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OBJECTIVE@#To summarize and analyze the clinical characteristics of children with basal ganglia germinoma and to improve the level of early clinical diagnosis.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of children diagnosed with basal ganglia germinoma admitted to the Pediatric Surgery Ward of Peking University First Hospital from January 2013 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the clinical characteristics of children with basal ganglia germinoma.@*RESULTS@#A total of 30 patients were included in the study, 28 were male, 2 were female, the mean age at onset was (9.7±2.2) years, the median disease duration was 7 months, 27 had unilateral disease, and 3 had bilateral disease. The clinical manifestations were decreased limb muscle strength, cognitive function disorders, polydipsia, precocious puberty, intracranial hypertension, dysphonia and swallowing dysfunction. The serum and cerebrospinal fluid tumor marker alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) were normal in the 30 patients, and the serum and cerebrospinal fluid tumor marker β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) were normal in 8 patients.The serum β-HCG was normal in 11 patients but the cerebrospinal fluid β-HCG was slightly elevated, and the serum and cerebrospinal fluid β-HCG were slightly elevated in 11 patients. A total of 33 lesions with irregular shapes were found by imaging examination, including 15 (45.5%) patchy lesions, 10 (30.3%) patchy lesions, and 8 (24.2%) round-like high-density lesions. Tumors showed obvious high-density shadows on computed tomography (CT) scan. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the tumors showed low or isointensity on T1WI and isointensity on T2WI, accompanied by mild peritumoral edema, hemispheric atrophy, cerebral peduncle atrophy, calcification, cystic degeneration, ventricular dilatation and wallerian degeneration. On contrast-enhanced scans, the tumor showed no enhancement or heterogeneous enhancement.@*CONCLUSION@#The main age of onset of germ cell tumors in the basal ganglia in children is about 10 years old, and males are absolutely dominant. The clinical features and imaging manifestations have certain characteristics. With both combined, the early diagnosis of germ cell tumors in the basal ganglia can be improved.
Subject(s)
Child , Female , Humans , Male , Atrophy/pathology , Basal Ganglia/pathology , Biomarkers, Tumor , Brain Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human , Germinoma/pathology , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
A silver nanowires(AgNWs) flexible electrode was prepared using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as the substrate and AgNWs as the conductive layer. It is easier to change the shapes and sizes of the flexible electrode due to its excellent stretchability and foldability. A square wave stripping voltammetry (SWSV) method for the detection of trace copper in water was established using the electrode as the working electrode.The characterization of AgNWs flexible electrode showed that the spread of AgNWs was uniform and the average resistance was 1.03 Ω. The data of electrochemical analysis showed that the properties of the electrode were superior to commercialized gold electrode and silver electrode. The effects of Bi3+concentration, supporting electrolyte,pH value, enrichment potential and enrichment time were determined and optimized. We achieved the sharpest and highest peak of the SWSV curves for the detection of Cu2+in the range of-0.3-0.3 V,which means the most sensitive detection, under the following conditions such as 0.5 mg/L Bi3+,0.1 mol/L support electrolyte tartaric acid-sodium tartrate solution (pH, 4.8), 0.6 V of enrichment potential, and 600 s of enrichment time. Under such conditions, the linear detection range of Cu2+concentration was from 0.001 mg/L to 0.100 mg/L and the detection limit was 9.27×10-5mg/L. The advantages of this detection method are fast speed,high sensitivity and wide detection range. Therefore,it can not only meet the requirements for the copper ion detection but also provide a new method or experimental basis for the detection of other metal ions in water. In addition, the AgNWs flexible electrode has great potential in detections under special circumstances or instantaneous detections due to its wonderful flexibility and biocompatibility.
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Finding the novel drug from the effective components of traditional Chinese herbal medicine is a hotspot of the modern pharmacological research.Hyperoside (HYP) belongs to flavonoid glycosides,and it has various properties,such as anti-inflammation,anti-spasm,anti-diuretic,antitussive,lowering blood pressure,and lowering cholesterol effects as well as protective effects for the cardiac and cerebral blood vessels.The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of HYP on inflammatory and apoptotic responses in vascular endothelial cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and further to identify the possible mechanisms underlying these effects.In our study,human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were stimulated with 1 μg/mL LPS in the presence or absence of HYP (10,20 and 50 μrnol/L).Our results indicated that HYP alone exerted no cytotoxicity on HUVECs,while it had an up-regulatory effect on the viability of HUVECs induced by LPS in a dose-dependent manner;increased mRNA expression of IL-1β,IL-6,TNFα and iNOS induced by LPS was attenuated after treatment with HYP both in a dose-and time-dependent manner;LPS-induced HUVECs apoptosis and cleaved-caspase 8,9,3 were all significantly reduced by HYP.Furthermore,the possible pathway involved in apoptosis and inflammation by HYP was detected,and the results showed that when treated with HYP,LPS-induced mitochondrial membrane instability was significantly inhibited through up-regulation of Bcl-2 and down-regulation of Bax.Furthermore,the expression of TLR4 and the phosphorylation of Iκ Bα and p65 in LPS-treated cells were blocked by HYP.Our results suggested that HYP treatment prevented HUVECs from LPS-induced inflammation and apoptosis responses,which might be mediated by inhibiting TLR4/NFκB pathway.
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Finding the novel drug from the effective components of traditional Chinese herbal medicine is a hotspot of the modern pharmacological research.Hyperoside (HYP) belongs to flavonoid glycosides,and it has various properties,such as anti-inflammation,anti-spasm,anti-diuretic,antitussive,lowering blood pressure,and lowering cholesterol effects as well as protective effects for the cardiac and cerebral blood vessels.The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of HYP on inflammatory and apoptotic responses in vascular endothelial cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and further to identify the possible mechanisms underlying these effects.In our study,human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were stimulated with 1 μg/mL LPS in the presence or absence of HYP (10,20 and 50 μrnol/L).Our results indicated that HYP alone exerted no cytotoxicity on HUVECs,while it had an up-regulatory effect on the viability of HUVECs induced by LPS in a dose-dependent manner;increased mRNA expression of IL-1β,IL-6,TNFα and iNOS induced by LPS was attenuated after treatment with HYP both in a dose-and time-dependent manner;LPS-induced HUVECs apoptosis and cleaved-caspase 8,9,3 were all significantly reduced by HYP.Furthermore,the possible pathway involved in apoptosis and inflammation by HYP was detected,and the results showed that when treated with HYP,LPS-induced mitochondrial membrane instability was significantly inhibited through up-regulation of Bcl-2 and down-regulation of Bax.Furthermore,the expression of TLR4 and the phosphorylation of Iκ Bα and p65 in LPS-treated cells were blocked by HYP.Our results suggested that HYP treatment prevented HUVECs from LPS-induced inflammation and apoptosis responses,which might be mediated by inhibiting TLR4/NFκB pathway.
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Objective To study whether sevoflurane pretreatment inhibits the myocardial apoptosis caused by hypoxia reoxygenation through AMPK pathway. Methods H9c2 myocardial cell lines were cultured and divided into control group (C group), hypoxia reoxygenation group (H/R group), sevoflurane pretreatment + hypoxia reoxygenation group (SP group) and sevoflurane combined with Compound C pretreatment + hypoxia reoxygenation group (ComC group), and the cell proliferation activity and apoptosis rate, myocardial enzyme levels in culture medium as well as the expression of apoptosis genes and p-AMPK in cells were determined. Results p-AMPK expression in cells of H/R group was significantly lower than that of C group, SP group was significantly higher than that of H/R group; cell proliferation activity value and Bcl-2 expression in cells of H/R group were significantly lower than those of C group, SP group were significantly higher than those of H/R group, ComC group were significantly lower than those of SP group; apoptosis rate, LDH, CK and AST levels as well as the Bax and Caspase-3 expression in cells of H/R group were significantly higher than those of C group, SP group were significantly lower than those of H/R group, ComC group were significantly higher than those of SP group. Conclusions Sevoflurane pretreatment can activate AMPK signaling pathway to inhibit the myocardial apoptosis caused by hypoxia reoxygenation.
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OBJECTIVE@#To study whether sevoflurane pretreatment inhibits the myocardial apoptosis caused by hypoxia reoxygenation through AMPK pathway.@*METHODS@#H9c2 myocardial cell lines were cultured and divided into control group (C group), hypoxia reoxygenation group (H/R group), sevoflurane pretreatment + hypoxia reoxygenation group (SP group) and sevoflurane combined with Compound C pretreatment + hypoxia reoxygenation group (ComC group), and the cell proliferation activity and apoptosis rate, myocardial enzyme levels in culture medium as well as the expression of apoptosis genes and p-AMPK in cells were determined.@*RESULTS@#p-AMPK expression in cells of H/R group was significantly lower than that of C group, SP group was significantly higher than that of H/R group; cell proliferation activity value and Bcl-2 expression in cells of H/R group were significantly lower than those of C group, SP group were significantly higher than those of H/R group, ComC group were significantly lower than those of SP group; apoptosis rate, LDH, CK and AST levels as well as the Bax and Caspase-3 expression in cells of H/R group were significantly higher than those of C group, SP group were significantly lower than those of H/R group, ComC group were significantly higher than those of SP group.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Sevoflurane pretreatment can activate AMPK signaling pathway to inhibit the myocardial apoptosis caused by hypoxia reoxygenation.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the incidence of different types of brain injury in preterm infants and their influencing factors.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical data and head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of 239 preterm infants were collected, and the influence of antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum factors on brain injury in preterm infants was analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The incidence rate of brain injury in preterm infants was 25.5%; among these infants, 10.5% had hemorrhagic brain injury, 10.5% had ischemic brain injury, and 4.6% and hemorrhagic and ischemic brain injury. The infants with a lower gestational age had higher incidence rates of hemorrhagic brain injury and overall brain injury (P<0.01). The incidence rates of ischemic brain injury and hemorrhagic and ischemic brain injury were not correlated with gestational age (P>0.05). The incidence rates of hemorrhagic, ischemic, and overall brain injury were not correlated with birth weight (P>0.05). Multiparity (OR=0.292, 95%CI 0.088-0.972) and cesarean section (OR=0.075, 95%CI 0.015-0.368) were protective factors against brain injury in infants with a gestational age of <34 weeks; cesarean section (OR=0.296, 95%CI 0.131-0.672) was the protective factor against brain injury in infants with a gestational age of ≤34 weeks, and severe infection (OR=8.176, 95%CI 1.202-55.617) was the risk factor.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>In order to prevent or reduce the occurrence of brain injury in preterm infants. the gestational age of preterm infants should be prolonged as much as possible and the indications for cesarean section should be grasped. Infections should be prevented and if occurring should be treated actively and effectively.</p>
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Female , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Male , Birth Weight , Brain Injuries , Epidemiology , Gestational Age , Incidence , Infant, Premature , Retrospective Studies , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The Toll-like receptors (TLRs) represent a group of single-pass transmembrane receptors expressed on sentinel cells that are central to innate immune responses.The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of soluble TLRs in pleural effusions, and the diagnostic values of TLRs for pleural effusion with various etiologies.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Pleural effusion and serum samples were collected from 102 patients (36 with malignant pleural effusion, 36 with tuberculous pleural effusion, 18 with bacterial pleural effusion, and 12 with transudative pleural effusion). The concentrations of TLR1 to TLR10 were determined in effusion and serum samples by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Four classical parameters (protein, lactate dehydrogenase, glucose and C-reactive protein (CRP)) in the pleural fluid were also assessed. Receiver-operating characteristic curves were used to assess the sensitivity and specificity of pleural fluid TLRs and biochemical parameters for differentiating bacterial pleural effusion.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The concentrations of TLR1, TLR3, TLR4, TLR7 and TLR9 in bacterial pleural effusion were significantly higher than those in malignant, tuberculous, and transudative groups, respectively. Analysis of receiver operating characteristic curves revealed that the area under the curves of TLR1, TLR3, TLR4, TLR7 and TLR9 were 0.831, 0.843, 0.842, 0.883 and 0.786, respectively, suggesting that these TLRs play a role in the diagnosis of bacterial pleural effusion. Also, the diagnostic value of TLRs for bacterial pleural effusions was much better than that of biochemical parameters (protein, lactate dehydrogenase, glucose and CRP).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The concentrations of TLR1, TLR3, TLR4, TLR7 and TLR9 appeared to be increased in bacterial pleural effusion compared to non-bacterial pleural effusions. Determination of these pleural TLRs may improve the ability of clinicians to differentiate pleural effusion patients of bacterial origin from those with other etiologies.</p>
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Bacterial Infections , Metabolism , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Pleural Effusion , Metabolism , Microbiology , Prospective Studies , Toll-Like Receptor 1 , Metabolism , Toll-Like Receptor 3 , Metabolism , Toll-Like Receptor 4 , Metabolism , Toll-Like Receptor 7 , Metabolism , Toll-Like Receptor 9 , Metabolism , Toll-Like Receptors , MetabolismABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To discuss characters of proximal femoral nail and dynamic hip screw for treating type A1, A2, A3 of intertrochanteric fractures.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We review 104 patients with intertrochanteic fractures, 33 patients were treated with proximal femoral nail (PFN), including 13 males and 20 females with an average age of 76 years (ranging from 63 to 87 years). 12 cases of type A1; 18 cases of type A2 and 3 cases of type A3; and 71 patients were treated with dynamic hip screw (DHS), including 29 males and 42 females with an average age of 74.5 years (ranging from 61 to 92 years), 32 cases of type A1, 34 cases of type A2 and 5 cases of type A3. Comparision in an average time of operations, the length of incision, blood loss, weight loading time and complications between two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>An average time of operation was (51.5 +/- 4.4) min in PFN; (68.8 +/- 5.9) min in DHS. The length of incision was (9.6 +/- 0.9) cm in PFN; (15.5 +/- 1.5) cm in DHS. The blood loss was (179.0 +/- 12.9) ml in PFN; (269.3 +/- 40.0) ml in DHS. Varus collapse was none in PFN, 1 case in DHS. The collodiaphyseal angle of 7 cases decreased in DHS. Lateral hip pain caused by proximal screw removal was 6 cases in PEN.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The therapeutic effect of DHS and PEN was primitively same in treating type A1 of intertrochanteric fracture. Operative injuries of PFN were less than that of DHS and anti-tonia was more stronger which is more suitable for type A2 and A3 of intertrochateric fractures.</p>
Subject(s)
Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Bone Nails , Bone Screws , Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary , Methods , Hip Fractures , General Surgery , Postoperative Complications , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Compared with smaller aneurysms, giant intracranial aneurysms (GICAs) have a poorer prognosis and require more meticulous surgical planning and techniques to exclude them from the circulation. GICAs continue to challenge the limits of neurosurgical techniques. A series of 170 patients with GICAs were reviewed for understanding the clinical characteristics, surgical treatment and outcomes of patients with GICAs.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Collected data of 170 consecutive patients with GICAs from January 1995 to July 2007 were analyzed. The clinical characteristics in this study included age, sex, intracranial aneurysms size, the first presentations, locations and Hunt & Hess grade. Surgical methods included direct clipping of the aneurysm neck, parent artery reconstruction, proximal artery ligation, trapping and wrapping. Surgical results were evaluated postoperatively by the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>GICAs were more commonly diagnosed at age 30 to 50 years with a mean age of 39.3 years and without obvious gender preponderance in our study (88 male and 82 female patients). The size of the GICAs ranged from 2.5 cm to 8.0 cm (mean, 2.9 cm). Hemorrhage (41%), mass effect (34%) and headache (12%) were the first 3 most common presentations. Regarding the Hunt & Hess classification, at admission there were 100 cases in grade 0, 24 in grade 1, 21 in grade 2, 16 in grade 3, 8 in grade 4 and 1 in grade 5. There were 84 cases of GICAs treated by direct neck-clipping, 47 by parent artery reconstruction, 19 by proximal artery occlusion (with 4 combined with revascularization), 18 by trapping and 2 by wrapping. The follow-up study (ranging from 6 to 115 months, mean 32 months) showed good results in 108 cases, moderate disability in 26 and severe disability in 15 according to GOS. Six cases died.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Surgical treatment is an effective treatment for GICAs. Surgical strategies should be made carefully and individually. Doppler ultrasonography, neuroendoscope and intraoperative angiography are useful to perfect surgical results.</p>
Subject(s)
Adult , Aged , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Infant , Male , Middle Aged , Follow-Up Studies , Glasgow Outcome Scale , Intracranial Aneurysm , Pathology , General Surgery , Neurosurgical Procedures , Methods , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Active suppression by CD4+CD25+ regulatory T lymphocytes plays an important role in the down-regulation of T cell responses to foreign and self-antigens. This study was conducted to analyze whether the CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells exist and function normally in tuberculous pleural effusion.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The percentages of CD4+CD25+ T cells in pleural effusion and peripheral blood from patients with tuberculous pleurisy and peripheral blood from healthy control subjects were determined by flow cytometry. The expression of forkhead transcription factor Foxp3 was also examined. CD4+CD25+ and CD4+CD25(-) T cells from pleural effusion and blood were isolated, and were cultured to observe the effects of CD4+CD25+ T cells on proliferation response of CD4+CD25(-) T cells in vitro.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were increased numbers of CD4+CD25+ T cells in tuberculous pleural effusion compared with peripheral blood from both patients with tuberculous pleurisy and normal subjects, and these cells demonstrated a constitutive high-level expression of Foxp3. Moreover, CD4+CD25+ T cells mediated potent inhibition of proliferation response of CD4+CD25(-) T cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The increased CD4+CD25+ T cells in tuberculous pleural effusion express a high level of Foxp3 transcription factor, while potently suppressing the proliferation of CD4+CD25(-) T cells.</p>