[Risk factors for asthma in children in Hefei, China]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the risk factors for asthma in children in Hefei, China and to provide a strategy for asthma control in this region.

METHODS

A total of 400 children with a confirmed diagnosis of asthma, as well as 400 children of comparable age, sex, living environment, and family background, who had no respiratory diseases, were selected for a case-control study. A survey questionnaire survey was completed for all children. The obtained data were subjected to univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine the risk factors for asthma.

RESULTS

The logistic regression analysis showed that a family history of allergy, allergic rhinitis, infantile eczema, no breastfeeding, air-conditioning and passive smoking were the risk factors for asthma in children, with odds ratios of 9.63, 7.56, 4.58, 2.16, 1.73, and 1.55 respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In order to reduce the incidence of asthma, we should advocate breast feeding, promote outdoor activities, keep ventilation natural, prevent passive smoking and cure allergic rhinitis.

The coexistence of clear cell renal cell carcinoma and gastrointestinal stromal tumor with portal vein metastasis, and its favorable response to sunitinib

The authors report the case of a 42-year-old man with a rare coexistence of clear cell renal cell carcinoma and gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the stomach with concurrent portal vein metastasis. After surgical resection of the two original masses, the patient was treated with sunitinib malate to control the portal vein metastasis. The metastatic lesion completely disappeared after two cycles of treatment. This is the first known reported case of synchronous clear cell renal cell carcinoma and gastrointestinal stromal tumor with distal metastasis, and the first report of the favorable efficacy and safety of sunitinib in treating this rare synchronous dual malignancy.

[Epidemiological survey of childhood asthma in Hefei City, China]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the cumulative prevalence rate, distribution characteristics, epidemic seasons, predisposing factors and current treatment situation of childhood asthma in Hefei City, China.

METHODS

In the investigation, stratified cluster random sampling as well as centralized access and separate home visits were applied, and primary screening forms were filled out. Further confirmation was sought in the primary positive cases, according to the diagnostic criteria for asthma. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the cumulative prevalence rate, current treatment situation and predisposing factors for childhood asthma as well as the distribution characteristics of asthma in children of different ages and sexes.

RESULTS

The cumulative prevalence rate of childhood asthma was 5.92%, and there was no significant difference between males and females (6.33% vs 5.42%; P>0.05). The cumulative prevalence rate was highest (8.25%) in children aged 3-6 years. Of the children with acute asthma attack, 42.0% suffered attacks during periods of seasonal transition, and 34.4% suffered attacks at midnight. Among the 552 children with a confirmed diagnosis of asthma, 533 (96.6%) developed asthma due to respiratory tract infection and 312 (56.5%) due to weather change. Most asthmatic children (513/552, 92.9%) received treatment with antibiotics, and 492 asthmatic children (89.1%) were treated with systemic hormones.

CONCLUSIONS

The cumulative prevalence rate of childhood asthma is 5.92% in Hefei, and the peak age of onset is 3-6 years. Acute asthma attack occurs mostly during periods of seasonal transition and at midnight. Respiratory tract infection and weather change are the main predisposing factors for childhood asthma. Antibiotics and systemic hormones are still widely used in the treatment of asthma.

[Growth and red luminescence suppression of gamma-Cu I single crystal]

Transparent gamma-Cu I crystal with size about 9 mm x 9 mm x 1 mm was grown by using optimized solvent evaporation method with gamma-Cu I powders as raw material and acetonitrile as solvent. The results of Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) showed that the proportions of copper and iodine in as-grown gamma-Cu I crystal were 53.1 and 46.9 mol%, respectively. By iodine doping into growth solution, the proportions of copper and iodine were adjusted to 50.4 and 49.6 mol%, respectively. Photoluminescence (PL) showed that the as-grown gamma-Cu I crystal had an emission at 410 nm and an emission band around 720 nm. After iodine doping, the emission band around 720 nm was suppressed while other two weak emissions at 424 and 474 nm appeared. X-ray excited luminescence (XEL) showed that the as-grown gamma-Cu I crystal had an emission at 435 nm and an emission band around 720 nm. After iodine doping, the emission band around 720 nm was suppressed. Comparing the emission spectra before and after iodine doping, it is clear that red luminescence in gamma-Cu I crystal could be suppressed by iodine doping. The effect originated from the reduction of iodine vacancy in the crystal, but not from the iodine adsorbtion on the surface.

IFN-γ-mediated downregulation of LXA4 is necessary for the maintenance of nonresolving inflammation and papilloma persistence

Nonresolving inflammation is a hallmark of many types of tumors and the molecular mechanisms maintaining this inflammation are still largely unknown. In a two-stage carcinogenesis model, we observed here that the lack of IFN-γ receptor or neutralization of IFN-γ accelerated spontaneous papilloma regression in mice. The impaired maintenance of local inflammation was associated with reduced IFN-γ and enhanced biosynthesis of proresolution lipid mediator lipoxin A4 (LXA4). Interestingly, blocking LXA4 eliminated the effect of anti-IFN-γ, whereas treatment of mice with a therapeutic dose of LXA4 accelerated papilloma regression in an IFN-γ-independent manner. These results link for the first time a cytokine-dependent maintenance of inflammation with a downregulated production of proresolution lipid mediators. Strategies promoting spontaneous resolution of chronic inflammation by blocking IFN-γ and/or increasing LXA4 may be useful for the treatment of inflammation-associated tumors.

Status of asthma control in children and the effect of parents' knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) in China: a multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Asthma is the most common chronic respiratory disease seriously endangering the health of children. But disease awareness and self-management skills are relatively poor in children; parents play an important role in the control of childhood asthma.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the status of asthma control and severity of asthma in children and to identify impact factors.

METHODS

We studied 1 tertiary hospital in each of the 29 provinces. A total of 2,960 parents with children with asthma who visited those hospitals were selected for the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) questionnaire survey, and separated into the controlled asthma group and uncontrolled asthma group according to children's asthma conditions in the past 12 months. Multivariate analysis was carried out based on the answers to 28 tested factors.

RESULTS

In the past 12 months, 66.0% of children with asthma had asthma attacks, 26.8% visited an emergency room, and 16.2% were hospitalized. The total cost for asthma was significantly higher in the uncontrolled group than controlled group (χ(2) = 23.14, P < .01). Twelve protective factors of asthma control were founded, such as older age of children, long disease course, high KAP scores of parents, compliance with using nasal steroids, and knowledge of "3 or more times recurrent wheezing suggesting asthma." The risk factors were eczema and family history of asthma.

CONCLUSION

Children's asthma is poorly controlled. The cost of asthma is significantly higher in uncontrolled asthma than in controlled. The age of children, course of asthma, personal history of allergy, family history of asthma, parents' education level, and parents' KAP are factors that affect asthma control.

[Causes of chronic cough in children]

OBJECTIVE

To study the causes of chronic cough in children.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis was carried out on the clinical data of 132 children with chronic cough from August 2010 to September 2011.

RESULTS

Several conditions were found to contribute to chronic cough in children, including cough variant asthma (CVA, n=56), upper airway cough syndrome (UACS, n=44), infections/postinfectious cough (IC/PIC, n=22), allergic cough (AC, n=8), gastroesophageal reflux cough (GERC, n=5), and others (n=3). There was significant difference in the distribution of IC/IPC among an infant group (<1 year), a group of young children (>1 year), a group of preschool aged children (>3 years) and a group of school-age children (6-14 years) (χ2=11.638, P=0.001), and the infant group showed a significantly higher prevalence of IC/PIC than the other three age groups (P<0.05). IC/PIC was the main cause of chronic cough in the infant group, while CVA and UACS were the main causes in each of the other groups. A relatively large proportion of AC, CVA and UACS cases had a personal history of allergy, a family history of allergy/asthma and a history of exposure to harmful environments.

CONCLUSIONS

CVA, UACS, and IC/PIC are main causes of chronic cough in children, varying among different age groups. Children with a personal history of allergy, family history of allergy/asthma and a history of exposure to harmful environment are more vulnerable to AC, CVA and UACS.

[Thermoluminescence characteristics of Lu2SiO5 : Ce phosphors]

To investigate the origin of the thermoluminescence at high temperature, Lu2SiO5 : Ce0.006 (LSO : Ce) phosphors were prepared by sol-gel chemistry in air and graphite respectively. The patterns of X-ray diffraction, excitation and emission spectra and thermoluminescence curves of these samples were analyzed. In comparison with the phosphors prepared in the air, the luminescence intensity was improved and the thermoluminescence peak at 598 K was restrained for the sample prepared in graphite. It was found that the thermoluminescence peak at 598 K was relevant to Ce4+. In order to achieve more evidences, LSO : Ce0.006, K(x) (x = 0.01-0.08) phosphors were prepared. The structures and spectra of K(+) -codoped samples were also studied. By codoping with K+ ions, the luminescence intensity of LSO : Ce phosphor could be enhanced distinctly, but the crystallinity was not improved. The results of the K(+) -codoped LSO: Ce exhibited that K(+) -codoping could improve the concentration of oxygen vacancy and restrain the peak at 598 K. When K+ ion occupied the position of Lu3+, more oxygen vacancies could be created and Ce4+ turned into Ce3+ simultaneously due to the balance of electric charge, which was consistent with the result of the thermoluminescence. So it can also come to the conclusion that the thermoluminescence peak at 598 K was relevant to Ce4+. The reason for K+ ions enhancing the intensity of LSO : Ce can be attributed to the improvement of concentration ratio for Ce3+/Ce4+.

Improving image quality of x-ray in-line phase contrast imaging using an image restoration method

For practical application of x-ray in-line phase contrast imaging, a high-quality image is essential for object perceptibility and quantitative imaging. The existing approach to improve image quality is limited by high cost and physical limitations of the acquisition hardware. A useful image restoration algorithm based on fast wavelet transform is proposed. It takes advantage of degradation model and extends the modulation transform function (MTF) compensation algorithm from Fourier domain to wavelet domain. The modified algorithm is evaluated through comparison with the conventional MTF compensation algorithm. Its deblurring property is also characterized with the evaluation parameters of image quality. The results demonstrate that the modified algorithm is fast and robust, and it can effectively restore both the lost detail and edge information while ringing artifacts are reduced.

Differential diagnosis of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour and low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma: two case reports with a literature review

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour (IMT) and low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma (LGMS) have similar morpho logical and immunophenotypic features, but LGMS is more malignant than IMT and the treatment requires a wider surgical margin plus post-operative chemotherapy or radiotherapy. To date, only 28 cases of IMT and two cases of LGMS have been reported in the laryngopharynx. Recent studies have suggested that anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and cytokeratin are important markers for differentiating between the two tumours. Here, two cases involving different myofibroblastic tumours of the larynx are reported. Based on the histological and immunohistochemical results, case 1 was diagnosed as IMT involving the right arytenoepiglottic fold, while case 2 was diagnosed as LGMS involving the epiglottic-glossal surface. There was no recurrence or metastasis in either case after post-operative follow-up (12 and 14 months, respectively). It is difficult to distinguish IMT from LGMS; both morphological and immunohistological analyses are required.

[Energy response of Tb(3+)-doped silicate scintillating glass to hard X-ray]

Tb(3+)-doped silicate scintillating glass was made by high temperature melt-quenching method and the energy response to hard X-ray (from 5 to 80 keV) was measured. The response of photocurrent of silicate scintillating glass to X-ray (with various energy) is nonlinear. It was noted that the change in nonlinearity around 8 and 50 keV is obvious. This phenomenon is concerned with the production of abundant electrons when the scintillating glass absorbed X-ray and the energy response of scintillating glass to electrons.

[Modification and luminescence properties of transparent Lu2SiO5 : Ce3+ thin-film phosphors]

To achieve high-spatial-resolution for X-ray imaging and flat panel display, transparent thin-film phosphors have been attracted much attention in recent years. In comparison with conventional powder phosphors, the transparent thin-film phosphors have some outstanding advantages such as high contrast and resolution, superior thermal conductivity and better adhesion. Cerium-doped lutetium oxyorthosilicate Lu2 SiO5 (LSO) is one promising candidate due to its high density (7.4 g x cm(-3)), high light yield (27 300 photons x MeV(-1)), short decay time (40 ns), and excellent chemical stability. The sol-gel method is one of the most important techniques for deposition of functional thin films, because it possesses a number of advantages over conventional film formation techniques, such as low processing temperature, easy coating of large surfaces, homogenous multicomponent films, and cheap equipments. In X-ray imaging application, the thickness of the thin-film phosphor is the most important factor, which can increase X-ray absorption of the film and then strengthen its luminescence intensity. In the present work, transparent LSO : Ce film was successfully prepared using sol-gel method and spin-coating technique by using inorganic salts as raw materials, 2-methoxyethanol as solvent, and poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) as modifier without inert atmosphere. The effect of PEG on the luminescence properties of the film was investigated in detail. The results indicated that PEG200 played an important role in the formation of LSO : Ce film, improving its quality and luminescent intensity. The film thickness of 0.9 microm was achieved after 5 times of coating. The luminescence properties of the film were studied. Their performances were good, which implied that the film would have promising applications in high-spatial-resolution X-ray imaging and flat panel display devices.

[Study on the enhanced luminescence of GdTaO4:Eu3+ phosphors by Li+ codopant]

The XRD, emission and IR transmission spectra of Li-doped GdTaO4:Eu3+ phosphors were measured. Judd-Ofelt theory was applied, and the intensity parameters omega2 of Eu3+ for optical transition were calculated. The results show that Li+ codoping can enhance the luminescence intensity of GdTaO4:Eu3+. The intensity can be improved up to 1.7 and 1.5 times, respectively, when x = 0.06 and 0.10. The phenomenon results not from the assumption that Li+ codopant can reduce the crystal symmetry of GdTaO4:Eu3+ so as to relax the parity forbidden transition, but from the flux effect of Li+ codopant which can improve the crystallinity of GdTaO4:Eu3+ and suppress the Gd2O3 and Ta2O5 hetero phases. Gd(0.92-x)Li(x)TaO4:Eu0.08(3+) has not only quite a good crystallinity but also less Gd2O3 and Ta2O5 hetero phases when x = 0.06 or 0.10. Therefore, their luminescence intensities can be improved evidently.

[Preparation and luminescence properties of transparent Gd2O3 : Eu thick film]

High-resolution X-ray imaging systems require materials with good scintillation performances, especially X-ray absorption performance. Compared with powder phosphors display devices, those with transparent crystalline phosphors are very interesting due to their higher contrast and resolution for having no optical scattering, superior thermal conductivity as well as high degree of uniformity and better adhesion. Europium-doped gadolinlum oxide is a promising candidate due to its high density (7.62 g x cm(-3)), good light yield (18.5 x 10(3) photons/MeV), and the red emission of Eu3+ ion. The sol-gel method is one of the most important techniques for deposition of functional films, because it possesses a number of advantages over conventional film formation techniques, such as low processing temperature, easy coating of large surfaces, and homogenous multicomponent oxide films. In X-ray imaging application, the thickness of the film is the most important factor for commercial use, which can increase X-ray absorption of the film and then strengthen its luminescence yield. In the present work, transparent Gd2 O3 : Eu3+ thick film was successfully prepared using sol-gel method and spin-coating technique by choosing Ln2 O3 (Ln = Gd, Eu) as raw materials, 2-methoxyethanol as solvent, PVP as adhesive and PEG200 as surface modifier. The film was homogeneous and crack free. The thickness of the film could achieve 1.5 microm after 2 times of coating, and its transmittance was approximately 80% in visible region. It was shown that PVP played an important role in film preparation, which could suppress stress and increase viscidity of the sol. In addition, the excitation, emission and decay time of the Gd2 O3 : Eu3+ scintillator film were studied. Their performances were quite good, which implied that the film would have promising applications in high-spatial-resolution X-ray imaging and flat panel display devices.

[Luminescence properties of silane coupling agent modified stilbene 3 doped lead-tin-fluorophosphate glass]

In the present work, the SnF2 powder was modified by silane coupling agent KBM403. The Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR) of the modified powder showed that KBM403 was absorbed on the surface of SnF2 particles through physical absorption besides a weak chemical absorption. Then the SnF2 powder was modified by the solution dissolved with stilbene 3. The modified SnF2 powder could improve the decentralization of stilbene 3 dopant. An organic-inorganic hybrid luminescence glass was prepared by doping the modified SnF2 powder with stilbene 3 into the low melting lead-tin-fluorophosphate (PTFP) glass. The excitation, emission and transmission (absorption) spectra were used to characterize the hybrid glass. The results showed that introducing KBM403 could improve solubility and decentralization of stilbene 3 in PTFP glass, reduce the concentration of stilbene 3 dimers, and increase the transparency and homogeneity of the glass. Meanwhile, the luminescence intensity of stilbene 3 in this hybrid glass increased evidently compared with that of the stilbene 3 doped glass. The effect was assumed to be the reduction of the quenching of luminescence from stilbene 3 dimer and the enhancement of the rigidity of stilbene 3 molecules due to the interaction between KBM403 and stilbene 3.

Interplay of dopant, defects and electronic structure in driving ferromagnetism in Co-doped oxides: TiO(2), CeO(2) and ZnO

A comprehensive study of the defects and impurity (Co)-driven ferromagnetism is undertaken in the oxide semiconductors: TiO(2), ZnO and CeO(2). The effect of magnetic (Co(2+)) and non-magnetic (Cu(2+)) impurities in conjunction with defects, such as oxygen vacancies (V(o)), have been thoroughly investigated. Analyses of the x-ray diffraction (XRD) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data reveal the incorporation of cobalt in the lattice, with no signature of cobalt segregation. It is shown that oxygen vacancies are necessary for the ferromagnetic coupling in the Co-doped oxides mentioned above. The possible exchange mechanisms responsible for the ferromagnetism are discussed in light of the energy levels of dopants in the host oxides. In addition, Co and Cu co-doped TiO(2) samples are studied in order to understand the role of point defects in establishing room temperature ferromagnetism. The parameters calculated from the bound magnetic polaron (BMP) and Jorgensen's optical electronegativity models offer a satisfactory explanation of the defect-driven ferromagnetism in the doped/co-doped samples.

[Development of X-ray excited fluorescence spectrometer]

An X-ray excited fluorescence spectrometer was developed with an X-ray tube and a spectrometer. The X-ray tube, spectrometer, autocontrol method and data processing selected were roundly evaluated. The wavelength and detecting efficiency of the apparatus were calibrated with the mercury and tungsten bromine standard lamps, and the X-ray excited emission spectra of BaF2, Cs I (Tl) crystals were measured. The results indicate that the apparatus has advantages of good wavelength resolution, high stability, easy to operation and good radioprotection. It is a wery effective tool for exploration of new scintillation materials.

Patterns of expression and function of the p75(NGFR) protein in pancreatic cancer cells and tumours

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS

Pancreatic carcinoma is one of the most aggressive human malignancies. The aggressive and highly metastatic behaviour of pancreatic carcinoma may partly be attributable to the autocrine and/or paracrine interactions involving altered expression of neurotrophin growth factors and their corresponding receptors. The aim of the present study is to investigate the expression pattern and function of the p75(NGFR) protein in pancreatic cancer cell lines and tumours to explain the phenomenon of perineural invasion in pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

The expression of p75(NGFR) in 137 pancreatic adenocarcinoma samples and the corresponding adjacent pancreatic samples was examined immunohistochemically using the EnVision Plus System. Then we examined the in vitro chemotaxis behaviour of cancer cells transfected with p75(NGFR) plasmid to nerve growth factor (NGF).

RESULTS

Immunostaining for p75(NGFR) was weak or absent in both normal pancreata and pancreatic carcinoma tissues; however, the immunostaining was relatively weaker in the pancreatic carcinoma tissues than in the normal pancreata. It is interesting to note that p75(NGFR) expression in the cancer tissues was positively correlated with the degree of perineural invasion (chi(2)=32.94, P<0.01). The chemotaxis ability of the p75(NGFR)-transfected pancreatic cancer cells to NGF was significantly stronger than that of the non-transfected or vacant vector transfected cells (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that p75(NGFR) expression may be involved in the perineural invasion of pancreatic cancer cells, and the mechanism might be through mediating the chemoattraction of cancer cells for neural tissues.

Effect of Nb and Sc doping on the phase transformation of sol-gel processed TiO2 nanoparticles

Nb and Sc doped TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized via sol-gel technique. Dopant concentration of each element was varied from 0.5 to 1.5 atomic%. The effect of metal ion doping and calcination temperatures on anatase to rutile phase transformation has been investigated. Samples were analyzed by various analytical methods such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). XRD analyses showed that Nb and Sc doped samples calcined at 300 degrees C and 350 degrees C, respectively, were crystalline and had an anatase structure. Results showed that anatase was stable up to 700 degrees C annealing temperature for samples doped with 0.5 atomic% Nb. There was a sharp transition from anatase to rutile phase above 700 degrees C and complete rutile structure was obtained at 750 degrees C. However, the transformation from anatase to rutile was not so sharp in samples doped with 1.0 atomic% and 1.5 atomic% Nb. Results indicated that higher concentration of Nb helps to stabilize the anatase phase. For samples doped with 0.5 atomic% Sc, anatase phase is stable up to 650 degrees C. Transformation from anatase to rutile starts at temperature above 650 degrees C and 100% rutile phase was obtained at 800 degrees C while for samples doped with 1.0 atomic% and 1.5 atomic% Sc, the complete transformation from anatase to rutile takes place at an even higher temperature. Results indicate that increasing the calcination time from 0.5 to 2.0 hours at 500 degrees C does not affect the stability of anatase phase. However, TEM and XRD data showed that the increase in the annealing time leads to an increase in particles size. The rutile to anatase concentration ratio increased with temperature above the phase transformation temperature. The activation energy for the phase transformation from anatase to rutile for doped and undoped samples was also measured. There was a general rise in the activation energy with increasing dopant concentration.

[Effects of Sb3+ on the luminescent properties of Tb3+ doped silicate glass]

The Sb(3+)-doped silicate glasses, Tb(3+)-doped silicate glasses, and Sb3+ and Tb3+ co-doped silicate glasses were synthesized by high-temperature melting method, and their spectral properties were analyzed. The effects of Sb2O3 added as a fining agent on the luminescent properties of Tb(3+)-doped silicate glasses were studied with excitation spectra, emission spectra and decay time. The results show that there is energy transfer from Sb3+ ions to Tb3+ ions in the Sb3+ and Tb3+ co-doped silicate glasses under UV excitation, but the energy transfer efficiency between them is quite low. The energy transfer takes place between the 3P1 energy level of Sb3+ ions and the 5D3 energy level of Tb3+ ions in the Sb3+ and Tb3+ co-doped silicate glasses, and the way of the energy transfer from Sb3+ ions to Tb3+ ions is nonradiative energy resonance transfer. Meanwhile, introducing Sb2O3 used as a fining agent will reduce the excitation intensity of Tb3+ ions in the silicate glasses in the overlap excitation region of both Sb3+ ions and Tb3+ ions, which corresponds to the region from 200 to 350 nm. The reduction in the excitation intensity of Tb3+ ions caused by introducing Sb3+ ions is so evident that it can not be compensated by the energy transfer from Sb3+ ions to Tb3+ ions. Therefore, the negative effects of Sb3+ ions on the luminescent properties of Tb3+ ions in silicate glasses should be measured when Sb2 O3 is planned to be used as a fining agent in Tb(3+)-doped silicate glasses.

[Molecular aggregation and spectrum properties of stilbene 3 doped lead-tin-fluorophosphate glass]

Lead-tin-fluorophosphate (PTFP) glasses with different concentrations of organic dye stilbene 3 were prepared by low temperature melting. The molecular aggregation and spectrum properties of stilbene 3 doped lead-tin-fluorophosphate glass were studied by means of emission spectra, excitation spectra and absorption spectra measurements. The results show that stilbene 3 dimers coexist with its monomers in inorganic glass. Compared with the excitation peak of stilbene 3 monomer, the excitation peak of stilbene 3 dimer is in the range of shorter wave band. As the concentration of stilbene 3 in the doped PTFP glass increased, the emission peak was red shifted and the concentration quenching of stilbene 3 was observed in the emission spectra. Compared stilbene 3 in PTFP glass with that in ethanol, a remarkable red shift of the absorption and emission spectra in the glass was found. The phenomenon is explained by the bond effect between stilbene 3 and matrix glass by hydrophilic interaction. And a much higher fluorescence intensity of stilbene 3 in the inorganic glass than that in ethonal is attributed to the "cage" effect.

Mechanical shear wave induced by piezoelectric ceramics for magnetic resonance elastography

Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is a noninvasive technique to measure elasticity of tissues in vivo. For MRE, an additional actuator is needed to be mounted on an observed object, and to excite the object. In this paper, an experiment is set to obtain MR mechanical shear wave images. A novel actuator is proposed to generate mechanical wave propagating inside a gel phantom. The actuator is made of piezoelectric ceramics, and is fixed on a plexiglass bracket. Both of the gel phantom and the actuator are put into a head coil in the scanner's bore. The actuator works synchronously with an imaging sequence running on the scanner. The sequence is modified from a FLASH sequence, into a motion-sensitizing phase-contrast sequence, for shear wave imaging. Wave images are presented to show the effect of those factors, such as the stiffness of the phantoms, the frequency of the actuator, the parameters of the motion-sensitizing gradient, and the oscillation of the patient bed.

Comparative study of barnidipine and felodipine in Chinese patients with essential hypertension

This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of barnidipine for the treatment of mild-to-moderate essential hypertension in Chinese patients. A total of 131 patients were randomized to receive either barnidipine (10 -15 mg) or felodipine (5 - 10 mg) once daily for 4 weeks. Both drugs reduced blood pressure significantly, with > or = 87% of patients obtaining a marked or moderate effect. The mean +/- SD reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were 19.2 +/- 13.6 and 14.4 +/- 7.0 mmHg, respectively, for barnidipine treatment, and 20.3 +/- 11.3 and 14.7 +/- 7.7 mmHg, respectively, for felodipine treatment. There were no significant differences between the two drugs in terms of anti-hypertensive effect, heart rate, laboratory test results or incidence of adverse events. More patients taking felodipine experienced palpitations, but this difference was not statistically significant. Barnidipine is as efficacious and safe as felodipine in the treatment of essential hypertension in Chinese patients.

Study of Nd3+, Pd2+, Pt4+, and Fe3+ dopant effect on photoreactivity of TiO2 nanoparticles

The metallorganic chemical vapor deposition method was successfully used to synthesize pure TiO(2) and Nd(3+)-, Pd(2+)-, Pt(4+)-, and Fe(3+)-doped TiO(2) nanoparticles. Polycrystalline TiO(2) structure was verified with x-ray diffraction, which showed typical characteristic anatase reflections without any separate dopant-related peaks. Transmission electron microscopy observations confirmed the existence of homogeneously distributed 22 +/- 3 nm TiO(2) nanoparticles. The particle size remained the same for the doped samples. The doping level of transition metals was kept at approximately 1 atomic percent, which was determined by x-ray photoelectron spectra and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The effects of different types of dopants on the photocatalytic activity were revealed by the degradation of 2-chlorophenols with an UV light source. The photocatalytic efficiency was remarkably enhanced by the introduction of Pd(2+) and Nd(3+). Nd(3+)-doped TiO(2) showed the largest enhancement. However, Pt(4+) changed the 2-chlorophenol degradation rate only slightly, and Fe(3+) was detrimental to this process. These effects were related to the position of the dopants in the nanoparticles and the difference in their ionic radii with respect to that of Ti(4+).

[Construction of membrane-anchored interleukin-6 receptor beta subunit mutant and its effect on IL-6 signal transduction]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether the membrane-anchored gp130 mutant containing the second and the third fibronectin type III modules of the extracellular region could still transduce IL-6 signal.

METHOD

The membrane-anchored gp130 mutant cDNA was amplified by the overlap extension PCR and inserted into the mammalian expression vector pRc/RSV. The mutant was proved to be effectively expressed in SKO-007 cells and Jurkat cells by dot blot hybridization. The mutant's effects on IL-6 signaling in these two kinds of cells were detected by electrophoresis mobility shift assay (EMSA).

RESULTS

In SKO-007 cells, the mutant could enhance the activated APRF, but the effect was not as strong as that of wide-type gp130. IL-6 could not activate nuclear factors in Jurkat cells. After the expression vectors pRc/RSVgp130 and pRc/RSV were transfected into Jurkat cells, IL-6 could activate APRF, but could not do NF-IL6. Similar to the results in SKO-007 cells, the effects of the mutant was also weaker than that of wild-type gp130.

CONCLUSION

Although the mutant could still transduce IL-6 signal, it is not as efficiently as the wild-type gp130. It suggested that the Ig-like domain of gp130 also played an important role in IL-6 signal transduction.

[The expression of CD15 mRNA CD44v6 mRNA and nm23H1 mRNA in breast cancer and their clinical significance]

OBJECTIVE

To study the relationship of the expression of CD15 mRNA and its protein, CD44v6 mRNA and nm23H1 mRNA with the clinical pathology parameter and prognosis of breast cancer, and to investigate the correlation of the expression of CD15 mRNA with CD44v6 mRNA and nm23H1 mRNA.

METHODS

Catalyzed signal amplification (CSA) method of in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression of CD15 mRNA and its protein, CD44v6 mRNA and nm23H1 mRNA in 94 cases of breast cancer.

RESULTS

The overexpression of CD15 mRNA and its protein and CD44v6 mRNA and the low expression nm23H1 mRNA were correlated with the grading, clinical stage, lymph node metastasis, recurrence and prognosis of breast cancer. Patients who had overexpression of CD15 mRNA and CD44v6 mRNA and low expression of nm23H1 mRNA had a higher lymph node metastatic rate and a lower survival rate.

CONCLUSION

The expression of CD15 mRNA has a synergistic action in positive and negative regulation with that of CD44v6 mRNA and nm23H1 mRNA. Combining detection of the expression of these three mRNA is a reliable index to evaluate the metastasis, recurrence and prognosis of breast cancer.

[The spectra and thermodynamics of axial coordination reaction of tailed valine tetraphenylporphintozinc with pyrimidine]

The electronic absorption spectra and thermodynamics of axial coordination reaction of 5-(4-valine butoxyphenyl)-10,15,20-tri(4-chlorophenyl)porphintozinc with pyrimidine in CHCl3 were studied. Coordination numbers and equilibrium constants of axial coordination reaction were measured by visible spectra techniques. The changes of standard molar enthalpies and standard molar entropies of reaction were obtained from the plots of ln beta vs 1/T. The influence of temperature on the axial reaction was discussed.

[Clinical and histopathological studies of melanocytoma of the optic disc]

OBJECTIVE

To examine the clinical features that may be useful in determining the malignant transformation of a melanocytoma of the optic disc.

METHODS

The clinical documentation of 10 cases, including visual acuity, visual field, fundus findings and fluorescein angiogram were analyzed retrospectively. Three of them undergone histopathologic examinations.

RESULTS

A benign melanocytoma may have some degree of decreased visual acuity, progressive nerve fiber bundle defect, certain amount of pigment dispersion into the vitreous, slight macular exudation and extension of the tumor tissue into the peripapillary area of the retina.

CONCLUSION

The progression of the associated clinical symptoms and signs appears to be not necessarily indicative of a malignant transformation of the benign disease unless they are associated with rapid enlargement of the tumor mass as well as marked pigmentary changes of the tumor surface.

A feasible and effective technique for the detection of Schistosoma japonicum cercaria-infested water

OBJECTIVE

To develop a new technique for detecting Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum) cercariae so as to predict the distribution of area with high transmission potential and to control acute infection of schistosoma.

METHODS

A C-6 film was established and used to adhere the cercariae on water surface and compared with a few other conventional detecting techniques.

RESULTS

The average rate of the cercaria-recovery was 40% in laboratory and field using C-6 film, which was 20 times higher than that of traditional nylon-tissue adsorbing and precipitating method. Either in some areas where oncomelania were present or in some places where the snail had been under control, the technique could detect the cercariae.

CONCLUSION

The technique can be characterized by a feasible, economical, promptly accessible method, especially for field application.

[The applied anatomy and measure of nasolacrimal duct]

OBJECTIVE

To know the anatomy of nasolacrimal duct.

METHOD

80 half-skulls of chinese adult were used to observe shapes of the orifice.

RESULT

Five shapes of the orifice were found. Slit-shape was the most in all shapes. 73 nasolacrimal ducts and situation of orifices have been measured with results as follows: (1) The nasolacrimal duct length is 14.14 mm (mean value); (2) The distance from the inferior margin of the anterior nostril to the anterior margin of the orifice (D.N.O.) is 29.00 mm (mean value); (3) The distance from the anterior attachment of the inferior turbinate to the anterior margin of the orifice is 11.70 mm (mean value); (4) The distance from the inferior margin of the anterior nostril to the anterior attachment of the inferior turbinate (D.N.T) is 18.30 mm (mean value). With analysis of linear regression, the relationship between the "D.N.T." and the nasolacrimal duct length, the "D.N.T." and the "D.N.O." is positive linear correlation respectively, "D.N.T." has been able to be measured easily, so the nasolacrimal duct length and the situation of the orifice have been recognized.

CONCLUSION

D.N.T. may be used in clinical teaching and researching work.

Voltage-dependent ion channel formation by rigid rod-shaped polyols in planar lipid bilayers

In this Letter, we describe the appearance of large, voltage-dependent currents in BLM induced by rigid rod-shaped polyols that function without charge and permanent dipole moment. The capacity of these symmetrical, nonpeptide models to form either short-living nanopores or small ion channels is shown to depend critically on the length of rigid-rod scaffold as well as the nature of the lateral side chains.

Effects of dofetilide, a class III antiarrhythmic drug, on various ventricular arrhythmias in dogs

Dofetilide, a new class III antiarrhythmic agent, was tested in various kinds of canine ventricular arrhythmias to compare its effects with those of other class III agents. Ventricular arrhythmia models used were induced by two-stage coronary ligation, digitalis, epinephrine, coronary ligation and reperfusion, and programmed electrical stimulation (PES). Dofetilide (100 micrograms/kg intravenously) did not suppress automaticity arrhythmias induced by two-stage coronary ligation and epinephrine or the coronary ligation and reperfusion arrhythmias, but suppressed the reentry arrhythmia induced by PES in dogs with old myocardial infarction (MI). This effect was associated with a prolongation of QT interval. Dofetilide also showed antiarrhythmic effect in some dogs with digitalis arrhythmia. Dofetilide increased QT interval and showed negative chronotropic effect like that of other class III drugs, but was different in antiarrhythmic profiles from those of other class III agents such as D-sotalol, E-4031, and MS-551 in that it did not prevent the occurrence of ventricular fibrillation (VF) immediately after coronary reperfusion and had some antiarrhythmic effects on digitalis arrhythmia.

Effects of the antihypoxic and neuroprotective drug, lubeluzole, on repolarization phase of canine heart assessed by monophasic action potential recording

The cardiovascular effects of the antihypoxic and neuroprotective drug, lubeluzole, were investigated using beagle dogs anesthetized with halothane. Endocardial-contact electrode catheter was used for continuous monitoring of monophasic action potential (MAP), which could provide a precise information of repolarization phase. Intravenous administration of an efficacious dose of lubeluzole (0.63 mg/kg, n = 6) slightly decreased both the heart rate and the blood pressure. It did not change PQ interval and QRS width, while it significantly prolonged QT interval, corrected QT (QTc) and the duration of the MAP during the observation period over 60 min. The effects of drug on repolarization phase were late-onset and long-lasting compared with the time course of plasma drug concentrations, which changed as predicted by the two-compartment theory of pharmacokinetics. Additional injection of lubeluzole (2.5 mg/kg, n = 6) showed qualitatively similar changes to those of lower dose, and did not induce the cardiovascular collapse in any dog. Neither afterdepolarization nor ventricular escaped beat was detected during the observation period. The drug concentration in cardiac tissue was correlated linearly with the plasma drug concentration at 60 min after the second drug administration. These results indicate that lubeluzole exerts only minor cardiovascular effects except the prolongation of the repolarization period. The monitoring of plasma drug concentration may be helpful to estimate the steady-state distribution of drug to the heart, but less helpful to predict the QT prolongation. In future clinical trials, care must be taken with patients, especially those at risk to have prolonged repolarization.

Immunohistochemical evidence of neuronal and glial differentiation in retinoblastoma

BACKGROUND

The study sought to investigate the histogenesis of retinoblastoma.

METHODS

One hundred specimens of retinoblastomas were examined along with those of 18 astrocytic gliomas and 15 medulloblastomas to compare similarities of glial differentiation in retinoblastoma and the two types of brain tumour. Employing avidin-biotin immunoperoxidase technique, antibodies were applied against neuron specific enolase (NSE), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and S-100 protein (S-100).

RESULTS

Most rosettes and fleurettes, and some undifferentiated cells in retinoblastomas were NSE positive, but GFAP and S-100 negative. GFAP and S-100 positive cells in retinoblastomas were detected mostly in well differentiated glial cells which were interpreted as reactive or non-neoplastic cells. Some of the GFAP and S-100 positive cells in retinoblastomas were defined as tumour cells that resembled neoplastic astrocytes in astrocytic gliomas and medulloblastomas.

CONCLUSION

Retinoblastoma may arise from primitive bipotential or multipotential cells capable of neuronal and glial differentiation.

[Histopathologic classification of 1921 orbital tumors]

PURPOSE

The retrospective study is undertaken to determine the histopathologic types of space-occupying lesions of the orbit in 1921 cases examined between 1953-1992 at the Eye Pathology Laboratory of Shanghai Medical University.

METHODS

The authors reviewed old diagnostic pathologic slides on file including HE stain as well as special stains, if available, for all the indeterminate cases. Newly prepared immunohistochemical stains are made for the controversial cases to help diagnosis. Some slides are discussed and diagnosed by Pathology Slide Meeting of the Shanghai Surgical Pathology Society. Cases with diagnosis not agreed upon by the pathology meeting are excluded from this study.

RESULTS

The 5 leading malignant orbital tumors are malignant lacrimal gland tumors (138 cases, 32%), malignant lacrimal sac tumors (112 cases, 26%), rhabdomyosarcomas (65 cases, 15%), lymphosarcomas (56 cases, 13%), and malignant hemangiopericytomas (31 cases, 7%). The 5 leading benign orbital tumors are cavernous hemangionas (411 cases, 36%), dermoid cysts (152 cases, 13%), benign mixed tumors (150 cases, 13%), inflammatory pseudotumosr (129 cases, 11%), and schwannomas (92 cases, 8%). Rare tumors of the orbit include alveolar soft tissue sarcoma, chondrosarcoma, mesenchymal chondrosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, giant cell tumor, granular myoblastoma, yolk sac tumor, and retinal anlage tumor.

CONCLUSION

This study, in agreement with other reports of the statics study of the orbital tumors demonstrates the prevalence of hemangiomas, lacrimal gland tumors and lymphoid pseudo-tumors to be the common space-occupying lesions in the orbit. Some rare tumors are discussed.

[Primary epithelial lacrimal gland tumors: the pathologic classification of 272 cases]

This paper reports the pathologic classification of 272 cases with primary epithelial lacrimal gland tumors in comparison with that of the salivary glands. The extensive series of lacrimal gland tumors accounts for 70% of the 390 lacrimal fossa lesions and 18% of the 1,530 orbital tumors in one single hospital. Benign mixed tumors ranked the first (52%), adenocystic carcinomas the second (25%) and malignant mixed tumors (9%) the third. Among the other less common tumors the authors identified, for the first time, 3 polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinomas, 2 spindle celled myoepitheliomas and 1 carcinosarcoma of the lacrimal gland. The diagnosis and differential diagnosis of polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma and spindle cell myoepithelioma were discussed.

[An experimental study and preliminary clinical report of shape-memory sawtooth-arm embracing internal fixator]

The sawtooth-arm internal embracing fixator is made of Nickel-Titanium shape memory alloy and consists of 3 components: body, arms and sawteeth. In cross section a 2/3 circumference is constructed by body and arms of the fixator. The free ends of the arms which exceed the semi-circle are bent more medially so that it can match the requirement of fixation of long tubular bone whose cross section is not a regular circle. The embracing fixator has two types: the cylinder type is for use in the middle part and the cone type is either for the proximal or distal 1/3 of the shaft of long tubular bone. The animal experimental studies and in vitro mechanical tests demonstrated that the embracing fixator possesses good anti-bending and anti-torsion effects, and its resisting compression effect was much lower than that of bone plate. These characteristics are beneficial for enhancing fracture healing, reducing post fixation osteoporosis and providing a new, simple and effective method for the treatment of long tubular bone fracture. The fixator has already been used in the treatment of fractures of femur, humerus, radius and ulna with good results.

[Analysis of risk factors in postinfarction angina]

The clinical and echocardiographic variables related to postinfarction angina were evaluated in 54 patients with acute myocardial infarction. All patients underwent 2D echocardiography at 2-3 weeks after infarction. Wall motion analysis was quantified with a wall motion score index (WMSI) based on 16 left ventricular wall segments. Among the 54 patients with acute myocardial infarction 23 (42.6%) had early postinfarction angina. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated no significant difference between the patients with and without postinfarction angina in age, sex, location of infarction, Killip classification, previous angina, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, creatine kinase level and left ventricular ejection fraction. In comparison with patients without postinfarction angina, patients with postinfarction angina had higher WMSI. It indicates that postinfarction angina appears to be related more to myocardial ischemia rather than to the infarct of myocardium.

Magnetic susceptibility mapping of the human thorax using a SQUID biomagnetometer

Biomagnetism is essentially the study of the weak magnetic fields generated by biological organisms, in particular the human body. The human thorax is composed of a variety of tissues and organs of slightly different magnetic susceptibility. In an applied magnetic field (of the order of milliTeslas) these small differences in susceptibility lead to measurable field variations (of the order of nanoTeslas) at the body surface which may be of diagnostic value. Physiological processes such as cardiac activity, cardiac output, blood flow and respiratory related lung volume changes also contribute to the observed signal. In this study susceptibility 'maps' were obtained by measuring the magnetic field at several hundred points over the thorax. Results indicate that magnetic susceptibility mapping produces low-resolution images of internal body structures from which is should be possible to detect pathologies that cause alterations in tissue susceptibility.

The toxic effects, GSH depletion and radiosensitivity by BSO on retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular malignant tumor in children. Previous investigations have reported that buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) can deplete intracellular glutathione (GSH) by specific inhibition and increase cellular radiosensitivity. The toxic effects, GSH depletion and radiosensitivity of BSO on retinoblastoma cells are reported in this paper. GSH content of retinoblastoma cell lines Y-79, So-Rb50 and retinoblastoma xenograft is 2.7 +/- 1.3 x 1.0(-12) mmol/cell, 1.4 +/- 0.2 x 1.0(-12) mmol/cell, and 2.8 +/- 1.2 mumol/g, respectively. The ID50 of BSO on Y-79 and So-Rb50 in air for 3 h exposure is 2.5 mM and 0.2 mM, respectively. GSH depletion by 0.1 mM BSO for 24 h on Y-79 cells and 0.01 mM BSO for 24 h on So-Rb50 cells is 16.35%, and 4.7% of control. GSH depletion in tumor and other organ tissues in retinoblastoma-bearing nude mice after BSO administration is differential. GSH depletion after BSO exposure in Y-79 cells in vitro decreases the Do value of retinoblastoma cells. The SER of 0.01 mM and 0.05 mM BSO for 24 h under the hypoxic condition is 1.21 and 1.36, respectively. Based on these observations, the authors conclude that BSO toxicity on retinoblastoma cells depends on the characteristics of cell line and that BSO can increase hypoxic retinoblastoma cells' radiosensitivity in vitro. Further study of BSO radiosensitization on retinoblastoma in vivo using nude mouse xenograft is needed.

Treatment of intra-articular fractures with shape memory compression staples

The management of intra-articular fractures remains difficult. Shape memory compression staples fulfil nearly all the special treatment requirements of intra-articular fractures. Early bone union and 93.5 per cent satisfactory function were achieved in a series of 121 cases. Stable fixation, 'early' movement and continuous compressive force produced by the staple are the main factors contributing to good results.

Crystallization of the OP-G2 Fab fragment: a fibrinogen mimic with specificity for the platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa

The OP-G2 monoclonal antibody binds to the platelet integrin, gpIIb/IIIa, in a mode that mimics fibrinogen binding. The specificity of this antibody is mediated by the third complementarity-determining region (CDR3) loop of the immunoglobulin heavy chain which contains a sequence (RYD) related to the RGD recognition sequence of fibrinogen. The OP-G2 Fab fragment has been crystallized by vapor diffusion from solutions containing polyethylene glycol and imidazole malate (pH 5.6). The crystals belong to space group P2(1)2(1)2 with a = 93.1, b = 83.8 and c = 53.7 A. One Fab molecule is present in the asymmetric unit. A complete data set to 2.0 A resolution has been collected.