Value of serum CRP and IL-6 Assays combined with Pancreatitis activity scoring system for assessing the severity of patients with acute pancreatitis.

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of serum CRP and IL-6 assays combined with the pancreatitis activity scoring system (PASS) in assessing the severity of patients with acute pancreatitis (AP). Methods: This was a retrospective study of 223 patients with AP admitted to Baoding Lianchi District People's Hospital between February 2021 and 2023. They were classified into three categories: mild AP (MAP), moderate severe AP (MSAP) and severe AP (SAP). The differences, accuracy and sensitivity of the individual assays, and the three in combination, were compared and analysed in the three groups. Results: PASS scores, IL-6 and CRP levels were significantly higher in the SAP and MSAP groups compared to those in the MAP group, with statistically significant differences between the three groups. Multi-factorial logistic regression analysis suggested that PASS, IL-6 and CRP were correlated indicators of AP severity. The combination of the three assays was higher than that of the PASS score, IL-6 and CRP alone, suggesting optimal diagnostic efficacy when the three assays were combined. Moreover, the levels of PASS score, IL-6 and CRP showed a positive correlation with the degree of disease severity. Conclusions: The serum CRP, IL-6 and PASS scores were significantly elevated in AP patients and showed a positive correlation with disease severity, all of which are beneficial for the diagnosis of AP. PASS is superior to CRP and IL-6 in the assessment of AP. The combination of the three assays can achieve a far superior diagnostic efficacy to that of the individual index assays.

Exploring the value of early laboratory indicators combined with pancreatitis activity scoring system in assessing the severity and prognosis of acute pancreatitis.

Objective: To investigate the value of early laboratory indicators combined with the pancreatitis activity scoring system in assessing the severity and prognosis of acute pancreatitis (AP). Methods: This is a retrospective study. A total of 160 patients with AP admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University from February 2021 to February 2023 were enrolled and classified into three categories: mild acute pancreatitis (MAP), moderate severe acute pancreatitis (MSAP), and severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), with 80 cases with MAP and MSAP as the control group and 80 cases with SAP as the experimental group. The differences of inflammatory markers, blood routine, biochemical markers, coagulation markers and PASS score within 24 hours after admission were compared between the two groups, and independent risk factors for predicting AP severity were analyzed. Moreover, the diagnostic efficacy and prognostic value of independent risk factors were evaluated. Results: The PASS score as well as CRP, PCT, IL-6, WBC, N, AST, DD and PT were higher in the experimental group than in the control group. Logistic regression analysis suggested that PASS, IL-6, PCT and WBC were independent risk factors for predicting severity of AP. In addition, PASS had the highest diagnostic efficacy. Conclusion: Early elevation of PASS, IL-6, PCT and WBC in patients suffering from AP is of great significance in predicting SAP. PASS score combined with IL-6, PCT and WBC has important value in evaluating the severity and prognosis of AP.

Endoscopic papillectomy for ampullary adenomatous lesions: A literature review.

Ampullary adenomatous lesions of the gastrointestinal tract are rare and can be asymptomatic. Therefore, ampullary adenomas with malignant potential require prompt removal, regardless of whether they are adenomatous or carcinomatous lesions. Endoscopic papillectomy is a safe and effective alternative therapy to surgery to treat duodenal papillary lesions in selected patients. Accurate preoperative diagnosis and staging of ampullary adenomatous lesions are critical for predicting prognosis and determining the most appropriate therapeutic approach. Furthermore, the management and prevention of adverse events and endoscopic treatment for remnant or recurrent lesions and surveillance are essential for successful endoscopic management of ampullary adenomatous lesions. This literature review was based on PubMed and MEDLINE and focused on recent advancements in the endoscopic papillectomy technique to provide a comprehensive view of endoscopic papillectomy to treat ampullary adenomatous lesions.

[Treatment of senile lumbar spinal stenosis by unilateral approach and bilateral decompression with large channel endoscopy].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical effect of unilateral approach and bilateral decompression via large channel endoscopic system for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis. METHODS: The clinical data of 32 patients with lumbar spinal tenosis treated by unilateral approach and bilateral decompression via large channel endoscopy from February 2018 to February 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 18 males and 14 females, aged 65 to 84 years old with an average of (70.6± 8.4) years. The course of disease was from 1 to 12 years. All 32 cases were accompanied by numbness or pain in the lower limbs, of which 28 cases were accompanied by intermittent claudication. Narrow segments were L3, 4 of 2 cases, L4, 5 of 19 cases, L5S1 of 13 cases, including double segments of 2 cases. Preoperative imaging showed 3 cases of central canal stenosis, 21 cases of bilateral lateral recess stenosis and 8 cases of mixed stenosis. Operation time and complications were recorded. X-ray, CT and MRI were analyzed at 3 days, 3 months and 1 year after operation. Visual analogue scale(VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), single continuous walking distance(SCWD) were observed before and after operation. Modified Macnab standard were used to evaluate the clinical effect at 1 year after operation. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up for 12-24 (17.68±2.43) months and all operations were successfully completed with the operation time of 70-160(85.64±11.94) min. Spinal dural tear occurred in 1 case during the operation, and sensory disturbance in the other side of lower limb in a short period of time occurred in 2 cases, all improved after corresponding treatment. Postoperative imaging showed that the spinal canal was significantly enlarged and the nerve root was fully released. Before operation and 3 days, 3 months, 1 year after operation, VAS scores of low back pain were 4.62 ±1.41, 2.73 ±1.35, 1.21 ±1.17, 1.11 ±0.34, respectively;VAS scores of leg pain were 6.83 ± 1.71, 3.10±1.50, 1.08±0.19, 0.89±0.24, respectively. VAS scores of low back pain and leg pain each time point after operation were obvious improved (P<0.05); there was significant difference between 3 months and 3 days after operation(P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between 3 months and 1 year after operation (P>0.05). Before operation and 3 days, 3 months, 1 year after operation, ODI scores were 38.40 ±6.48, 18.42 ±2.40, 5.48 ±0.77, 3.05 ±0.28, respectively; SCWD was (47.48±5.32) m, (52.89±11.23) m, (245.43±18.94) m, (468.97±55.87) m, respectively. The differences in ODI score and SCWD postoperative time points were statistically significant compared with those before operation (P<0.05). The difference between 3 months and 3 days after operation was statistically significant (P<0.05). The difference between 1 year and 3 months after operation was statistically significant (P<0.05). According to Macnab standard to evaluate clinical effect at 1 year after operation, 15 cases got excellent results, 14 good, 3 fair. CONCLUSION: It is a safe and effective way to treat lumbar spinal stenosis with unilateral approach and bilateral decompression via large channel endoscopic system. It has the advantages of sufficient decompression, less trauma, fast recovery, high safety and low incidence of postoperative complications. It can minimize the damage to the stable structure of the lumbar spine and is an ideal minimally invasive operation for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis.

Transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery in the diagnosis of ascites of unknown origin.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) has been established in animal models and human studies, but few clinical studies have investigated transvaginal NOTES in the diagnosis of unexplained refractory ascites. We aimed to assess the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of transvaginal NOTES for the diagnosis of unexplained ascites in female patients. METHODS: A prospective study was done involving 3 female patients with unexplained ascites. After general anesthesia and disinfection, a 1.0-cm incision was made in the posterior fornix of the vagina. A gastroscope was inserted into the abdominal cavity through the transvaginal incision and an artificial pneumoperitoneum was created; NOTES peritoneoscopy was performed to scrutinize the pathologic changes. Endoscopic biopsy specimens were obtained for pathologic examination. The transvaginal incision was closed by direct suturing. RESULTS: Transvaginal NOTES for diagnostic peritoneoscopy was successfully performed in 3 patients. The mean operative time was 61 minutes. The estimated blood loss was 5 to 10 mL. The pathologic diagnoses were tuberculosis for all patients, and the symptoms and ascites disappeared after antituberculosis therapy. During the 4-year follow-up, no clinically significant adverse events occurred in any patient after NOTES. No patient experienced an annex inflammation, vaginitis, dyspareunia, or sexual dysfunction. All patients were comfortable and satisfied with the nonscarring surgical procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Transvaginal NOTES for the diagnosis of unexplained ascites is feasible, effective, and safe. This method had no long-term effect on female sexual function and is particularly suitable for women who have special aesthetic requirements. (Clinical trial registration number: ChiCTR-TRC-10001053.).

Effects of climate warming on plant autotoxicity in forest evolution: a case simulation analysis for Picea schrenkiana regeneration.

In order to explore how plant autotoxicity changes with climate warming, the autotoxicity of P. schrenkiana needles' water extract, organic extract fractions, and key allelochemical DHAP was systemically investigated at the temperature rising 2 and 4°C based on the data-monitored soil temperature during the last decade in the stage of Schrenk spruce regeneration (seed germination and seedling growth). The results showed that the criterion day and night temperatures were 12°C and 4°C for seed germination, and 14°C and 6°C for seedling growth, respectively. In the presence of water extract, the temperature rise of 2°C significantly inhibited the germination vigor and rate of P. Schrenkiana seed, and a temperature rise of 4°C significantly increased the inhibition to the seedling growth (P < 0.05). Among the three organic fractions, the low-polar fraction showed to be more phytotoxic than the other two fractions, causing significant inhibitory effects on the seed germination and growth even at low concentration of 0.1 mg/mL, and the inhibition effect was enhanced as temperature increased. The temperature rise significantly enhanced the promotion effect of DHAP, while the inhibition effect of temperature rise became less important with increasing concentration of DHAP. This investigation revealed that autotoxicity of P. schrenkiana was affected by the climate warming. As expected, it provided an insight into the mechanism and effectiveness of allelopathy in bridging the causal relationship between forest evolution and climate warming.

Analysis of progesterone receptor membrane component 1 mutation in Han Chinese women with premature ovarian failure.

The gene PGRMC1 is highly expressed in the granulose and luteal cells of rodent and primate ovaries. Its role in anti-apoptosis and regulating cell-cycle progression suggests a role in regulating follicle growth. The hypothesis is supported by the study in mice and studies in Sweden. In this study, the coding exons of PGRMC1 were sequenced among 196 Chinese women with premature ovarian failure (POF) and 200 controls, and one novel missense mutation was identified (C.556C>T, p. Pro186Ser) in the POF group and one novel SNP (C.533C>T, p. Trh177Ile) was identified in both groups. The mutation is not considered causative because protein prediction did not indicate a deleterious effect. It is concluded that coding mutations of PGRMC1 do not seem to be a common cause of the disease in Han Chinese women. Future studies in larger cohorts from other ethnic groups are necessary to establish the role of PGRMC1 in POF.

[Establishment and application of a mouse model for drug-induced schizophrenia].

Schizophrenia, described as the worst disease affecting mankind, is a severe and disabling mental disorder. Schizophrenia is characterized by complicated symptoms and still lacks a diagnostic neuropathology, so developing schizophrenia animal models which have quantifiable measures tested in a similar fashion in both humans and animals will play a key role in new therapeutic approaches. According to the symptoms of cognitive impairment and emotional disorder, the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-receptor antagonist MK-801 was applied to induce schizophrenia-like behavior in mice. Locomotor activity and prepulse inhibition (PPI) were selected as indices and the effect of clozapine was also investigated in this model. The results showed that compared with the normal group, MK-801-treated mice exhibited significantly increased locomotor activity and impaired PPI, and pre-exposure to clozapine could ameliorate the abnormality and make it back to normal level. These findings suggest that the model we established could be a useful tool for antipsychotic drug screening.

[Cloning and prokaryotic expression of human secreted IL-16 gene].

AIM: To clone human secreted IL-16 cDNA, construct its prokaryotic expression vector and express it in E.coli DH5α. METHODS: The secreted IL-16 gene fragment from the cDNA library of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was amplified by PCR. After purified, the product was cloned into pUC18 T-vector. The recombinant plasmid was confirmed by PCR, endonuclease digestion and sequencing analysis and then subcloned into prokaryotic expression vector pMAL-C2. Then the recombinant expression plasmid pMAL-IL-16 was transformed into E.coli DH5α. The expression of secreted hIL-16 was induced with IPTG and identified by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. RESULTS: Using PCR, we obtained the human secreted IL-16 cDNA fragment which was 393 bp and encoded 130 amino acids. The prokaryotic expression vector pMAL-IL-16 we constructed was successfully transformed into E.coli DH5α, and under the induction of IPTG, we found the expression of the recombinant fusion protein with relative molecular weight (M(r);) being 56 000 as expected and confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. CONCLUSION: We successfully cloned the human secreted IL-16 cDNA and constructed its prokaryotic expression vector and expressed it in E.coli, which is helpful for further purification of human secreted IL-16 protein.

Expression of endogenous hypoxia markers in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of endogenous hypoxia-related markers identified as being involved in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC). METHODS: We performed immunohistochemical staining of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α), glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1), carbonic anhydrase 9 (CA-9) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), on tissue sections of 25 VSCC patients, 10 vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) patients and 12 healthy controls. RESULTS: HIF-1α expression was found in all sections, with no significant difference between controls, VIN and VSCC sections (all P<0.05). Glut-1 expression was found in 25% of control, 90% of VIN and 100% of VSCC sections. A significant difference between control and VIN or VSCC was observed (all P<0.05), while no difference was found between VIN and VSCC sections (P>0.05). CA-9 expression was negative in control sections, but it was found in 30% of VIN sections and 52% of VSCC sections with strong staining. Similarly, CA-9 expression also showed obvious differences between controls and VIN or VSCC sections (all P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference between VIN and VSCC (P>0.05). There were only 25% of control sections with weak VEGF expression, while strong staining was found in about 60% of VIN sections and 25% of VSCC sections (all P<0.05). In addition, a difference was also found between VIN and VSCC sections (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Expression of endogenous hypoxia markers (HIF-1α, GLUT-1, CA-9 and VEGF) might be involved in the malignant progression of VSCC.

Ginsenoside Rg1 protects primary cultured rat hippocampal neurons from cell apoptosis induced by ß-amyloid protein.

OBJECTIVES: Estrogen is known to prominently benefit neuronal syndromes and neurodegenerative diseases. Ginsenoside Rg1, an active ingredient found in a Chinese plant, ginseng root, was previously demonstrated to exert estrogen-like activity. This study was performed to assess the neuroprotective effect of ginsenoside Rg1 against apoptosis induced by ß-amyloid protein 25-35 (Aß(25-35)) in primary cultured rat hippocampal neuronal cells as well as in the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: We first measured cell viability and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release from primary cultured rat hippocampal neurons. After that, the inhibition effects of ginsenoside Rg1 on neuronal cell apoptosis were evaluated with flow cytometric analysis. Furthermore, western blot analysis was used for detecting the expression of apoptosis-related proteins Bcl-2, Bax, and active caspase 3. RESULTS: The results show that ginsenoside Rg1 could increase neuronal viability and reduce LDH release; rescue cell apoptosis induced by Aß(25-35); decrease the expression of caspase 3, increase the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax at the protein levels compared with the cells only treated with Aß(25-35). CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our results indicate that the apoptosis induced by Aß(25-35) could be reversed by ginsenoside Rg1. Furthermore, this neuroprotective effect is probably mediated by up-regulating the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax that activates caspase 3.

[Fluorescence spectroscopic characteristics of fulvic acid from the long-term located fertilization in black soil].

In order to investigate the effect of long-term located fertilization on soil fulvic acid (FA), in this study, four soil samples were taken from black soil with long-term located fertilization (about 30 year) in Harbin, Heilongjiang province. The fertilization treatments included control (CK), N, P and K fertilization (NPK), horse manure (OM), combination of organic manure and chemical fertilizations (MNPK). Soil FA was extracted from the samples and purified. The excitation, emission, synchronous, and three-dimensional-excitation emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy (3DEEM) characteristics of the FA were determined. The excitation, emission and synchronous scan spectra all indicated that the main peaks of FA in the NPK treatment exhibited a significantly blue shift compared with CK, while those of MNPK, OM treatment caused a red shift to some extent. 3DEEM spectra of FA in all treatments exhibited four peaks (peak a, peak b, peak c, and peak d), compared with FA in CK, the wavelengths shift tendency of peak a, peak b, and peak c of FA 3DEEM in NPK, MNPK and OM treatments were similar to that of traditional spectra in FA. In order to provide quantitative information of FA humification degree in different treatments, we investigated the fluorescence index f450/500 (FI), area integration (A370-600 nm, A1 370-412 nm, A4 538-600 nm). Compared with CK, the f450/500, ratio of A1/A in NPK and A4/A in MNPK treatment increased by 4.62%, 6.12%, 7.22%, respectively. However, the f450/500, the ratio of A1/A in MNPK and A4/A in NPK treatment decreased by 3.86%, 15.31%, and 7.22% respectively. This indicated that NPK application gave a lower degree of FA humification, and combination of organic manure and chemical fertilizations would lead to a greater degree of FA aromatization in black soil with long-term located fertilization than CK.

[Study of variations in adult sphenoid sinus by multislice spiral computed tomography].

OBJECTIVE: Explore the anatomic variations of adult sphenoid sinus and delineate the precise relationship between sphenoid sinus and adjacent structures. METHODS: Using multi planner reformation (MPR), the images of 260 spiral computed tomography (CT) scans were reviewed through a doctor station. RESULTS: The sphenoid was divided into 6 types: no development, conchal, pre-sellar, half-sellar, full-sellar and post-sellar. The prevalence was 0.19%, 1.54%, 8.08%, 22.88%, 20.58% and 46.73% respectively. And there was no difference between left and right. The prevalence of accessory septa or bone spur inside sphenoid sinus was 51.5%. With the gasification spreading, the prevalence was rising. And there was statistical significance among them. The dorsum sella was divided into three types: I, II, III. And its prevalence was 48.08%, 25.19% and 26.73% respectively. The difference of sphenoethmoid distribution among the various type sinus had no statistical significance. The prevalence of vidian canal and foramen rotundum protrusion was 39.2% and 15.8% respectively. And all occurred in pterygoid process cells. Internal carotid artery (ICA) was divided into 4 types. And the prevalence of type 0 to 3 was 13.5%, 50.0%, 26.9% and 9.6% respectively. With the gasification spreading, the prevalence of types 2, 3 was rising. And there were statistical significance among them. The prevalence of type 0 to 4 CNII was 4.4%, 19.2%, 26.0%, 29.0% and 21.4% respectively. With the gasification spreading, the prevalence of type 3, 4 CNII was rising. And the difference had statistical significance. CONCLUSION: MPR and multislice spiral CT can facilitate a precise study of anatomic variations in adult sphenoid sinus and delineate the relationships between sphenoid sinus and adjacent structures. Caution must be exercised during sphenoid and trans-sphenoid surgery to minimize the risk of inadvertently injuring the adjacent structures.

[Histopathological observation of bone remodeling in rabbit sinusitis model].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the histopathological finding of bone remodeling in rabbit sinusitis model at different time and the tendency, and to discuss the effect of bone in the pathogenesis of sinusitis. METHODS: First, the rabbit sinusitis model was made, then the experimental animals were divided into 3 groups according to the time of infection. There were 8 rabbits in each experimental group, and 4 rabbits in the control group. The sinus specimen were collected, embedded and stained. The bone in the inoculating side and noninoculating side was scored, and the bone in inoculating side was evaluated quantitatively and semiquantitatively. The parameters included the thickness of mucosa, mucoperiosteum, the density of osteoblast, the amount of osteoclast. RESULTS: The average bone score in the inoculating side was 2.250, 2.875, 2.875; in the noninoculating side was 1.625, 2.250, 2.500. Between group A and the control group, the difference of all three parameters had statistical significance. Between group B and group A, the difference of the thickness of mucosa and the density of osteoblast had statistical significance. Between group C and group B, none of the three parameters had statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Bacterial sinusitis can lead to bone remodeling, obvious bone destroy can occur at the early phase, then the bone proliferation follows. These results demonstrate that bone remodeling is one of the basic histopathological characters of CRS and might be the reason to lead CRS to a constant and chronic process of inflammation.

[Tracheoesophageal shunt for vocal rehabilitation after laryngectomy].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the clinical value of functional tracheoesophageal shunt for vocal rehabilitation after laryngectomy. METHODS: One hundred and twenty seven cases of tracheoesophageal shunt for vocal rehabilitation after laryngectomy in Cancer Hospital of Tianjin Medical University from 1981 to 2006 were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Among 127 cases, 105 cases got successful phonation and the total success rate of vocal rehabilitation was 82.7%, all successful cases were followed up from 2 to 27 years had good phonation quality and no aspiration. Analyzing the reasons of failure in phonation of the 22 cases, 9 cases were because of improper operation (7 cases for narrow fistula and 2 cases for broad fistula), 13 cases were because of postoperative infection (10 cases for narrow fistula and 3 cases for broad fistula). The key to successful phonation was the size of fistula, the main causes of the failure in phonation were related to uncorrected operative procedure and postoperative infection. CONCLUSIONS: This method for vocal rehabilitation after laryngectomy has high success rate of vocal rehabilitation and low complications, it is relatively simple and worth popularizing in clinical treatment.

Effect of traditional Chinese herbal Bu-Wang-San on synaptic plasticity in ovariectomised rats.

OBJECTIVES: The neuroprotective effects of Bu-Wang-San (BWS) and its effects on spine synapse plasticity were investigated in ovariectomised rats. METHODS: Thirty-six ovariectomised rats were divided into three groups: untreated controls, treatment with 17beta-estradiol or with BWS. After 3 months, spatial acquisition and spatial retention were measured using the Morris water maze. Swim time, swim distance, swim speed, quadrant time and platform crossing were recorded. Spine synapse density in the hippocampus was examined by transmission electron microscopy. The expression of synaptophysin P38 (P38) mRNA was examined by real-time PCR and the protein expression of P38 was examined by Western blot. KEY FINDINGS: In spatial acquisition and spatial retention, the BWS group functioned significantly better than the control group. Ultrastructural observation of the hippocampus showed that BWS significantly increased spine synapse density compared with the ovariectomised group. In addition, BWS significantly increased P38 mRNA and protein expression in the hippocampus. Thus, the positive effect of BWS on learning and memory in rats was associated with increased spinal synapse density and increased P38 mRNA and protein expression in the hippocampus following menopause-induced injury. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that BWS could improve cognitive ability following menopause-induced impairment of learning and memory.

The effects of an herbal medicine Bu-Wang-San on learning and memory of ovariectomized female rat.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Bu-Wang-San (BWS) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of learning and memory impairment. The effect of BWS on neuroprotection and how BWS increases CA1 dendritic spine synapse density in menopaused women was investigated in the model of ovariectomized (OVX) rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen OVX rats were divided into two groups, the OVX group and OVX+BWS group. After 3 months, Morris water maze was used to assess spatial acquisition and spatial retention. Swim time, swim distance, swim speed, quadrant time and platform crossing were recorded. The ultrastructure of the pyramidal cell and spine synapse density were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULTS: In the spatial acquisition and spatial retention phase of testing, BWS group functioned significantly better than control group. Ultrastructural observation of the hippocampal CA1 region of OVX group showed swelling of mitochondria, the broken and reduced cristas and even crista dissolution; however, the mitochondria were protected well in BWS group. In addition, BWS significantly increased spine synapse density. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that BWS could improve cognitive ability of menopause-induced learning and memory impairment. The positive effect of BWS on rat learning and memory was associated with increase of spinal synapse density and protection of mitochondrial function of the pyramidal cell in hippocampal CA1 region from menopause-induced injury.

[Expression and immunogenicity evaluation of ectodomain and subdomains of Plasmodium berghei apical membrane antigen 1].

OBJECTIVE: To express and evaluate the immunogenicity of ectodomain and its subdomains of Plasmodium berghei apical membrane antigen I (PbAMA-1). METHODS: Sequence of PbAMA-I gene was isolated from the genome of P. berghei, and was redesigned and divided into three overlapped fragments according to its subdomain structure. The codon-optimized DNA fragments of PbAMA-1 were synthesized and inserted into vector pET32a for expression in E. coli and the recombinant proteins were purified by Ni-NTA column, followed by refolding in vitro. Mice and rabbits were immunized with the recombinant proteins formulated with Freund adjuvant. Titer of the specific antibodies was detected by ELISA and IFA. The immunized mice were challenged by P. berghei to evaluate protective efficacy in vivo. RESULTS: The sequence of the PbAMA-1 gene was shown to be identical to that published before. PbAMA-1 sequence was redesigned via codon optimization and synthesized. Both ectodomain and its subdomains of PbAMA-1 were successfully expressed in E. coli after induction. The proteins were isolated with the purity of more than 90% after Ni column purification and refolding in vitro. Immunization of mice with the recombinant proteins induced high level of specific antibodies. The antibody titer to ectodomain E after the 3rd immunization showed a strong immunogenicity at (34.4+/-0.15) x 10(-4). The antibodies interacted with the parasites by indirect fluorescence. The immunized mice were partially protected from the challenge of P. berghei. CONCLUSION: The recombinant PbAMA-1 is highly immunogenic and induces protective immunity against the challenge of P. berghei.

[Correlation of Her-2 overexpression with endocrine status and response to tamoxifen treatment in patients with breast cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation of Her-2 overexpression with endocrine status and response to tamoxifen treatment in patients with breast cancer. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was used to measure the expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), Her-2, p53, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in 4773 consecutive in-hospitalized patients with primary breast cancer confirmed by pathological examination of the resected specimens, all females, aged 50 (15 - 92), and were followed up for 42 months on average. 1090 if then received tamoxifen (TAM), an anti-estrogen agent, post-operationally. The correlation of Her-2 overexpression with other factors was analyzed. RESULTS: (1) The Her-2 overexpression rate was 26.6%. Her-2 overexpression was significantly negatively correlated with expressions of ER and PR (both P < 0.01). (2) The general 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate of those treated with TAM was 92.7%; and the 3-year GFS rate of the subgroup of the TAM-treated patients with Her-1 overexpression was 91.2%, significantly lower than that of those without Her-2 overexpression (93.4%, P = 0.004). (3) The 3-year DFS rate premenopausal patients with Her-2 overexpression was 91.8%, not significantly different from that of those without Her-2 overexpression (92.6%, P > 0.05), however, the 3-year DFS rate of the postmenopausal patients with Her-2 overexpression was 90.4%, significantly lower than that of those without Her-2 overexpression (92.6%, P = 0.010). (4) The 3-year DFS rate of the axillary lymph node-positive patients with Her-2 overexpression was 89.1%, significantly lower than that without Her-2 overexpression (92.3%, P = 0.037). (5) In the premenopausal patients there was no significant difference in the 3-year DFS rate between the lymph node-negative patients with and without Her-2 overexpression (P > 0.05). However, in the postmenopausal lymph node positive patients the 3-year DFS rate of those with Her-2 overexpression was 88.7%, significantly lower than that of those without Her-2 overexpression (92.2%, P = 0.0069). CONCLUSION: ER and PR are independent factors of Her-2 expression. Her-2 overexpression signifies resistance to TAM treatment. The response to TAM is not influenced by the Her-2 expression and axillary lymph node metastasis status in the premenopausal patients, and is not influenced by the Her-2 expression level in the postmenopausal patients.