Correction to: Evaluation of 22G fine-needle aspiration (FNA) versus fine-needle biopsy (FNB) for endoscopic ultrasound-guided sampling of pancreatic lesions: a prospective comparison study.

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Cronkhite-Canada syndrome: A case report.

Cronkhite-Canada syndrome (CCS) is a rare non-inherited condition characterized by gastrointestinal (GI) hamartomatous polyposis, alopecia, onychodystrophy, hyperpigmentation, weight loss and diarrhea. The etiology is most likely autoimmune and diagnosis is based on patient history, physical examination, endoscopic findings of GI polyposis and histology. The disease is very rare; thus far more than 500 cases of CCS have been reported globally. A 58-years-old male with CCS was reported in the present case study. The patient experienced a history of diarrhea and hematochezia for 4 months, with abdominal pain for 1 month and additional nail and toenail loss for half a month. The clinical, endoscopic and histological data confirmed the diagnosis.

Evaluation of 22G fine-needle aspiration (FNA) versus fine-needle biopsy (FNB) for endoscopic ultrasound-guided sampling of pancreatic lesions: a prospective comparison study.

BACKGROUND: To compare the diagnostic yield and safety of 22G endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) in the diagnosis of pancreatic solid lesions. METHODS: Between April 2014 and September 2015, 36 patients with pancreatic solid lesions were included for endoscopic ultrasound test. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: EUS-FNA (n = 18) and EUS-FNB (n = 18). Each nidus was punctured three times (15 ~ 20 insertions for each puncture) with a 22G needle. The core specimens were analyzed, and the diagnostic yields of FNA and FNB were evaluated. RESULTS: The procedure success rate was 100% with no complications. Cytological and histological examinations found that the diagnostic yield of FNB and FNA were both 83.3%. To get a definitive diagnosis, FNB needed fewer punctures than FNA (1.11 vs. 1.83; P  <  0.05). CONCLUSIONS: 22G EUS-FNB is a safe and effective way to diagnose pancreatic solid lesions. FNB required a lower number of needle passes to achieve a diagnosis compared with FNA.

Application of clips assisted with foreign body forceps in defect closure after endoscopic full-thickness resection.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of metallic clips assisted with foreign body forceps closing the gastric wall defect after endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFR) for gastric submucosal tumors (SMTs). METHODS: Eighteen patients with gastric SMTs originated from the muscularis propria were treated by EFR between September 2012 and June 2014. Twelve patients underwent endoscopic closure of the gastric wall defects after EFR with endoloop and metallic clips (endoloop string suture method, ESSM), and six patients with clips and foreign body forceps (clips assisted with foreign body forceps clip method, CFCM). RESULTS: No significant differences existed between the two groups in terms of demographics, clinical characteristics, and the size of the gastric wall defects. The average time spent in closing the gastric wall defects (14.83 ± 1.94 min for the CFCM group and 22.42 ± 5.73 min for the ESSM group) and hospitalization fees of the CFCM group were significantly lower than those of the ESSM group. The average hospitalization time of the two groups had no statistical significance. No single case had surgical intervention or complications, such as gastric bleeding, perforation, peritonitis, or abdominal abscess. CONCLUSION: The CFCM and the ESSM are safe and effective techniques for gastric defect closure after EFR for gastric SMTs. Because of the "chopsticks effect," the CFCM more suitable for the lesions located at the gastric fundus, the greater curvature or anterior wall of the gastric body and gastric antrum.

Effects of ethanol extract of Radix Sophorae Flavescentis on activity of colon cancer HT29 cells.

This paper mainly studied the inhibitory effect of total ethanol extract of Radix Sophorae Flavescentis on proliferation of colon cancer HT29 cells. By reflux extraction method and with ethanol as extraction solvent, different extracts were obtained at different ethanol concentrations, different solid-liquid ratios, and at different times. And their inhibitory activities against HT29 cells were compared using MTT assay. The experimental results showed that the extraction processes under three conditions can all draw relatively high inhibition rates. The optimum ethanol extraction process conditions were as follows: a solid-liquid ratio of 1:9, 80 min of heat reflux extraction with 95% ethanol.

A study on the inhibitory effect of Solanum lyratum Thunb extract on Lewis lung carcinoma lines.

The objective of this paper was to observe the effects of Solanum lyratum Thunb extract on tumour inhibition, immune function and survival time of tumour-bearing mice. Lung carcinoma-bearing mouse model was established, the tumour-bearing mice were divided into model group, CTX group, Solanum lyratum Thunb extract high-dose group and low-dose group. By the examination of tumour inhibition rate of Solanum lyratum Thunb extract in Lewis lung carcinoma-bearing mice and determination of the number of NK cells and T cell subsets, the survival rate of tumour-bearing mice was observed. Solanum lyratum Thunb extract had some anti-tumour effect in Lewis tumour-bearing mice. The tumour inhibition rate of high-dose group reached 46.28%, and the tumour inhibition rate of low-dose group was 31.42%. Solanum lyratum Thunb extract can improve the NK cell activity of Lewis tumour-bearing mice, increase the number of CD4 cells in the tumour-bearing mice, and significantly increase the survival rate of tumour-bearing mice. The study concluded that Solanum lyratum Thunb extract has some anti-tumour effect and can improve immune function and survival rate of tumour-bearing mice.

Stepwise sedation for elderly patients with mild/moderate COPD during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

AIM: To investigate stepwise sedation for elderly patients with mild/moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) during upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. METHODS: Eighty-six elderly patients with mild/moderate COPD and 82 elderly patients without COPD scheduled for upper GI endoscopy were randomly assigned to receive one of the following two sedation methods: stepwise sedation involving three-stage administration of propofol combined with midazolam [COPD with stepwise sedation (group Cs), and non-COPD with stepwise sedation (group Ns)] or continuous sedation involving continuous administration of propofol combined with midazolam [COPD with continuous sedation (group Cc), and non-COPD with continuous sedation (group Nc)]. Saturation of peripheral oxygen (SpO2), blood pressure, and pulse rate were monitored, and patient discomfort, adverse events, drugs dosage, and recovery time were recorded. RESULTS: All endoscopies were completed successfully. The occurrences of hypoxemia in groups Cs, Cc, Ns, and Nc were 4 (9.3%), 12 (27.9%), 3 (7.3%), and 5 (12.2%), respectively. The occurrence of hypoxemia in group Cs was significantly lower than that in group Cc (P < 0.05). The average decreases in value of SpO2, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure in group Cs were significantly lower than those in group Cc. Additionally, propofol dosage and overall rate of adverse events in group Cs were lower than those in group Cc. Finally, the recovery time in group Cs was significantly shorter than that in group Cc, and that in group Ns was significantly shorter than that in group Nc (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The stepwise sedation method is effective and safer than the continuous sedation method for elderly patients with mild/moderate COPD during upper GI endoscopy.

Comparative genomic study of gastric epithelial cells co-cultured with Helicobacter pylori.

AIM: To identify genes potentially involved in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-induced gastric carcinogenesis. METHODS: GES-1 cells were co-cultured with H. pylori strains isolated from patients with gastric carcinoma (GC, n = 10) or chronic gastritis (CG, n = 10) for in vitro proliferation and apoptosis assays to identify the most and least virulent strains. These two strains were cagA-genotyped and used for further in vivo carcinogenic virulence assays by infecting Mongolian gerbils for 52 wk, respectively; a broth free of H. pylori was lavaged as control. Genomic profiles of GES-1 cells co-cultured with the most and least virulent strains were determined by microarray analysis. The most differentially expressed genes were further verified using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in GES-1 cells infected with the most and least virulent strains, and by immunohistochemistry in H. pylori positive CG, precancerous diseases, and GC biopsy specimens in an independent experiment. RESULTS: GC-derived H. pylori strains induced a potent proliferative effect in GES-1 cells in co-culture, whereas CG-derived strains did not. The most (from a GC patient) and least (from a CG patient) virulent strains were cagA-positive and negative, respectively. At week 52, CG, atrophy, metaplasia, dysplasia, and GC were observed in 90.0%, 80.0%, 80.0%, 90%, and 60.0%, respectively, of the animals lavaged with the most virulent strain. However, only mild CG was observed in 90% of the animals lavaged with the least virulent strain. On microarray analysis, 800 differentially expressed genes (49 up- and 751 down-regulated), involving those associated with cell cycle regulation, cell apoptosis, cytoskeleton, immune response, and substance and energy metabolisms, were identified in cells co-cultured with the most virulent strain as compared with those co-cultured with the least virulent strain. The six most differentially expressed genes (with a betweenness centrality of 0.1-0.2) were identified among the significant differential gene profile network, including JUN, KRAS, BRCA1, SMAD2, TRAF1, and HDAC6. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses verified that HDAC6 and TRFA1 mRNA expressions were significantly more up-regulated in GES-1 cells co-cultured with the most virulent strain than in those co-cultured with the least virulent strain. Immunohistochemistry of gastric mucosal specimens from H. pylori-positive patients with CG, intestinal metaplasia (IM), dysplasia, and GC showed that moderately positive and strongly positive HDAC6 expression was detected in 21.7% of CG patients, 30.0% of IM patients, 54.5% of dysplasia patients, and 77.8% of GC patients (P < 0.001). The up-regulation of TRAF1 expressions was detected in 34.8%, 53.3%, 72.7%, and 88.9% specimens of CG, IM, dysplasia, and GC, respectively (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The overexpression of HDAC6 and TRAF1 in GES-1 cells co-cultured with the GC-derived strain and in H. pylori-positive dysplasia and GC suggests that HDAC6 and TRAF1 may be involved in H. pylori-induced gastric carcinogenesis.

Sedation, analgesia, and cardiorespiratory function in colonoscopy using midazolam combined with fentanyl or propofol.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The use of sedatives during colonoscopy remains controversial because of its safety concerns. We compared cardiorespiratory function and sedative and analgesic effects in sedative colonoscopy, using combinations of midazolam with either fentanyl or propofol. METHODS: Eligible patients (n = 480) received 1.0-2.0 mg midazolam alone (n = 160), midazolam combined with either 50-100 mg fentanyl intramuscularly (n = 160), or 0.5-2.5 mg/kg propofol intravenously, as premedication for sedative colonoscopy. Pulse rate, blood pressure, and saturation of peripheral oxygen (SpO(2)) were monitored. Levels of sedation and analgesia were semi-quantitatively scored using visual analog scales, and amnesia profiles were qualitatively evaluated. RESULTS: Combining midazolam with either fentanyl or propofol resulted in acceptable sedative and analgesic effects compared to treatment with midazolam alone (P < 0.001), with the combination with propofol giving more favorable results. More patients receiving the propofol combination became amnestic to the procedure than patients receiving the fentanyl combination. However, midazolam combined with propofol disturbed the pulse rate (P < 0.05) and blood pressure (P < 0.001) more significantly than a combination with fentanyl, or midazolam alone. CONCLUSION: The combination of midazolam with either fentanyl or propofol allowed patients to undergo colonoscopy under comparable sedative and analgesic conditions. The combination with fentanyl had a significantly lower effect on pulse rate and blood pressure. The combination with propofol produced superior amnestic effects.

Impact of experimental and demographic variables in serum peptide profiling based on magnetic bead and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.

BACKGROUND: Serum peptidome profile is a promising tool to identify physiologic or pathologic conditions. Stable serum peptidome profiles with high quality are essential for serum peptidome research. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of experimental and demographic variables in serum peptide profiling. METHODS: Magnetic bead combined with MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry was performed to evaluate the efficacy of various variables including the treatment of blood, the pretreatment of serum (magnetic beads and ultrafiltrate centrifugal filters), the mass spectrometry and the data handling. The influence of age and gender on serum peptidome was also analyzed in 123 healthy volunteers. RESULTS: The results showed that the sampling processing procedures were crucial for the serum peptidome profiles. There were obvious differences on the serum peptidome profiles between the age groups younger and older than 30. There was no difference between gender groups. CONCLUSIONS: A number of optimized and standardized variables should be defined in serum peptidome research based on magnetic beads and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. An extremely strict standard procedure and considerate arrangement should be applied.

Evaluation of hepatocellular carcinoma using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography: correlation with microvessel morphology.

BACKGROUND: Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) is an important technique for depiction and assessment of tumor vascularity. This study aimed to explore the relationship between the morphological characteristics of tumor microvessels and enhancement patterns on CEUS in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Eighty patients with HCC underwent CEUS using SonoVue before hepatectomy. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic enhancement patterns and quantitative parameters were recorded. The tumor tissue sections were immunostained with human CD34 monoclonal antibody. The patients were classified into a point-line type group (n = 36) and a loop-strip type group (n = 44) according to microvessel morphology. The microvascular density (MVD) in the different types of microvessels was calculated. The relationship between enhancement patterns of HCC lesions and morphological characteristics of tumor microvessels was analyzed. RESULTS: The mean MVD in HCC was 22.4+/-3.5 per 0.2 mm2 in the point-line group, and 19.6+/-6.7 per 0.2 mm2 in the loop-strip group, and there was no significant difference between them (t = 0.948, P = 0.354). In the portal vein phase, hypoenhancement was significantly more frequent in HCC (X2 = 4.789, P = 0.029) in the loop-strip group (40/44, 90.9%) than in the point-line group (26/36, 72.2%). The time to hypo-enhancement in the loop-strip group (mean 64.84+/-26.16 seconds) was shorter than that in the point-line group (mean 78.39+/-28.72 seconds) (t = 2.247, P = 0.022). The time to hypo-enhancement was correlated with MVD in the loop-strip group (r = -0.648, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The enhancement patterns on CEUS are related to tumor microvascular morphology, and the type of microvascular morphology influences CEUS characterization. CEUS, an important noninvasive imaging technique, is used to evaluate microvascular morphology and angiogenesis, providing valuable information for antiangiogenic therapy in HCC.

Differential miRNA expression and their target genes between NGX6-positive and negative colon cancer cells.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma-associated gene 6 (NGX6) was shown to be a novel putative tumor suppressor gene in colon cancer. The purpose of this study is to investigate its role in regulation of miRNA expression for in the hopes of translating this data into a novel strategy in control of colon cancer. In this study colon cancer HT-29 cells were stably transfected with NGX6 or vector-only plasmid and then subjected to miRNA array analysis, and Q-RT-PCR was then used to verify miRNA array data. Then bioinformatic analyses using Sanger, Target Scan, and MicroRNA software were performed to obtain data on the target genes of each miRNA and define their function. Our results showed that 14 miRNAs were found to be differentially expressed in NGX6-transfected cells compared to the control cells. In particular, miR-126, miR-142-3p, miR-155, miR-552, and miR-630 were all upregulated, whereas miR-146a, miR-152, miR-205, miR-365, miR-449, miR-518c, miR-584, miR-615, and miR-622 were downregulated after NGX6 transfection. Q-RT-PCR confirmed all of these miRNAs, and invalidated miR-552 and miR-630. Furthermore, bioinformatic analyses of these 12 miRNAs, among these miRNAs, target genes of miR-615 are unclear, another 11 miRNAs produced a total of 254 potential target genes and further study showed that these genes together formed a regulatory network that contributes to apoptosis, mobility/migration, hydrolysis activity, and molecular signaling through targeting JNK and Notch pathways. Taken together, these results have suggested that NGX6 plays an important role in regulation of apoptosis, mobility/migration, and hydrolase as well as activity of JNK and Notch pathways through NGX6-mediated miRNA expression. Further investigation will reveal the function of these differentially expressed miRNAs and verify expression of the miRNA-targeted genes for development of novel strategies for better control of colon cancer.

[Expression and significance of NGX6 gene in human hepatocellular carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To examine the expression of NGX6 gene and to investigate its association with the clinico-pathological characteristics in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). METHODS: Samples from 45 patients were divided into the hepatocellular carcinoma tissue group and the matched paracancerous tissue group. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of NGX6 gene in the hepatocellular carcinoma and the surrounding normal tissue specimens. RESULTS: The positive rates of NGX6 in the hepatocellular carcinoma and the matched paracancerous tissues were 35.5%(16/45)and 77.8%(35/45), and the ratios of NGX6/G3PDH mRNA were 0.245+/-0.060 and 0.352+/-0.113.There was significant difference in the 2 groups (P<0.05). The expression of NGX6 gene was related to TNM staging (chi2=6.106,P=0.042)and lymph node metastasis(chi2=5.237,P=0.022)in hepatocellular carcinoma. CONCLUSION: There is positive expression of NGX6 in the hepatocellular carcinoma and the matched paracancerous tissues. The low-expression or non-expression of NGX6 gene plays an important role in the gene transcription level in hepatocellular carcinoma.The expression of NGX6 gene is related with TNM staging and lymph node metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Expression of NGX6 might be used as an early indicator of the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma.

[Relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and expression of connexin (Cx) 32 and Cx43 genes in gastric cancer and gastric precancerous lesions].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of connexin (Cx)32 and Cx43 genes in gastric cancer and precancerous lesion, and to investigate the relation between the changes of expression of Cx32 and Cx43 genes and Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection. METHODS: Gastroscopy and biopsy of gastric mucosa were conducted on 33 patients with chronic superficial gastritis (CSG), 88 with precancerous lesion, and 70 with gastric cancer. Hp was detected by rapid urease test, basic fuchsin staining, and 14C-urea breath test. The CagA gene of Hp was determined by PCR. SABC immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of Cx32 and Cx43 genes in gastric mucosa biopsy specimens. RESULTS: The positive expression rates of Cx32 and Cx43 genes were 15.7% and 32.9% respectively in the gastric cancer patients, 51.1% and 54.5% in the patients with precancerous lesion, and 100.0% and 93.9% in the CSG patients. The positive Cx32 and Cx43 expression rates of the gastric cancer and precancerous lesion patients were significantly lower than those of the CSG patients (all P < 0.05). The positive Cx32 expression rate of the gastric cancer patients with Hp infection was 16.7%, not significantly different from that of the gastric cancer patients without Hp infection (13.6%). The positive Cx43 expression rate of the gastric cancer patients with Hp infection was 25%, significantly lower than that of the gastric cancer patients without Hp infection (50%, P = 0.039). The positive Cx32 and Cx43 expression rates and expression intensity of the precancerous lesion patients with Hp infection were all significantly lower than those of the precancerous lesion patients without Hp infection (all P < 0.05). The positive Cx43 expression rate of the gastric cancer patients with CagA+ Hp infection was 17.9%, significantly lower than that of the CagA- Hp group (55.6%, P = 0.027), however, the positive Cx32 expression rate of the gastric cancer patients with CagA+ Hp infection was 12.8%, not significantly different from that of the gastric cancer patients with CagA- Hp infection (33.3%, P = 0.159). The positive Cx32 and Cx43 expression rates of the CSG patients with CagA+ Hp and CagA- Hp infection were all 100%, but the expression intensity of the CagA+ Hp group was significantly lower than that of the CagA- Hp group (P = 0.032). The positive Cx32 and Cx43 expression rates after Hp eradication of the precancerous lesion patients with Hp infection were 97.9% and 91.7% respectively, both significantly higher than those before eradication therapy (41.4% and 44.8% respectively, both P < 0.05). However, the positive Cx32 and Cx43 expression rates of the precancerous lesion patients with Hp infection without Hp eradication were still 40% and 50%, not significantly different from those before treatment. CONCLUSION: The expression levels of Cx32 and Cx43 in gastric cancer and precancerous lesion decrease. The change of expression of Cx43 was associated with Hp infection, especially CagA+ Hp infection. Hp eradication in patients with precancerous lesion up-regulates the expression of Cx32 and Cx43.

[Expression and SNP analysis of BRD7 gene in acute leukemia cells].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the expression level of BRD7 gene in bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMNCs) in patients with acute leukemia (AL) and to analyze BRD7 single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP). METHODS: RT-PCR was used to detect BRD7 expression in patients with AL and normal bone marrow subjects. Single-strand conformation polymorphism and DNA sequence analysis were also used to identify BRD7 mutation or SNP to investigate the relation between BRD7 and AL. RESULTS: BRD7 mRNA in BMNCs from 52 patients with AL and 30 control subjects was expressed. The mRNA relative expression of BRD7 in patients with AL was higher than that of the control group (P=0.001). Three SNPs (C657A,C495T and A737G) in BRD7 gene coding region (447 approximately 844 bp) were found, and A737G was coupled with C495T . The allele frequencies of SNP C657A were not significantly different between AL and the control group. The genotype and the allele frequencies of the 2 coupled SNPs were significantly different (P<0.01). But there was no significant discrepancy among the mRNA expression levels of AA, AG, and GG genotypes in the leukemia group (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Expression of BRD7 gene is up-regulated in AL cells. The 2 coupled SNPs (C495T and A737G ) in BRD7 gene coding region (447 approximately 844 bp) are correlated with AL, indicating that SNPs may be one of the genetic susceptibility factors of AL.

[Helicobacter pylori infection and changes of cell gap junction of gastric epithelial cells in patients with gastric cancer and precancerous lesion].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the changes of cell gap junction ultrastructure of gastric epithelial cells in patients with gastric cancer(GC) and precancerous lesion(PL),and to investigate the relation between these changes and H.pylori infection. METHODS: Seventy patients with GC, 88 with PL, and 33 with chronic superfial gastritis (CSG) were studied. H.pylori was detected by rapid urease test,basic fuchsin stain and 14C-urea breath test. The CagA gene of H.pylori was determined by polymerase chain reaction(PCR).The cell gap junction ultrastructure was observed under transmission electronic microscope. RESULTS: Length of junction/unit perimeter of gastric epithelial cells in patients with PL was smaller than that in CSG patients, and the smallest width of the intercellular space was bigger than that in CSG patients. The number of cell junction, the number of junction/unit perimeter, and the length of junction/unit perimeter in patients with GC were all smaller than those in patients with CSG or PL, and its smallest width of the intercellular space was bigger than that in patients with CSG. In patients with GC, the number of cell junction, the number of junction/unit perimeter and the length of junction/unit perimeter in CagA+ H.pylori group were smaller than those in CagA(-) H.pylori group, and its smallest width of the intercellular space was bigger than that in CagA(-) H.pylori group. In PL patients, the intercellular space decreased, and the length of cell junction of gastric epithelial cells became bigger after H.pylori eradication. The length of junction/unit perimeter in patients of H.pylori eradication was bigger than that in patients without eradication, and the smallest width of the intercellular space was smaller than that in patients without eradication. CONCLUSION: The changes of cell gap junction of gastric epithelial cells in patients with GC and PL are associated with H.pylori infection especially CagA+ H.pylori infection. Eradication of H.pylori can promote the formation of cell junction.

[Intrasplenic tumor model of nude mice in the anti- metastasis roles of NGX6 gene against colon cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a liver metastasis model of nude mice in colon cancer so as to determine the function of NGX6. METHODS: The cells of Group HT-29, pcDNA3.1(+)/HT-29, and pcDNA3.1(+)/NGX6/HT-29 were implanted into the spleen of nude mice, respectively. Everyday we measured the weight of the nude mice and observed their ingestion, movement and mental status. The nude mice were killed after 45 days, and the effect of NGX6 on the malignant behavior of HT-29 was assessed by this experiment. RESULTS: In contrast to the other two groups, the metastasis in the liver and xenograft tumor in the spleen of pcDNA3.1(+)/NGX6/HT-29 group was significantly reduced (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The metastasis of HT-29 colon cancer cell line was significantly inhibited by NGX6 gene. This model of liver metastasis in the nude mice is a proper model to determine the anti-metastasis mechanism of NGX6 gene.

[Contrast enhanced power Doppler in evaluating the angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of contrast enhanced power Doppler in evaluating tumor angiogenetic activity. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were analysed. Flow signals of hepatocellular carcinoma were observed by power Doppler imaging after the injection of contrast agent, and then the relative perfusion rate and blood flow were assessed. The microvessel density (MVD) and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) were assessed by immunohistochemical method. The relationship between the relative perfusion rate,blood flow, MVD,VEGF was studied. RESULTS: The relative perfusion rate in the tissues with positive expression of VEGF was significantly higher than that in the tissues with negative expression of VEGF in hepatocellular carcinoma. There was correlation between the relative perfusion rate, blood flow grade and MVD(P<0.05). The expression of VEGF was positively related to the relative perfusion rate and blood flow grade(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Contrast enhanced power Doppler is useful in evaluating the tumor angiogenetic activity.

[Effect of various uses of propofol on the upper gastrointestinal endoscopy].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and security of different uses of propofol on the sedation during the upper gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures. METHODS: Four hundred patients who underwent gastroscopy received midazolam and propofol as sedation. Patients were divided to 4 groups with different intervals between midazolam and propofol: Group A and D with the interval of 30 seconds to 1 minute, Group B and C with 3 to 5 minute interval. All patients were premedicated with midazolam and propofol at 16 approximately 25 mg/10s (Group A and B) and 6 approximately 7 mg/10s (Group C and D). RESULTS: The doses of propofol of Group A,B,C, and D were (111.90+/-22.43),(102.20+/-15.99),(73.05+/-13.08) and (80.90+/-17.36)mg respectively, with significant difference(P<0.01). The time of return to consciousness decreased markedly in Group C and D [(9+/-1), (10+/-2)min ], and that of Group A and B was [(14+/-5), (13+/-3)min ]. There was significant difference between Group C, D and Group A, B(P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The dose of propofol and the time of return to consciousness depend on the rate of administration and the interval between midazolam and propofol. Appropriate rate and interval can produce safer and more effective sedation for the upper gastrointestinal endoscopic procedure.