Objective To analyse the clinical features of pelvic insufficiency fractures (PIF) in patients with cervical cancer after radiotherapy and explore the risk factors affecting its occurrence .Methods 55 cases of patients with cervical cancer that used radia-tion therapy as a single treatment were chosen in our hospital from February 2007 to May 2010 and the clinical features were ana-lysed;The fractures of spine ,sacrum ,sacroiliac joint ,ilium and pubis and femoral were observed and the density of fifth lumbar (L5 ) vertebrae ,left and right sacrum were detected via the CT or MRI (Hounsfield Unit)after 2-year follow-up ,the different factors on the incidence of PIF were explored .Results 12 cases (19 sites) of patients in 55 patients occured PIF after follow-up 2years ,the cumulative incidence was 21 .82% ;the distribution of PIF parts were followed :lumbar vertebrae had 5 cases ,sacral had 5 cases ,pu-bis had 4 cases ,sacroiliac joint had 2 cases ,iliac had 2 cases and femoral head had 1 case .The incidence rate of PIF that density of fifth lumbar vertebrae was ≤130 HU and >130 HU were 16 .36% and 5 .45% respectively ,the PIF′incidence rate that density of left side of sacrum was≤ -35 HU and > -35 HU were 18 .18% and 3 .64% respectively ,the incidence rate of PIF that density of right side of sacrum was ≤ -35 HU and > -35 HU were 20 .00% and 1 .82% respectively ,the density of the three parts all had statistical difference on the incidence of PIF (P<0 .05) .Univariate analysis showed that menopausal status and the average density of CT had statistical effects on PIF (P<0 .05);Multiple analysis showed that the average density of CT was the independent factors affecting PIF′incidence after radiotherapy .Conclusion The patients with cervical cancer may occur pelvic insufficiency fracture af-ter radiotherapy ,and its incidence is related to menopausal status and bone mineral density .

Background Vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) has been shown to be associated with the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD),therefore VEGF is a target for the treatment of wet AMD.However,the mechanism of VEGF in the pathogenesis of AMD is not clearly understood.Studying the correlation between VEGF gene polymorphism and AMD is becoming a new research hotspot,but relevant studies on Han Chinese have not been performed.Objective This study was to investigate the association between the VEGF +936C/T gene polymorphism and AMD in the Chinese population.Methods A pilot prospective and nonrandomized controlled trial was designed.This protocol complied with Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the Ethic Committee of Chinese PLA Second Artillery General Hospital.Written informed consent was obtained from each subject prior to entering the study.Two hundred AMD patients and 200 age-and gender-matched normal controls were enrolled in this study.The genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood samples of the subjects,and analysis of the VEGF polymorphisms at the +936 position in the promoter and 3＇-untranslated regions was performed by the restriction fragment length polymorphism method.Frequencies of the VEGF+936C/T genotype were compared between the two groups,and the risk of the VEGF+936C/T gene polymorphism in pre-disposing AMD was evaluated.Results No significant differences were seen in the incidence rates of smoking(P ＝ 0.76),hypertension(P ＝ 0.84),hyperlipidemia (P=0.71),diabetes mellitus (P=0.86) and cardiovascular disease(P=0.89) between the AMD group and the normal control group,and BMI was matched between the two groups (P =0.18).The prevalence of the TT genotype was 9.0％ (18/200)in the AMD group,but that in the normal control was 3.5％ (7/200),showing a significant difference between the two groups (P =0.03).The odds ratio (OR) was 2.73 with a 95％ confidence interval(CI) of 1.11 to 6.68 for AMD in this genotype.The CC and CT genotypes were not significantly different between the two groups (P =0.52,P =0.57).The genotype frequency and allele frequency conformed to HardyWeinberg equilibrium law.There were no significant differences found in the CC,CT,TT genotype frequencies among the early AMD,geographic atrophy AMD and choroidal neovascular AMD (all at P＞0.05).Conclusions The VEGF+936TT genotype is associated with AMD in Han Chinese population.

In this study collagen was applied locally for the treatment of burn wound in the rat. Twenty rats weighing 18-22g were made into 7% [1 degree burn model and divided into two groups: collagen group and control group. After burn, collagen (0.4ml, once daily) was smeared on the rat wound in the treatment group, whereas saline (0.4ml, once daily) in the control group. It was found that collagen can significantly accelerate burn wound healing by comparing the wound healing time and histological changes.

Background Researches demonstrated that the long-term application of glucocorticoids can induce cataract. However, its molecular mechanism is unclear. Objective Present study was to investigate the effects of dexamethasone on the regulation of nuclear factor kappa B( NF-κB)/ inhibitor kappa B alpha( IκBα) line on human lens epithelial cells (LECs) and the LECs apoptosis. Methods Human LECs line(HLE2B3) were cultured and passaged in DMEM containing 20% fetal bovine serum and treated by different concentrations of dexamethasone(0. 01,0. 1,1,10,100 μmol/L) for 24,36 and 48 hours respectively. The LECs cultured in free-serum DMEM without dexamethasone were as blank control group. The expressions of IκBo: in the LECs were examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction ( RT-PCR) and Western blot, and the expressions of NF-κB neucleoprotein in LECs were detected by Western blot after exposure to dexamethasone. The apoptosis rate of LECs was determined by flow cytometer. Results Agarose gel electrophoresis showed that the amplified gene fragment was coincident to designed one. The expressing level of NF-κB neucleoprotein in LECs was significantly lowed with the increase of dexamethasone concentration ( F = 36. 077 , P = 0. 004 ) , and that of IkBo: was evidently ascended ( F = 35. 741 ,P = 0. 002). In the same concentration of dexamethasone group,the expression of NF-κB in LECs showed the considerable alteration in different duration after treated of dexamethasone with the lowest expressing level in 36 hours, and significant differences were found in the expressing level between 24 hours and 36 hours ( P = 0. 002) and between 24 hours and 48 hours (P = 0. 01). The differences of expression of IκBá in LECs appeared the same pattern to NF-κB neucleoprotein. Flow cytometry showed that the apoptosis rate of LECs was obviously enhanced after action of dexamethasone in a dose-dependent manner, showing a significant difference among different groups ( F = 73. 261, P = 0.001). Conclusion It is implied that dexamethasone results in the pathogenesis and development of glucocorticoid cataract by up-regulating the expression of IκBα in LECs and suppressing the activity of NF-κB and herein induce the apoptosis of LECs at concentration-and time-dependent manner. This might be one of cellular and biological mechanisms of glucocorticoid cataract formation.

Objective To partially purify the toxic factor secreted by A. corymbifera and to analyze the mechanism of A. corymbifera-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) apoptosis. Methods Glycoprotein secreted by A. corymbifera was purified by Con A Lectin chromatography. The influence of different protein fractions on HUVEC apoptosis was determined by flow eytometer. Both denaturing and nondenaturing deglycosylation of purified glycoprotein was performed and the ability of the protein moiety and carbohydrate moiety to induce HUVEC apoptosis was evaluated respectively. Activation of related caspases during A. corymbifera-induced apoptosis was analyzed by Western blot. The role of caspase-8 and -9 in HUVEC apoptosis was investigated using caspase inhibitors. Caspase inhibitors were used to stop the suppression of HUVEC viability by XTT assay. Results Flow cytometric analysis shows the total protein as well as the glycoprotein fraction of A. corymbifera may induce HUVEC apoptosis in a dose dependent manner. In contrast, similar activity was not observed in the non-glycoprotein fraction. Neither deglycosylated protein nor carbohydrate moiety is able to induce HUVEC apoptosis alone. In the apoptotic signaling pathway, caspase9, caspase-3 and cytochrome C were activated significantly, except caspase-8. Moreover, caspase-9 inhibitor, instead of caspase-8 inhibitor, completely abrogates A. corymbifera-induced HUVEC apoptosis. Caspase9 and caspase-3 inhibitors completely waived the suppression of HUVEC viability by A. corymbifera. Conclusion Glycoprotein secreted by A. corymbifera is associated with HUVEC apoptosis. Intact glycoprotein is essential for the apoptotic progress. Intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway mediates A. corymbifera-induced HUVEC apoptosis.

Objective To study the influence of the angle of multileaf collimator leaves on segments (control point for sliding windows) number and monitor units in intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) plan optimization.Methods 10 cases undergone IMRT with rectangle target volume were choosed,2 plan were designed with step and shot technique and sliding windows technique for running direction of collimator with target long axis vertical and parallel respectively,compared the plans with similar optimization parameters for different angle of the collimator.Results The number of segments and monitor units increased by 52.8％ and 49.6％ more than longitudinal direction of leaf collimator with static IMRT respectively,there appeared significant difference (P =0.000) ; and the number of segments and monitor units increased by 58.2％ and 61.9％ more than longitudinal direction of leaf collimator with dynamic IMRT respectively,there appeared significant difference (P =0.000).Conclusions For the optimization of IMRT based on multileaf collimator,the direction of collimator perpendicular to the target long axis,there could be obviously decrease the number of monitor units,shorten the treatment time,improve the treatment efficiency with similar dose distribution.

Objective To investigate the changes in the expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) mRNA in a rat model of ventilator-induced lung injury.Methods Thirty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats,weighing 2β5-260 g,were randomly divided into 3 groups (n =10 each) using a random number table:control group (group C),small tidal volume (VT) mechanical ventilation group (group S) and large tidal volume mechanical ventilation group (group L).The animals were anesthetized with intraperitoneal ketamine 100 mg/kg,midazolam 0.2 mg/kg and atropine 1.0 mg/kg.The rats were tracheostomized and spontaneous breathing was maintained in group C,while the rats were tracheostomized and mechanically ventilated for 4 h in groups S and L.The tidal volume was 7 ml/kg (group S) or 40 ml/kg (group L),I ∶ E was 1 ∶ 1,RR was 80 bpm and FiO2 was 100％.At 4 h of spontaneous breathing or mechanical ventilation,broncho-alveolar lung lavage fluid (BALF) was collected for determination of the total protein concentration,white blood cell (WBC) counts and concentrations of MIF,IL-6 and IL-1β (by ELISA).Then the rats were sacrificed and the lungs removed for microscopic examination and for determination of wet to dry lung weight ratio (W/D ratio) and expression of MIF mRNA (by RT-PCR).Results Compared with C and S groups,WBC counts,concentrations of total protein,MIF,IL-6 and IL-1β in BALF,and W/D ratio and expression of MIF mRNA in lung tissues were significantly increased in group L (P ＜ 0.05).There was no significant difference in the indexes mentioned above between group C and group S (P ＞ 0.05).The pathological changes occurred in group L.Conclusion The up-regulation of MIF mRNA expression in lung tissues may be involved in the development of ventilator-induced lung injury in rats.

Objective To analyze the influence of Absidia corymbifera on cell activity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) as well as the related mechanism. Methods Time course analy sis of the influence of A. corymbifera on cell viability of HUVEC was determined by cell counting after Trypan blue staining. Apoptosis of HUVEC induced by A. corymbifera was observed under fluorescence microscope after treatment with apoptosis detection kit. Time course analysis of HUVEC apoptosis induced by A. corymbifera was detected by flow cytometry quantitatively. Effect of caspase-3 inhibitor on A. corymbifera associated apoptosis was also evaluated at the same time. Activation of caspase-3 inside HUVEC was detected by Western blot. Results A. corymbifera inhibited cell viability of HUVEC in a time-dependent manner by Trypan blue staining. After 12 hours' co-culture, A. corymbifera began to show suppression on cell viability (P =0. 001 ). Fluorescence microscope observation revealed A. corymbifera induced apoptosis of HUVEC instead of necrosis. Flow cytometry analysis showed A. corymbifera induced apoptosis of HUVEC in a time-dependent manner. A. corymbifera began to show obvious effect on apoptosis after 12 h co-culture (P =0.0036). Moreover, A. corymbifera-associated apoptosis was almost abrogated completely by caspase-3 inhibitor. Western blot analysis demonstrated that A. corymbifera triggered the activation of caspase-3 inside HUVEC in a timedependent fashion. Conclusion A. corymbifera induces apoptosis of HUVEC in vitro. Such apoptotic signal is transmitted through caspase cascade reaction.

Objective To investigate the inhibitory effects of overexpression of PTEN on renal epithelial-mesenchymal trans-differentiation induced by TGF-β1,and the signaling transduction mechanism.Methods HKC cells were transfected with GFP-PTEN via lipofectAMINE2000.The efficiency of transfection was detected by fluorescence microscope.The expression of PTEN protein and mRNA in the translected cells was detected by Western blot and RT-PCR respectively.The experiment was divided into four groups:normal group,TGF-β1 stimulation group,GFP-PTEN+TGF-β1 group and empty vector+TGF-β1 group.The expression of E-cadherin,a-SMA,Akt and p-Akt was detected by Western blot.Results Most ceils transfected with GFP-PTEN expressed GFP.The expression of PTEN protein and mRNA was strongly increased when HKC cells were transfected with GFP-PTEN(all P<0.05).In both TGF-β1 stimulation group and empty vector+TGF-β1 group,the expression level of E-cadherin was lower(all P<0.05),while that of p-Akt and a-SMA was higher than in normal group(both P<0.05).The expression level of p-Akt and a-SMA in GFP-PTEN+TGF-β1 group was Iower(both P<0.05),while that of E-cadherin was higher than in TGF-β1 stimulation group and empty vector+TGF-β1 group(both P<0.05).The expression of Akt was similar in the four groups.Conclusion Overexpression of PTEN can inhibit renal epithelial-mesenehymal trans-differentiation induced by TGF-β1 through suppressing the activation of PI3K/Akt signal pathway.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the applicability of immune-related response criteria (irRC) in treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by Chinese medicine (CM).

METHODSTotally 97 stage III a-IV NSCLC patients were predominantly treated with comprehensive CM. Curative effects were evaluated by three methods such as Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST), Oncologic Curative Effect Evaluation Criteria of Chinese Medicine in Solid Tumor (draft, abbreviated as CM criteria), and irRC. The correspondency and consistency between irRC, RECIST and CM criteria were analyzed and compared. The objectivity of irRC in evaluating curative effect of Chinese medical treatment for NSCLC was assessed.

RESULTSThe correspondency rate of irRC to RECIST was 59. 79% with Kappa value of 0. 379 (U test, P <0. 01). The two criteria had certain correspondence, but with an unsatisfactory consistency. The correspondency rate of irRC to CM criteria rate was 83. 51% with Kappa value of 0.751 (U test, P <0. 01). The two criteria had good correspondence and consistency.

CONCLUSIONSCM criteria had good consistency with CM criteria in evaluating curative effect for Chinese medical treatment of advanced NSCLC. Its results could objectively reflect features and advantages of CM for treating advanced NSCLC.

Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; drug therapy ; immunology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; immunology ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; standards ; Treatment Outcome