ObjectiveTo explore the clinical characteristics of pathological fracture in extremities caused by bone tumors or tumor-like lesions. MethodsFrom August 2002 to December 2010, 139 patients with pathological fractures were entered in the study, including 79 males and 60 females with an average age of 31.1 years. Fractures included tumor-like lesion in 55 cases, benign tumor in 13, giant cell tumor (GCT)in 7, primary malignant tumors in 28, and metastatic tumors in 36. Forces induced to fractures were classified into four grades: spontaneous fracture, functional activity, minor injury, severe injury. Age, fracture location, histological results, fractures forces, prodromes, and misdiagnosis were all observed. Chi-square test were use to compare forces and prodromes within different tumors. ResultsThe highest morbidity rate is 32.4％(45/139) which lies in 11-20 years old. The cites of fractures including femurs in 71 cases, humerus in 36, tibia in 15, fingers in 7, radiuses in 4, fibula in 3, ulnas in 2, and metatarsus in 1. Fracture forces include spontaneous fractures in 29 cases, functional activity in 42, minor injuries in 65, and traumatic injuries in 3. Sixty-seven patients(48.2％) had local prodromes. The prodromes of both malignant tumors and metastatic tumors were more than benign tumors. Twenty cases experienced misdiagnosis with average delay time of 12 weeks. ConclusionMinor injury forces and local prodromes are clinical key features of pathological fractures. Both of them are key points of avoiding misdiagnosis.

The female sex is traditionally considered a favorable prognostic factor for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, no particular study has reported this phenomenon. To explore the prognostic impact of gender on patients with NPC after definitive radiotherapy, we reviewed the clinical data of 2063 consecutive patients treated between 1st January 2000 and 31st December 2003 in the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center. The median follow-up for the whole series was 81 months. The female and male patients with early stage disease comprised 49.4% and 28.1% of the patient population, respectively. Both the 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) rates of female patients were significantly higher than those of male patients (OS: 79% vs. 69%, P < 0.001; DSS: 81% vs. 70%, P < 0.001). For patients with locoregionally advanced NPC, the 5-year OS and DSS rates of female vs. male patients were 74% vs. 63% (P < 0.001) and 76% vs. 64%, respectively (P < 0.001). A multivariate analysis showed that gender, age, and TNM stage were independent prognostic factors for the 5-year OS and DSS of NPC patients. The favorable prognosis of female patients is not only attributed to the early diagnosis and treatment but might also be attributed to some intrinsic factors of female patients.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Child ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; Neoplasm Staging ; Prognosis ; Radiotherapy, High-Energy ; Sex Factors ; Survival Rate ; Young Adult

BACKGROUNDCalcium phosphate cement (CPC) is a favorable bone-graft substitute, with excellent biocompatibility and osteoconductivity. However, its reduced osteoinductive ability may limit the utility of CPC. To increase its osteoinductive potential, this study aimed to prepare tissue-engineered CPC and evaluate its use in the repair of bone defects. The fate of transplanted seed cells in vivo was observed at the same time.

METHODSTissue-engineered CPC was prepared by seeding CPC with encapsulated bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) expressing recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) and green fluorescent protein (GFP). Tissue-engineered CPC and pure CPC were implanted into rabbit femoral condyle bone defects respectively. Twelve weeks later, radiographs, morphological observations, histomorphometrical evaluations, and in vivo tracing were performed.

RESULTSThe radiographs revealed better absorption and faster new bone formation for tissue-engineered CPC than pure CPC. Morphological and histomorphometrical evaluations indicated that tissue-engineered CPC separated into numerous small blocks, with active absorption and reconstruction noted, whereas the residual CPC area was larger in the group treated with pure CPC. In the tissue-engineered CPC group, in vivo tracing revealed numerous cells expressing both GFP and rhBMP-2 that were distributed in the medullar cavity and on the surface of bony trabeculae.

CONCLUSIONTissue-engineered CPC can effectively repair bone defects, with allogenic seeded cells able to grow and differentiate in vivo after transplantation.

Animals ; Bone Cements ; chemistry ; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 ; Calcium Phosphates ; chemistry ; Cells, Cultured ; Femur ; surgery ; Rabbits ; Recombinant Proteins ; Tissue Engineering ; methods ; Transforming Growth Factor beta

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase(PARP)inhibitor ABT888 combined with carbo on apoptosis of human breast cancer cells.

METHODSMTT was used to detect the cell viability of MDA-MB-435s cells after treatment of carbo and ABT888 with different concentration. FACS and Western-blotting were used to detect the cell apoptosis rate and apoptosis-related protein expression, respectively.

RESULTSCombined application of carbo and ABT888 significantly inhibited the proliferation of MDA-MB-435s cells, and the inhibition rates were significantly higher than that of carbo or ABT888 alone. The combination of carbo and ABT888 markedly induced cell apoptosis(26.3%±1.5%) more than carbo(18.6%±1.6%, P<0.01) and ABT888(14.7%±2.3%, P<0.01) alone. Combination of carbo and ABT888 significantly down-regulated the expression of anti-apoptosis factors Bcl-2 and up-regulated the pro-apoptosis proteins Bax and cleaved caspase-3.

CONCLUSIONThe combination of carbo and ABT888 can suppress the proliferation and induce apoptosis of human breast cancer DA-MB-435s cells.

Apoptosis ; Benzimidazoles ; pharmacology ; Breast Neoplasms ; pathology ; Carboplatin ; pharmacology ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Cell Line, Tumor ; drug effects ; Cell Survival ; Humans ; Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; metabolism ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; metabolism

Purpose To study the expression of biomolecules of PI3K-AKT signaling pathway including CD44,TRIM24,TAGLN-2,ER and PR in breast invasive ductal carcinoma,and to explore their clinicopathologic significance.Methods The expression of CD44,TRIM24,TAGLN-2,ER and PR in 73 cases of breast invasive ductal carcinoma were detected by immunohistochemist~ (IHC) technology.And the relationship between the expression of these biomarkers and the age of patients,tumor size,histological grade,lymph node metastasis was analyzed.Besides,the influence of these biomarkers on prognosis and the relationship between the expression of these biomarkers were also analyzed.Results There was no significant relationship between the expression of these biomarkers and the age of patients,tumor size,histological grade,lymph node metastasis.CD44 expression was positively conelated with TAGLN-2 expression (r =0.311,P =0.007),TRIM24 expression was positively correlated with TAGLN-2 expression (r =0.421,P =0.000).CD44 expression was negatively correlated with ER expression (r =-0.285,P =0.015).ER expression was positively correlated with PR expression (r =0.598,P =0.000).The postoperative 5-year cumulative survival-rate of CD44 positive group was lower than those of CD44 negative group (P =0.002),in contrast,the postoperative 5-year survival rate of ER positive group was higher than those of ER negative group (P =0.026).Conclusion Through PI3K-AKT signaling pathway,CD44 and TRIM24 may up-regulate TAGLN-2 expression,however,CD44 may down-regulate ER and PR expression.CD44 and ER may act an useful predictor for the prognosis of breast invasive ductal carcinoma.Combined detection of CD44,ER and PR may provide additional therapeutic information which may be useful in breast cancer treatment.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Dendrobium officinale granule (DOG) on symptoms, blood pressure and serum biochemical indexes of long-term-alcohol-induced hypertension rats.

METHODThe alcohol-induced hypertension rat model was established by feeding alcohol drink to normal rats (the alcohol volume fraction increases from 5% to 22%). Since the 4th week, DOG was administered for 32 weeks, once everyday. During the experiment, body weight, kinematic parameters (locomotor activities, grip strength, duration of vertigo) and blood pressures (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and mean blood pressure) were detected regularly. On the 28th and 32nd weeks, blood samples were collected to determine serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), uric acid (UA), creatinine (Cr), cholesterol (CH) and triglycerides (TG).

RESULT(1) Sign: The DOG-administered group showed reduction in the duration of vertigo and increase in appetite, body weight, locomotor activities and grip strength. (2) Blood pressure: The DOG-administered group showed significant decrease in blood pressure since the 8th week. (3) Biochemical indexes: The DOG-administered group showed notable decrease in serum ALT, AST, ALP, Cr, UA, TG level, but without significant change in TC level.

CONCLUSIONThe long-term administration of DOG can relieve alcohol-induced hypertension, while alleviating general signs, liver and kidney injuries and abnormal blood fat biochemical indexes.

Animals ; Blood Pressure ; drug effects ; Body Weight ; drug effects ; Cholesterol ; metabolism ; Dendrobium ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Ethanol ; adverse effects ; Humans ; Hypertension ; drug therapy ; etiology ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Lipid Metabolism ; drug effects ; Male ; Motor Activity ; drug effects ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Triglycerides ; metabolism

Objective To investigate effects of different de-cellularization methods on biomechanical properties and histological structure of annulus fibrosus in pigtails and provide experimental evidence for the construction of tissue engineering annulus fibrosus. Methods Sixty Fresh annulus fibrosus were dissected from caudal disks of pigs and randomly assigned to 4 groups with 15 in each group. Triton X-100 group(Group A): annulus fibrosus were treated with hypotonic Tris-HCl buffer for 48 hours and de-cellularized with Triton X-100, DNase Ⅰ and RNase A. SDS group (Group B): annulus fibrosus were subjected to 3 cycles of freeze-thaw and subsequently de-cellularized with SDS, DNaseⅠ and RNase A. Trypsin group (Group C): annulus fibrosus were de-cellularized with Tris buffer containing trypsin, DNase Ⅰ and RNase A. Control group: fresh annulus fibrosus underwent no treatment. After the de-cellularization process was completed, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was carried out to examine the efficacy on cell removal, and the ultrastructure of annulus fibrosus were observed by scanning electron microscopy. The collagen content, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content and biomechanical parameters in each group were also detected. Results HE staining and scanning electron microscopy showed that no residual cells were found in Group A, B and C. The structure of annulus fibrosus in Group A was not disturbed, while that in Group B and C was damaged severely and slightly, respectively. There was no statistical difference in collagen content among Group A, B and C, as compared to the control group (P>0.05). But the GAG content was significantly more lower in Group A, B and C than in the control group (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in ultimate load, ultimate stress, toughness, elastic modulus and mechanical work to fracture between Group A, C and control group (P>0.05), while these parameters of Group B were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusions The Triton X-100-treated annulus fibrosus retained the major extracellular matrix composition after cell removal and preserved the major structure and mechanical strength, which is preferable for the construction of tissue engineering annulus fibrosus.

Objective:To observe the effect of Shuangyu Tiaozhi decoction on B-type scavenger receptor （SRB1）/cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase protein （CYP7A1）/farnesol X receptor （FXR） signaling pathway in liver of hypercholesterolemic rats， and its mechanism in reducing blood lipid. Method:Among 40 SD rats， 8 were randomly selected as normal group， and the remaining 32 were successfully established as hypercholesterolemic model， and randomly divided into 4 groups： model group， low and high-dose Shuangyu Tiaozhi decoction groups （7.8， 15.6 g·kg^-1）， and simvastatin group （4 mg·kg^-1）， with 8 rats in each group. The drugs were continuously given for 8 weeks. Serum total cholesterol （TC）， triglyceride （TG） and liver TC，free cholesterol （FC） and total bile acid （TBA） were measured. The pathomorphological changes in liver were observed by Hematoxylin and eosin （HE） Staining. The mRNA and protein expressions of SRB1， CYP7A1 and FXR were determined by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） and Western blot. The immunohistochemistry was used to detect CYP7A1 and FXR expressions in liver. Result:Compared with the normal group， TC， TG， FC levels in the model group were significantly increased， while the TBA level was markedly decreased， the morphology showed obvious liver steatosis， and significant declines in expressions of SRB1， CYP7A1， FXR were observed by Real-time PCR， Western blot and immunohistochemistry assays （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the levels of TC，TG，FC in each treatment group were reduced significantly， and the TBA level was increased markedly， the liver steatosis decreased significantly， the results of Real-time PCR， Western blot and immunohistochemistry assays showed significant increase in the expressions of SRB1， CYP7A1， FXR （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The therapeutic effect of high-dose Shuangyu Tiaozhi decoction group was more remarkable than that in low-dose Shuangyu Tiaozhi Decoction group （P<0.05）， with no obvious difference compared with simvastatin group. Conclusion:Shuangyu Tiaozhi decoction can promote hepatic RCT and synthesize bile acid by up-regulating SRB1/CYP7A1/FXR signaling pathway， so as to reduce the blood lipid levels and improve hepatic lipid metabolism of hypercholesterolemic rats.

Subjective cognitive decline(SCD),a clinical condition in the early stage of Alzheimer's disease,manifests as a continuous decrease in the individual's self-conscious cognitive function but with normal objective cognitive indicators. Research on SCD helps to identify individuals at high risk of senile dementia and explore the effective prevention and intervention strategies. This article reviews the recent research advances in SCD,with an attempt to provide evidence for early intervention in patients with SCD.
Alzheimer Disease ; Cognition ; Cognitive Dysfunction ; Humans

Objective: To study the dosage regimen of oral M-receptor blocker following transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for severe benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) with predominant urine storage period symptoms (USPSs) and its clinical effect. METHODS: Severe BPH patients with predominant USPSs received oral tolterodine (2 mg q12d or 4 mg qd) 6 hours after TURP for 4 weeks. The medication continued for another 2 weeks in case of recurrence of USPSs or until the 12th week in case of repeated recurrence. Before and at 1, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after TURP, we analyzed the International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL) score, maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), and postvoid residual volume (PVR) of the patients. RESULTS: Complete clinical data were collected from 106 cases, of which 33 achieved successful drug withdrawal with no aggravation of USPSs at 4 weeks after TURP, 51 at 6－8 weeks, 13 at 10－12 weeks, and 9 needed medication after 12 weeks. Before and at 1, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after TURP, the total IPSSs were 25.33 ± 3.45, 19.33 ± 3.62, 11.56 ± 2.45, 8.38 ± 2.0 and 7.74 ± 1.87, those in the urine storage period were 11.97 ± 1.53, 10.76 ± 1.82, 6.16 ± 1.22, 4.08 ± 1.19 and 3.91 ± 1.15, those at urine voiding were 9.80 ± 1.60, 5.59 ± 1.45, 3.40 ± 0.92, 2.85 ± 0.71, and 2.61 ± 0.67, and the QoL scores were 4.70 ± 0.78, 3.92 ± 0.75, 2.55 ± 0.74, 1.83 ± 0.72 and 1.66 ± 0.75, respectively, with statistically significant differences between the baseline and the scores at 1 and 4 weeks (P <0.01) but not at 8 or 12 weeks (P >0.05). Qmax and PVR were improved progressively and significantly at 1 and 4 weeks (P <0.01) but not at 8 or 12 weeks (P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS Four to eight weeks of oral administration of M-receptor blocker may be an effective dosage regimen for severe BPH with predominant USPSs after TURP.
Administration, Oral ; Clinical Protocols ; Drug Administration Schedule ; Humans ; Male ; Muscarinic Antagonists ; administration & dosage ; Postoperative Care ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; drug therapy ; surgery ; Quality of Life ; Recurrence ; Tolterodine Tartrate ; administration & dosage ; Transurethral Resection of Prostate ; Treatment Outcome ; Urination ; Urological Agents ; administration & dosage