Adrenomedullin ; metabolism ; Child ; Endothelin-1 ; metabolism ; Female ; Heart Defects, Congenital ; complications ; Humans ; Hypertension ; metabolism ; Hypertension, Pulmonary ; metabolism ; Male ; Nitric Oxide ; metabolism

Objective To explore feasibility and therapeutic effect of posterior decompression by vertebral body resection, interbody bone fusion and transpedicular screw internal fixation in treatment of severe rotational throracolumar fracture and dislocation. Methods From October 2007 to July 2008, nine patients with severe rotational throracolumar fracture and dislocation classified as AO C types under-went decompression by vertebral boby resection, intervertebral bone fusion and transpedicular screw inter-nal fixation via a posterior midline small incision. There were eight males and one female, at age range from 23 to 54 years. All patients involved levels at T_(11)-L_2. According to AO classification, there were three patients with type C1 bursting fractures with rotational dislocation, five with distraction fracture com-bined with rotational dislocation and one with rotational distraction shear fracture/dislocation. The preop-erative Frankel Grading was Grade A in three patients, Grade B in one, Grade C in four and Grade D in one. Postoperative neurological status, the correction and loss of dislocation and the location and union of bone graft were reviewed. Results All patients received successful operation, with operation time of 3.5-5.8 hours (mean 4.4 hours), blood loss of 1 200-3 500 ml (mean 1 800 ml). The follow- up period in nine patients was 3-12 months (mean seven months). Postoperative X-ray photographs showed that the dislocation in all patients was reduced, the spine curvature was recovered to normal and the intervertebral bone graft was well fixed. Three patients at Frankel Grade A had no improvement, one at Grade B was improved to Grade C. Of four patients at Grade C, three patients were improved to Grade D. The follow-up showed bony fusion in all patients, with no loosening, dislocation or breakage of the internal fixation or implants. Conclusions For severe rotational throracolumar fracture and dislocation, decompression, reduction, fusion and fixation are rather difficult, while sufficient posterior decompression by vertebral body resection, rigid interbody bone fusion and transpadicular screw internal fixation can be an effective alternative measure.

Objective To evaluated the application value of two kinds of mass spectrometer(MS)and Vitek MS system in the i-dentification of routinely isolated bacteria in clinic.Methods 149 strains of common bacteria(including 14 genera and 30 species)i-solated from blood,urine,cerebral spinal fluid,secretion and sputum samples in our hospital from March 2012 to January 2013 were collected and simultaneously identified by 2 kinds of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometer (MALD-TOF-MS).The identification results were compared with those identified by the conventional biochemical identification (Vitek2 compact).The strains with the inconsistent results identified by 3 kinds of method were confirmed by 16S rDNA gene se-quencing.Results Among 149 common bacteria,the correct identification rates of genus and species by the Bruker Biotyper MS were 98% and 96% respectively and which by the Vitek MS system were 97% and 95% respectively.There were no misidentified bacterial strains by these two kinds of MS.Conclusion No statistical difference in the identification results was observed between these two kinds of MS system(P >0.05).Both exhibit excellent identification level and are suitable for the routine laboratory iden-tification of clinical microorganism.

BACKGROUNDOlder subjects tend to have smaller ocular anterior segment. The present study aimed to measure anterior segment dimensions with optical coherence tomography (OCT) and quantitatively assess the effect of age and other factors.

METHODSAnterior segment OCT images were obtained in normal subjects residing in the greater Los Angeles area. Four line scans were acquired at the 90°, 45°, 0° and 135° meridians of each eye. Computer calipers acquired anterior segment dimensions of corneal diameter, anterior chamber width, corneal vault and anterior chamber depth on OCT images. Measurements from 4 meridians were averaged. Axial length and corneal power were measured by partial coherence interferometry. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess correlations.

RESULTSSixty-six eyes of 33 normal subjects (aged 22 - 65 years, 19 Asians, 14 Caucasians) were enrolled. For every 1 year of age, corneal diameter was 0.033 mm narrower (P < 0.01), anterior chamber width was 0.031 mm narrower (P < 0.01), corneal vault was 0.016 mm lower (P < 0.01), and anterior chamber depth was 0.025 mm lower (P < 0.01). Asian eyes had smaller corneal diameter (P = 0.035) and anterior chamber width (P = 0.015) compared with those of Caucasian eyes. Body height showed positive correlation with corneal diameter (0.039 mm per centimeter of height, P < 0.01) and corneal vault (0.024 mm per centimetre of height, P < 0.01). Gender did not have an independent effect on anterior segment dimensions.

CONCLUSIONSAnterior segment dimensions were smaller in older subjects. Age-related changes may affect the tolerability of long-term implants such as phakic intraocular lens.

Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Anterior Eye Segment ; anatomy & histology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; Tomography, Optical Coherence

ObjectiveTo retrospectively analyze the treatment of odontoid fractures using percutaneous and open anterior screw fixation,and compare the clinical and radiographic results of the two techniques.MethodsFrom March 2003 to May 2010,115 patients with odontoid fracture were treated with anterior screw fixation,and all patients were followed up.The mean age of the patients was 43.5 years (range,16-71).Forty-seven patients who underwent percutaneous anterior screw fixation were set as the percutaneous fixation group,including 42 cases of type Ⅱ odontoid fracture and 5 of rostral type Ⅲ fracture.Sixtyeight patients who received open anterior screw fixation were set as the open fixation group,composing of 61cases of type Ⅱ odontoid fracture and 7 of rostral type Ⅲ fracture.We compared the operative time,intraoperative blood loss,X-ray exposure time,fracture union and complications between the two groups.Results The average follow-up duration was 37.6 months with a range of 12-70 months.The gender,age,classification of odontoid fractures,time after the injuries and concomitant spinal injuries showed a similar pattern in both groups.The operating time and intra-operative blood loss in percutaneous fixation group were (40.3±9.5)min and (5.6±4.1) ml respectively,and in open fixation group were (62.9±15.3) min and (47.1±28.6) ml respectively,both of them were significantly superior in percutaneous fixation group than in open fixation group (P＜0.05).There was no statistical difference in radiation exposure time,fracture union and incidence of complication between the two groups.ConclusionComparing with open screw fixation,percutaneous anterior screw fixation is a safe and reliable procedure for treatment of type Ⅱ and rostral type Ⅲ odontoid fractures with potential advantages.

Objective To establish the reference ranges for fetal cardiac axis in the mid-second trimester and to evaluate the use of fetal cardiac axis in prenatal diagnosis.Methods 6744 unselected singleton pregnancies were enrolled from September 2008 to October 2010.Routine screening scan of second trimester and fetal echocardiography were performed at 18- 23+6 weeks gestation.Fetal cardiac axis was measured on the four-chamber view of the heart.Results The 6744 fetuses had a mean cardiac axis of (37.03 ± 6.10)°,ranging from 9.80° to 102.41°. Using above or below 95％ range of population (26.63° -49.40°) as a cut-off,there were significant difference of cardiac axis between normal group [(36.96 ± 5.91)°,P ＜0.01] and the group with heart defects [(43.12 ± 15.67)°,P ＜0.01],the group with intrathoricic anomalies or abdominal wall defect [(51.74 ± 15.97)°].ConclusionsThe reference ranges of fetal cardiac axis for local population in mid-second trimester may helpful for detecting congenital defects.Presence of an abnormal cardiac axis in the fetuses is associated with a substantial risk of congenital heart disease and/or other extra cardiac defects.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and refraction parameters in myopia. METHODS: Two thousand two hundred and seventy-four patients (4245 eyes) with different degrees of myopia were collected. Their BCVA, diopter of spherical (DS), diopter of cylinder (DC), astigmatism axis, axial length (AL) and corneal thickness were detected. The influence of those parameters on BCVA was studied and the mathematical model of the relationship between BCVA and other parameters including the age and gender of patients was established. RESULTS: The logistic regression analysis showed that there were correlations between the BCVA (y) and DS (x1), DC (x2), gender (x3), AL (x4), corneal thickness (x5), astigmatism axis (x6) and age (x7) (P<0.05): y=0.580 6-0.034 0 x1-0.046 8 x2+0.056 5 x3+0.016 5 x4+ 0.0007 x5+0.000 2 x6-0.005 8 x7. CONCLUSION For people with myopia, age, gender and corneal thickness have small effect on BCVA, while the DS, DC, AL and astigmatism axis have significant effect on BCVA. The BCVA would decline following the extension of DS, DC and AL. It is helpful to assess the vision of myopia by analyzing the refraction parameters comprehensively.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Cornea/pathology* ; Female ; Forensic Medicine/methods* ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Models, Theoretical ; Myopia/physiopathology* ; Refraction, Ocular/physiology* ; Refractometry ; Visual Acuity ; Visual Fields/physiology* ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects on chemotherapeutic sensitization of the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 in diffuse large B cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) cell lines ly1, ly8, ly10.

METHODSThe three cell lines were treated with LY294002, or doxorubicin alone or combined or sequentially respectively. Western blotting was used to detect the level of phospho-AKT after the treatment. Flow cytometry combined with annexin V-FITC assay and Brdu incorporation assay were used to analyze the alterations of cell cycle, proliferation, and apoptosis, respectively.

RESULTSLY294002 decreased the level of phospha-AKT efficiently in the three DLBCL cell lines. The ratio of S phase cells was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Sequential use of LY294002 and doxorubicin increased the ratio of apoptosis and there was significant difference between the sequential group and the other four groups (P < 0.05) at 24, 48, 72(ly1), 48, 72 (ly8) or 24 h (ly10).

CONCLUSIONLY294002 can sensitize doxorubicin-induced apoptosis and may be a potential molecular therapeutic agent targeted at AKT signaling pathway in DLBCL.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Humans ; Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt ; metabolism

Objective:To investigate the early outcome of endoscopy-assisted percutaneous non-fusion fixation of unilateral C 1 lateral mass screw and C 2 pedicle screw in treatment of type II odontoid fracture in elderly patients. Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted to analyze clinical data of 12 elderly patients with type II odontoid fracture admitted to Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from July 2016 to September 2018. There were 5 males and 7 females, aged 66-89 years [(75.2±6.7)years]. American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores for all patients were greater than 2 points. Ten patients were classified to Grade E and the other two were classified to Grade D by American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale scores. All patients underwent endoscopy-assisted percutaneous non-fusion fixation of unilateral C 1 lateral mass screw and C 2 pedicle screw. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stays, intraoperative and postoperative complications were collected. The Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores and ASIA scale scores were compared preoperatively and 6 weeks postoperatively. The visual analogue scales (VAS) were recorded preoperatively, 6 weeks, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months postoperatively. Fracture healing was followed up postoperatively. Results:Operation time was 98-169 minutes [(123.2±17.7)minutes]. Intraoperative blood loss was 20-40 ml [(30.0±7.1)ml]. Hospital stays were 6-9 days [(7.3±0.7)days]. No neurovascular injury was observed intraoperatively and postoperatively. The NDI were 8%-30%[(19.3±6.3)%] 6 weeks postoperatively, significantly lower than 19%-45%[(33.1±9.9)%] preoperatively( P<0.05). All patients' ASIA scale scores reached grade E postoperatively. The VAS constantly decreased from 6-9 points [(7.8±0.9)points] preoperatively to 1-3 points [(1.8±0.6)points] 12 months postoperatively ( P<0.05). All the patients achieved bone healing after 4-11 months [(7.3±2.1)months]. Conclusion:For type II odontoid fracture in elderly patients, endoscopy-assisted percutaneous unilateral atlantoaxial screw non-fusion fixation can relieve pain and achieve rapid recovery of neck function and bone healing.

OBJECTIVESTo retrospectively analyze the treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis using minimally invasive and open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF), and compare the clinical results of two techniques.

METHODSFrom June 2006 to May 2010, 371 patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis grade 1 and 2 were treated with TLIF, pedicle screw fixation and followed up. The mean age was 50.4 years (range, 37 - 85 years). There were 172 patients who underwent minimally invasive TLIF and percutaneous pedicle screw fixation were set as the MIS-TLIF group, 199 patients who underwent open TLIF and pedicle screw fixation were set as the OTLIF group. The operative time, blood loss, X-ray exposure time and complications were compared between the two groups. Clinical outcome was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) and the Oswestry disability index (ODI). Fusion rates were determined by using CT scan reconstruction and dynamic lumbar radiography in last fellow-up.

RESULTSThe average follow-up duration was 32.7 months with a range of 12-58 months. The gender, age, classification of spondylolisthesis and level of fusion showed a identical pattern in both groups. The mean intra-operative blood loss (310 ± 75) ml and postoperative blood loss (38 ± 13) ml in MIS-TLIF group were significantly superior to the intra-operative blood loss (623 ± 156) ml and postoperative blood loss (184 ± 72) ml in OTLIF group (t = 2.836 and 3.274, P < 0.01). Comparing with the OTLIF group (20 ± 10) s, the MIS-TLIF group had a significantly longer radiation time (51 ± 19) s (t = 2.738, P < 0.01). There was no statistical difference in operating time, lower back pain VAS scores, ODI scores and incidence of complication between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONSComparing with open TLIF, minimally invasive TLIF is a safe and reliable procedure for treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis grade 1 and 2 with potential advantages.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Fusion ; methods ; Spondylolisthesis ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome