OBJECTIVETo develop a three-dimensional (3D) finite element model of the human ankle with fine details and analyze the stress distribution on the talus during different gait phases.

METHODSMimics13.0 and Geomagic10.0 software were used for geometric reconstruction of the ankle based on the 3D CT data of the foot. The model was meshed and assigned with the material properties in Hypermesh10.0 software. The model was then imported to Abaqus6.9, and the stress condition of the talus during the 3 phases (heel-strike, midstance, push-off) of normal gait was simulated to calculate the stress distribution within the bone.

RESULTSThe three-dimensional finite element model of the ankle established consisted of 21 865 nodes and 73 440 elements. The stress distribution within the bone in 3 phases of normal gait differed significantly. The peak von Mises stress on the talus dome, from the heel-strike to push-off phases, was 3.0 MPa, 4.3 MPa and 4.8 MPa, as compared to 1.3 MPa, 1.9 MPa and 2.8 MPa on the talar neck, 2.8 MPa, 3.0 MPa, and 3.4 MPa on the talonavicular joint surface, and 2.2 MPa, 1.8 MPa and 1.5 MPa on the subtalar joint, respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe finite element model of the talus shows a good response against the experimental data and can be used to simulate the biomechanic experiment of the talus.

Adult ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Finite Element Analysis ; Gait ; physiology ; Humans ; Male ; Models, Theoretical ; Software ; Stress, Mechanical ; Talus ; anatomy & histology ; physiology

OBJECTIVEIn this study, we assayed promoter hypermethylation and protein expression of the mismatch repair gene (MMR) hMLH1 and hMSH2 in gestational trophoblastic diseases to understand the significance of MMR promoter methylation and expression in the pathogenesis and malignant transformation of hydatidiform mole.

METHODSDNA was extracted from chorion of early pregnancies, partial hydatidiform moles, complete hydatidiform moles, and invasive moles were over digested by methylation sensitive endonuclease Hpa II. Then the promoters were amplificated by polymerase chain reaction. The protein was detected by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSIn the normal placenta, neither hMLH1 nor hMSH2 promoter methylation was detected. Expression of hMLH1 and hMSH2 in cytotrophoblasts was strongly positive, and that was negative or weakly positive in syncytiotrophobasts. In all normal chorion, expression of hMLH1 and hMSH2 in cytotrophoblasts was strongly positive. In partial hydatidiform mole and complete hydatidiform mole, the methylation of hMLH1 and hMSH2 promoters was significantly higher than that of early placenta (P < 0.05), and the protein expression in cytotrophoblasts was significantly lower (P < 0.05). In the invasive mole, hMLH1 and hMSH2 promoter methylation were not significantly different as compared with the partial hydatidiform mole and complete hydatidiform mole (P > 0.05). Expression of hMLH1 in the invasive mole (54.5%, 6/11) was not significantly different as compared with the partial hydatidiform mole and complete hydatidiform mole (P > 0.05). But expression of hMSH2 in the invasive mole (36.4%, 4/11) was weaker than that in complete hydatidiform mole (P = 0.044). Promoter methylation and less expression of hMSH2 had correlations in complete hydatidiform mole or invasive mole.

CONCLUSIONSStrong expressions of hMLH1 and hMSH2 in the cytotrophoblasts of normal placenta may keep the genome stability. Promoter methylation and down-regulation of hMLH1 and hMSH2 are probably involved in the pathogenesis of hydatidiform mole.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing ; Adult ; Base Pair Mismatch ; genetics ; Carrier Proteins ; DNA Methylation ; DNA Repair ; DNA-Binding Proteins ; biosynthesis ; Female ; Humans ; Hydatidiform Mole ; genetics ; pathology ; Hydatidiform Mole, Invasive ; genetics ; pathology ; Middle Aged ; MutL Protein Homolog 1 ; MutS Homolog 2 Protein ; Neoplasm Proteins ; biosynthesis ; Nuclear Proteins ; Pregnancy ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; genetics ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins ; biosynthesis ; Uterine Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo examine granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) expression in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as well as discuss its clinicopathological significance.

METHODSSpecimens were obtained from 114 cases (53 cases with granulocyte infiltration) diagnosed pathologically as NSCLC in General Hospital of PLA. Paraffin-embedded tissues from these 114 cases of NSCLC were examined for expression of G-CSF by immunohistochemical staining. Correlation between G-CSF expression and pathological features, clinical manifestation, prognosis of patients with NSCLC was analyzed statistically. All the patients were retrospectively followed-up.

RESULTSFifty-five of the 114 NSCLC specimens expressed G-CSF, and among these 41 (41/54, 75.9%) were large cell carcinoma, nine (9/30, 30.0%) were adenocarcinoma and five (5/30, 16.7%) were squamous cell carcinoma. The expression was significantly correlated with infiltration of tumor mass by neutrophilic granulocytes, histological type, necrosis, differentiation, lymph node metastases, distant metastases, recurrence and survival period (P < 0.01). There was no significant correlation with primary tumor size (P > 0.05). Logistic multi-factor analysis revealed that necrosis, lymph nodes metastases and distant metastases RR (risk ratio) in G-CSF positive group was 5.57, 6.28 and 5.24 times higher than those of G-CSF negative group (P < 0.05). There were remarkable difference of 5-year survival rates (0 and 12.1% respectively) and survival period (42 and 62 months respectively) between positive and negative groups (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSNSCLC with G-CSF excretion are mainly large cell lung cancer. The pathologic characteristics of these cases with G-CSF expression included poor differentiation, remarkable atypia, prominent necrosis and infiltration of tumor mass by neutrophils or emperipolesis. These tumors are usually more aggressive in biological behavior and have worse prognosis than those without G-CSF expression.

Adenocarcinoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Carcinoma, Large Cell ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Follow-Up Studies ; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor ; metabolism ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate

AIMTo study the pharmacokinetics of bromotetrandrine (W198) in rats and beagle dogs.

METHODSThe concentrations of W198 in serum were determined using HPLC method with UV detection.

RESULTSThe pharmacokinetic parameters of W198 after single iv doses of W198 10, 20 and 40 mg x kg(-1) in rats were as follows: T1/2beta were 6.60, 7.36 and 6.77 h, AUC0-24 h were 3.797, 7.371 and 15.192 mg x h x L(-1), Vd were 7.14, 4.33 and 4.13 L x kg(-1), CL were 2.83, 2.60 and 2.71 L x (kg x h)(-1), respectively. The T1/2beta and AUCo-24 h of W198 after single im dose of W198 20 mg x kg(-1) in rats were 11.61 h and 12.646 mg x h x L(-1). The im bioavailability of W198 in rats was 56.9%. The T1/2beta, AUC0-24 h, Vd and CL of W198 after single iv dose of W198 5 mg x kg(-1) in beagle dogs were 11.72 h, 12.646 mg x h x L(-1), 0.70 L x kg(-1) and 0.46 L x (kg x h)(-1), respectively. The plasma protein binding ratio of W198 with human serum protein was 78.0%.

CONCLUSIONThe absorption of W198 in rats was of first order kinetics.

Alkaloids ; metabolism ; pharmacokinetics ; Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents ; metabolism ; pharmacokinetics ; Area Under Curve ; Benzylisoquinolines ; metabolism ; pharmacokinetics ; Biological Availability ; Blood Proteins ; metabolism ; Dogs ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; metabolism ; pharmacokinetics ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Protein Binding ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Species Specificity

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of intra-articular ozone injection at different concentrations on the contents of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), TNF receptor I (TNFR I), and TNFR II in the serum and synovium of rats with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and explore the therapeutic mechanism of ozone in RA treatment.

METHODSForty-eight Wistar rats were randomized into 8 groups, including 5 ozone groups receiving intra-articular injection of 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50 µg/ml ozone, a blank control group, an oxygen group and a RA model group. All the rats, except for those in the blank control group, were subjected to hypodermic injection of bovine collagen II and complete Freunds adjuvant to induce RA. Ozone treatment was administered once weekly for 3 weeks starting at 21 days after the modeling. The swelling and thickness of the hind paws were observed, and the serum and synovial contents of TNF-α, TNFR I, and TNFR II were detected.

RESULTSAt the end of treatment, the paw thickness was reduced significantly in rats with 40 µg/ml ozone injection compared with that in the model RA group (P<0.01). The serum contents of TNF-α, TNFR I and TNFR II showed no significant difference between the RA model group, oxygen group and the ozone groups, but their synovial contents showed significant reductions in rats with 40 and 50 µg/ml ozone injection (P<0.01); the synovial TNFR I was significantly higher in 40 µg/ml ozone group than in the model group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONIntra-articular injection of 40 µg/ml ozone can attenuate synovitis in rats with RA, the mechanism of which may involve the inhibition of TNF-α and TNFR II activity and enhancement of TNFR I activity in the synovium.

Animals ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; metabolism ; therapy ; Injections, Intra-Articular ; Male ; Ozone ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type I ; metabolism ; Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type II ; metabolism ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

One of the major circulatory changes that occur in human during space flight and simulated weightlessness is a cerebral redistribution of body fluids, which is accompanied by an increase of blood volume in the upper body. Therefore, atrial myocardium should increase the secretion of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), but the researches lack common conclusion until now. The present study was to investigate the expression level of ANP in simulated weightlessness rats, and to confirm the changes of ANP by observing the associated proteins of soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs). The tail-suspended rat model was used to simulate weightlessness. Western blots were carried out to examine the expression levels of ANP and SNARE proteins in atrial and left ventricular myocardium. The results showed that ANP expression in atrial myocardium showed an increase in 4-week tail-suspended rats (SUS) compared with that in the synchronous control rats (CON). We only detected a trace amount of ANP in the left ventricular myocardium of the CON, but found an enhanced expression of ANP in left ventricular myocardium of the SUS. Expression of VAMP-1/2 (vesicle associated SNARE) increased significantly in both atrial and left ventricular myocardium in the SUS compared with that in the CON. There was no difference of the expression of syntaxin-4 (target compartment associated SNARE) between the CON and SUS, but the expression of SNAP-23 showed an increase in atrial myocardium of the SUS compared with that in the CON. Synip and Munc-18c as regulators of SNAREs did not show significant difference between the CON and SUS. These results suggest that the expression of ANP shows an increase in atrial and left ventricular myocardium of 4-week tail-suspended rats. Enhanced expression of VAMP-1/2 associated with ANP vesicles confirms the increased expression of ANP in atrial and left ventricular myocardium.
Animals ; Atrial Natriuretic Factor ; metabolism ; Heart Ventricles ; metabolism ; Myocardium ; metabolism ; Rats ; SNARE Proteins ; metabolism ; Vesicle-Associated Membrane Protein 1 ; metabolism ; Vesicle-Associated Membrane Protein 2 ; metabolism ; Weightlessness Simulation

OBJECTIVETo investigate the sanitary working status in the districts for locating residents after earthquake in Dujiangyan municipality.

METHODSSome immediate measures were taken after the earthquake including water source surveillance, restoring immunization system and epidemic surveillance. A questionnaire survey was also conducted to collect information in 107 locating districts of 18 towns.

RESULTSGenerally, the sanitary working status was good. Temporary sheds in most districts were Tents (75.70%, 81/107) and simple sheds (19.63%, 21/107), and 69.16% (74/107) districts could use water supply and 94.39% (101/107) arrange specialized persons to disinfect the environment and kill pests. The fly density was 2 per eye-view. The proportions for the correct responds to health knowledge, action adopted and attitude of residents were all above 90%. According to the epidemic surveillance system and mobile syndrome surveillance system in disaster area, there was no increasing trend for the incidences of contagious diseases.

CONCLUSION20 days after earthquake, the whole situation of disease prevention in disaster area is stable.

China ; Disasters ; Earthquakes ; Emergency Medical Services ; statistics & numerical data ; Health Care Surveys ; Humans ; Sanitation ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Universal Precautions

OBJECTIVETo study the relations among COX-2 expression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), its clinical characteristics and brognosis.

METHODSImmunostaining was performed with COX-2 antibody to the surgically resected tissue samples from 79 patients with NSCLC. Vessel epithelium cell COX-2 expression was taken as positive control.

RESULTSThe positive rate of adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma was 85% and 57%, respectively (P = 0.013). COX-2 expression was associated with the extent of adenocarcinoma differentiation, tumor size, and TNM period, but not with the extent of squamous cell carcinoma differentiation. In the COX-2 positive group, the 5-year survival rate and a median survival time were 27.1% and 53 months; however in the negative group they were 52.0% and 61 months (P = 0.029).

CONCLUSIONInvasive development of NSCLC is related to inceased expression of COX-2. COX-2 overexpression may be one of the risky factors for the prognosis of NSCLC.

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; enzymology ; mortality ; pathology ; Cyclooxygenase 2 ; Female ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Isoenzymes ; analysis ; Lung Neoplasms ; enzymology ; mortality ; pathology ; Male ; Membrane Proteins ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases ; analysis ; Survival Rate

Background: Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common complication of acute herpes zoster. The treatment of PHN remains a challenge for clinical pain management. Despite the effectiveness of anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and lidocaine patches in reducing PHN, many patients still face intractable pain disorders.In this randomized controlled study, we evaluated whether hydromorphone through intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV PCA) was effective in relieving PHN. Methods: Patients with PHN were randomly divided into two groups, one group received oral pregabalin with IV normal saline, another group received oral pregabalin with additional IV PCA hydromorphone for two weeks. Efficacy was evaluated at 1, 4, and 12 weeks after the end of the treatments. Results: Two hundred and one patients were followed up for 12 weeks. After treatment, numerical rating scale (NRS) score of patients in the hydromorphone group was significantly lower than that of the control group, and the difference of NRS scores between the two groups was statistically significant at 4 and 12 weeks after treatment. The frequency of breakthrough pain in the hydromorphone group was significantly lower than that in the control group 1 and 4 weeks after treatment.After treatment, the quality of sleep in the hydromorphone group was significantly improved compared with the control group. The most common adverse reactions in the hydromorphone group were dizziness and nausea, with no significant respiratory depression. Conclusions IV PCA hydromorphone combined with oral pregabalin provides superior pain relief in patients with PHN, which is worthy of clinical application and promotion.

Background: Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common complication of acute herpes zoster. The treatment of PHN remains a challenge for clinical pain management. Despite the effectiveness of anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and lidocaine patches in reducing PHN, many patients still face intractable pain disorders.In this randomized controlled study, we evaluated whether hydromorphone through intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV PCA) was effective in relieving PHN. Methods: Patients with PHN were randomly divided into two groups, one group received oral pregabalin with IV normal saline, another group received oral pregabalin with additional IV PCA hydromorphone for two weeks. Efficacy was evaluated at 1, 4, and 12 weeks after the end of the treatments. Results: Two hundred and one patients were followed up for 12 weeks. After treatment, numerical rating scale (NRS) score of patients in the hydromorphone group was significantly lower than that of the control group, and the difference of NRS scores between the two groups was statistically significant at 4 and 12 weeks after treatment. The frequency of breakthrough pain in the hydromorphone group was significantly lower than that in the control group 1 and 4 weeks after treatment.After treatment, the quality of sleep in the hydromorphone group was significantly improved compared with the control group. The most common adverse reactions in the hydromorphone group were dizziness and nausea, with no significant respiratory depression. Conclusions IV PCA hydromorphone combined with oral pregabalin provides superior pain relief in patients with PHN, which is worthy of clinical application and promotion.