Effect of acupuncture at "reflection points" of the affected side on the peripheral facial paralysis in acute phase / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effect of acupuncture at the "reflection points" of affected side on the peripheral facial paralysis in acute phase.@*METHODS@#Ninety patients with peripheral facial paralysis in acute phase were randomly divided into a reflection group (group A), a conventional acupuncture group (group B) and a physiotherapy group (group C), 30 cases in each group. The same basic medication were given in all three groups. In the group A, acupuncture at "reflection points" of the affected side and local acupoints in acute phase, such as Dicang (ST 4), Jiache (ST 6), Quanliao (SI 18), Xiaguan (ST 7), Yangbai (GB 14), Taiyang (EX-HN 5), etc. were applied. The electroacupuncture was added in the stationary phase, and Zusanli (ST 36) was added in the recovery phase. In the group B, acupuncture at Yifeng (TE 17) of the affected side in acute phase and local acupoints, such as Dicang (ST 4), Jiache (ST 6), Quanliao (SI 18), Xiaguan (ST 7), Yangbai (GB 14), Taiyang (EX-HN 5), etc. were applied. The electroacupuncture was added in the stationary phase, and Zusanli (ST 36) was added in the recovery phase. In the group C, ultrashort wave on Yifeng (TE 17) of the affected side in acute phase was applied, and the treatment in the stationary phase and the recovery phase was the same as the group B. The treatment was given once every day, 5 times as one course for 4 courses. The House-Brackmann (H-B) grading scale, facial disability index scale, the symptom and physical score integral scale were used to score before and after treatment, and the clinical effects of the three groups were compared.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the functional grade of H-B facial nerve was better than that before treatment in the three groups (0.05). After treatment, the course of treatment required to reflect the healing in the group A was shorter than that in the group B and the group C (0.05). The scores of symptoms and signs in the three groups were lower than those before treatment (0.05). H-B facial nerve function grading scale and facial disability index (FDI) scale were used as the evaluation criteria, the curative rate was 66.7% (20/30) in the group A, 50.0% (15/30) in the group B and 46.7% (14/30) in the group C, the curative rate in the group A was better than the other two groups (<0.05). The curative and markedly effective rate in the group A was 83.3% (25/30), 70.0% (21/30) in the group B and 63.3% (19/30) in the group C, the curative and markedly effective rate in the group A was better than the other two groups (<0.05). The scores of symptoms and signs were used as the evaluation criteria, the curative rate was 66.7% (20/30) in the group A, 50.0% (15/30) in the group B, and 46.7% (14/30) in the group C. The curative rate in the group A was better than the other two groups (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Compared with general acupuncture and physiotherapy, acupuncture at the "reflection points" of the affected side on the peripheral facial paralysis in acute phase could shorten the course of treatment and improve the curative effect.

Clinical and neuroimaging characteristics of patients with hemichorea-hemiballismus induced by nonketotic hyperglycemia / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To study the clinical manifestations and neuroimaging characteristics of patients with hemichorea-hemiballismus (HC-HB) induced by nonketotic hyperglycemia. Methods The clinical data, laboratory findings and neuroimaging findings of 5 patients with HC-HB induced by nonketotic hyperglycemia who were treated in Changhai hospital of Second Military Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. The 5 patients included 4 females and 1 male, ranging 65-83 years old and averaging (76. 6±7. 2) years old. Results All the five patients presented an acute onset, with four of them having chorea or ballismus involuntary movement in unilateral limbs and face and one having generalized chore. The highest levels of blood glucose in patients at onset were 18. 6-44. 6 mmol/L (averaging[26. 6±10. 5] mmol/L), with negative urine ketone. T1-weighted imaging showed hyperintensity in contralateral basal ganglia in 4 cases and in bilateral basal ganglia in 1 case, with no edema or mass effect; most T2-weighted imaging was of isointensity. Increased protein levels and normal number of cells were observed in 3 cases in cerebrospinal fluid examination, and two of three cases had increased IgG index or 24 h intrathecal synthesis rate, which was relieved by effective control of blood glucose combined with pharmacotherapy, such as haloperidol. Conclusion Nonketotic hyperglycemia and HC-HB are the characteristics of HC-HB induced by nonketotic hyperglycemia, with hyperintensity on T1-weighted MRI imaging in the contralateral basal ganglia or in bilateral basal ganglia occasionally. Early diagnosis and proper treatment of those patients can achieve good prognoses.

Diagnostic Values of IL-12 and IFN-γ for the Patients with Acute Leukemia / 中国实验血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the diagnostic values of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) for the patients with acute leukemia (AL).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 76 cases of AL were enrolled in this study, and the 40 healthy persons were used as control group. The levels of IL-12 and IFN-γ were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The levels of IL-12 and IFN-γ in the untreated AL group, ALL and ANLL groups were lower significantly than those in the control group (P<0.05), there was no significant difference between untreated AL and ANLL groups (P>0.05). The levels of IL-12 and IFN-γ in CR patients of AL group after treatment obviously higher than that of patients before treatment (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference as campared with that in control. The levels of IL-12 and IFN-γ in NR patients of AL group after treatment were obviously lower than that in control group (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in comparision with patients before treatment (P>0.05). The levels of IL-12 and IFN-γ of AL-CR and AL-NR patients before treatment were not significant difference before treatment (P>0.05). The levels of IL-12 and IFN-γ of AL-CR patients obviously higher than that in AL-NR patients (P<0.05). According to immure classification, the levels of IL-12 and IFN-γ of patients in untreated group were not significant difference. In regard to the clinical risk degree, the level of IL-12 of patients in untreated group was not obvious difference (P>0.05), but the level of IFN-γ of patients in untreated group was obvious different (P<0.05). The level of IL-12 of patients in untreated group positively correlated with level of IFN-γ (r=0.735, P<0.05), but the level of IL-12 did not significantly correlated with the level of IFN-γ (r=0.292, P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The serum levels of both IL-12 and IFN-γ are lower, but the changes of both serum levels may be helpful to diagnose and treatment of AL patients.</p>

Effects of systemic inflammation on basal ganglia dam in diabetic mice and the underlying mechanisms / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To study the effects of systemic inflammation on the damage of blood brain barrier (BBB) , innate immune cell activation and neuronal degeneration in basal ganglia of diabetic mice and the related mechanisms. Methods Diabetic mouse model was established by-Sltrla|

Thin-section computed tomography detects long-term pulmonary sequelae 3 years after novel influenza A virus-associated pneumonia / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The aim of this research was to evaluate long-term pulmonary sequelae on paired inspiration-expiration thin-section computed tomography (CT) scans 3 years after influenza A (H1N1) virus-associated pneumonia, and to analyze the affecting factors on pulmonary fibrosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-four patients hospitalized with H1N1 virus-associated pneumonia at our hospital between September 2009 and January 2010 were included. The patients underwent thin-section CT 3 years after recovery. Abnormal pulmonary lesion patterns (ground-glass opacity, consolidation, parenchymal bands, air trapping, and reticulation) and evidence of fibrosis (architectural distortion, traction bronchiectasis, or honeycombing) were evaluated on follow-up thin-section CT. Patients were assigned to Group 1 (with CT evidence of fibrosis) and Group 2 (without CT evidence of fibrosis). Demographics, rate of mechanical ventilation therapy, rate of intensive care unit admission, cumulative prednisolone-equivalent dose, laboratory tests results (maximum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase [AST], lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], and creatine kinase [CK]), and peak radiographic opacification of 24 patients during the course of their illness in the hospital were compared between two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Parenchymal abnormality was present in 17 of 24 (70.8%) patients and fibrosis occurred in 10 of 24 (41.7%) patients. Patients in Group 1 (10/24; 41.7%) had a higher rate of mechanical ventilation therapy (Z = -2.340, P = 0.019), higher number of doses of cumulative prednisolone-equivalent (Z = -2.579, P = 0.010), higher maximum level of laboratory tests results (AST [Z = -2.140, P = 0.032], LDH [Z = -3.227, P = 0.001], and CK [Z = -3.345, P = 0.019]), and higher peak opacification on chest radiographs (Z = -2.743, P = 0.006) than patients in group 2 (14/24; 58.3%).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>H1N1 virus-associated pneumonia frequently is followed by long-term pulmonary sequelae, including fibrotic changes, in lung parenchyma. Patients who need more steroid therapy, need more mechanical ventilation therapy, had higher laboratory tests results (maximum levels of AST, LDH, and CK), and had higher peak opacification on chest radiographs during treatment are more likely to develop lung fibrosis.</p>

Association of high blood pressure with heart rate variability in children

To determine the association between heart rate variability [HRV] and hypertension in Chinese children. The study was conducted in First Hospital of Jilin University, China. A total of 101 children were recruited in this study. They were divided into a high systolic blood pressure [SBP] group [US group] and normal SBP group [NS group] according to the SBP levels. In the second set of experiments, the children were divided into a high diastolic blood pressure [DBP] group [HD group] and normal DBP group [ND group] according to the DBP levels. HRV measurements were performed, and the time domain and power spectrum values were calculated. The differences of low frequency [LF]/high frequency [HF] ratio, HF, and standard deviation of normal-to-normal RR intervals [SDNN] between daytime and nighttime were obviously abolished in HS and HD groups. The HS group displayed significantly lower values of HRV over a 24 h period compared to the NS group [SDNN, standard deviation of the averaged normal-to-normal RR intervals [SDANN], Triangle Index, root mean square successive difference LRMSSDI, total power [TPJ, ultra-LF [ULF], and HF]. Only the Triangle Index in the HD group was lower than that in ND group. We provide evidence that HRV is reduced and the circadian rhythm of HRV is weakened in hypertensive children, and hypothesize that a reduced HRV is a potential pathophysiological mechanism linking childhood hypertension and adulthood cardiovascular diseases

A pilot study on the relationship between thyroid status and neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with Alzheimer disease / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Growing evidence links alternation of the thyroid function to the pathogenesis and progression of Alzheimer disease (AD). However, only a few studies evaluate the association between thyroid hormone levels and neuropsychiatric manifestations in patients with AD. This study aimed to investigate the relationship of thyroid hormone levels and neuropsychiatric symptoms in euthyroid patients with AD.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty patients with AD (26 women and 14 men), with no prior AD treatment within 4 weeks before study entry, were evaluated on their thyroid status (total triiodothyronine (TT3), total thyroxine (TT4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)), cognition (Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Alzheimer's disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-cog)), neuropsychiatric symptoms (Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI)) and depression (Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD(17))). The unique relationship between thyroid hormones and cognitive function and mood was examined with multivariate linear regression analyses. The thyroid status between the neuropsychiatric symptoms group and the non-neuropsychiatric symptoms group was examined with independent-samples t-test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In euthyroid AD patients with agitation and irritability has lower TSH serum level than those without these symptoms (t = -2.130, P < 0.05; t = -2.657, P < 0.05); and core score of HAMD is significantly associated with the serum level of TSH (β = 0.395, P < 0.01). There is no significant association between thyroid hormone levels and cognition (MMSE, ADAS-cog and its subscale score).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There might be a relationship between thyroid hormone levels and the neuropsychiatric symptoms in euthyroid patients with AD.</p>

Effects of ulinastatin on coagulation in children after cardiopulmonary bypass / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effects of ulinastatin on coagulation in children who underwent open-heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty children who underwent open-heart surgery for ventricular septal defect were randomly divided into two groups: ulinastatin treatment and control. Before CPB, ulinastatin (1.0×10(4) U/kg) was added to CPB priming fluid only in the ulinastatin treatment group. Activated partial thromboplasin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen and international normalized ratio (INR) were measured both before and at 1 hr, 6 hrs and 24 hrs after CPB.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The PT in the ulinastatin group was more prolonged than in the control group at 1 hr after CPB (18.7 ± 0.7 s vs 15.5 ± 0.5 s) and 6 hrs after CPB (17.5 ± 0.6 s vs 15.0 ± 0.6 s). The APTT in the ulinatatin group was also significantly more prolonged than in the control group at 6 hrs after CPB (38.7 ± 3.1 s vs 35.3 ± 3.1 s) and 24 hrs after CPB (34.2 ± 3.0 s vs 31.1 ± 2.6 s).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Ulinastatin may prolong PT and APTT after CPB, and thus affects coagulation in children.</p>

Caveolin-1: a novel biomarker for prostate cancer / 中华男科学杂志

For lack of the biomarker, early diagnosis of prostate cancer is often difficult. Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) is an important oncogene and a major structural coat protein of caveolae, which is involved in multiple cellular functions including molecular transport, cell adhesion, and signal transduction, as well as in the development and progression of prostate cancer. Cav-1 is secreted as a biologically active molecule that promotes cell survival and angiogenesis within the tumor microenvironment, and is overexpressed in the metastatic and primary sites of human prostate cancer. Secreted Cav-1 can be detected in the peripheral blood, and its expression level has an indicative value in the diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer. This review focuses on the structure and biological characteristics of Cav-1 and its correlation with prostate cancer.

Prognostic significance of serial determinations of lactate dehydrogenase in follow-up for patients with myelodysplastic syndrome / 中国实验血液学杂志

This study was aimed to dynamically observe the expression level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in MDS patients and to explore the significance of LDH level for prognostic judgement of MDS patients. The expression level of LDH in 163 confirmedly diagnosed patients from 2001 to 2009 years in our hospital, the changes of LDH level in follow-up patients and relation of the LDH changes to prognosis, survival time and MDS progression, as well as the relation of LDH level to blood cell count, ratio and karyotype of blast cells in bone marrow were analyzed retrospectively. The results showed that the median LDH level in 163 MDS patients at diagnosis was 214 U/L (range 102 - 865 U/L), the median survival time of patients with increased LDH (> 240 U/L) was 25.6 months which was significantly shorter than that of patients with normal LDH level (56.8 months)(p < 0.05). When MDS patients were classified according to IPSS, the increased LDH level in MDS patients was observed in high risk and intermediate II groups (337.20 ± 298.00 U/L and 234.07 ± 216.00 U/L, respectively) which was significantly higher than that in low risk group (154.94 ± 46.08 U/L) (p < 0.05). The LDH level in patients with MDS progression was obviously enhanced while LDH level in patients without progression was not enhanced, mainly maintained in stable level as compared with LDH level at diagnosis and before progression (p < 0.005). By multivariate analysis, the increase of LDH level was found to be an independent prognostic factor. It is concluded that the LDH level may be used as indicator for judging prognosis of MDS patients, which is helpful to early recognition of MDS progression and risk stratification of disease, as well as selection of rational therapy.

Clinical study of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia / 中华血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the incidence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) in patients received unfractionated heparin (UFH) treatment, and explore the feasibility of monitoring HIT by platelet counts, as well as the significance of HIT-antibody test in HIT diagnosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>145 patients received UFH treatment in Vascular Surgery Department were studied. Before and after the UFH treatment, platelet counts, HIT-antibody ELISA test and heparin-induced platelet aggregation (HIPA) were tested.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among the 145 patients, thrombocytopenia occurred in 40 (27.6%) cases, HIT-antibody ELISA test positive in 59 (40.7%) cases, HIPA test positive in 26 (17.9%) cases. The HIT was diagnosed in 24 (16.5%) cases, and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (HITTS) occurred in 5 (3.4% in all cases, and 20.8% in HIT patients). In HIT patients, 15 patients (62.5%) were thrombocytopenia, HIT-antibody positive and HIPA test positive. Platelet counts in all of the 24 patients recovered to normal or level before UFH treatment in 3-6 days after heparin withdrawal therapy.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>HIT can be early diagnosed by monitoring platelet counts, HIT-antibody ELISA test and HIPA test. Withdrawal of heparin therapy in time and use of alternative anticoagulant, HITTS rate might be expected to decline further.</p>

The surface biomarkers of sputum cells in coal mine workers and patients with pneumoconiosis / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the significance of intercellular adhesion molecule -1 (CD54 or ICAM-1), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and platelet-derived factor (PDGF) in sputum cells of workers exposed to dust and patients with pneumoconiosis for the early diagnosis of pneumoconiosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The subjects included 62 workers exposed to dusts, 51 workers not exposed to dusts, 22 patients with pneumoconiosis and 10 healthy controls. The respiratory sputum technique was used to collect the sputum samples and the biomarkers (ICAM-1, EGFR and PDGF) of the sputum samples were detected with the sputum samples.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>When the exposure group was compared with non-exposure group, there were no significant differences of surface biomarkers (ICAM-1, EGFR and PDGF) in sputum cells (neutrophil leucocytes, macrophages, lymphocytes and acidophilic/basophil leucocytes). As compared with other workers exposed to dusts, the surface CD54 and EGFR expression levels increased significantly and the surface PDGF expression level decreased significantly in workers exposed to dusts for 10 years (P<0.05). As compared with controls, the CD54 and EGFR expression levels of sputum cells increased significantly and the PDGF expression level of sputum cells decreased significantly in patients with pneumoconiosis at the stages of I and II + mI (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The expression levels of the surface CD54, EGFR and PDGF of sputum cells in workers exposed to dusts and patients with pneumoconiosis changed, which may be useful for early detecting pneumoconiosis.and patients is changed, which may be meaningful for early detection of pneumoconiosis.</p>

Expression of CD40 and matrix metalloproteinase 9 in carotid atherosclerotic plaques and its significance / 第二军医大学学报

Objective: To investigate the expression of CD40 and MMP9 in carotid atherosclerotic plaques, so as to assess the role of CD40 in the stability of the plaque and the possible mechanism. Methods: The expression of CD40 and MMP9 mRNA and protein in carotid atherosclerotic plaques obtained from carotid eversion endarterectomy (CEE) of 28 patients with high-grade stenosis (>70%) (stroke group, n=15; non-stroke group, n=13) and 8 normal postmortem arteries (control group) were detected by real-time quantification polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting. The correlation between expression of CD40 and MMP9 was analyzed. Results: The expression of CD40 mRNA and MMP9 mRNA in the non-stroke group and stroke group was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.01); and that of the stroke group was significantly higher than that of the non-stroke group (P<0.01). There was a linear correlation between expression of CD40 and MMP9 mRNA (r=0.964, P<0.01). Extremely rare expression of CD40 and MMP9 protein wet found in the normal carotid artery; the protein expression was evidently higher in the carotid artery atherosclerosis than in the normal carotid artery, and the expression in carotid artery atherosclerosis in the stroke group was higher than that in the non-stroke group. Conclusion: The increased expression of CD40 and MMP9 in the carotid atherosclerositic plaques may be closely related to the stability of plaques.

P27Kip1 expression and its prognostic implication in breast carcinoma: a meta-analysis / 中华病理学杂志

To evaluate the relationship between p27Kip1 low expression in breast cancer and its prognostic implication in breast carcinoma patients. Methods All data that were associated with the study of the relationship between p27Kip1 and the prognosis for breast cancer was pooled from Cochrane library, PubMed, Embase and Medlinebase. The outcome was measured using the risk ratio (RR). Data pooling was performed by RevMan 4. 2. Results 6457 patients from 20 studies were included in this meta-analysis. RR estimate of overall survival (OS) for patients with low level p27Kip1 was 2.07 [1.66,2.60] (P<0.01). For disease free survival (DFS), the pooled RR was 1.27 [1.10,1.47] (P<0.05). The combined RR estimate of relapse free survival (RFS) for patients with low level of p27Kip1 was 1.49 [0.92, 2.42] (P >0.05). In patients with lymph node negative breast carcinoma, the combined RR for OS and RFS were 1.98 [1.34,2.91] (P <0.01) and 1.28 [0.45,3.65] (P > 0.05), respectively. Among the patients with lymph node positive breast carcinoma, the combined RR for OS and RFS was 1.92 [1.31, 2.82] (P=0.0009) and 1.35 [0.96,1.89] (P>0.05) respectively. Conclusions Low level of p27Kip1 appears to be an independent prognostic factor to OS and DFS of breast cancer patients but not to RFS. Additional studies with large patient number and widely accepted practical methods are required to derive the precise prognostic significance of p27Kip1 expression in breast cancer patients.

Effect of Shugan Jianpi Granule () on gut mucosal serotonin-positive cells in patients with irritable bowel syndrome of stagnated Gan-qi attacking Pi syndrome type / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effect of Shugan Jianpi Granule (, SJG) on the number of gut mucosal serotonin-positive cells (5-HT+C) in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) of stagnated Gan-qi attacking Pi (SGAP) syndrome type.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-four patients were randomized equally into three groups. All were treated with the basic conventional treatment by cognition-behavior therapy with assistance of lactein 3 tablets thrice a day. Additionally, 24 g of SJG was given three times a day to group A, and the same dosage of SJG and Smecta 15 g thrice a day was given to group B, while no additional treatment was given to the control group. The number of 5-HT+C was measured respectively before and two weeks after treatment by immunohistochemical method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The number of 5-HT+C decreased after treatment in all the three groups (P<0.05), but the decrement was more significant in the two test groups than in the control group (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively), while comparison of 5-HT+C between the two test groups showed insignificant difference (P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>SJG can reduce the number of 5-HT+C in IBS patients of SGAP syndrome type, and its effect is enhanced when used in combination with Smecta.</p>

Effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on the proliferation of hepatocytes and cirrhotic fat-storing cells in vitro / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and the effects of BMSCs on the proliferation of cirrhotic fat-storing cells (CFSC) and hepatocytes in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>BMSCs and hepatocytes were isolated and harvested from the bone marrow and livers of rats. A co-culture system was set up by transwell inserts in which the two chambers were separated by a semipermeable membrane. BMSCs labeled with PKH26 were cultured with hepatocytes/CFSC in the co-culture system and also in a cell-cell direct contact culture system. Anti-albumin and anti-smooth muscle alpha-actin (alpha-SMA) antibodies were tested by using fluorescence immunocytochemistry. BMSCs and hepatocytes/CFSC cultured alone served as controls. The proliferation level of hepatocytes in the co-culture system was measured. CFSC were cultured with the conditional medium of BMSCs, and their quantities were measured microscopically.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Expression of albumin was observed in the hepatocytes of the two culture systems after they were cultured for 72 h but the albumin levels were higher in the cell-cell direct contact culture system (P<0.01). As compared to the controls, the number of hepatocytes was larger in the co-culture system (P<0.01). No expression of alpha-SMA in CFSC was observed in either culture system. The proliferation of CFSC was inhibited by the conditional medium of BMSCs. The longer the time of the co-culturing the more significant was the CFSC growth suppression (P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>BMSCs can be induced into hepatocytes by a local micro-environment formed by hepatocytes. BMSCs may promote proliferation of hepatocytes and inhibit proliferation of CFSC.</p>

The Role of CD40-CD40L in Artherosclerosis and Thrombosis / 国际脑血管病杂志

Recent studies have confirmed that both CD40 molecule and its ligand CD40L played important roles in various stages of atherosclerosis.The critical cell component of atherosclerosis- endothelial cells,macrophages,and smooth muscle cells on which there are expressions of CD40 and CD40L.The combination of both induces human vascular endothelial cells expressing various active media,participating in the formation of atherosclerosis.However,blocking the CD40-CD40L pathway can prevent atherosclerosis or prevent the plaques from progressing.CD40L may participate in thrombosis and activation of platelet.The soluble CD40L levels increase persistently in patients with acute cerebral infarction and acute coronary syndrome.Some drugs may down-regulate CD40L level.It has provided a new approach for preventing the occurrence of vascular events.

Residual collagen binding assay for von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease activity and its clinical application / 中国实验血液学杂志

von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease (vWF-cp) is a newly identified metalloproteinase. The activity of vWF-cp would vary in different physiological or pathological states. To explore activity detectron of von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease and its clinical application, the vWF-cp activity was measured by a sensitive enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay to detect the residual collagen binding activity (R-CBA) of von Willebrand factor before and after digestion with vWF-cp. Moreover, its activity deficiency in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and solid tumors was also investigated. The results showed that the residual collagen binding assay was sensitive enough to measure the serum or plasma vWF-cp activity in 87 health individuals, 79 patients suffering from TTP and solid tumors. The coefficient of variation within and between the batches was were 3.60% and 8.35%, respectively. The serum and plasma vWF-cp activity in health individuals was (79.47 +/- 10.78)% (n = 53) and (78.79 +/- 9.17)% (n = 30), respectively, whereas the vWF-cp activity in patients with TTP, benign and malignant tumors was significantly decreased (P values were less than 0.001, 0.03 and 0.001, respectively). It is concluded that the vWF-cp activity in plasma or serum of patients with TTP and solid tumors markedly decrease, especially in patients with TTP. Assay of the vWF-cp activity using R-CBA is a simple method.

Study on the detection of inv(16) in acute myelomonocytic leukemia (M4) by flucorescence in situ hybridization method / 中国实验血液学杂志

To study the clinical significance of the detection of inv(16) (p13 q22) by FISH in the diagnosis and prognosis for M(4), the metaphase bone marrow cells of 6 cases M(4) which had already diagnosed by morphology were detected for CBFbeta-MYH(11) fusion gene by MYH 11 probe including dual labelled sequences and the results were compared with that of conventional cytogenetic analysis. The results showed that 4 cases inv(16) (two M(4) EO and two M(4)) were found by G banding kanyotyping test. One case M(4) had trisomy (+22) in addition to inv(16); one case M(4) had hypodiploid in addition to inv(16), which relapsed after CR 8 months. All 6 cases had inv(16) abnormal fluorescence signal. Among them case No 2 had the deletion of 16p13 showed by red fluorescence signal in addition to inv(16). It is concluded that the detection of inv(16) by FISH is of sensitivity and specificity. It is the important supplement to the conventional cytogenetic analysis. It possesses the important clinical significance in the diagnosis and prognosis of M(4) patients.

Impact of short-term neoadjuvant hormonal treatment on neuroendocrine differentiation in prostate carcinoma / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the impact of short-term neoadjuvant hormonal treatment on neuroendocrine (NE) differentiation and the relation of NE differentiation and tumor regression.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The radical prostatectomy specimens and the biopsy specimens of the same 18 patients with prostate cancer were compared. The effect of hormonal treatment on NE-differentiation was evaluated by specific antibodies against chromogranin A (ChA) and serotonin (5-HT).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The ChA-positive cell count was 3.2 x 10(-5)/microm(2) [(0-5.7) x 10(-5)/microm(2)] before hormonal treatment and 2.3 x 10(-5) microm(2)[(0-6.6) x 10(-5)/microm(2)] afterward (P > 0.05). For the proportion of NE-positive tumor, it was 7.0% (0%-14.9%) and 4.5% (0%-13.1%) (P > 0.05). No correlation existed between NE-differentiation and the neoadjuvant hormonal treatment. The NE cell density did not differ significantly between 12 non-/slightly regressive tumor foci and 6 highly regressive ones (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Short-term neoadjuvant hormonal therapy does not induce clonal propagation of NE cells. The degree of tumor regression following short-term neoadjuvant hormonal therapy is not correlated with the NE differentiation.</p>