Objective To investigate the long term clinical effect of unilateral and bilateral percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP) on the treatment of single segment osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs).Methods A total of 95 patients with OVCFs were retrospectively investigated.Each patient completed Visual Assessment Score(VAS) and Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaires preoperatively and follow-up to the endpoints postoperatively to assess the long term effect of unilateral and bilateral PVP.Patients underwent unilateral PVP (44 cases),whereas others underwent bilateral PVP (51 cases).Results VAS of immediate postoperative score (2.69 ± 0.55),(2.50 ± 0.39) and the last follow-up score (2.63 ± 0.46),(2.48 ± 0.32) in both techniques of PVP were significantly lower than the preoperative score (7.56 ± 0.73),(7.45 ± 0.54) (t =1.895,1.801,all P ＜ 0.01).However,VAS score at each time point in the unilateral PVP and bilateral PVP showed no significant difference (P ＞ 0.05).The last follow-up SF-36 scores (84.92±2.88),(86.71 t 2.73) in unilateral PVP and bilateral PVP were significantly higher than the preoperative score (58.35 ± 2.69),(57.93 ± 2.45) (P ＜ 0.01).But each time point of the SF-36 scores in both groups showed no significant difference (P ＞ 0.05).Unilateral percutaneous vertebroplasty showed some advantages on operation time,radiation exposure and usage of bone cement.Meanwhile,the bone cement leakage and recurrence of OVCFs on the adjacent segment in the two groups presented no significance.Conclusion Both unilateraland bilateral PVP could benefit the long term outcome of OVCFs,with regard to the significant advantage of unilateral PVP on operation time,radiation exposure and usage of bone cement.

The curcumin prodrugs, which could be selectively activated in tumor cells, were prepared to establish a basis for the targeted chemotherapy for cancer. On the basis of the molecular structure of curcumin, the N-maleoyl-L-valine-curcumin (NVC), N-maleoyl- glycine-curcumin (NGC) were chemically synthesized and identified by IR and NMR spectroscopy. After treatment with these two prodrugs for 6 - 24 h, the rates of growth inhibition on human bladder cancer EJ cells and renal tubular epithelial (HKC) cells were detected by MTT colorimetry. Our results showed that after the treatment with 20 micromol/L - 40 micromol/L NVC and NGC for 6 - 24 h, the growth inhibitory effects on EJ cells were 6.71% - 65.13% (P < 0.05), 10.96% - 73.01% (P < 0.05), respectively, in both dose- and time-dependent manners. When compared with the curcumin of same concentrations, the growth inhibitory effects of these two prodrugs on HKC cells were significantly decreased (P < 0.01). It is concluded that activation of curcumin prodrugs via hydrolysis functions of cellular esterase could inhibit the growth activities of tumor cells, and reduce the side effects on normal diploid cells. This provided a novel strategy for further exploration of tumor-targeted chemotherapeutic drugs.
Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/*pharmacology ; Curcumin/*pharmacology ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Prodrugs/*chemical synthesis ; Prodrugs/*pharmacology ; Tumor Cells, Cultured ; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/*pathology

In our previous study, we identified a novel testis-specific expressed gene 2 (TSEG-2) from mouse testis. To further investigate its functions, 35 male Balb/c mice (8 weeks old) were divided into cryptorchidism group (n=20), sham group (n=10), and control group (n=5). In cryptorchidism group, the right testes were anchored to the inner lateral abdominal wall. In situ hybridization (ISH) was applied to measure the localization of TSEG-2 in mouse testis. Real-time quantitative PCR was performed to detect the expression of TSEG-2 gene. Meanwhile, under the mediation of polyethylenimine (PEI), the recombinant vector pEGFP-TSEG-2 (n=5) or empty vector (mock, n=5) was transfected into the testis of male mice. The transfection efficiencies were measured under a fluorescence microscope. The apoptosis of spermatogenic cells was detected by terminal deoxynuleotidyl-mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL). The results showed that TSEG-2 was expressed in convoluted seminiferous tubules, more precisely, in spermatogonia and spermatocytes. As compared with sham and control groups, the TSEG-2 transcription was significantly enhanced (P<0.05) and was correlated with apoptosis of spermatogenic cells in cryptorchid testes (P<0.05). PEI was efficient in mediating transfection of TSEG-2 into seminiferous tubules of testis. One week post-transfection, intratesticular injection of TSEG-2 resulted in increased apoptosis of spermatogenic cells in vivo (P<0.05). These results indicate that TSEG-2 may participate in the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells and the pathogenesis of cryptorchidism.

An 18-year-old female presented with painful erythema and nodules on both legs for more than 2 years.Dermatological examination showed irregularly sized,mildly indurated,tender,deep subcutaneous nodules arising in diffused infiltrated dark erythematous patches in the inner and posterior region of the left leg.Histopathology showed no significant changes in the epidermis.There were perivascular lymphoid cell infiltrates in the dermis and subcutis.Multiple sites of necrosis of blood vessel walls with vascular occlusions were noted.The lumens of some blood vessels were filled with lymphocytes,among which were many atypical cells with hyperchromatic nuclei and pathologic mitotic figures.Immunohistochemistry showed that lymphocytes in the cavities of blood vessels were positive for CD3(+++),CD3ε(+++),CD2(+),CD56(+++),granzyme B(+++),perforin(+++),CD30(+),Ki67 (+++,100％ ),but negative for CD20,CD5,CD7,CD4,CD8,TdT,anaplastic lymphoma kinase,early membrane antigen (EMA) or pan cytokeratin (pCK).The endothelial cells lining the blood vessels stained positively for CD34.The intravascular lymphocytes were also positive for EBER1/2 by in situ hybridization.A diagnosis of cutaneous intravascular NK/T cell lymphoma was made.

A 20-year-old male patient presented with myalgia of upper limbs and myasthenia of extremities for more than 1 month. Physical examination showed diffuse erythema on the cheeks, upper eyelids, upper chest, neck and dorsa of the hands. The myodynamia of the proximal and distal muscles of upper and lower extremities was grade Ⅳ, Ⅴ, Ⅲ and Ⅴ respectively. Laboratory examinations revealed that the serum levels of creatine kinase, CK-MB and lactate dehydrogenase were 2103 U/L, 83 U/L and 489 U/L respectively, which were all above the normal range. Electromyogram revealed myopathic abnormality and normal nerve conduction velocity. Histopathology of gastrocnemius muscle showed hypertrophy and swelling of muscle fibers, disappearance or fuzziness of transverse striation, and intermuscular lymphoid cell infiltration. A biopsy of the skin lesion from the upper chest showed liquefaction degeneration of and colloid bodies in basal cell layer, perivascular lymphoid cell infiltration in the dermis. A diagnosis of dermatomyositis was established based on the clinical and laboratory findings. After management with intravenous prednisolone 80 mg once daily and symptomatic treatment for 4 weeks, the myodynamia of upper limbs was improved, serum levels of creatine kinase,CK-MB and lactate dehydrogenase reached the normal ranges. However, the myodynamia of lower limbs progressively deteriorated with the emergence of paresthesia. Enhanced MRI scan showed a tumor in the vertebral canal at the level of thoracic vertebra 11 to 12. A spherical encapsulated tumor measuring 3 cm in diameter was surgically removed. The tumor was diagnosed as paraganglioma in vertebral canal according to pathological and immunohistochemical findings. The patient was finally diagnosed with paraganglioma in vertebral canal superimposed on dermatomyositis.

In our previous study,we identified a novel testis-specific expressed gene 2(TSEG-2)from mouse testis.To further investigate its functions,35 male Balb/c mice(8 weeks old)were divided into cryptorchidism group(n=20),sham group(n=10),and control group(n=5).In cryptorchidism group,the right testes were anchored to the inner lateral abdominal wall.In situ hybridization(ISH)was applied to measure the localization of TSEG-2 in mouse testis.Real-time quantitative PCR was performed to detect the expression of TSEG-2 gene.Meanwhile,under the mediation of polyethylenimine(PEI),the recombinant vector pEGFP-TSEG-2(n=5)or empty vector(mock,n=5)was transfected into the testis of male mice.The transfection efficiencies were measured under a fluorescence microscope.The apoptosis of spermatogenic cells was detected by terminal deoxynuleotidyl-mediated nick end labeling(TUNEL).The results showed that TSEG-2 was expressed in convoluted seminiferous tubules,more precisely,in spermatogonia and spermatocytes.As compared with sham and control groups,the TSEG-2 transcription was significantly enhanced(P<0.05)and was correlated with apoptosis of spermatogenic cells in cryptorchid testes(P<0.05).PEI was efficient in mediating transfection of TSEG-2 into seminiferous tubules of testis.One week post-transfection,intratesticular injection of TSEG-2 resulted in increased apoptosis of spermatogenic cells in vivo (P<0.05).These results indicate that TSEG-2 may participate in the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells and the pathogenesis of cryptorchidism.

To clone Uroplakin Ⅱ gene from Chinese transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of bladder and construct its eukaryotic expression vector, the molecular cloning method was used to extract total RNA from a GⅢ/ T3N0M0 tissue sample of the bladder TCC patients. The primers were designed by Primer 5.0 software. Full length cDNA of Uroplakin Ⅱ gene was amplified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), assayed by nucleic acid sequencing and then inserted between Xba Ⅰ and HindⅢ restrictive sites of eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.0. The recombinant was assayed by restricted enzyme digestion. Under the induction of Lipofectamine 2000, the recombinant was transfected into Uroplakin Ⅱ negative bladder cancer cell line EJ. Cellular expression levels of Uroplakin Ⅱ were detected by RT-PCR. The nucleic acid sequencing results indicated that Chinese Uroplakin Ⅱ cDNA (555 bp) was successfully cloned. The BLAST analysis demonstrated that the cloned sequence is 100 % homologous with sequences reported overseas. The GenBank accession number AY455312 was also registered. The results of restricted enzyme digestion indicated that eukaryotic vector pcDNA-UP Ⅱ for Uroplakin Ⅱ was successfully constructed.After being transferred with pcDNA-UPⅡ for 72 h, cellular Uroplakin Ⅱ mRNA levels were significantly improved (P＜0.01). It is concluded that human Uroplakin Ⅱ gene was successfully cloned from Chinese TCC tissues, which provided a basis for further exploration of the roles of Uroplakin Ⅱ gene in TCC biological behaviors and potential strategies for targeted biological therapy of TCC.

The curcumin prodrugs, which could be selectively activated in tumor cells, were prepared to establish a basis for the targeted chemotherapy for cancer. On the basis of the molecular structure of curcumin, the N-maleoyl-L-valine-curcumin (NVC), N-maleoyl- glycine-curcumin (NGC) were chemically synthesized and identified by IR and NMR spectroscopy. After treatment with these two prodrugs for 6-24 h, the rates of growth inhibition on human bladder cancer EJ cells and renal tubular epithelial (HKC) cells were detected by MTT colorimetry. Our results showed that after the treatment with 20 μmol/L- 40 μmol/L NVC and NGC for 6 - 24 h, the growth inhibitory effects on EJ cells were 6.71% -65.13 % (P＜0.05), 10.96 % -73.01% (P ＜0.05), respectively, in both dose- and time-dependent manners. When compared with the curcumin of same concentrations, the growth inhibitory effects of these two prodrugs on HKC cells were significantly decreased (P＜0.01). It is concluded that activation of curcumin prodrugs via hydrolysis functions of cellular esterase could inhibit the growth activities of tumor cells, and reduce the side effects on normal diploid cells. This provided a novel strategy for further exploration of tumortargeted chemotherapeutic drugs.