Colon carcinoid tumors

PURPOSE: The aim of our investigation was to evaluate the clinical presentation of patients with carcinoid tumors of the colon and to estimate the survival and potential prognostic factors of this tumor type. METHODS: A population-based study was performed using data from the Alberta Cancer Registry between 1964 and 1988 (inclusive). The clinical records and the pathologic material of eligible patients were reviewed. Survival was estimated both as crude survival and with the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: During the 25-year study period (1964–1988), 36 true carcinoid tumors of the colon were diagnosed in Alberta. Carcinoids of the ileocecal region and of the rectum were excluded from the study. The average age at time of diagnosis was 68.4 years; there were 20 males and 16 females. Symptoms (abdominal pain, diarrhea, weakness, anorexia) occurred late in the course of the disease: 64 percent of the lesions were in Dukes D stage and 22 percent were Dukes C at diagnosis. Only one patient presented with a malignant carcinoid syndrome. Lesions occurred most frequently in the cecum (39 percent), followed by transverse and sigmoid colon. Most of the patients were managed surgically. The perioperative mortality rate was with 22 percent, which is quite high. The average size of the lesions was 5.8 (range, 2–10) cm, and most tumors (31/36) had invaded the pericolic fat. The most common immunohistochemical pattern was argentaffin/argyrophil negative and neuron-specific enolase positive. Two-year and five-year actuarial (Kaplan-Meier) survival was 34 percent and 26 percent, respectively. Survival for carcinoids of the colon was significantly lower compared with carcinoids of the rectum or appendix, and with colon adenocarcinomas. Size of the tumor and tumor invasion into the muscularis propria—the two major histopathologic prognostic factors for carcinoids of the gastrointestinal tract—were not found to influence survival significantly. Rather, tumor stage, histologic pattern, tumor differentiation, nuclear grade, and mitotic rate were found to significantly influence the survival rate. CONCLUSION: Carcinoid tumors of the colon are extremely rare tumors, diagnosed late in the course of the disease, and they carry a bad prognosis. Prognostic factors are tumor stage, histologic pattern, differentiation, nuclear grade, and mitotic rate of the tumor.Presented in part at the meetings of the International Society of University Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Crete, Greece, October 25 to 29, 1992, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Quebec, Quebec, Canada, September 19 to 23, 1991.     

塔里木盆地蜱类群落的分型和多样性分析

目的 对塔里木盆地区域的蜱类群落进行分类，了解和掌握不同蜱类群落的结构特征，探讨这些群落在整个区域范围的多样性。 方法 2004年3～5月，按地理区域和生态景观类型选择塔里木盆地区域19个县52个不同生态景观为调查点进行蜱类种类和数量调查，采用群落生态学技术方法，计算群落的丰富度、多样性和均匀性，并结合地质和植被环境指标，采用聚类分析法，对该地区的蜱类群落进行分类。 结果 调查点共采获蜱类5属10种18 181只，以亚东璃眼蜱（Hyalomma asiaticum kozlovi，占35.7%）和亚洲璃眼蜱指名亚种（Hyalomma asiaticum asiaticum，占33.6%）为该地区的优势种类。根据环境的地质类型，植被的种类、丰富度和覆盖度将该地区的生态景观划分为7个群落类型。 结论 塔里木盆地存在着丰富的蜱类群落，且这些群落在该地区整个生态幅度上存在连续的梯度变化。     

Protective effect of glucosamine against ibuprofen-induced peptic ulcer in rats

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori is the major causative factor of ulcer but the use of ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have also been implicated in development of ulcer. The purpose of the present study was to determine the anti-ulcer effect of glucosamine. METHODS: The protective effect of glucosamine on ibuprofen-induced peptic ulcer in male albino rats was studied with respect to changes in the volume of gastric juice, acid output, pepsin activity, activities of membrane bound ATPases, protein content, glycoprotein components and histopathology. RESULTS: Oral administration of ibuprofen caused significant increase in the number of lesions in the gastric mucosa, increases in the volume of gastric juice and acidity, and decreased activity of pepsin. The levels of protein content and glycoprotein components (hexose, hexosamine and sialic acid) and ATPase activities were also observed. Oral pretreatment with glucosamine resulted in significant reduction in the number of lesions in the gastric mucosa and decreases in the volume of gastric juice and acidity. The pepsin activity was also maintained at near normalcy. Prior oral administration of glucosamine significantly prevented the ibuprofen-induced depletion of protein and glycoprotein components and maintained the activities of membrane bound ATPases as compared to untreated ulcer induced group of rats. CONCLUSION: The anti-ulcerogenic activity of glucosamine might be ascribable to its ability to neutralize the hydrochloric acid secreted into the stomach and to its capability to strengthen the mucosal barrier by increasing mucosal glycoprotein synthesis and to its free radical scavenging property. Histopathological investigations of the mucosal tissue also support the anti-ulcerogenic effect of glucosamine.     

Control of echinococcosis and cysticercosis: a public health challenge to international cooperation in China

Echinococcosis, both cystic and alveolar, and Taenia solium cysticercosis are the most serious zoonotic cestodoses worldwide. Because of the emerging importance of these diseases in China, several international workshops and meetings were held in this country from 1998 to 2001. Based on round table discussions in Chengdu 2000, the proposal of a strategy to control echinococcosis and cysticercosis has been prepared in China. It includes a comprehensive approach based on a careful analysis of the local situations (particularly concerning the particularities of the cycle, ecology, and ethology of the animal hosts, and behavioral characteristics of the population at risk), the use of newly developed tools both in animals and human (immunology, molecular biology, and imaging), and the association of the traditional control measures (control of slaughtering, antiparasitic treatment and control of the definitive hosts, and health education) with more recent developments such as vaccination of the intermediate hosts. Plans on for the control of echinococcosis and cysticercosis in China are summarized.     

医护一体化工作模式在预防性回肠造口患者护理中的应用效果研究

目的了解回肠造口患者焦虑抑郁、自我护理能力、生活质量情况以及患者造口并发症的发生情况。同时探索医护一体化工作模式对回肠造口患者焦虑抑郁情绪、出院后的生活质量、自我护理能力及造口并发症等方面的影响程度。 方法选取2018年12月～2019年6月在青岛大学附属医院行回肠造口术的100例中低位直肠癌患者为试验对象,按照随机数字表法将入组的患者随机分成试验组（n=50）和对照组（n=50）,其中对照组给予常规护理,试验组给予医护一体化护理。干预时间从入院时起至术后3个月。测定两组患者的焦虑抑郁评分、自我护理能力评分及生活质量评分,并观察患者造口相关的并发症情况。 结果试验组在自我护理能力、生活质量及焦虑和抑郁方面均好于对照组,对照组的造口并发症的发生率明显高于试验组。 结论医护一体化工作模式可以显著提高患者的自我护理能力;改善患者生活质量;缓解患者的焦虑抑郁等负性情绪,显著降低患者造口并发症的发生率。     

孕鼠感染弓形虫对子鼠发育影响及干预措施

目的观察孕鼠感染弓形虫后出生子鼠的身体、智力发育、寿命、免疫功能及干预效果。方法以1×103个/ml和2×103个/ml RH株弓形虫0.1ml腹腔感染孕中期鼠(d10),获得分娩子鼠。1.1比较不同剂量感染母鼠产子鼠体重、智力发育、寿命情况;1.2非感染组、孕期感染弓形虫所产阳性、阴性子鼠的体重、智力发育、寿命比较;1.3对阳性子鼠干预效果观察。结果重度感染组、感染阳性组子鼠体重轻、智力低、寿命短。治疗组较未治疗组智力高、寿命长;与非感染组比较,智力低、寿命无差别,感染阳性组治愈后再感染时,非感染组12月龄感染率最低,重度感染组2月龄最高。阳性率与抗体IgG含量呈负相关。结论孕期感染弓形虫可使存活子代体重减轻、智力降低、寿命缩短,其严重程度与感染剂量大小有关,及早地采取有效干预,可使子代的发育得到改善。     

Effect of exposure of rats to cigarette smoke on the metabolism of lipids

Prolonged exposure of rats to cigarette smoke resulted in significant alterations in the metabolism of lipids. There was a significant increase in the concentration of cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids in most of the tissues, particularly the heart, aorta and lungs. Cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids decreased in the serum HDL and increased in LDL + VLDL. There was increased cholesterogenesis in the heart, lungs and liver, as evidenced by increased activity of HMG-CoA reductase and increased incorporation of labelled acetate into cholesterol. Incorporation of label into the triglycerides also increased in these tissues. Activity of lipoprotein lipase in the extrahepatic tissues was decreased. Activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and malic enzyme increased in the heart and lungs. There was decreased concentration of bile acids in the liver.     

From malaria control to eradication: The WHO perspective

Efforts to control malaria have been boosted in the past few years with increased international funding and greater political commitment. Consequently, the reported malaria burden is being reduced in a number of countries throughout the world, including in some countries in tropical Africa where the burden of malaria is greatest. These achievements have raised new hopes of eradicating malaria. This paper summarizes the outcomes of a World Health Organization’s expert meeting on the feasibility of such a goal. Given the hindsight and experience of the Global Malaria Eradication Programme of the 1950s and 1960s, and current knowledge of the effectiveness of antimalarial tools and interventions, it would be feasible to effectively control malaria in all parts of the world and greatly reduce the enormous morbidity and mortality of malaria. It would also be entirely feasible to eliminate malaria from countries and regions where the intensity of transmission is low to moderate, and where health systems are strong. Elimination of malaria requires a re‐orientation of control activity, moving away from a population‐based coverage of interventions, to one based on a programme of effective surveillance and response. Sustained efforts will be required to prevent the resurgence of malaria from where it is eliminated. Eliminating malaria from countries where the intensity of transmission is high and stable such as in tropical Africa will require more potent tools and stronger health systems than are available today. When such countries have effectively reduced the burden of malaria, the achievements will need to be consolidated before a programme re‐orientation towards malaria elimination is contemplated. Malaria control and elimination are under the constant threat of the parasite and vector mosquito developing resistance to medicines and insecticides, which are the cornerstones of current antimalarial interventions. The prospects of malaria eradication, therefore, rest heavily on the outcomes of research and development for new and improved tools. Malaria control and elimination are complementary objectives in the global fight against malaria.     

The timed infusion paradigm for melatonin delivery: What has it taught us about the melatonin signal,its reception,and the photoperiodic control of seasonal responses?

Abstract: This review summarizes the evidence showing that the duration of the nocturnal secretory profile of pineal melatonin (MEL) is critical for eliciting seasonally appropriate reproductive physiological and behavioral responses in mammals. We review experiments using the timed infusion paradigm (TIP) to deliver MEL either systemically or centrally to pinealectomized hamsters and sheep. In this paradigm, MEL is infused, usually once daily, for a specific number of hours and at a predetermined time of day. This experimental strategy tests most directly those features of the MEL signal that are necessary to trigger photoperiodic responses. The data suggest that the duration of the MEL stimulation is the critical feature of the MEL signal for both inhibitory and stimulatory effects of the hormone on the photoperiodic control of reproductive development in juvenile Siberian hamsters, and for the photoperiodic control of reproductive and metabolic responses in adult Siberian and Syrian hamsters and sheep. The use of the TIP reveals the importance of the frequency of the signal presentation of MEL and suggests the importance of a period of low-to-absent circulating concentrations of the hormone. The TIP also reveals that the characteristics of the MEL signal that regulate male sexual behavior are similar to those that are critical for reproductive and metabolic responses in Syrian hamsters. We summarize the locations of possible functional MEL target sites identified by combining the TIP with traditional brain lesion techniques. Evidence from such studies suggests that the integrity of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) region in Siberian hamsters and the anterior hypothalamus in Syrian hamsters is necessary for the response to short-day MEL signals. The TIP has been used to deliver MEL to putative target sites for the hormone in the brain of juvenile and adult Siberian hamsters. The results of these preliminary experiments suggest that the regions of specific MEL binding in this species, especially the SCN, are effective sites where MEL may stimulate short-day-type responses. In contrast, results from intracranial application of MEL in sheep suggest the medial basal hypothalamus as a critical site of action. Finally, we also discuss potential applications of the TIP for identification of brain MEL target sites, understanding of other photoperiodic phenomena and responses, and resolution of the cellular/molecular basis underlying the reception and interpretation of MEL signals. It is our collective view that the TIP has played, and will continue to play, a pivotal role in elucidation of the function of MEL in the photoperiodic control of seasonal mammalian responses and that the duration of the MEL signal is the critical parameter of the nocturnal secretion profile of the hormone for the photoperiodic control of several seasonally adaptive responses in mammalian species as diverse as hamsters and sheep.     

Physiopathologie du lupus systémique : le point en 2014

Systemic lupus erythematous is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by the inflammation of several tissues and the production of auto-antibodies directed against nuclear antigens. Complex genetic disorders and environmental factors are at the origin of the disease but the precise cause of the auto-immune process is still unknown. Both innate and adaptive immune systems are involved. Apoptosis seems to be the main source of auto-antigens. The interactions between apoptotic cells, dendritic cells and lymphocytes activate the production of pathogenic antibodies and T lymphocytes. Amplification loops sustain the auto-immune process and the chronic inflammation. Several data point out B-lymphocytes and several cytokines involved in their homeostasis as new promising therapeutic targets.     

Hyaluronic-Acid-Based Organic-Inorganic Composites for Biomedical Applications

Applications of natural hyaluronic acid (HYH) for the fabrication of organic-inorganic composites for biomedical applications are described. Such composites combine unique functional properties of HYH with functional properties of hydroxyapatite, various bioceramics, bioglass, biocements, metal nanoparticles, and quantum dots. Functional properties of advanced composite gels, scaffold materials, cements, particles, films, and coatings are described. Benefiting from the synergy of properties of HYH and inorganic components, advanced composites provide a platform for the development of new drug delivery materials. Many advanced properties of composites are attributed to the ability of HYH to promote biomineralization. Properties of HYH are a key factor for the development of colloidal and electrochemical methods for the fabrication of films and protective coatings for surface modification of biomedical implants and the development of advanced biosensors. Overcoming limitations of traditional materials, HYH is used as a biocompatible capping, dispersing, and structure-directing agent for the synthesis of functional inorganic materials and composites. Gel-forming properties of HYH enable a facile and straightforward approach to the fabrication of antimicrobial materials in different forms. Of particular interest are applications of HYH for the fabrication of biosensors. This review summarizes manufacturing strategies and mechanisms and outlines future trends in the development of functional biocomposites.     

Numerical Modeling of Transient Two-Phase Flow and the Coalescence and Breakup of Bubbles in a Continuous Casting Mold

The multiphase flow and spatial distribution of bubbles inside a continuous casting (CC) mold is a popular research issue due to its direct impact on the quality of the CC slab. The behavior of bubbles in the mold, and how they coalesce and break apart, have an important influence on the flow pattern and entrapment of bubbles. However, due to the limitations of experiments and measurement methods, it is impossible to directly observe the multiphase flow and bubble distribution during the CC process. Thus, a three-dimensional mathematical model which combined the large eddy simulation (LES) turbulent model, VOF multiphase model, and discrete phase model (DPM) was developed to study the transient two-phase flow and spatial distribution of bubbles in a continuous casting mold. The interaction between the liquid and bubbles and the coalescence, bounce, and breakup of bubbles were considered. The measured meniscus speed and bubble diameter were in good agreement with the measured results. The meniscus speed increased first and then decreased from the nozzle to the narrow face, with a maximum value of 0.07 m/s, and appeared at 1/4 the width of the mold. The current mathematical model successfully predicted the transient asymmetric two-phase flow and completely reproduced the coalescence, bounce, and breakup of bubbles in the mold. The breakup mainly occurred near the bottom of the submerged entry nozzle (SEN) due to the strong turbulent motion of the molten steel after hitting the bottom of the SEN. The average bubble diameter was about 0.6 mm near the nozzle and gradually decreased to 0.05 mm from the nozzle to the narrow face. The larger bubbles floated up near the SEN due to the effect of their greater buoyancy, while the small bubbles were distributed discretely in the entire mold with the action of the molten steel jet. Overall, the bubbles were distributed in a fan shape. The largest concentration of bubbles was in the lower part of the SEN and the upper edge of the SEN outlet.     

安徽省感染性钉螺分布现状与调查

目的了解安徽省血吸虫感染性钉螺分布现状与特点。方法2007年收集安徽省钉螺调查的数据和各感染性螺点的GPS定位数据,建立感染性钉螺分布空间数据库,用ArcGis9．1绘制电子地图,分析全省感染性钉螺分布现状。结果2007年全省查出331处感染性钉螺环境,其中湖沼型流行区占62．5％,山丘型流行区占37．5％;现有感染性钉螺面积682．6hm^2,其中湖沼型地区占85．5％,山丘型流行区占14．5％。江滩和沟渠分别是湖沼型和山丘型流行区感染性钉螺分布最多的环境;97．2％的感染性钉螺环境分布于未控制村和疫情控制村。草是感染性钉螺分布最多的植被,其次为芦苇与树林。结论全省感染性钉螺的分布与水系的分布关系密切,湖沼型地区感染性钉螺分布在长江的两岸江滩、洲滩及其支流水系的河滩、湖泊的湖滩,山丘型地区感染性钉螺分布在河流、灌区或多种特殊环境。     

Carbon Nanofibers and Their Composites: A Review of Synthesizing,Properties and Applications

Carbon nanofiber (CNF), as one of the most important members of carbon fibers, has been investigated in both fundamental scientific research and practical applications. CNF composites are able to be applied as promising materials in many fields, such as electrical devices, electrode materials for batteries and supercapacitors and as sensors. In these applications, the electrical conductivity is always the first priority need to be considered. In fact, the electrical property of CNF composites largely counts on the dispersion and percolation status of CNFs in matrix materials. In this review, the electrical transport phenomenon of CNF composites is systematically summarized based on percolation theory. The effects of the aspect ratio, percolation backbone structure and fractal characteristics of CNFs and the non-universality of the percolation critical exponents on the electrical properties are systematically reviewed. Apart from the electrical property, the thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of CNF composites are briefly reviewed, as well. In addition, the preparation methods of CNFs, including catalytic chemical vapor deposition growth and electrospinning, and the preparation methods of CNF composites, including the melt mixing and solution process, are briefly introduced. Finally, their applications as sensors and electrode materials are described in this review article.     

Immunohistochemical analysis of apoptosis-related proteins in human embryonic and fetal pancreatic tissues

Summary Background. The growth of both cancer cells and fetal tissue is rapid; however, cancer cells de-differentiate and proliferate in a disorderly manner, whereas fetal tissues differentiate and proliferate in an orderly manner. Thus, there may be both common and different factors that are involved in the process of the uncontrolled cell growth of pancreatic cancers and the development of the fetal pancreas. The common part of the mechanisms should be in the regulation of the cell cycle, resulting in rapid proliferation via such mechanisms as growth stimulation and avoidance of apoptosis. Therefore, in the current study we investigated the expression of apoptosis-related proteins in fetal pancreatic tissues. Methods. Sixteen human embryonic and fetal pancreatic tissues obtained between 6 and 32 wk of gestation were used. We immunohistochemically examined the protein expression of Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, Mcl-1, and Bax. Further, the expression of insulin, glucagon, and proliferting cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining were examined. Results. In embryonic and fetal pancreatic tissues, Bcl-2 was not detected in any type of pancreatic cell (acinar, ductal, or islet). Bcl-XL was expressed in all types of pancreatic cells throughout the gestation. Mcl-1 was expressed in all types of pancreatic components, and strongly expressed in the margin of the islets. Bax, a pro-apoptotic protein, was expressed in all components. PCNA was strongly expressed in the embryonic and fetal pancreas, especially in early stages of gestation; however, TUNEL staining was negative in all samples. At least one antiapoptotic protein was expressed in all types of pancreatic cells. Conclusion. The results of the current study indicate that active proliferation and avoidance of apoptosis take place in embryonic and fetal pancreatic tissues, which may be controlled by particular combinations of apoptosis-related proteins. Among these proteins, Bcl-XL and Mcl-1 may play an important role in the proliferation and differentiation of the embryonic and fetal pancreas.     

洞庭湖洲滩坡度与植被对感染性钉螺分布范围的影响

目的查明日本血吸虫感染性钉螺在洞庭湖洲滩的分布环境,着重分析洲滩的离岸距离、地面高程、坡度及优势植被种类等环境因素对感染螺分布的影响,为消除血吸虫病疫源地确定重点目标。方法在洞庭湖上游和下游共选择3类洲滩,分别在1987-1989年及2009年采用系统抽样法进行钉螺与感染性钉螺分布调查,查螺段面从堤岸边最高有螺线往下一直查到最低有螺线止,同时用水准仪测定地面高程（吴淞零点）,并记录植被种类。结果在3类洲滩钉螺孳生地中,有感染性螺分布的面积平均占35.5%。主要分布在大堤边和洲滩上部的坡岸地带。地势高、坡度陡的环境感染性钉螺较多;地势低、坡度小的平坦环境没有查到感染性钉螺。在芦苇地带也没有查获感染性钉螺,而在芦杂、柳林、莎草、藜蒿区均可有感染性钉螺出现。结论洞庭湖区的感染性钉螺有明显的沿堤岸分布趋向,其分布范围与汛期的水位、传染源（终宿主）的活动等有关。     

联胺诱导内皮细胞的条件培养基对内皮细胞脂质过氧化物和诱导型一氧化氮合酶的影响

为了探讨内皮细胞的自分泌和旁分泌对受损内皮细胞的影响 ,以及下丘脑—垂体参与后对其的作用 ,将正常内皮细胞条件培养基、联胺诱导内皮细胞的条件培养基及下丘脑垂体细胞培养基加联胺诱导内皮细胞的条件培养基分别作用正常内皮细胞和受损内皮细胞 ,并检测其脂质过氧化物丙二醛和诱导型一氧化氮合酶表达的变化。结果发现 ,联胺诱导的内皮细胞条件培养基对受损内皮细胞丙二醛代谢有明显下调作用 (P <0 .0 1) ;而下丘脑垂体细胞培养基加联胺诱导的内皮细胞条件培养基对正常内皮细胞和受损内皮细胞丙二醛代谢均有下调作用 (P<0 .0 1) ,其中对受损内皮细胞下调更明显。联胺诱导的内皮细胞条件培养基对正常内皮细胞诱导型一氧化氮合酶的表达无明显调节作用 ,而对受损内皮细胞诱导型一氧化氮合酶的表达有上调作用 ;下丘脑垂体细胞培养基加联胺诱导的内皮细胞条件培养基对正常内皮细胞和受损内皮细胞诱导型一氧化氮合酶均有上调作用 (P <0 .0 5 ) ,其中对受损内皮细胞上调更明显 (P <0 .0 1)。结果提示 ,内皮细胞受到联胺脂质过氧化损伤时 ,其自分泌和旁分泌作用能下调其丙二醛的代谢和上调诱导型一氧化氮合酶的表达 ,这种调节作用可能是内皮细胞自身抗外来伤害的调节机制之一     

Orthoses in haemophilia

In haemophilia patients, orthoses are used for the prevention and management of bleeds and their effects on the musculoskeletal system. The characteristics of these devices vary according to the joint to which they are applied, although two basic types are distinguished: static and functional. The upper limbs make up a functional unit that is adapted to prehension, or the action of grasping or seizing objects. The most affected joints of this unit in haemophilia are the elbow and shoulder, which require immobilization, followed by stabilization and protection and in the case of disability, assistance in the performance of function. The lower limbs, on the other hand, are adapted to the action of ambulation. The knee, ankle and hip joints frequently sustain damage in haemophilia, and in the acute phase they should be immobilized and the patient discouraged from walking. Once bleeding has ceased, and motion and muscle balance improved, a gradual return to normal activity may commence. The principle aim of orthotics in these cases is to immobilize and unburden the affected body segment, and to provide stability and assistance for ambulation. Shoe insoles cushion and modify stance, and therefore may help prevent lesions. Crutches and walking frames are used for restoring normal gait. Orthotic devices improve the quality of life of haemophilia patients with musculoskeletal lesions and are useful for preventing lesions resulting from strenuous activities, whether performed in the course of daily living or in the pursuit of games and sports.