Biophotonic methods in microcirculation imaging

Visible and near-infrared light, particularly in the wavelength region of 600–1100 nm, offer a window into human and animal tissues due to reduced scattering and absorption. We review the main biophotonic methods applied to visualisation and assessment of the microcirculation and document the progress made over the past 10 years in particular. Applications, particularly in human skin, are of special topical importance due to an improved knowledge of its role and its value as a surrogate for other organs in drug testing at a time when drug development is under severe pressure.     

Toll样受体4在强直性脊柱炎患者外周血白细胞中的表达及临床意义初探

目的：探讨Toll样受体4（Toll-likereceptor 4,TLR4）在不同人群外周血白细胞的差异表达及其在强直性脊柱炎（ankylosing spondylitis,As）中的意义。方法：应用流式细胞术检测60例AS患者及40例健康对照外周血淋巴细胞、单核细胞和中性粒细胞TLR4的表达。结果：TLR4在外周血淋巴细胞、单核细胞和中性粒细胞均有表达,以单核细胞表达为主;HLA-B27阳性和阴性AS患者外周血3种细胞TLR4的阳性表达率均明显高于对照组（P〈0．001）,但两者之间并无显著差异。结论：TLR4主要表达于外周血单核细胞,但AS患者外周血3种细胞表达均上调,这种上调与HLA-B27阳性与否无关,提示TLR4信号通路的异常与AS的发病相关。     

Characterization and gene transfer in mesenchymal stem cells derived from human umbilical-cord blood

It has been shown that the stromal-cell population found in bone marrow can be expanded and differentiated into cells with the phenotypes of bone, cartilage, muscle, neural, and fat cells. However, whether mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are present in human umbilical-cord blood (UCB) has been the subject of ongoing debate. In this study, we report on a population of fibroblastlike cells derived from the mononuclear fraction of human UCB with osteogenic and adipogenic potential, as well as the presence of a subset of cells that have been maintained in continuous culture for more than 6 months. These cells were found to express CD29, CD44, CD90, CD95, CD105, CD166, and MHC class, but not CD14, CD34, CD40, CD45, CD80, CD86, CD117, CD152, or MHC class II. We also compared gene expression after gene transfer using lenti- and adenoviral vectors carrying the green fluorescence protein to the MSCs derived from UCB because a reliable gene-delivery system is required to transfer target genes into MSCs, which have attracted attention as potential platforms for the systemic delivery of therapeutic genes. The lentiviral vectors can transduce these cells more efficiently than can adenoviral vectors, and we maintained transgene expression for at least 5 weeks. This is the first report showing that UCB-derived MSCs can express exogenous genes by way of a lentivirus vector. These results demonstrate that human UCB is a source of mesenchymal progenitors and may be used in cell transplantation and a wide range of gene-therapy treatments.     

网状分枝扩增法检测EB病毒基因及临床应用研究

目的应用网状分枝扩增法（RAM）检测NHL外周血EB病毒基因，探讨EB病毒感染与NHL的相关性。方法利用人工合成的EBER-1启动子基因，建立网状分枝扩增检测法，以EB病毒阳性细胞株Raji和EB病毒阴性的人白血病细胞株NB4作对照，检测了NHL患者外周血中EB病毒基因。结果RAM能够检出样品中10个分子的靶基因；120例非霍奇金淋巴瘤（NHL）标本中，76例阳性（63．33％），与PCR方法检出结果相一致。结论RAM技术敏感、特异、简便易行；NHL与EB病毒感染具有较高的相关性。     

CXCR4和血管内皮生长因子在胆管癌中的表达及其临床意义

摘要: 目的 探讨CXCR4和VEGF 蛋白在肝外胆管癌中的表达相关性及其与胆管癌发展与预后的关系。方法　应用免疫组化技术SP法检测CXCR4和VEGF蛋白在35例胆管癌标本、10例正常胆管的表达。结果　胆管癌组织中CXCR4的阳性表达率为54%(19/35), VEGF 的阳性表达率为76%(27/35) ; 在正常胆管组织中未检测到CXCR4和VEGF 的表达。癌组织中CXCR4和VEGF 蛋白的表达呈正相关( r=0.715,P <0.05 ) 。CXCR4和VEGF 蛋白表达与肿瘤转移与否、复发关系密切, 但与患者的性别、年龄、肿瘤大小及分化无关。结论　CXCR4和VEGF在胆管癌中高表达, 两者表达呈正相关; 与胆管癌的转移与预后关系密切。     

Perioperative evaluation of regional aortic wall shear stress patterns in patients undergoing aortic valve and/or proximal thoracic aortic replacement

Objectives

To assess in patients with aortopathy perioperative changes in thoracic aortic wall shear stress (WSS), which is known to affect arterial remodeling, and the effects of specific surgical interventions.

Successful parathyroidectomy guided by intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring for primary hyperparathyroidism is preserved in mild and moderate renal insufficiency

Background

The effect of altered parathyroid hormone metabolism in renal insufficiency on intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring during parathyroidectomy is not well known. This study evaluates operative outcomes in patients undergoing parathyroidectomy guided by intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring for primary hyperparathyroidism with mild and moderate renal insufficiency.

Liver Transplantation in Recipients With High Model for End-stage Liver Disease Score

Objectives

The score in the Model of End-stage Liver Disease, or MELD, is a good indicator of the survival in patients on the liver transplant waiting list. In this study, an analysis is performed on the benefits of liver transplant on those patients with a very high MELD score and who thus start from a very severe baseline state that could affect the surgical outcome.