Search

The present study aims to construct an elderly vitality index evaluation system and develop a comprehensive vitality evaluation scale for the elderly to reasonably evaluate the vitality level of the elderly in China, so as to provide a reference for promoting the realization of "active aging" and "healthy aging". Literature research and in-depth interview were used to collect the senile vitality sensitive indexes. The indexes were screened and corrected by Delphi expert consultation method, item analysis method based on classical test theory, factor analysis method, and reliability and validity analysis method. The analytic hierarchy process was used to calculate the weight of each level of indexes. An elderly vitality evaluation system including 4 first-level indexes and 24 second-level indexes was constructed. The consistency test results of all levels of indicators showed that the consistency index (CI) and consistent ratio (CR) were both less than 0.1, which met the requirements and showed satisfactory consistency. The weights of exercise vitality, nutritional vitality, psychological vitality and social vitality were 0.263, 0.141, 0.455 and 0.141, respectively. In conclusion, the comprehensive vitality scale constructed for the Chinese elderly is reliable and scientific, and can be used to evaluate the vitality of the elderly.

Objective: To explore the diagnostic performance of blood urea nitrogen-to-creatinine (BUN/Cr) ratio in differentiating the site of gastrointestinal bleeding, and to assess the predictive value of early elevated BUN/Cr ratio for clinical outcomes in patients with acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (ANVUGIB)., Methods: The adult patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal bleeding who were hospitalized in the Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University between May 2020 and May 2021 were retrospectively enrolled. According to the site of gastrointestinal bleeding, the patients were divided into the upper gastrointestinal tract group, the proximal small intestinal bleeding group, and the distal small intestinal and colonic bleeding group. According to the early dynamic changes of BUN/Cr ratio within 6-48 hours after admission, patients with ANVUGIB were divided into early dynamic elevated BUN/Cr ratio group and non-early dynamic elevated BUN/Cr ratio group. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the diagnostic performance of BUN/Cr ratio in differentiating the site of gastrointestinal bleeding and examine the predictive efficacy of early dynamic elevated BUN/Cr ratio after admission, Rockall scoring system, and the combined indicator of the two for estimating the primary clinical outcomes in ANVUGIB patients., Results: A total of 266 patients were enrolled. Among them, 204 cases were in the upper gastrointestinal bleeding group, 15 cases were in the proximal small intestinal bleeding group, and 47 cases were in the distal small intestinal and colonic bleeding group. In the ANVUGIB patients, 16 were in the group with early dynamic elevated BUN/Cr ratio after admission, and 146 were in the group with non-early dynamic elevated BUN/Cr ratio after admission. The area under the ROC curve of the BUN/Cr ratio was 0.831 (95% CI : 0.780-0.874), the optimal cut-off value being 34.59 mg/g for differentiation between upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding. The area under the ROC curve of the BUN/Cr ratio was 0.901 (95% CI : 0.798-0.963) and the optimal cut-off value was 19.27 mg/g for differentiation between proximal small intestinal bleeding and the distal small intestinal and colonic bleeding. The area under the ROC curve of the early dynamic elevated BUN/Cr ratio after admission was 0.806 (95% CI : 0.737-0.864) for predicting the primary clinical outcome in patients with ANVUGIB. The area under the ROC curve of the combined indicator included the early dynamic elevated BUN/Cr ratio after admission and the Rockall scoring system was 0.909 (95% CI : 0.854-0.949) for predicting the primary clinical outcome in patients with ANVUGIB., Conclusion: The BUN/Cr ratio shows rather reliable diagnostic performance for identifying the site of gastrointestinal bleeding, and the early dynamic elevated BUN/Cr ratio after admission is a reliable indicator for predicting clinical outcomes in patients with ANVUGIB., (Copyright© by Editorial Board of Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences).)

Objective: To explore the role of chronic disease self-management program (CDSMP) in promoting pulmonary rehabilitation of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) . Methods: In June 2017 and December 2018, 380 COPD patients were selected from the health management center of Qilu Hospital of Shandong University during the same period. They were randomly divided into the experimental group and the control group. At the end of the study, 17 cases were lost to follow-up and 5 cases were withdrawn from the study. Finally, 175 and 183 patients in the experimental group and the control group completed the study. The experimental group was treated with CDSMP for 6 months, while the control group was not intervened. Lung function and blood gas analysis results, lung rehabilitation related indicators and SF-36 scores were compared between the two groups before and after intervention. The measurement data were expressed by Mean±SD, and the comparison between the two groups was performed by t test. The count data were expressed by frequency and constituent ratio (%) . Chi square test or rank sum test was used for comparison between groups. Results: After CDSMP intervention, compared with the control group, the 6MWD, weekly moderate intensity exercise time, weekly moderate intensity exercise frequency and self exercise efficacy score of the experimental group were significantly increased, and the single exercise duration was longer, the difference was statistically significant ( P <0.05) . The physiological function score, general health score, physical energy score, mental health score and total score of the experimental group were higher, and the differences were statistically significant ( P <0.05) . Conclusion: CDSMP may have a certain effect in promoting lung rehabilitation in COPD patients.

Objective: To investigate the clinical application of carbon nanoparticles mapping lymph nodes in curative resection for colorectal carcinoma. Methods: Patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer before operation and undergoing radical surgery with intact postoperative pathological data in the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University from March 2016 to March 2018 were included in this retrospective case-control study. Those who were diagnosed with ileus, recurrent carcinoma or underwent emergency operation were excluded. A total of 1421 cases were included, with 156 cases in the carbon nanoparticles mapping group and 1265 cases in the control group. Using 1∶3 case control matching based on gender, weight, TNM staging and neoadjuvant chemotherapy, 145 and 435 cases were finally recruited in the carbon nanoparticles mapping group and control group, respectively. Patients in the carbon nanoparticles mapping group underwent preoperative colonoscopy with carbon nanoparticles submucosal injection 2.4 (1.0 - 14.0) days before operation. Carbon nanoparticles of 0.25 ml was injected at 4 points (3, 6, 9 and 12 o'clock each) 0.5-1.0 cm around the tumor. The number of eliminated lymph node, number of positive lymph node and positive rate between the two groups were compared, and the number of eliminated lymph node in different subgroups of T stage, N stage, TNM stage and neoadjuvant chemotherapy was analyzed and compared. Results: After case control matching, total number of eliminated lymph nodes in the carbon nanoparticles mapping group was significantly higher than that in the control group (22.2±11.2 vs. 19.0±9.5, t =3.025, P =0.003). However, no statistically significant differences were found in the number of positive lymph node and lymph node positive rate between two groups (all P >0.05). Subgroup analysis showed that as compared to the control group, total number of eliminated lymph nodes in the carbon nanoparticles mapping group was significantly higher in T3 stage subgroup (median: 22 vs. 18, Z =2.435, P =0.015), N0 stage subgroup (median: 20.5 vs. 17.5, Z =2.772, P =0.006), TNM II stage subgroup (median: 23.5 vs. 19.0, Z= 2.654, P =0.008) and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (median: 22.5 vs. 13.0, Z =3.287, P =0.001), while compared to the control group, the number of positive lymph node (median: 4.0 vs. 6.5, Z =-2.530, P =0.011) and the lymph node metastasis degree (median: 16% vs. 31%, Z =-2.862, P =0.004) were lower in the carbon nanoparticles mapping group in N2 subgroup. Conclusion: Carbon nanoparticles mapping lymph nodes can effectively enhance the number of eliminated lymph nodes in curative resection for colorectal cancer.

Objective: To analyze morphological changes in central sulcus of the cerebral cortex in children with complete growth hormone deficiency (CGHD). Methods: Patients attending the Shandong Provincial Hospital who were diagnosed with CGHD or idiopathic short stature were recruited from January 2015 to January 2019. Thirty children with CGHD (18 males and 12 females, 5 to 14 years old) and 30 children with idiopathic short stature (22 males and 8 females, 5 to 14 years old) were included. Measurements of the central sulcus, including the average width, maximum depth, average depth, top length, bottom length and depth position-based profiles (DPP), were obtained using Brain VISA software. The significant differences between groups were statistically analyzed. Results: The average width of bilateral central sulci in children with CGHD (left: (2.26±0.41) mm; right: (2.19±0.34) mm) were significantly higher than those in children with idiopathic short stature (left: (2.10±0.27) mm; right: (2.02±0.18) mm) ( P <0.05) ; The maximum depth of the left central sulcus ((19.67±1.29) mm) and the average depth of the right central sulcus ((14.18±1.41) mm) were significantly lower than those in children with idiopathic short stature (left maximum depth: (20.69±1.43) mm; right average depth: (14.92±1.21) mm) ( P <0.05) . Children with CGHD had significantly lower DPP at the middle part of the left central sulcus (sites: 46-54) and the inferior part of the right central sulcus(sites: 91-98). Conclusion: There are significant morphological changes of the central sulcus in children with CGHD, which may represent the structural basis of their relatively slower development in motor, cognitive and linguistic functional performance.

Objective: To assess clinical features and treatment outcomes in immunocompetent patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). Methods: Sixty-two patients with PCNSL who attended Guangdong General Hospital between January 1998 and January 2012 were included. Survival curves were estimated using Kaplan-Meier survival methodology and statistical significance of continuous was assessed via the Cox proportional hazard model. Results: The median age of the patient cohort was 56 years, and the male to female ratio was 1.14∶1.00. The common presentations were increased intracranial pressure symptoms and neuron damage. Performance status of 54 (54/62, 87.1%) patients were the international prognostic index (IPI) 0-2. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (57/62, 91.9%) was most common, and the rest were T-cell lymphoma (4/62,6.4%) and extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (1/62, 1.6%). In the series, 32 patients (32/62, 51.6%) had multiple lesions. Involvement of deep structures was found in 30 (30/62, 48.4%) patients. An elevated serum LDH level was detected in 19 (19/62, 30.6%) patients and the Ki-67 index was ≥90% in 38 (38/62, 61.3%) patients. Univariate analysis showed patients who were female, age<60 years, had WHO Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status grade 0-2, single lesion, absence of deep structures involvement and normal LDH level showed better 2-year survival rate and longer median survival time. Significance was only seen in the normal LDH level group. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that radical surgery only and Rituximab+ high-dose of methotrexate+ whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) were independent prognostic indicators in PCNSL patients ( P< 0.05). Conclusions: PCNSL is a rare but aggressive tumor with poor prognosis. Patients treated with high-dose of methotrexate combining with rituximab, followed by WBRT have a better prognosis and longer survival time, and thus these could probably be a promising treatment.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical effect after laparoscopic sacral colpopexy (LSC) of combined transabdominal-transvaginal approach on stage Ⅳ pelvic organs prolapse (POP). Methods: The clinical data of 65 patients undergoing LSC of combined transabdominal-transvaginal approach from January 1st, 2010 to July 30th, 2017 due to POP stage Ⅳ in First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. Objective outcome was assessed by comparing preoperative and postoperative pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) systems. Subjective effects were assessed by comparing pelvic floor distress inventory-short form 20 (PFDI-20), pelvic floor impact questionnaire short form (PFIQ-7), pelvic organ prolapse/urinary incontinence sexual questionnaire-12 (PISQ-12) and patient global impression of improvement (PGI-I). Results: All 65 patients were successfully performed without any intraoperative complications. Fifty-three patients were followed in the clinic department and 12 were followed up by telephone. The follow-up duration was 6.1-80.3 months and the median follow-up duration was 24.5 months. The bleeding loss was 20-250 ml. Postoperative urethral catheter residence day was (2.5±1.1) days, length of postoperative stay was (6.2±1.7) days. The postoperative POP-Q scores were compared with preoperative scores which had significantly improved except pb (all P< 0.01). The objective cure rates of vaginal anterior wall, apical and posterior wall prolapse stage Ⅳ were 90% (47/52), 100% (23/23) and 95% (20/21).About PGI-I, except for 1 patient who chose "improvement" , the other 64 patients (98%, 64/65) all chose "significant improvement" . Furthermore, preoperative and postoperative PFDI-20, PFIQ-7, and PISQ-12 scores were all statistically significant (all P< 0.01). Subjective efficacy was significant. Three cases (5%, 3/65) of postoperative fever occurred. Two cases (4%, 2/53) had mesh exposure. Six patients (11%, 6/53) had recurrence of postoperative prolapse. Five cases had recurrence of vaginal anterior wall prolapse and no reoperation was performed; 1 case was recurrence of posterior vaginal wall prolapse who diagnosed as vaginal posterior wall prolapse stage Ⅲ; no recurrence of apical prolapse. The rate of reoperation (including exposed-mesh removal and pelvic floor reconstruction surgery) was 5% (3/65). Conclusions: The LSC of combined transabdominal-transvaginal approach has a high subjective efficacy rate. The objective cure rate in the case of apical prolapse stage Ⅳ is one hundred percent.The LSC of combined transabdominal-transvaginal approach has low mesh exposure, low postoperative infection and the reoperation rate, which is one of optional pelvic floor reconstruction surgery. However, there is still a risk of recurrence in patients with POP stage Ⅳ with severe bladder bulging.

To explore the sexual dimorphism of Tanichthys albonubes and its relationship with swimming performances, the morphological characteristics of fins and trunks of male and female T. albonubes were measured and analyzed by using multivariate statistical analysis methods, aiming to explore the difference and its mechanism of swimming performance between male and female under different selected pressure in long-term evolution period and then, providing meaningful information for the protection of T. albonubes. The results showed that body lengths, head depths and breadths, caudal fin areas, distances of snout tip to occipital bone terminus and ventral fin origin to dorsal fin terminus had no significant difference between male and female T. albonubes. The females had significantly higher values in head depths, body breadths, distances of ventral fin origin to dorsal fin origin, snout tip to dorsal fin and to anal fin origin, occipital bone terminus to dorsal fin origin than those in the males. However, head lengths, pectoral fin, dorsal fin, ventral fin and anal fin areas were significantly lower in the females. The results of principal component analysis showed that the contribution rate of the first principal component (PC1) was 74.2%. Obviously loading factors were body lengths, depths and breadths, head lengths, breadths and depths and the distances of each fin mainly reflecting body overall characteristic parameters of T. albonubes. For the second principal component (PC2), the contribution rate was 15.7% and the obviously loading factors were pectoral fin, dorsal fin, ventral fin and anal fin areas which mainly reflected the characteristic parameters of fins. The gender identification of T. albonubes was indistinguishable on PC1, but could be obviously distinguished from PC2. Accuracy rates of sexual discriminant equation which was established by pectoral fin, dorsal fin, ventral fin and anal fin areas and body breadths were 91.8%-92.5%. The results of swimming performance showed that burst swimming speeds (U burst ) had no significant difference between male and female T. albonubes. However, the critical swimming speeds (U crit ) were significantly decreased in the females than in the males. The findings indicated that the sexual dimorphism of T. albonubes was mainly concentrated on fin characteristics associating with swimming performance. Also having lower U crit due to its lower pectoral fins areas than the male, the female T. albonubes had longer hindquarters cadres to ensure high U burst which facilitated them to avoid predators and other emergency events in volatile streams. Larger fin areas than in the female caused higher U cirt in the male contributing to chasing female in breeding period and other persistent exercises.

To explore the consumption of energy sources and swimming performance of juvenile Gambusia affinis and Tanichthys albonubes after starvation, contents of glycogen, lipid and protein, burst swimming speeds (Uburst), and critical swimming speeds (Ucrit) at different starvation times (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 days) were evaluated. The results showed that, at 0 day, contents of glycogen and lipid were significantly lower in G. affinis than those in T. albonubes, whereas no significant difference in content of protein between two experimental fish was found. Swimming speeds in G. affinis were significantly lower than those in T. albonubes for all swimming performances. After different starvation scenarios, content of glycogen both in G. affinis and T. albonubes decreased significantly in power function trend with starvation time and were close to zero after starvation for 10 days, whereas the contents of lipid and protein were linearly significantly decreased. The slope of line regression equation between content of lipid and starvation time in G. affinis was significantly lower than that in T. albonubes, whereas there was a significantly higher slope of line equation between content of protein and starvation time in G. affinis. 40 days later, the consumption rate of glycogen both in G. affinis and T. albonubes were significantly higher than that of lipid, while the consumption rate of protein was the least. Consumption amounts of glycogen in all experimental fish were the least, G. affinis consumed more protein than lipid, and T. albonubes consumed more lipid than protein. Uburst and Ucrit decreased significantly linearly with starvation time for all experimental fish. Slope of linear equation between Uburst and starvation time was not significantly different between G. affinis and T. albonubes. However, the straight slope between Ucrit and starvation time was significantly lower in G. affinis than that in T. albonubes. These findings indicated that there was close relationship between the consumption of energy sources and swimming performance in starvation. Although the store amounts of energy sources and swimming performance were lower in G. affinis than those in T. albonubes, G. affinis mainly used protein during starvation. The result of more stable lipid content and Ucrit in G. affinis in starvation compared with that in T. albonubes indicated that G. affinis had a fair endurance to starvation, which helped them to adapt to the poor nutrition environment in stream habitat.

Objective: To obtain the three dimensional visualization model with normal measurements of fetal brain in the second trimester and analyze the developmental changes with gestational age (GA), sexual dimorphisms and cerebral asymmetries., Methods: The brains of 69 fetal specimens of 12 - 22 weeks GA were scanned by 7.0T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The developing structures were analyzed and a three dimensional visualization model was rebuilt with Amira 4.1 software., Results: Most sulci, except for postcentral and intraparietal sulcus, were present until 22 weeks GA. And none developed secondary branches. Laminar organization, described as early as 12 weeks GA, was delineated as layers with different signal intensities and became typical after 16 weeks GA. Basal nuclei was distinctly visible. Brains had different growth rates linearly increasing with GA. But neither sexual dimorphisms nor cerebral asymmetries was detected., Conclusions: The initial developmental stage of fetal brain occurs at 12 - 22 weeks GA. The developing structures may be distinctly visualized on 7.0T post-mortem MRI. And the three dimensional visualization model aids greatly in the precise cognition of immature brain.

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) from HLA-matched sibling donor (MSD allo-HSCT) for severe aplastic anemia (SAA)., Methods: The clinical data of 41 SAA patients received MSD allo-HSCT from May. 2003 to Aug. 2011 were analyzed retrospectively. 24 patients were male, 17 were female. Median age was 23 (5 - 43) years old. 28 patients had SAA-I, 9 had SAA-II, and 4 had post-hepatitis aplastic anemia. 17 patients received allogeneic bone marrow (BM) transplantation (allo-BMT), and 24 received allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplantation (allo-PBSCT). The conditioning regimens: 20 patients received cyclophosphamide (CY) + anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) + fludarabine (Flu), 21 received CY + ATG + Flu+ cytarabine (Ara-C) ± busulfan (Bu)/melphalan (Mel). Prophylaxis for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD): 25 patients received cyclosporine (CSA) plus short-term methotrexate (MTX), 16 received tacrolimus (FK506) plus short-term MTX. The median number of infused CD34(+) cells were 3.48 (2.39 - 4.80)×10(6)/kg in allo-BMT and 2.95 (1.27 - 5.98)×10(6)/kg in allo-PBSCT, respectively., Results: Hematopoietic reconstitution was observed in all 41 patients (100%). The median time of neutrophils (ANC) reached to 0.5×10(9)/L and platelets (PLT) reached to 20×10(9)/L were 14 (10 - 23) days and 19 (8 - 38) days, respectively. 12 patients developed acute GVHD (aGVHD), out of which 11 developed grade I-II aGVHD, and one developed grade IV. 2 patients occurred chronic GVHD (cGVHD), out of which one with local cGVHD and the other with extensive. 4 patients occurred graft rejection (GR), all of them recovered haemopoiesis and survived after donor PBSC infusion. 5 patients (12.2%) died, out of which one died of extensive cGVHD, and 4 died of invasive fungal infections (IFI). Median follow-up time was 23 (3 - 79) months. 36 patients survived. 5-year estimated overall survival (OS), disease free survival (DFS), and transplant-related mortality (TRM) was (81.1 ± 9.0)%, (68.4 ± 11.0)%, and (18.9 ± 9.0)%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that lover OS had significant correlation with receiving PBSCT, occurrence of aGVHD, the number of infused CD34(+) cells no more than 2.5×10(6)/kg, the number of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion before transplant more than 30 U and occurrence of IFI after transplantation (P = 0.034, 0.001, 0.006, 0.000, 0.001, respectively). Occurrence of aGVHD had significant correlation with the disparity between donor and recipient ABO blood groups, the number of PLT transfusion more than 100 U, and the number of RBC transfusion more than 30 U before transplantation, the number of infused CD34(+) cells no more than 2.5× 10(6)/kg (P = 0.019, 0.038, 0.005, 0.005, respectively). The occurrence of GR had significant correlation with the number of PLT transfusion more than 100 U before transplantation (P = 0.038)., Conclusion: MSD allo-HSCT is an effective therapy for patients with SAA. Lower number of blood transfusion before transplantation, use of BMT, more number of infused CD34(+) cells can effectively prevent and treat aGVHD and IFI after transplantation, which may improve the efficacy of MSD allo-HSCT for SAA.

Objective: To study the clinicopathologic and prognostic features of neuroendocrine neoplasm of digestive system with different grades., Methods: The clinicopathologic features of 139 cases of neuroendocrine neoplasm occurring in digestive system were retrospectively reviewed and graded according to the 2010 World Health Organization classification of tumours of the digestive system. Immunohistochemical study for synaptophysin, chromogranin A and Ki-67 was carried out. The follow-up and survival data were analysed using Kaplan-Meier method. Prognostic factors were tested by Log-rank testing and independent risk factors were analysed using Cox regression model., Results: Amongst the 139 cases studied, there were 88 cases (63.3%) of grade 1 tumors, 9 cases (6.5%) of grade 2 tumors and 42 cases (30.2%) of grade 3 tumors. There was diffusely positive staining for synaptophysin and chromogranin A in most of the grade 1 and grade 2 tumors. The staining in grade 3 tumors however was focal (P < 0.05). The differences in tumor size, depth of invasion, presence of tumor emboli, perineural permeation, nodal involvement, distant metastasis and survival rate amongst the three groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05)., Conclusions: There is significant difference in the clinicopathologic and prognostic features of neuroendocrine neoplasm of digestive system with different grades. It is considered as an independent prognostic factor and represents a useful tool for prognostic evaluation of such tumors, both in clinical practice and research.

Objective: To explore the protective functions of recombinant protein RANK-Fc against hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury and clarify its possible mechanism., Methods: Sixty male Balb/c mice were randomly divided into 3 groups according to different treatments: serum-free medium control (Sham) group, target gene retrovirus (RANK-Fc) group and empty vector retrovirus (eGFP) group. All mice were injected with 2.5 ml solution (with or without retrovirus) within 6 seconds via tail vein. After 3 days, the model of 70% hepatic ischemia/reperfusion was induced under warm conditions for 90 minutes after different periods of reperfusion in RANK-Fc and eGFP groups; Sham group underwent the same procedure without the occlusion of blood supply. Blood and liver samples were obtained at different time points (1, 3, 6 and 24 h; n = 5 in each). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used for the evaluation of eGFP mRNA expression. RANK-Fc was assessed by Western blot. Liver transaminases and histopathological changes were used for the evaluation of hepatic injury. The activity of NF-κB in liver nucleus was analyzed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. The activation level of JNK was also assessed by Western blot. Liver homogenate levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Apoptosis was identified by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) analysis. The differences between three treatment groups at each time point were detected by the one-way ANOVA. Statistical analysis for inter-comparison was performed by Student's t test., Results: RANK-Fc and eGFP were successfully expressed in liver after hydrodynamics-based transfection. Compared with eGFP group, RANK-Fc significantly improved liver functions at the same time point (P < 0.01), decreased NF-κB nuclear translocation (t = 6.726, P < 0.01)and JNK phosphorylation (t = 6.713, P < 0.01)and obviously suppressed the release of pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α (t = 4.779, P < 0.01) and IL-6 (t = 5.482, P < 0.01). Morphological injuries were markedly alleviated while the expressions of immunohistochemical positive cells and TUNEL staining positive cells decreased in RANF-Fc group., Conclusion: RANK-Fc has protective functions against hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice. Its mechanism is at least partially related with the suppressions of proinflammatory NF-κB and proapoptotic JNK signaling pathways.

Objective: To evaluate the epidemiological status of HER2 protein expression in Chinese patients with gastric carcinoma, and to study its clinical and prognostic significance and the association with the clinicopathological features., Methods: The clinical data were reviewed in 860 patients with gastric carcinoma admitted to Guangdong General Hospital from 2003 to 2010. The HER2 status was evaluated using immunohistochemistry (IHC). The modified HercepTest scoring criterion was used to assess HER2 protein expression. The association between HER2 expression and clinicopathological features was analyzed by χ(2) test. Kaplan-Meier analysis, log-rank test and Cox regression model were used for the survival analysis., Results: The median age of the patients was 59 years, and the male-to-female ratio was 2.06:1. Positive expression of HER2 protein (3+) was found in 77 (9.0%) cases of gastric carcinoma, and in 69 (8.9%) advanced gastric cancers. There was significantly positive association between HER2 over-expression and tumor differentiation, Lauren classification and WHO classification. No significant association was observed between HER2 protein expression and patients' age, gender, tumor location and clinical stage. There was no statistically significant difference in survival rate between patients with positive HER2 expression and negative ones., Conclusion: Though there was significantly positive association between HER2 expression status and tumor differentiation, histological type, it may be of limited prognostic value in gastric cancer patients.

Water-soluble CdTe/ZnTe core-shell quantum dots (QDs) coated with L-cysteine were synthesized in low-temperature aqueous-phase one-pot approach. The authors measured the spectral characteristics of QDs at different pH in various buffer solutions and under different excitation laser powers. The primary results show that the absorption spectra of QDs approximately overlap and the fluorescence spectra peaks have no shift in different pH solution. The fluorescence intensity increased linearly with increasing pH. With the incubation time in borate buffer solution, the fluorescence intensity decreased a little. Under strong power laser, the QDs were photobleached rapidly. However, QDs are strongly anti-photobleaching under appropriate laser power (< 100 microW). Thus, such QDs have good biological stability and optical stability. By conjugating the QDs with transferrin protein and constructing the targeted fluorescent nanoparticles, the authors labelled the HeLa cell successfully. Photobleaching experiments in vivo show that microenvironment inside cells affect the stability and accelerate the photobleaching of QDs.

Objective: To investigate the FDG uptake characteristics, the factors affecting 18F-FDG uptake and the extra CT diagnostic value of 18F-FDG PET/CT scan in the malignant tumor with false negative 18F-FDG PET image., Methods: The data of PET/CT image in 17 patients with various kinds of cancers were reviewed and analyzed by visual observation and semi-quantity analysis ( SUV). The results were compared with the CT and histopathological diagnosis, respectively., Results: Of 6 well-differentiated HCC patients confirmed by histopathological diagnosis, one had two lesions in the right lobe of the liver. One of these two lesions showed low FDG uptake on 18F-FDG PET scan and low density on CT scan. The other one was not shown on either 18F-FDG PET or plain CT scan. But on enhanced CT scan, these two lesions were found to be inhomogeneous with high density at arterial phase. The false negative 18F-FDG PET images of one gastric signet ring cell carcinoma in the gastric fundus with right adnexa metastasis, 3 renal cell carcinoma, one greater omentum and peritoneal metastatic adenocarcinoma and one well-differentiated prostate cancer were caused by normal physical uptake in the digestive tract or FDG retention in the urinary system due to normal excretion. The size of three metastases was smaller than or equal to 1 cm in diameter, however, two primary lesions of these metastases showed high FDG uptake and only one was negative on either 18F-FDG PET or CT scan. In this series, 68.8% of the primary tumors and 66.7% of metastases were found to show abnormal density on CT scan, and 31. 2% of the primary tumors and 33. 3% of metastases were not detectable on either PET or CT images., Conclusion: False negative 18F-FDG PET in malignant tumor may be correlated with the pathologic type, differentiation degree and the lesion size. Combining CT information with PET or paying attention to the scan methods during 8 F-FDG PET examination may reduce the rate of false negative 18F-FDG PET diagnosis in various kinds of malignant tumors.

Background & Objective: Local relapse,tumor residue, and whole body metastases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after radiotherapy were mainly confirmed by CT, MRI, SPE/CT, and PET examinations. This study was to discuss the value of F-18-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in detecting suspected recurrence or tumor residue, and whole body metastases of NPC after radiotherapy., Methods: PET/CT were performed on 38 NPC patients 3-36 months after radiotherapy. The images of PET/CT, CT, and PET were observed. PET standardized uptake value (SUV) was calculated, and SUV of > 2.5 was considered as positive. The Patients were divided into 4 groups by diagnosis: (1) no recurrence/residue, and no whole body metastases; (2) with recurrence/residue, but no whole body metastases; (3) no recurrence/residue, but with whole body metastases; (4) with both recurrence/residue and whole body metastases. Diagnoses of all patients were referred to the proved follow-up clinical information. The following-up time was 6-10 months., Results: The sensitivity, and specificity of PET/CT (100%,and 89.5%) were better than that of CT alone (77.8%, and 84.2%), a litter better than that of PET alone (100%, and 80.0%)., Conclusions: FDG-PET scan is a better tool than CT alone for the detection of recurrene or residue, and whole body metastases of NPC, a litter better than PET alone. PET/CT may provide valuable information for judging whether the focus is metastasis.