BACKGROUND:Indian hedgehog homolog (Ihh) protein and its signal protein Gli1, as wel as Runt related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) are closely related to the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. The increased expression of these factors is one of the major causes of degenerative joint changes.
OBJECTIVE:To explore the roles of Ihh, Gli1 and Runx2 in the development of osteoarthritis.
METHODS:Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups:control group (n=10) and model group (n=20). In the model group, rats received unilateral anterior cruciate ligament transection, to establish osteoarthritis model. Ten experimental rats were kil ed at 4 and 12 weeks after surgery respectively. Another 10 rats received unilateral knee arthrotomy as pseudo-operation controls and 10 pseudo-operation rats were kil ed at 12 weeks after surgery.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:In the model group, cartilage degeneration was obvious at 4 weeks and became severer at 12 weeks after anterior cruciate ligament transection operation. Expression levels of Ihh, Gli1 and Runx2 in the cartilage were increased significantly at 4 weeks after operation, but decreased at 12 weeks after operation. Experimental findings indicate that Ihh, Gli1 and Runx2 play important roles in the development of osteoarthritis, and their expression levels are significantly increased at early stage of osteoarthritis, which can be regarded as the indicators in the prophylaxis and treatment research of osteoarthritis.

Objective To evaluate the value of region Ⅵ lymph nodes in surgical treatment of cN0 papillary thyroid carcinoma(PTC). Methods 98 cases of PTC with cN0 which received functional lymph nodes dissection were collected. We analyzed the results of pathologic examination by region Ⅵ lymph nodes distinguished from lateral neck lymph nodes(Ⅱ～Ⅴ) retrospectively. Results In 98 cases, the rate of region Ⅵ lymph nodes metastasis was 20.4 %(20 cases); the rate of region Ⅱ～Ⅴ lymph nodes metastasis was 13 cases(13.3 %). In cases with region Ⅵ lymph nodes metastasis, the rate of Ⅱ～Ⅴ lymph nodes metastasis was 45.0 %(9/20). Meanwhile in cases without region Ⅵ lymph nodes metastasis, the rate of Ⅱ～Ⅴ lymph nodes metastasis was 5.1 % (4/78, P

BACKGROUND:Autologous micro-skin graft covered with alogeneic skin has become a major means for repair of extremely severe burn wounds. Due to the limitation of the source of alogeneic skin, heterogeneous skin (pigskin) or artificial skin serves as a vector to cover the wound on the clinical use. OBJECTIVE: To observe the curative effect of thin-thickness micro-skin pulping covered with heterogeneous skin for repair of burn wounds in comparison with blade-thickness micro-skin pulping covered with heterogeneous skin. METHODS:A self-control study was performed in 36 patients with severe burns of bilateral limbs. There were 42 pairs of wounds, 32 of which were at joint sites. One or two pairs of III-degree burns treated with escharectomy were selected from each patient for self-control comparison. Covered with heterogeneous skin, thin-thickness micro-skin pulping and blade-thickness micro-skin pulping were used in the trial and control groups, respectively. The expansion ratio was controled at 1:8-1:12 in al patients. Wound healing time, degree of scar hyperplasia within 6 months to 2 years after transplantation, and ratio of reconstruction surgery at joint sites were observed and compared. The removed scars by surgery were analyzed based on the total score of the Vancouver Scar Scale. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The average wound healing time was (44.7±1.24) days in the trial group and (49.6±1.41) days in the control group, and there was a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). The trial group exhibited less scar hyperplasia than the control group at 6 months to 2 years after transplantation. Compared with the control group, the ratio of severe scar hyperplasia was significantly less in the trial group (P < 0.05), while the ratio of mild scar hyperplasia was obviously greater in the trial group (P < 0.01). However, there was no difference in the ratio of moderate scar hyperplasia between the two groups (P > 0.05). The reconstructive surgery ratio of the trial group was 38%, significantly lower than that of the control group (59.38%;P < 0.01). The total score on the Vancouver Scar Scale was less in the trial group than the control group (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that the thin-thickness micro-skin covered with heterogeneous skin is likely to be a better treatment to repair large ful-thickness skin burn by increasing the thickness of micro-skin, and it can obtain better wound healing quality.

Objective To investigate the effects of the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor (celecoxib) on angiogenesis and peritoneal function of uremic peritoneal dialysis rats.Methods Forty-eight male SD rats were selected,and they were randomly divided into five groups:normal control group(n =8),sham operation group(n =8),uremia group(5/6 nephrectomy,n =8),PD group [4.25％ PD solution,2 weeks PD model(n =8) and 4 weeks PD model(n =8)],PD + celecoxib intervention group[treated by celecoxib(20 mg/kg) via oral gavage,n =8].The peritoneum of uremic peritoneal dialysis rats was observed in different dialysis time from peritoneal structures,functions,peritoneal tissue capillary density (microvessel density,MVD) and COX-2,vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression level,and the impacts of celecoxib on uremic peritoneal dialysis rats peritoneal angiogenesis and peritoneal function were study.Results With the conduct of the peritoneal dialysis,peritoneal thickness increased,the inflammatory cells infiltrated,peritoneal equilibration test (PET) showed that ultrafiltration volume decreased significantly (P ＜ 0.05),the amount of glucose transport rate rised significantly (P ＜ 0.05),but the celecoxib could improve net ultrafiltration volume (P ＜ 0.05),and reduce the glucose transport rate (P ＜ 0.05).The peritoneal tissue MVD and COX-2,VEGF expression were significantly increased in uremia group and PD group compared with that in the normal control group (all P ＜ 0.05),were significantly lower in PD + Celecoxib intervention group than that in uremia group (P ＜ 0.05).The correlation analysis showed that the level of COX-2 protein expression with MVD,VEGF protein expression was positively correlated (both P ＜ 0.05),the level of VEGF protein expression and MVD was positively correlated (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions In vivo high glucose dialysate and uremia environmental can stimulate the COX-2 and VEGF expression raised,and the capillaries production increased in peritoneal tissue.Celecoxib can alleviate the change of peritoneal tissue morphology and function in long-term peritoneal dialysis rats.Celecoxib inhibits the peritoneal neovascularization of uremic peritoneal dialysis rats,possibly through inhibition of COX-2 expression to reduce the production of VEGF.

Objective To investigate the effects of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor on peritoneal lymphangiogenesis and peritoneum function in uremic rat.Methods Uremic rats treated by peritoneal dialysis were intragastric administration celecoxib.Structures of peritoneum,peritoneal function,peritoneal lymphatic vessel density (LVD) were detected in every group.The mRNA of vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C),lymphatic vessel endothelial hyluronan receptor-1 (LYVE-1) and COX-2 were tested by RT-PCR.The protein expressions of LYVE-1,VEGF-C,COX-2 were tested by western blot.Results With the extension of the duration of dialysis,the peritoneum thickness was increasing,inflammatory cell infiltrated obviously,uhrafiltration volume decreased significantly.But the celecoxib could increase uhrafiltration volume and reduce the glucose transport rate(P ＜0.05).Compared with the normal group,the levels of LVD,COX-2,VEGF-C,and LYVE-1 mRNA and protein were significantly up-regulated in uremic and dialysis groups (P ＜0.05).Compared with the uremic dialysis group,the levels of LVD,COX-2,VEGFC and LYVE-1 mRNA and protein were significantly down-regulated in the celecoxib group.There was a positive correlation between COX-2 and VEGF-C,LVD in protein levels,as well as VEGF-C and LVD (all P values ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Hyper glucose dialysis solution and uremic condition could up-regulate the expression of COX-2,VEGF-C,LYVE-1 in gene and protein level and stimulate lymphangiogenesis.COX-2 inhibitor could delay the change of peritoneal structures and function.COX-2 inhibitor could prevem the lymphangiogenesis in uremic rat treated by peritoneal dialysis,which might down-regulate the expression of VEGF-C by COX-2 depended manner.

Objective To investigate the feasibility,safety,and short term efficacy of endoscopicultrasound guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA).Methods Three patients with advanced,inoperable pancreatic carcinoma underwent EUS-RFA.Under the guidance of EUS,a 22 gauge fine needle was punctured into the pancreatic carcinoma,and 1 Fr radiofrequency (RF) catheter was placed into the cancer through this 22 gauge needle.RFA was applied at 10 watts for 2 minutes,and then 15 watts for another 2 minutes.The second needle's tract was selected and punctured about 1 ～ 1.5 cm apart from the first needle tract,and the ablation was repeated.Results The average age of these 3 patients was 63 years old.Two patients were diagnosed to have pancreatic tail cancer and one was pancreatic body cancer,and the mean diameter of the tumor was 3.6 cm.Pre-operative EUS-FNA confirmed the presence of malignant cells.EUS-RFA was performed three times at an interval of 2 weeks in the first patient and one time in the last two patients.The average session of EUS-RFA of each lesion was 3.67 times.After 2 weeks,EUS showed that the diameter of the lesions was reduced by 13.9％ on average.There were vacuolar degenerations of variable sizes in those lesions.The serum level of CA19-9 was averagely decreased by 46.5％.Abdominal pain was not obviously aggravated.There were no episodes of pancreatitis,perforation or bleeding within 48 hours after the procedure.The mean follow-up time was 49 days,and no complications occurred.Conclusions EUS-RFA can reduce the diameter of pancreatic carcinoma and decrease the serum level of CA19-9,and it is feasible and safe.

Objective To assess the mutation in exon 8 of C1 esterase inhibitor(C1INH)gene in a patient with hereditary angioedema(HAE).Methods Genomic DNA was extracted from a female patient with HAE as well as her mother and a normal human control.The fragment of exon 8 of C1INH gene was amplified by PCR and inserted into plasmid carrier pUC19 with the help of ligase.Then,the recombinant plasmid was transformed into competent cells of E coli TG1 strains.After culture of positive transformant,plasmid DNA Was extracted and subjected to sequencing.SDS-PAGE and We:stem blot were performed on the sera of the patient to detect the concentration and function of C1INH protein.Results An A1677G mutation at exon 8 of C1INH gene.which resulted in a substitution of isoleucine to valine at codon 440,Was found in the patient who SUfiered from HAE type I.Additionally.SDS-PAGE and Western blot revealed that the molecular weight of C1INH protein was 96 000.but not 105 000 observed in noHnal human control.Conclusion The newly identified mutation 1440V.which is located at P4 residue of reactive center loop in C1INH.may result in conformational alteration of C1INH.

The magnetic Illite ( MILT) was firstly prepared by an effective polyol-medium solvothermal method. Based on these 3-( methacryloyloxy) propyl trimethoxysilane ( MILT-MPS), magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (MMIPs) were further synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization in a mixture solution of methanol and deionized water. The as-prepared MMIIPs were characterized by FT-IR, TEM), XRD, TGA and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and the results indicated that the MMIIPs exhibited magnetic sensitivity ( Ms =3. 866 emu / g ), thermal stability and a larger specific surface area (109. 58 m2 / g). The batch mode adsorption studies were carried out to investigate the recognition specificity and selective capacity. The Langmuir isotherm model was fitted to the equilibrium data, and the monolayer adsorption capacity of MMIPs at 25℃ was 86. 58 mg / g. The selective recognition experiments demonstrated high affinity and selectivity of MMIPs towards ciprofloxacin ( CIP) over competitive compounds. Combined with high performance liquid chromatographic analysis technology, the prepared MMIIPs were successfully applied to extract and enrich trace CIP in environmental samples with the CIP recoveries from 93. 4% to 98. 3% and the limit of detection of 0. 01 mg / L.

Objective To establish the mathematical models of stature estimation for Sichuan Han female with measurement of lumbar vertebrae by X-ray to provide essential data for forensic anthropology re-search. Methods The samples, 206 Sichuan Han females, were divided into three groups including group A, B and C according to the ages. Group A(206 samples) consisted of all ages, group B(116 samples) were 20-45 years old and 90 samples over 45 years old were group C. All the samples were examined lumbar vertebrae through C Rtechnology, including the parameters of five centrums (L1-L5) as anterior border, posterior border and central heights (x1-x15), total central height of lumbar spine (x16), and the real height of every sample.The linear regression analysis was produced using the parameters to establish the mathematical models of stature estimation. Sixty-two trained subjects were tested to verify the accuracy of the mathematical models. Results The established mathematical models by hypothesis test of linear regression equation model were statistically significant (P<0.05).The standard errors of the equation were 2.982-5.004 cm, while correlation coefficients were 0.370-0.779 and multiple correlation coefficients were 0.533-0.834.The return tests of the highest correlation coefficient and multiple correlation coefficient of each group showed that the highest accuracy of the multiple regression equation, y=100.33+1.489 x3-0.548 x6+0.772 x9+0.058 x12+0.645 x15, in group Awere 80.6% (±1SE ) and 100% (±2SE ). Conclusion The established mathematical models in this study could be applied for the stature estimation for Sichuan Han females.

Objective:To investigate the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided transvaginal radiofrequency ablation in the treat ment of symptomatic uterine fibroid.Methods:39 patients with symptomatic uterine fibroid underwent transvaginal radiofrequency ablation therapy were selected Before treatment,the fibroid size and volume were measured using ultrasound.The fibroid-related symptom severity and quality of life were scored using uterine fibroid symptom and quality of life survey.The fibroid volume reduction rate,improvement in clinical symptom and quality of life,and ovarian function of patients were observed before treatment and at three,six,nine and 12 months after treatment.Results:The average operation time of radiofrequency ablation was 25 minutes.There was no clear intraand postoperative complication.Preoperative fibroid volume was 65.2± 49.3cm3,which was reduced to 32.2± 27.6 cm3,21.2± 18.2 cm3,15.3± 12.1 cm3 and 10.3± 9.8 cm3 at 3,6,9 and 12 months after treatment,respectively(P＜0.05).The symptom severity score (SSS) was 60.23± 13.2 before treatment,and gradually decreased to 42.2± 11.4,21.1± 10.2,15.4± 10.3 and 12.2± 9.7 at 3,6,9 and 12 months after treatment(P＜0.05).The quality of life (QOL) score gradually increased from 58.24± 16.24 before treatment to 70.3± 20.3,81.4± 8.6,86.3± 7.6 and 88.2± 9.1 at 3,6,9 and 12 months after treatment (P＜0.05).The levels of follicle stimulating hormone,luteinizing hormone and estradiol at 3,6,9 and 12 months after treatment showed no difference compared with these before treatment (P＞0.05).Conclusions:Ultrasound-guided transvaginal radiofrequency therapy was a minimally invasive,safe,and effective therapy for symptomatic uterine fibroid.