxia-induced phenotypic transformation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) and the underlying mechanisms. SD rats (or PASMCs) were exposed to 10% O 2 for 3 weeks (or 3% O 2 for 48 h) along with MLB or NADPH oxidase （NOX） inhibitor intervention. The effects of MLB on hemodynamics, pulmonary vascular remodeling and phenotypic transformation of PASMCs were observed first. Then, its effects on the protein levels of NOX (NOX2 and NOX4), ERK and p-ERK were examined. The results showed that MLB prevented the elevation in right ventricular systolic pressure and the increase in ratio of wall thickness to vessel external diameter of pulmonary arteries in PAH rats, and attenuated phenotypic transformation of PASMCs (decrease in α-smooth muscle actin while increase in osteopontin), accompanied by downregulation of NOX (NOX2 and NOX4) protein levels, decrease of ROS and H 2 O 2 production, and suppression of the phosphorylation of ERK. NOX inhibitor (VAS2870) achieved similar results to that of MLB did in the hypoxia-treated PASMCs. Based on the observations, we conclude that MLB is able to prevent phenotypic transformation of pulmonary arteries in hypoxic PAH rats through suppression of NOX/ROS/ERK pathway, and MLB might have the potentials in PAH therapy., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The effects of chronic EtOH consumption, associated or not with thiamine deficiency (TD), on cognitive impairment, oxidative damage, and β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide accumulation in the brain were investigated in male C57BL/6 mice. We established an alcoholic mouse model by feeding an EtOH liquid diet, a TD mouse model by feeding a thiamine-depleted liquid diet, and an EtOH treatment associated with TD mouse model by feeding a thiamine-depleted EtOH liquid diet for 7 weeks. The learning and memory functions of the mice were detected through the Y-maze test. Biochemical parameters were measured using corresponding commercial kits. The Aβ expression in the hippocampus was observed by immunohistochemical staining. Several results were obtained. First, EtOH significantly reduced cognitive function by significantly decreasing the Glu content in the hippocampus; increasing the AChE activity in the cortex; and reducing the thiamine level, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activities in both the hippocampus and cortex. The treatment also increased the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and nitric oxide (NO) and the activities of total nitric oxide synthase (tNOS), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B). Furthermore, EtOH enhanced the expression levels of Aβ 1-42 and Aβ 1-40 in the hippocampus. Second, TD induced the same dysfunctions caused by EtOH in the biochemical parameters, except for learning ability, 8-OHdG content, and GPx, tNOS, and AChE activities in the cortex. Third, the modification of MDA, protein carbonyl and NO levels, and GPx, iNOS, ChAT, and MAO-B activities in the brain induced by chronic EtOH treatment associated with TD was greater than that induced by EtOH or TD alone. The synergistic effects of EtOH and TD on Aβ 1-40 and Glu release, as well as on SOD activity, depended on their actions on the hippocampus or cortex. These findings suggest that chronic EtOH consumption can induce TD, cognitive impairment, Aβ accumulation, oxidative stress injury, and neurotransmitter metabolic abnormalities. Furthermore, the association of chronic EtOH consumption with TD causes dramatic brain dysfunctions with a severe effect on the brain., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: This experiment was aimed at exploring whether carboxymethyl chitosan zinc and peptide （CMC-Zn(+)-P） can reduce the occurrence and development of periodontal tissue inflammation effectively by observing the change of IL-1,TNF-α and PGE-2 level in gingival crevicular fluid （GCF） before and after brushing, so as to find a new effective material in preventing and treating periodontal diseases., Methods: Miniature pigs were selected as experimental subjects and divided into 4 groups randomly: the control group; CMC-Zn(+)-P group (material group);brushing group; brushing + CMC-Zn(+)-P group (composite group). Gingival crevicular fluid before and one month after the experiment was collected. The levels of IL-1, TNF-α and PGE-2 were examined by enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay, while the clinical periodontal index was recorded. SPSS 18.0 software package was used for statistical analysis., Results: There was no significant difference in levels of IL-1, TNF-α and PGE-2 and clinical periodontal index between the 4 groups before experiment. After one month, the levels of IL-1, TNF-α, PGE-2 in GCF had significant difference between 4 groups. The levels of IL-1, TNF-α, PGE-2 in composite group were significant lower than that of the other three groups (P<0.008).The levels of IL-1, TNF-α and PGE-2 in the material group and brushing group were significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.008). Compared with materials group, the brushing group had significantly lower level of IL-1,significantly higher level of PGE-2 ,but no difference in the level of TNF-α.In addition, the teeth calculus index of composite group was significantly lower than that of other groups (P<0.05)., Conclusions: CMC-Zn(+)-P can effectively reduce periodontal tissue inflammation and cut down the speed of deposition of dental calculus. If used cooperatively with brushing, the effect will be better.

The proteolytic region of cytokeratin-19, referred to as CYFRA21-1, is a soluble molecule present in the serum and other body fluids, and is considered a tumor marker in several neoplastic diseases. To examine whether urinary or serum samples containing CYFRA21-1 can be used as biomarkers for bladder cancer, we conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis of 3 case-control studies. In all studies considered, patients with bladder cancer had a higher CYFRA21-1 level than healthy subjects. Subgroup analysis showed that patients with metastatic bladder cancer had a higher CYFRA21-1 level than those with locally invasive disease. However, no significant difference in CYFRA21-1 was observed between patients with stage I and stage II bladder cancer; there was also no difference in patients with stage II local bladder cancer and those with stage III local bladder cancer. Based on our results, CYFRA21-1 level may be a diagnostic biomarker for diagnosing bladder cancer as well as a possible biomarker for differentiation between local and metastatic bladder cancer. However, it cannot be used as a urinary or serum biomarker for differentiating histological stages of local bladder cancer for histological grades I-III.

Background: To investigate the serotypes, antibiotic susceptibilities, and multi-locus sequence type (MLST) profiles of Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae) in Beijing to provide references for the prevention and treatment of S. agalactiae infections., Methods: All isolates were identified using the CAMP test and the latex-agglutination assay and serotyped using a Strep-B-Latex kit, after which they were assessed for antibiotic susceptibility, macrolide-resistance genes, and MLST profiles., Results: In total, 56 S. agalactiae isolates were identified in 863 pregnant women (6.5%). Serotypes Ia, Ib, II, III, and V were identified, among which types III (32.1%), Ia (17.9%), Ib (16.1%), and V (14.3%) were the predominant serotypes. All isolates were susceptible to penicillin and ceftriaxone. The nonsusceptiblity rates measured for erythromycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin, telithromycin, clindamycin, tetracycline, and levofloxacin were 85.7%, 92.9%, 98.2%, 30.4%, 73.2%, 91%, and 39.3%, respectively. We identified 14 sequence types (STs) for the 56 isolates, among which ST19 (30.4%) was predominant. The rate of fluoroquinolone resistance was higher in serotype III than in the other serotypes. Among the 44 erythromycin-resistant isolates, 32 (72.7%) carried ermB., Conclusion: S. agalactiae isolates of the serotypes Ia, Ib, III, and V are common in Beijing. Among the S. agalactiae isolates, the macrolide and clindamycin resistance rates are extremely high. Most of the erythromycin-resistant isolates carry ermB.

This study was aimed to summarize the clinical and pathological features of patients with acute leukemia combined with intracranial hemorrhage. The clinical and pathological data of 41 adult patients diagnosed as acute leukemia in our hospital from 1953 to 1990 year were analyzed retrospectively. The results showed that there were 35 cases of AML, 6 cases of ALL; 9 cases in clinical hematologic remission, 32 cases in non-remission, 3 cases of AL with hypertension, 2 cases of AL with diabetes, 4 cases of AL with sepsis, 19 cases with WBC ≥ 100×10(9)/L; the pathologic examination showed 4 cases of AL accompanied with disseminated intravascular coagulation, 10 cases with prothrombin time INR ≥ 1.5, 26 cases with multifocal intracranial hemorrhage, 7 cases with single intracranial hemorrhage, 8 cases with diffused spotting intracranial hemorrhage; the examination also showed that 84 hemorrhage foci were found in 41 cases of AL, among them 46 foci located under cerebral cortex, 23 foci in cerebellum, 6 in basal ganglia, 5 foci in pons, 2 foci in thalamus, 2 foci in spinal cord. It is concluded that the intracranial hemorrhage is a major cause resulting in death of AL patients which should be think highly, and the diagnosis and treatment should be conducted through comprehensive analysis.

Objective: To analyze the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of patients with splenic abscess., Method: The clinical data, including baseline clinical data, clinical features, past history, pathogen culture result, treatment and the prognosis were retrospectively analyzed in the patients with the discharge diagnosis splenic abscess from January 1991 to March 2012 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital., Results: The media time from onset to Peking Union Medical College Hospital of the 19 patients were 29 days. Among them, 9 patients were cured, 8 were improved and 2 died. Risk factors, such as tumor burden, diabetes, and using immunosuppressive agents etc, can be found in most patients with splenic abscess. All the 19 patients had splenic image changes and non-specific clinical features. The most common three clinical symptoms were fever (18 cases), chills (12 cases) and shivering (11 cases). The most common three signs were abdominal tenderness (9 cases), left upper quadrant sensitive to percussion (7 cases) and splenomegaly (4 cases). The most common etiological culture results were gram negative bacilli (9 cases), gram positive coccus (8 cases), and fungi (4 cases)., Conclusions: Clinical features are non-specific in splenic abscess patients. Related exam such as ultrasound should be performed on patients with splenic abscess risk factors to avoid misdiagnosis. Empiric antibiotic administration should begin right after the diagnosis based on the image. Pathogen culture should be timely conducted after pus collection. Individual therapeutical protocol should be chosen according to patient's condition.

Objective: To establish the quality standard for Qiangnaosu capsule., Methods: TLC was used for the qualitative identification of Saposhnikoviae Radix, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Chrysanthemum Flos, Fructus Viticis. HPLC was used to determine the content of ferulic acid., Results: TLC spots were clear, well-separated and specific. The linear range of ferulic acid was 2.93 - 20.50 microg/mL (r = 0.9996). The average recovery was 98.1% and RSD was 1.42%., Conclusion: The method is reliable and specific. It can be used for the quality control of Qiangnaosu capsule.

Interferon-alpha2b (IFN α-2b) microspheres were prepared at various concentrations (5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%) and viscosities (0.39, 0.6, 0.89 and 1.13 dL/g) of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) using double emulsion solvent evaporation. The optimal formulation of IFN α-2b microspheres was determined to be 0.89 dL/g PLGA, as assessed by the in vitro release test. The pharmacokinetics of IFN α-2b microspheres was investigated. Nine groups of rats were injected intramuscularly with three doses (0.5, 1 and 2 MIU) of commercial lyophilized IFNα-2b injection or IFN α-2b microspheres. At a dose of 0.5 MIU, the IFN α-2b microsphere released significantly longer than that of the IFN α-2b injection. At a dose of 2 MIU, each pharmacokinetics parameter of microspheres prepared with the IFNa-2b stock solution was manifestly greater than those of the injection. Our study indicated that the IFN α-2b microspheres prepared in 15% of 0.89 dL/g PLGA provided a sustained drug effect for up to 21 days in rats.

Objective: Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is a dominantly inherited skeletal dysplasia caused by mutations in the osteoblast-specific transcription factor-encoding gene, core binding factor α1 (CBFA1). Over 90 mutations in CBFA1 gene have been published to date in 500 independent cases of CCD, including missense mutations, deletions, insertions, frameshift, and splice mutations. However, mutational screening of the CBFA1 gene is still far from saturation, and more novel mutations will be identified to enrich the insights into the molecular basis for the pathogenesis of CCD. The aim of this study was to explore the clinical and image features and detect the mutations of CBFA1 gene in two CCD families., Method: In this study, the clinical features were investigated in two CCD families, radiological and CT examinations regarding osseous malformation were carried out over the entire body of these patients with CCD. Blood (2 ml) was drawn from all affected individuals, unaffected family members and one hundred unrelated normal controls, Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood with PureGene DNA extraction kit and PCR was performed with eight pairs of PCR primers for exons 0 to 7 of the CBFA1 gene. The mutations of CBFA1 gene were screened in these two CCD families., Result: (1) The clinical features of patients with CCD include delayed closure of fontanelles, frontal bossing, dysplasia of clavicles, late tooth eruption, and other skeletal anomalies. X-ray and CT examination showed the bulging calvarium, patent fontanelles, wide cranial sutures, multiple Wormian bones, dental dysplasia or aplasia of clavicles. (2) Two mutations were identified, one is novel missense mutation (c.1259C > T[p.T420I]) in CBFA1 gene exon 7, other (c.577C > T[p.R193X]) was reported in Chinese cases with CCD for the first time., Conclusion: (1) The clinical and image features of patients in two CCD families include delayed closure of fontanelles, frontal bossing, dysplasia of clavicles, late tooth eruption, and other skeletal anomalies. (2) The T420I and R193X mutations of CBFA1 were reported, expanding the spectrum of CBFA1 mutations causing CCD.

In order to find new sources of natural antioxidants, the antioxidant capacities of 50 medicinal plants associated with treatment of rheumatic diseases were systemically evaluated using the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assays, and their total phenolic contents were measured by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Their antioxidant activities of some of these plants were analyzed for the first time. The FRAP and TEAC assay results suggested that the antioxidant compounds in these plants possessed free radicals scavenging activity and oxidant reducing power. A positive linear correlation between antioxidant capacities and total phenolic contents implied that phenolic compounds in these plants could be the main components contributing to the observed activities. The results showed that Geranium wilfordii, Loranthus parasiticus, Polygonum aviculare, Pyrrosia sheaeri, Sinomenium acutum and Tripterygium wilfordii possessed the highest antioxidant capacities and total phenolic content among 50 plants tested, and could be rich potential sources of natural antioxidants.

Our previous studies demonstrated that taurine inhibits osteoblastic differentiation of vascular smooth muscular cells (VSMCs) via the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) signaling pathway, but the underlying mechanism is not elucidated. The tyrosine kinase receptor Axl and its ligand growth arrest-specific protein 6 (Gas6) are expressed in VSMCs. Axl/Gas6 signaling system is known to inhibit VSMCs calcification. We herein showed that taurine partially restored Axl and Gas6 expression in beta-glycerophosphate (beta-GP)-induced VSMC calcification model. Taurine also induced activation of ERK, but not other two MAPKs including c-jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK) and p38 in VSMCs. Either knockdown of the taurine transporter (TAUT) or treatment with the ERK-specific inhibitor PD98059 blocked the activation of ERK by taurine and abolished taurine-induced Axl/Gas6 expression and calcium deposition reduction in beta-GP-induced VSMC calcification model. These results demonstrate for the first time that taurine stimulates expression of Axl and Gas6 via TAUT/ERK signaling pathway in beta-GP-induced VSMC calcification model.

Antioxidant capacities of 56 selected Chinese medicinal plants were evaluated using the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, and their total phenolic content was measured by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The strong correlation between TEAC value and FRAP value suggested that the antioxidants in these plants possess free radical scavenging activity and oxidant reducing power, and the high positive correlation between antioxidant capacities and total phenolic content implied that phenolic compounds are a major contributor to the antioxidant activity of these plants. The results showed that Dioscorea bulbifera, Eriobotrya japonica, Tussilago farfara and Ephedra sinica could be potential rich sources of natural antioxidants.

Objective: To study the differential expressions of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) in the tissues of prostate cancer and normal prostate, and to find the role of RAGE in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer., Methods: We collected the tissue of prostate cancer and that of normal prostate from the same patient, and compared the differential expressions of RAGE at the tissue, protein and mRNA levels between prostate cancer and normal prostate tissues of 10 patients by immunohistochemistry, Western blot and real-time quantitative PCR., Results: Immunohistochemistry exhibited a significantly higher expression of RAGE in the prostate cancer tissue than in the normal prostate tissue; Western blot showed that the RAGE protein expression was 2.13 times higher in the former than in the latter (P < 0.05); and real-time quantitative PCR revealed the RAGE mRNA expression of the former to be 4.2 times that of the latter (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: RAGE may play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of prostate cancer.

Aim: To investigate the synergistic action of L-carnitine (LC) and taurine (TAU) on the proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs)., Methods: DNA and protein synthesis of VSMCs were assessed using scintillation counting. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and calcium content were determined to investigate the effects of LC and TAU on the osteoblastic differentiation and mineralization of VSMCs. TAU uptake by VSMCs was assayed. RNA interference was used to down-regulate the expression of the TAU transporter (TAUT) in rat VSMCs., Results: LC and TAU synergistically inhibited the proliferation and beta-glycerophosphate (beta-GP)-induced osteoblastic differentiation of VSMCs as evidenced by the decreased [(3)H]thymidine incorporation, ALP activity and calcium deposition. Furthermore, LC stimulated the TAU uptake and TAUT expression in VSMCs. Suppression of TAUT with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) abolished the synergistic action of LC and TAU in VSMCs., Conclusion: The synergistic inhibitory action of LC and TAU on the proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation of VSMCs is attributable to the up-regulation of TAUT expression and TAU uptake by LC.

Objective: To construct an eukaryotic recombinant expression vector for retinoblastoma 1 gene (RB-1) and investigate the role of RB-1 in prostate cancer., Methods: The coding sequence of RB-1 gene tagged with FLAG was amplified from the plasmid CMV-RB by PCR method. The fragment was cloned into CMV expression vector and identified by restriction enzyme digestion and sequence analysis. Western Blotting was used to detect RB-1 expression and immunofluorescence was used to observe RB-1 distribution in PC-3 cells transfected with the recombinant., Results: The expression vector CMV-FLAG-RB was successfully constructed as confirmed by PCR, endonuclease digestion and DNA sequence analysis. RB-1 protein was highly expressed and showed a nuclear distribution in PC-3 cells transfected with the recombinant., Conclusions: The eukaryotic expression vector for RB-1 has been successfully constructed and can be efficiently expressed in PC-3 cells. The expression of RB-1 is located in the cell nuclei.

Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is an autosomal-dominant heritable skeletal disease caused by heterozygous mutations in the RUNX2 gene. We studied a Chinese family that included three affected individuals with CCD phenotypes; the clinical features of patients with CCD include delayed closure of fontanelles, frontal bossing, dysplasia of clavicles, late tooth eruption, and other skeletal anomalies. X-ray analysis showed aplasia of the clavicles. The RUNX2 gene was studied by PCR and direct sequencing of the entire coding region and the exon-intron boundaries of the gene. A novel missense mutation (c.1259C-->T[p.T420I]) in RUNX2 gene exon 7 was identified; it was found in the affected individuals in this Chinese family, but was not present in an unaffected family member or in 100 unrelated normal controls. This is the first report that gives evidence that the T420I mutation of RUNX2 is associated with CCD, expanding the spectrum of RUNX2 mutations causing CCD.

By a double emulsion solvent evaporation method, interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) microspheres were prepared with poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and their characteristics, such as morphology, drug loading, encapsulation efficiency, in vitro release and degradation were evaluated. The IFN-alpha microspheres were prepared by different viscosities from 0.17-1.13 dL g(-1) and concentrations between 5-25% of PLGA, which not only affected the drug loading and encapsulation efficiency of IFN-alpha microspheres, but also strongly influenced the in vitro release. With smooth and porous surface, the drug loading and encapsulation efficiency of the microspheres prepared by 15% 0.89 dL g(-1) PLGA were 7.736% and 77.38%, respectively. The DSC curve of microspheres indicated IFN-alpha was loaded inside the microspheres. The degradation of microspheres was homogeneous and the mass loss was over 80% in 6 weeks. The release profile of microspheres showed a sustained fashion and the IFN-alpha released from microspheres maintained its bioactivity for 7 days.

Seven field strains of Culex pipiens pallens were evaluated in the summer of 2004 for their susceptibility to three insecticides. Larval bioassays were carried out in accordance with WHO mosquito susceptibility tests. Field samples showed resistance to dichlorvos and propoxur. Low levels of resistance to phoxim were detected compared with the laboratory-susceptible strain. Quantitative analysis showed that co-amplification of estalpha2 and estbeta2 occurred in the seven field Cx. pipiens pallens. However, the levels of transcription of estalpha2/estbeta2 genes in the field strains indicated a 15.9:1 ratio of estbeta32 cDNA over estalpha2 cDNA. Such observed differential transcription of the estalpha2/estbeta2 genes showed that the promoters regulating their expression are independent and of different strengths. Regression analysis of expression level of estalpha2/estbeta2 gene and LC50 value to insecticides showed a significant correlation between expression level ofestalpha2 gene and LC50 value to dichlorvos. However, correlation of estalpha2 gene and LC50 value to propoxur and phoxim, or estbeta2 gene and three kinds of insecticides, was not significant.

Objective: To evaluate the viability of corneal epithelial cells and to determine the anatomic cleavage on the epithelial basement membrane after various exposure times to 20% ethanol during epithelial flap preparation in laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) in cadaver eyes., Methods: Six human cadaver eyes were exposed to 20% ethanol for 20, 30 and 40 seconds (2 eyes for each group), and another one eye was used as the control. PCNA staining was performed to determine the viability of corneal epithelial cells. Immunofluorescence staining using monoclonal antibodies against collagen VII, and immunohistological staining using monoclonal antibodies against laminin were performed to detect the anatomic location of the cleavage plane on the corneal epithelial flaps created by 20 seconds exposure to 20% ethanol in cadaver eyes., Results: Hematoxylin and eosin staining of epithelial flaps revealed a coherent stratified epithelium. The PCNA positive rates of the epithelial cells in the flap decreased in the 20-second group, 30-second group and 40-second group successively. Immunohistological staining to laminin was patchy in the lifted flap and the remaining corneal basement membrane. Immunofluorescence to collagen VII, the main component of anchoring fibrils remained exclusively in the corneal bed., Conclusions: Viability of the epithelial flap decreased with longer time exposure to ethanol. The cleavage plane of the ethanol-treated corneal epithelial flap is located between the lamina lucida and the lamina densa of the basement membrane where laminin forms hemidesmosome.

Aim: Investigation into pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic properties of interferon- alpha (IFN-alpha)2b-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres (MS) in rhesus monkey primates., Method: IFN-alpha2b was loaded with biodegradable PLGA with 3 inherent viscosities using a double emulsion and solvent evaporation method. The particle size, surface morphology, and in vitro release profiles were investigated. Two groups of rhesus monkeys (n=3) were injected intramuscularly with either 3 MIU/kg commercial IFN-alpha2b lyophilized powder or IFN-alpha2b-loaded PLGA microspheres (inherent viscosity of 0.89 dL/g). In vitro release was determined by Lowry protein assay. The serum IFN and neopterin levels were determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method to evaluate biological activity of the microspheres in rhesus monkeys., Results: The IFN-alpha2b microspheres with 3 inherent viscosities (0.39, 0.89, and 1.13 dL/g) were entirely spherical and had a smooth surface. The average diameter of each type was 45.55, 81.23, and 110.25 microm, respectively. The in vitro release was 30 d. The pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic properties between the IFN-alpha2b microspheres and IFN-alpha2b lyophilized powder were significantly different (P<0.05)., Conclusion: The drug residence time for the IFN-alpha2b of the PLGA microsphere with an inherent viscosity of 0.89 dL/g in plasma significantly increased and had a longer time of biological effects in rhesus monkeys following intramuscular administration.

Objective: To investigate the relationship of lymphatic micovessel density (LMVD) detected by monoclonal antibody D2-40) with the VEGF-C expression in human breast cancer., Methods: Tissue samples of 102 breast cancers, 25 breast fibroadenomas and 10 normal breasts were collected. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detected the lymphatic micovessels with monoclonal antibody D2-40. The expression of VEGF-C was detect by SP immunohistochemistry, and VEGF-C mRNA by hybridization in situ., Results: In 102 breast cancers, the positive rate of D2-40 was 76.5% (78/102), higher than that in the breast fibroadenomas. LMVD in the periphery of breast cancer was 30.1 lymphatic microvessels per x 100 field of vision, which was significantly higher than that in the central area of the tumors (P = 0.000). The LMVD in the periphery of the breast cancers was correlated with the number of metastatic lymph nodes (r = 0.964, P < 0.01). The positive rates of VEGF-C protein and mRNA were 55.9% (57/102) and 59.8% (61/102), respectively, significantly higher than that in the breast fiberoadenomas and normal breast tissues (chi2 = 11.653, P = 0.003; chi2 = 10.345, P = 0.006), and were significantly correlated with the status of lymph node metastasis, clinical stage and the expressions of c-erbB-2 and p53 protein (P < 0.05). Both of VEGF-C protein and mRNA were significantly correlated with LMVD detected by D2-40 (P < 0.05), especially with the LMVD in the periphery of breast cancers (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: The monoclonal antibody D240 can be used to detect the lymphatic endothelium in human breast cancer. The lymphatic microvessel density in the periphery of breast cancer is correlated with the lymph node metastasis and expression of VEGF-C. Therefore, VEGF-C may play a significant role in the lymphangiogenesis leading to metastasis of breast cancer.

Objective: To review the indications and effect of the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) in 38 patients during the cardiac surgery., Methods: From June 2004 to August 2007, 38 patients were performed IABP in the cardiac surgery, including 28 coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and 10 valve replacements. The intra-operation prophylactic use of IABP was in 5 cases, the use of IABP for weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) during the cardiac surgery was in 22 cases, and the rest use of IABP was after the operation in the intensive care unit. Low molecular weight heparin was used for IABP anticoagulation., Results: Thirteen died out of the 38 IABP patients. The total IABP success rate was 66%.The IABP success rate in CABG was 82%, and 20% in the valve replacement. The patients with intra-operation prophylactic use of IABP all recovered, and 16 recovered out of the 22 patients with IABP uses for weaning from CPB, and 6 recovered out of the 11 patients with post-operation IABP application. No severe complications related to IABP occurred., Conclusion: IABP has better effect in CABG patients than in valve replacements. Effect of the prophylactic use of IABP is better than both the IABP use for weaning from CPB or the post-operation IABP application. For IABP anticoagulation, low molecular weight heparin is the better alternative than routine heparin, and the proper ACT is controlled at 150-170 s.

Objective: To summarize the experience in treatment of Eisenmenger's syndrome by heart-lung transplantation (HLT)., Methods: Two cases of congenital heart disease with Eisenmenger's syndrome, aged 20 and 22, underwent bicaval orthotopic HLT. Modified St. Thomas cardioplegic solution and modified LPD solution were used to preserve the donor heart and lung. After removing the heart and lung of the recipient and thorough hemostasis in thoracic cavity and mediastinal septum, the donor heart and lung was implanted, and trachea, superior/inferior vena cava and aortic artery were anastomosed gradually. Intensive care against infection, rejection and other complications were performed after operation., Results: The operations were successful. Tracheal anastomotic stenosis happened in one case seven months after HLT and was cured by sleeve resection of the stenosed trachea segment. Acute rejection happened in one case 10 days after HLT and was cured by stoss therapy. Both patients recovered to normal life and work., Conclusion: The success of HLT is related to perfect organ preservation, precise surgical performance and proper peri-operative treatment.

Objective: To compare the biological characteristics of Culex pipiens pallens between permethrin-resistant strain and the susceptible strain., Methods: In laboratory, the biological characteristics about bloodsucking, reproduction and development of permethrin-resistant and susceptible strains were observed and recorded. Life table of the experimental populations was constituted., Results: The bloodsucking rate of resistant strain was lower than susceptible strain and the difference was significant. The life-span of adults of resistant strain and the developmental duration of eggs, larvae and pupae were longer than susceptible strain and the difference was significant. The death rate of eggs of resistant strain was higher than that of susceptible strain and the difference was significant. The permethrin-resistant strain showed a fitness value of 0.58 relative to the susceptible strain., Conclusion: The permethrin resistance of Culex pipiens pallens may result in a disadvantage to its reproduction and development.

Background & Objective: The abnormality of mammalian cell cycle regulation is an important cause of cell over-proliferation and oncogenesis. There were few reports about the relationship between p57(kip2) protein as negative factor of cell cycle regulation and pancreatic cancer. This article aims to investigate the effects of p57(kip2), cyclin E and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) protein on the occurrence and progression of pancreatic cancer., Methods: Expression of p57(kip2), cyclin E, and PCNA in tumor tissue and adjacent tissue from 32 patients with pancreatic cancer were detected using SP immunohistochemical technique., Results: The positive-expression rate of p57(kip2) protein in tumor tissue of pancreatic cancer was 46.9%, which was lower than that in adjacent pancreatic tissue (75.0%) (Chi(2)=5.317, P< 0.05); p57(kip2) protein positive-expression was remarkably correlated with tumor cell differentiation (P< 0.05), but was not correlated with lymph node metastasis (P >0.05). The positive-expression rate of cyclin E in tumor tissues was 68.8%, which was higher than that in adjacent pancreatic tissue (43.8%) (Chi(2)=4.063,P< 0.05); Cyclin E positive-expression was remarkably correlated with tumor cell differentiation and lymph node metastasis (P< 0.05). The positive-expression rate of PCNA protein in tumor tissues was 71.9%, which was higher than that in adjacent pancreatic tissue (43.8%) (Chi(2)=5.189,P< 0.05); PCNA positive- expression was remarkably correlated with tumor cell differentiation and lymph node metastasis(P< 0.05)., Conclusion: The decreased expression of p57(kip2) protein and over-expression of cyclin E and PCNA proteins may significantly related to genesis and progress of pancreatic cancer.

Aim: To investigate the effects of inhibiting factor of cell cycle regulation p57(kip2), retinoblastinoma protein (Rb protein) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in the genesis and progression of human pancreatic cancer., Methods: The expression of p57(kip2), Rb protein and PCNA in tumor tissues and adjacent tissues of 32 patients with pancreatic cancer was detected with SP immunohistochemical technique., Results: p57(kip2) protein positive-expression rate in tumor tissues of pancreatic cancer was 46.9 %, which was lower than that in adjacent pancreatic tissues (75.0 %) (chi(2)=5.317, P<0.05), p57(kip2) protein positive-expression correlated significantly with tumor cell differentiation (well-differentiation versus moderate or low-differentiation, P<0.05) but did not correlate significantly with lymph node metastasis (lymph node metastasis versus non-lymph node metastasis, P>0.05); Rb gene protein positive-expression rate in tumor tissues was 50.0 %, which was also lower than that in adjacent pancreatic tissues (78.1 %) (chi(2)=5.497, P<0.05); PCNA positive-expression rate was 71.9 %, being higher than that in adjacent pancreatic tissues (43.8 %) (chi(2)=5.189, P<0.05), PCNA positive-expression also correlated significantly with tumor cell differentiation and lymph node metastasis (well-differentiation versus moderate or low- differentiation, lymph node metastasis versus non-lymph node metastasis, P<0.05). Rb protein positive-expression rate in the tumor tissues of p57(kip2) protein positive-expression group was 53.3 %; and Rb protein positive-expression rate in the tumor tissues of p57(kip2) protein negative-expression group was 47.1 %. There was no significant relationship between the two groups (r=0.16507, P>0.05)., Conclusion: The decreased expression of p57(kip2), Rb protein or over-expression of PCNA protein might contribute to the genesis or progression of pancreatic cancer, p57(kip2), Rb protein and PCNA may play an important role in genesis and progression of pancreatic cancer.

Objective: To investigate the effect of inhibiting factor of cell cycle regulation p27(kip1), retinoblastinoma protein (Rb protein), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) on the genesis and progression of human pancreatic cancer., Methods: The expression of p27(kip1), Rb protein and PCNA in the tumor tissue and adjacent tissue of 32 patients with pancreatic cancer was detected by SP immunohistochemical technique., Results: The p27(kip1) protein positive-expression rate in the tumor tissue of pancreatic cancer was 56.25%, which was lower than that in the adjacent pancreatic tissue (P<0.05). p27(kip1) protein positive-expression was correlated significantly with tumor cell differentiation and lymph node metastasis (P<0.05). The Rb gene protein positive-expression rate in the tumor tissue was 50%, which was also lower than that in the adjacent pancreatic tissue (P<0.05). The PCNA positive-expression rate was 71.87%, which was higher than that in the adjacent pancreatic tissue (P<0.05). PCNA positive-expression was also correlated significantly with tumor cell differentiation and lymph node metastasis (P<0.05)., Conclusion: The decreased expression of p27(kip1), Rb protein and over-expression of PCNA may play an important role in the genesis and progression of pancreatic cancer.

Unlabelled: To elucidate the correlation between endothelin(ET) and pulmonary hypertension, plasma ET was measured perioperatively by radioimmunoassay in 22 patients with pulmonary hypertension who underwent open heart surgery(PH group) in comparison with 16 patients without pulmonary hypertension(non-PH group) also underwent cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB) surgery., Results: Plasma ET was significantly increased during CPB in both group, Plasma ET decreased rapisly and returned to preoperative level within 6 hours after operation in the non-PH group. In the PH group, however, plasma ET decreased slowly and did not return to preoperative level within 48 hours postoperation.