Objective:To investigate the characteristics and significance of insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF- 1) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP2) expressions in ankle cartilage of patients with Kashin-Beck disease (KBD).Methods:In this case-control study, 10 KBD patients who were hospitalized in the Department of Orthopedics of Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital from January 2010 to December 2016 were selected as KBD group, and 10 patients with ankle fracture caused by trauma but without talus injury during the same period were selected as control group, the cartilage tissues of the two groups were collected. IGF-1, IGFBP2 positive cells, the mRNA and protein expressions of IGF-1, IGFBP2 in the cartilage tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry, real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and Western blotting, respectively. According to the expressions of IGF-1 and IGFBP2 in ankle cartilage of KBD patients, a patient with amputation caused by trauma was selected in Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, and ankle joint cartilage was taken to prepare chondrocytes for in vitro cell verification experiments. The chondrocyte were divided into control group (0 ng/ml T-2 toxin), T-2 treatment group (20 ng/ml T-2 toxin) and T-2+ IGFBP2 silenced group (20 ng/ml T-2 toxin+ 50 nmol/L IGFBP2 siRNA), the MTT method and dimethyl methylene blue staining were used to detect the activity of chondrocyte and the secretion of sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG). Results:In the control group and the KBD group, the number of IGF-1[(47.26 ± 8.97), (68.15 ± 7.42) cells] and IGFBP2 positive cells [(27.56 ± 5.40), (71.85 ± 7.62) cells] in the cartilage tissues were significantly different ( t = 4.487, 9.402, P < 0.01). Compared with the control group, the IGF-1, IGFBP2 mRNA and protein expression levels in KBD group were significantly higher, the differences were significantly different ( t = 3.340, 20.700, 4.684, 8.699, P < 0.05 or < 0.01). In cell experiment, the chondrocyte activitives and sGAG contents of the control group, T-2 treatment group, and T-2+ IGFBP2 silenced group were significantly different ( F = 226.70, 80.66, P < 0.01); among them, the cell activitives and sGAG contents of the T-2 treatment group and T-2+ IGFBP2 silenced group were lower than those of control group ( P < 0.05), and the T-2+ IGFBP2 silenced group were higher than those of the T-2 treatment group ( P < 0.05). Conclusions:The expressions of IGF-1 and IGFBP2 in the ankle cartilage of KBD patients are significantly higher. Silencing IGFBP2 gene can reduce the inhibitory effect of T-2 toxin on chondrocyte activity and the secretion of sGAG.

Garrès osteomyelitis is a specific type of chronic osteomyelitis that most commonly occurs in young patients, secondary to dental infection, and affects the unilateral side of the mandible. Bilateral mandibular Garrè's osteomyelitis is rare. In this article, a case of Garrè's osteomyelitis with bilateral mandible is reported. Its etiology, clinical pathologic features, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and treatment methods are discussed by reviewing relevant literature.
Chronic Disease ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Humans ; Mandible ; Mandibular Diseases ; Osteomyelitis

Objective To explore the relationship of the ratio of plasma adrenomedullin(AM)and endothelin-1(ET-1)with serum concentration of neuron-specific enolase(NSE)in full-term neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy(HIE).Methods Plasma concentrations of AM,ET-1 and serum NSE from 32 full-term neonates with HIE were detected by radioimmunoassay(RIA)on the 1,3 and 7 d after parturition,30 neonates in the corresponding periods in our hospital were employed as controls.The infants with HIE were divided into mild,moderate or severe group in terms of diagnostic standard of HIE.Results 1.Plasma concentrations of AM and ET-1 in newborns with mild,moderate or severe HIE were significantly higher than that of control group at 1 d after life with a decline from 3-7 d(Pa

Objective To explore the changes and clinical significance of levels of serum vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)and endostatin in smokers. Methods In a case-control study,levels of serum VEGF and endostatin were determined in 82 smokers with lung cancer,82 pair-matched smokers without lung cancer and 20 healthy non-smokers by enzyme-linked immunoabsent assay(ELISA) or competitive enzyme immunoassay.Results The level of serum VEGF in smokers with lung anncer[(16.1±7.9)ng/ml]was markedly higher than that in the other two groups(both P＜0.01).The level of serum VEGF in smokers without lung cancer was significantly higher than that in healthy non-smokers(P＜0.05).The level of serum endostatin in smokers with lung cancer was significantly higher than that in healthy nonsmokers(P＜0.01),but was not significantly different from that in smokers without lung cancer(P＞0.05),and that in smokers without lung cancer was significantly higher than that in healthy non-smokers (P＜0.05).Notably,the ratio of endostatin to VEGF in smokers with lung cancer(1.3±0.5)was significantly lower than that in the other two groups(both P＜0.01).However.there was no significant difference in it between smokers without lung cancer and healthy non-smokers(P＞0.05).The level of serum VEGF correlated significantly to that of endostatin in smokers both with and without lung cancer(P＜0.01).Conclusions These findings suggest that smoking may result in imbalance of levels of serum endostatin and VEGF leading to tumorigenesis.The ratio of endostatin to VEGF can be used as an early diagnostic indicator for lung cancer in smokers.Periodic determination of levels of serum VEGF and endostatin as well as the ratio of endostatin to VEGF is of clinical importance.

Objective:To examine the feasibility of using cerebral state index(CSI)for monitoring the sedation depth during target-controlled infusion(TCI)with propofol and remifentanil.Methods:Forty-four consenting ASAⅠorⅡpatients(aged 18-60 years)undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia were randomly divided into 4 groups(n=11 each)according to the target effect-site concentrations of remifentanil administered by TCI during induction of anesthesia.The target effect-site concentrations of remifentanil of R_0,R_2,R_4,and R_6 groups were 0,2 ng?ml~(-1),4 ng?ml~(-1),and 6 ng?ml~(-1),respectively. Anesthesia was induced by TCI with remifentanil and propofol.CSI and bispectral index(BIS)were used to measure the sedation depth.The initial effect-site propofol concentration(PCe)was 1.5?g?ml~(-1),which was increased by 0.5?g?ml~(-1) every 4 min.The modified OAA/S score(5=alert,1=does not respond to prodding),loss of eyelash reflex(LOR eyelash)and loss of response to electric tetanie stimulation(LOR tetanic)were compared against CSI,BIS and PCe(calculated effect-site propofol concentration).Correlation coefficients were calculated between CSI and other parameters.Results:The 4 groups were comparable with respect to the ages and bodyweights.CSI and BIS values were higher but PCe value were lower at LOR eyelash and LOR tetanic in R_2,R_4,and R_6 than those in the R_0 group(P

Objective To investigate the value of the Wells score and D-dimer assay in assisting pulmonary perfusion imaging (PPI) for the diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism (APE). Methods One hundred twenty-one patients with suspected APE were studied from January, 2006 to December, 2008. All patients underwent the Wells score, the quantitative D-dimer assay, chest X-ray photography, and PPI. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of PPI with the assistance of Wells score and D-dimer assay were calculated. Results Fifty (41.3%) patients were diagnosed with APE. PPI combined with chest X-ray photography (Q/X scan) showed positive results in 49 patients. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the Q/X scan were 86.0% (43/50), 91.5% (65/71), 87.8% (43/49) and 90.3% (65/72), respectively. With assistance of Wells score >4 and D-dimer≥0. 5 mg/L, Q/X scan had a positive predictive value of 100.0% (29/29), for patients with Wells score ≤4 and D-dimer<0.5 mg/L, the negative predictive value for Q/X scan was 100.0% (41/41). Conclusion Combined with Wells score and D-dimer assay, PPI can make accurate diagnosis of APE.

OBJECTIVETo provide new germplasm materials for breeding new varieties of Pseudostellaria heterophylla.

METHODThe method of single plant selection was adopted, with the comparative experiments being carried out under the same conditions in Shibing county. The 8 plants of Shibing SB-4 were compared respectively with factor analysis for 27 phenotypic traits and 8 yield traits, and single factor variance analysis for the contents of polysaccharides.

RESULTUsing factor analysis, 27 phenotypic traits were classified into 7 principal divisors and 8 yield traits were simplified into 3 principal divisors. The 4 strains of P. heterophylla, ZT-01, ZT-02, ZT-06 and ZT-07, performed better than others in the phenotypic traits, and ZT-01, ZT-02, ZT-03 and ZT-07 in the yield traits. The contents of polysaccharides of ZT-01, ZT-02, ZT-05 and ZT-08 showed significantly higher value.

CONCLUSIONThere is significant difference among the 8 strains of P. heterophylla in phenotypic traits, yield traits and quality traits, making it possible to select certain strains for different purposes. ZT-01 and ZT-02 can be breaded further. ZT-06 and ZT-07 were used as ornamental cultivars for its great phenotypic traits. ZT-03 with good resistance and high yield was taken as resistant variety, and ZT-05 would face next selection on the basis of its high content of polysaccharide.

Breeding ; Caryophyllaceae ; chemistry ; growth & development ; China ; Phenotype ; Polysaccharides ; analysis

ObjectiveTo investigate the value of 18F-FDG SPECT myocardial imaging in evaluating haemodynamic change,treatment outcome and prognosis for idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH).MethodsAll 24 patients with IPAH underwent 18 F-FDG SPECT myocardial imaging.Right ventricle/left ventricle (RV/LV)-FDG uptake was calculated by ROI method drawing over the central areas of left and right ventricular free walls.All patients underwent right heart catheterization within 3 days after imaging studies.Mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) were recorded.After six month pharmaceutical treatment,15 IPAH patients were re-examined with 18F-FDG SPECT myocardial imaging followed by repeated right heart catheterization within 3 days.Plasma N-terminal pro-brain naturetic peptide (NT-proBNP) and endothelin-1 ( ET-1 ) were measured in 17 patients using electrochemiluminescent immunoassay and enzyme immunoassay respectively.All patients were followed up for 12 months at least.Correlations between RV/LV-FDG uptake and mPAP and PVR were determined by simple linear regression analysis.Change of RV/LV-FDG before and after treatment was calculated using Student's t-test.Survival in groups with RV/LV FDG uptake ≥ 1.15 and RV/LV-FDG uptake ＜ 1.15 were compared using Log-rank test.ResultsSignificant correlations were found between RV/LV-FDG uptake and mPAP (r =0.562,P ＜ 0.01 ),and between RV/LV-FDG uptake and PVR ( r =0.574,P ＜ 0.01 ).There were no significant correlation between RV/LV-FDG uptake and NT-proBNP( r =0.18 1,P ＞ 0.05 ),but a significant correlation between RV/LV-FDG and ET-1 was observed (r =0.669,P ＜ 0.01 ).The RV/LV-FDG uptake in patients with positive treatment outcome ( n =6) decreased from 1.38 ± 0.52 to 0.92 ±0.26 (t =4.018,P ＜ 0.05) after 6 months treatment.In contrast,no significant change of RV/LV-FDG uptake was seen in those patients (n =9) with negative treatment outcome ( t =1.861,P ＞ 0.05 ).The mean follow-up time was (21 ±8) months.Mean survival time for the patients with RV/LV- FDG uptake ≥ 1.15was 28 months (95％ confidence interval:24-32 months),which was significantly lower than 34 months survival (95％ confidence interval:33-35 months) for the patients with RV/LV-FDG ＜ 1.15 (x2 =3.956,P ＜0.05 ).Conclusions Detection of right ventricle myocardial glucose metabolism level with 18F-FDG SPECT may be a practical method for evaluating haemodynamic change,treatment outcome and prognosis of IPAH.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of siRNA targeting Livin and Survivin gene simultaneously on the proliferation and apoptosis of human colon cancer cells.

METHODSSiRNA recombinant expression vectors targeting Livin and Survivin gene simultaneously were constructed and transfected into human colon cancer cell line Lovo. The effects of siRNA recombinant expression vector on Lovo cells were detected by RT-PCR, Western blot, MTT reduction assay and flow cytometry.

RESULTSIt was confirmed by restriction endonuclease and sequence analysis that siRNA recombinant expression vector targeting Livin and Survivin gene simultaneously was constructed successfully. The suppressive rates of siRNA targeting Livin and Survivin gene simultaneously on Livin mRNA and protein expression were 27.9% and 22.3% respectively, and those on Survivin mRNA and protein expression were 32.2% and 40.9% respectively. The survival rate of cancer cells was decreased whereas the apoptotic rate was increased, but the coordinate repression was weaker than Livin and Survivin RNA interference alone.

CONCLUSIONSsiRNA targeting Livin and Survivin gene simultaneously can decrease the expression of Livin and Survivin gene, suppress cell proliferation and induce cell apoptosis in human colon cancer. The coordinate repression was weaker than Livin and Survivin RNA interference alone.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing ; genetics ; Apoptosis ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Colonic Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; Humans ; Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins ; genetics ; Microtubule-Associated Proteins ; genetics ; Neoplasm Proteins ; genetics ; RNA, Small Interfering

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of small interfering RNA (siRNA) recombinant expression vector targeting survivin gene on chemotherapy sensitivity of human colon cancer cells to 5-fluorouracil.

METHODSsiRNA recombinant expression vector targeting survivin gene was constructed and transfected into human colon cancer cell lines LOVO. After 48 hours of transfection, cells were harvested for analysis of survivin mRNA and protein expressions using RT-PCR and Western blot. In addition, after human colon cancer cell lines were treated with Survivin siRNA and/or 5-fluorouracil, MTT assay and flow cytometry were used to analyze cell proliferation and apoptosis.

RESULTSRestriction endonuclease analysis confirmed that siRNA recombinant expression vector targeting survivin gene was successfully constructed. Inhibitory ratios of survivin mRNA and protein expressions by Survivin siRNA were 36.33% and 44.65%, respectively. Survivin siRNA combined with 5-fluorouracil significantly increased the cell proliferation inhibitory ratio and apoptosis ratio compared with 5-fluorouracil treating alone (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe siRNA recombinant expression vector targeting survivin gene can inhibit the expression of survivin gene, and enhance chemotherapy sensitivity of human colon cancer cells to 5-fluorouracil.

Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic ; therapeutic use ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Colonic Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; genetics ; metabolism ; Fluorouracil ; therapeutic use ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins ; Microtubule-Associated Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; metabolism