Objective: To investigate the interactions between Bcl-2 protein, a new target for anticancer agents, and its substrate proteins. Methods: A homologous 3D model of Bcl-2 protein fusing with Bak peptide was established and the reliability of the model was assessed. The active-site cavities of Bcl-2 in the complex and in free state were compared. The key residues and the active sites of Bcl-2 protein for interaction with the substrates were identified, and their fusion with 2 representative inhibitors was analyzed. Results: The constructed complex had a reliable structure. Obvious changes were found in the active sites of Bcl-2 protein in the constructed complex, especially in the regions around α3. The acid and basic residues on the side of active sites and the hydrophobic residues in the bottom of active sites were important for binding with the substrate proteins, which accorded well with the results of biological residue mutation experiments. Conclusion: We have successfully constructed a reliable complex model of Bcl-2 protein binding with Bak peptide.

Background:Surgical treatment of both-column acetabular fractures is challenging because of the complex acetabular fracture patterns and the curved surface of the acetabulum.Seldom study has compared the application of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology and traditional methods of contouring plates intra-operatively for the surgical treatment of both-column acetabular fractures.We presented the use of both 3D printing technology and a virtual simulation in pre-operative planning for both-column acetabular fractures.We hypothesized that 3D printing technology will assist orthopedic surgeons in shortening the surgical time and improving the clinical outcomes.Methods:Forty patients with both-column acetabular fractures were recruited in the randomized prospective case-control study from September 2013 to September 2017 for this prospective study (No.ChiCTR1900028230).We allocated the patients to two groups using block randomization (3D printing group,n =20;conventional method group,n =20).For the 3D printing group,1:1 scaled pelvic models were created using 3D printing,and the plates were pre-contoured according to the pelvic models.The plates for the conventional method group were contoured during the operation without 3D printed pelvic models.The operation time,instrumentation time,time of intra-operative fluoroscopy,blood loss,number of times the approach was performed,blood transfusion,post-operative fracture reduction quality,hip joint function,and complications were recorded and compared between the two groups.Results:The operation and instrumentation times in the 3D printing group were significantly shorter (130.8 ± 29.2 min,t =-7.5,P ＜ 0.001 and 32.1 ± 9.5 min,t =-6.5,P ＜ 0.001,respectively) than those in the conventional method group.The amount of blood loss and blood transfusion in the 3D printing group were significandy lower (500 [400,800] mL,Mann-Whitney U=74.5,P ＜ 0.001 and 0 [0,400] mL,Mann-Whitney U =59.5,P ＜ 0.001,respectively) than those in the conventional method group.The number of the approach performed in the 3D printing group was significantly smaller than that in the conventional method group (pararectus + Kocher-Langenbeck [K-L] approach rate:35％ vs.85％;X2 =10.4,P ＜ 0.05).The time of intra-operative fluoroscopy in the 3D printing group was significantly shorter than that in the conventional method group (4.2 ± 1.8 vs.7.7 ± 2.6 s;t =-5.0,P ＜ 0.001).The post-operative fracture reduction quality in the 3D printing group was significantly better than that in the conventional method group (good reduction rate:80％ vs.30％;X2 =10.1,P ＜ 0.05).The hip joint function (based on the Harris score 1 year after the operation) in the 3D printing group was significantly better than that in the conventional method group (excellengood rate:75％ vs.30％;x2 =8.1,P ＜ 0.05).The complication was similar in both groups (5.0 ％ vs.25 ％;x2=3.1,P =0.182).Conclusions:The use of a pre-operative virtual simulation and 3D printing technology is a more effective method for treating bothcolumn acetabular fractures.This method can shorten the operation and instrumentation times,reduce Mood loss,blood transfusion and the time of intra-operative fluoroscopy,and improve the post-operative fracture reduction quality.

Objective To explore accuracy and clinical effect of robot-assisted implantation of sacroiliac penetrating screw in orthopedic surgery for posterior pelvic ring fracture.Methods The clinical data of 24 patients with posterior pelvic ring frac-ture treated with robot-assisted sacroiliac penetration screws from August 2022 to August 2023 were retrospectively analyzed,including 10 males and 14 females;aged from 21 to 73 years old with an average of(49.29±14.48)years old;according to Tile pelvic fractures,13 patients were type B and 11 were type C.The effect of screw placement was evaluated according to Gras criteria based on postoperative CT scan results.At the final follow-up,fracture healing was evaluated according to Matta score,and functional recovery was evaluated by Majeed score.Results All patients were followed up for 3 to 13 months with an aver-age of(6.00±3.28)months.Totally 36 sacroiliac penetrating screws,18 S1 penetrating screws,18 S2 penetrating screws were inserted,a total of 29 were excellent and 7 good according to Gras standard.Screw adjustment times was 0.00(0.00,0.75)times.At the final follow-up,Matta score was excellent in 18 patients,5 good and 1 moderate,and the maximum displacement distance was 2.55(0.00,5.65)mm.Majeed score was 84.37±8.38,15 patients were excellent,7 good and 2 moderate.Con-clusion Robot could accurately and safely assist in the placement of sacroiliac joint screws for the treatment of posterior pelvic ring fractures,and promote postoperative functional recovery of patients.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the correlation of 64-multidetector-row CT (64MDCT) perfusion imaging with microvessel density(MVD) and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) in colorectal carcinoma.

METHODS64MDCT perfusion imaging was performed in 33 patients with pathologically verified colorectal carcinoma. Time-density curves (TDC) were created from the region of interest (ROI) drawn over the tumor, target artery and vein by 64MDCT with perfusion functional software. The individual perfusion maps generated were for blood flow (BF), blood volume (BV), mean transit time (MTT) and permeability-surface area product (PS). MVD and VEGF expression of surgical specimens were examined by immunohistochemical staining with anti-CD34, anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody. MVD and VEGF were compared among the different types of TDC in colorectal carcinoma. The correlation of CT perfusion parameters with MVD and VEGF was also examined.

RESULTSTDC of colorectal carcinoma was divided into five types according to their shapes. MVD in the colorectal carcinoma was 22.61+/-9.01. VEGF staining was found in 25 of 29 tumors (86.2%). The score of VEGF expression was 4.15+/-1.09. No significant differences of MVD and VEGF expression among TDC types were found (F=2.59, 1.11, P>0.05). There were also no correlations of MVD and VEGF expression with any dynamic CT parameters (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION64MDCT perfusion imaging, MVD and VEGF may reflect angiogenic activity, but no significant correlations are found among them.

Adult ; Aged ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; blood supply ; diagnostic imaging ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Microvessels ; Middle Aged ; Neovascularization, Pathologic ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; methods ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; metabolism ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of lymph node metastasis in the contralateral mediastinum and scalene in patients with potentially operable nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODSCervical mediastinoscopy was performed for 89 patients with clinical stage I-III A non-small cell lung cancer prior to thoracotomy. Of these, 12 underwent cervical medistinoscopy combined with right scalene lymph node biopsy and 10 with anterior para-mediastinal small incision.

RESULTSA total of 9 patients were found have N3 disease on mediastinosopy, with cancer-cell-positive lymph nodes in the contralateral mediastinum in 6 and 3 in the right scalene. Statistical analysis revealed that the incidence of N3 disease in adenocarcinoma group was higher than that in patients with nonadenocarcinoma (P < 0.05), which was also higher in the patients with serum CEA >5 ng/ml than that in the patients with CEA <5 ng/ml (P < 0.05), and it was higher in the patients with ipsilateral mediastinal multi-station lymph node metastasis than that in the patients with uni-station lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONBiopsy of contralateral mediastinal lymph nodes or scalene lymph node should be performed in order to exclude N3 disease for potentially operable NSCLC patients with adenocarcinoma, serum CEA >5 ng/ml or ipsilateral multi-station mediastinal lymph node metastasis.

Adenocarcinoma ; blood ; pathology ; therapy ; Adult ; Aged ; Biopsy ; Carcinoembryonic Antigen ; blood ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; blood ; pathology ; therapy ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; blood ; pathology ; therapy ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Female ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; blood ; pathology ; therapy ; Lymph Node Excision ; Lymph Nodes ; pathology ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Mediastinoscopy ; Mediastinum ; Middle Aged ; Neck Muscles ; Neoplasm Staging ; Pneumonectomy

OBJECTIVETo analyze the distribution characteristics of the main semen parameters of healthy semen donors and normal fertile men in Shanghai, compare the semen quality between the two groups, and investigate the normal reference values of the semen parameters of the fertile population in Shanghai.

METHODSWe obtained semen samples from 100 healthy donors and 41 fertile men, performed semen analyses according to the WHO (2010) guidelines, and determined the semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm progressive motility, total sperm count and total progressively motile sperm count. We analyzed the distribution of the semen parameters of the normal fertile men, and obtained the lower limits of their normal reference values.

RESULTSThere were no statistically significant differences in the main semen parameters between the healthy donors and normal fertile men (P < 0.05). The lower reference limits for the semen parameters of normal fertile men in Shanghai (P < 0.05) were as follows: sperm concentration > or = 27.3 x 10(6)/ml, sperm progressive motility > or = 8.1%, semen volume > or = 0.82 ml, total sperm count > or = 44.73 x 10(6) per ejaculate, and total progressively motile sperm count > or = 24.68 x 10(6) per ejaculate.

CONCLUSIONFor the evaluation of male fecundity, total sperm count and total progressively motile sperm count may be two better predictors than others.

Adult ; China ; Fertility ; Humans ; Male ; Reference Values ; Semen ; Semen Analysis ; Sperm Count ; Sperm Motility ; Spermatozoa ; Tissue Donors ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the ectopic grafts of mouse testicular cells by observing the reconstruction of seminiferous tubules, colonization of spermatogenic cells and spermatogenesis using immunodeficient mice as recipients.

METHODSThe testes of newborn male ICR mice were digested to obtain single cell suspension. The cells were then mixed with matrigel and subcutaneously grafted into the dorsal region of the male nude mice. The mice were castrated after the operation and the grafts were dissected from 5 of the nude mice at 4, 6, 8 and 10 weeks, respectively. The success rates of transplantation and the graft diameters were calculated, and the structure of the reconstituted seminiferous tubules, colonization of the germ cells and spermatogenesis were observed by HE staining and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSAll the mice recipients survived after the testicular cell transplantation. Within 10 weeks after the operation, tissue masses could be observed, with the diameter increased from (3.91 +/- 0.71) mm at 4 weeks to (6.69 +/- 0.50) mm. Neovascularization was detected at the surface of the masses and seminiferous tubule structures found in the grafts. The germ cells that developed from spermatogonia to round spermatids were observed, but with no sperm in the tubules. Germ cells, Sertoli cells and Leydig cells were identified by immunochemical detection of Mvh, Gata4 and P450Scc in the grafts at 8 weeks.

CONCLUSIONSeminiferous tubules could be ectopically reconstructed from suspension of neonatal mouse testicular cells. Ectopic grafting provided a preferable model for the studies on testis tissue engineering and interactions between testicular cells during testicular development and spermatogenesis.

Animals ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Mice, Nude ; Seminiferous Tubules ; cytology ; Sertoli Cells ; cytology ; transplantation ; Spermatids ; cytology ; Spermatogenesis ; Testis ; cytology ; transplantation ; Transplantation, Heterologous

OBJECTIVETo study the epidemiological characteristics of respiratory adenovirus (ADV) infections in children from the Suzhou area, China.

METHODSThe clinical data of ADV-positive children out of 35 529 children with respiratory tract infections who were hospitalized in the Children's Hospital of Soochow University between January 2006 and December 2015 were retrospectively studied.

RESULTSOf the 35 529 children with respiratory tract infections, 440 (1.24%) were ADV-positive. There was no significant difference in the rate of ADV infections between boys and girls (1.18% vs 1.34%). The ADV infection rates of children at the age of <1 year old, 1-3 years old, 3-7 years old and 7-14 years old were 0.39% (71/18 002), 1.12% (103/9 191), 3.14% (201/6 398), and 3.35%( 65/1 938) respectively and the rate increased with age (P<0.01). The ADV infection rates in spring [1.85%(60/8 658)] and summer [2.20%(189/8 606)] were significantly higher than in autumn [0.30%(27/8 952)] and winter [0.69%(64/9 313)] (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSThe ADV infection rate is increased with age in the children from the Suzhou area, but it is not associated with gender. ADV infections are more common in spring and summer.

Adenoviridae Infections ; epidemiology ; Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Respiratory Tract Infections ; epidemiology ; Time Factors

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the viral etiology and allergen distribution in infants and young children at high risk of asthma during a wheezing episode. METHODS: A total of 135 infants and young children at high risk of asthma were enrolled who were admitted due to asthmatic bronchitis or asthmatic bronchopneumonia between April 2016 and August 2017. Fluorescent probe PCR was used to measure influenza A (Flu A), respiratory syncytium virus (RSV), adenovirus (ADV), parainfluenza virus (PinF), human rhinovirus (HRV), human partial lung virus (hMPV) and human bocavirus (HBoV) in nasopharyngeal aspirates. ImmunoCAP was used to measure inhaled allergens, food allergens, and total IgE concentration. RESULTS: Among the 135 patients, the overall virus detection rate of nasopharyngeal aspirates was 49.6%, and HRV had the highest detection rate of 25.2%, followed by HBoV (9.6%), RSV (8.1%), PinF (5.9%), Flu-A (3.7%), ADV (1.5%) and hMPV (0.7%). The 1-3 years group had a significantly higher detection rate of HRV than the <1 year group (P<0.05). The positive rate of allergen screening was 59.3%, with 44% for inhaled allergens and 89% for food allergens. Among the inhaled allergens, dust mites had the highest positive rate of 77%, followed by mould (37%), pollen (26%) and animal dander (9%). Among the food allergens, egg white had a positive rate of 73% and milk had a positive rate of 68%. The <1 year group had a significantly higher positive rate of inhaled allergens than the 1-3 years group (P<0.05). The 1-3 years age group had a significantly higher level of T-IgE than the <1 year group (P<0.05). The positive virus group had a significantly higher positive rate of inhaled allergens than the non-virus group (P<0.05). The children with the second wheezing episode had significantly higher positive rates of inhaled allergens and food allergens and level of T-IgE than those with the first wheezing episode (P<0.05). The children with the second wheezing episode also had significantly higher positive rates of dust mites and mould than those with the first wheezing episode (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Early HRV infection and inhaled allergen sensitization are closely associated with the development of wheezing in infants and young children at high risk of asthma.
Allergens ; Animals ; Asthma ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Egg Hypersensitivity ; Humans ; Infant ; Pyroglyphidae ; Respiratory Sounds

Background/Aims: Accumulating evidence indicates that L-carnitine (LC) protects against multiorgan damage through its antioxidant properties and preservation of the mitochondria. Little information is available about the effects of LC on renal fibrosis. This study examined whether LC treatment would provide renoprotection in a rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and in vitro. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats that underwent UUO were treated daily with LC for 7 or 14 days. The influence of LC on renal injury caused by UUO was evaluated by histopathology, and analysis of gene expression, oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, programmed cell death, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/ AKT/forkhead box protein O 1a (FoxO1a) signaling. In addition, H2O2-exposed human kidney cells (HK-2) were treated with LC. Results: LC treatment inhibited expression of proinflammatory and profibrotic cytokines, and was followed by a significant attenuation of tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis. The increased oxidative stress caused by UUO was associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and excessive apoptosis and autophagy via PI3K/AKT/FoxO1a-dependent signaling, and this was abrogated by administration of LC. In H2O2-exposed HK-2 cells, LC decreased intracellular production of reactive oxygen species, and suppressed expression of profibrotic cytokines and reduced the number of apoptotic cells. Conclusions LC protects against the progression of tubulointerstitial fibrosis in an obstructed kidney.