Bone Neoplasms ; pathology ; Female ; Giant Cell Tumors ; pathology ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Petrous Bone ; pathology

It is critical to preventing gut-originaltel infection to attenuate bacterial and/or endotoxin translocation, maintain bacterial balance, improve gut mucosal barrier function and elevate local immunity. Probiotics beneficially affect the host by improving its intestinal microbial balance, by preventing gut mucosal barrier breakdown and bacterial translocation, by modulating immunity,and by promoting gut movements and absorption. The role and new progress of probiotics in enteral nutrition are reviewed .

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical value of ATP bioluminescence tumor chemosensitivity assay (ATP-TCA) for recurrent and refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) specimens in vitro.Methods Thirty-four freshlytaken recurrent andrefractoryNHL specimens weretestedin vitro for cancer chemosensitivity by ATP-TCA.ResultsDrug sensitivity of NHL specimens had heterogeneity.Different drugs had different tumor growth inhibition ratio in vitro.Response rate (RR) of the patients receiving chemotherapy according to in vitro assay was 82.4 ％ (28/34),complete response rate (CR) was 52.9 ％ (18/34).In DICE group RR was 60.0 ％ (18/30),CR rate was 33.3 ％ (10/30).In GDP group RR was 62.3 ％ (33/53),CR rate was 26.4 ％ (14/53).In ATP-TCA group RR was significantly higher than those in DICE and GDP groups (x2 =3.93,P =0.047; x2 =3.98,P =0.046).ConclusionThe results of ATP-TCA assay are correlated well with clinical treatment responses.The assay may be an important and useful method for individual-based chemotherapy of cancers.

Background The aspheric intraocular lenses(IOLs)can reduce ocular spherical aberration to some degree.However,the clinical effect depends more on the IOL proper alignment.It becomes more important to study the IOL position in eye,Objective This study was to analyze the position alteration of IOL after phacoemulsification combined with implantation of one-piece soft IOLs.Methods In this prospective control study,80 eyes of 40 patients with age-related cataract were enrolled.The phacoemulsification with IOL implantation was performed in all the eyes.Decentration and tilt of IOL in the nasal superior,superior temporal,inferior temporal and nasal inferior quadrants(the intersection point of the system optical axis and the IOL maximum cross plane were regarded as the ordinate origin)were measured by rotating Scheimpflug camera(Pentacam Oculus)in 3 months postoperatively under the mydriasis condition.Written informed consent was obtained from each subject prior to this trial.Results In the right eye group,the IOL decentered toward temporal in 26 eyes(65％)and infratemporal in 16 eyes(40％).IOLs tilted temporally in the horizontal plane in 37 eyes(92.5％)and tilted inferiorly in the vertical plane in 34 eyes(85.0％).In the left eye group,IOLs decentered temporally 33 eyes(82.5％)and 20 IOLs (50％)infratemporally,IOLs tilted temporally in the horizontal plane in 37 eye(92.5％)and 36 IOLs(90％)tilted inferiorly in the vertical plane.There was no statistical difference for the intercomparsion of horizontal/vertical decentration in various quadrant in the right eye(F =0.221,0.792,P＞0.05).The obvious elevated horizontal decentration was found in the supertemporal and infratemporal quadrants compared with supernasal quadrant in the left eyes but there was no significant difference in the vertical decentration among 3 quadrants(F=0.576,P＞0.05).Decentrations were positively correlated with the tilt in both horizontal and vertical plane(right eye horizontal plane:r=0.374,P=0.002;right eye vertical plane:r=0.402,P=0.001 ;left eye horizontal plane:r=0.377,P=0.002；left eye vertical plane:r=0.347,P=0.002).Conclusions The one-piece soft IOLs(Adapt AO)decenter toward temporal mostly in 3 months after surgery,especially infratemporally in the eye.And the optical axis of the IOL tilt toward infratemperol mostly in both right and left eyes.The decentration and tilt are consisted in the corresponding direction between the right and left eyes.The position of the IOLs showed mirror symmetry between right and left eyes.The IOLs decentration show the positively correlation to tilt whatever in horizontal and vertical plane.

Objective To investigate the value of myocardial contrast echocardiography(MCE)combined with high-dose dobutamine stress echocardiography(DSE)in the early diagnosis of coronary artery disease(CAD).Methods The dobutamine stress MCE and SonoVue contrast infusion were performed before an elective percutaneous coronary intervention in 38 patients with suspected CAD.The total and regional perfusion were scored as normal or abnormal and attributed to the three main epicardial coronary arteries using a 16-segment left ventricular model.Results An intermediate stress level was obtained in 22(58%)patients,and 9(24%)patients were obtained with peak stress.Twenty seven of 38 patients were diagnosed as CAD by quantitative coronary angiography.A perfusion defect was detected in 89% of the patients at peak stress,compared to 37% at baseline,there was significant difference(χ2=15.565,P<0.01).ConclusionsThe MCE combined with DSE can increase the sensitivity of myocardial ischemia detection.As a new non-invasive method,MCE combined with DSE could be used in the early diagnosis of CAD.

Objective To observe the effect of different thyroid hormone level on the expression of synaptotagmin Ⅰ(Syt Ⅰ) in adult rat hippocampus. Methods All 28 adult male SD rats were assigned randomly into hypothyroid, hyperthyroid and control group, hypothyroid group was established by daily intraperitoneal injections with propylthiou raci(PTU, 10.0 mg/kg body weight) for 6 weeks and hyperthyroid group with L-Thyroxine (L-T4, 0.5 mg/kg body weight) for 3 weeks. Radioimmunity method was used to assay the levels of serum T3 and T4, immunohistochemical S-P technology to assay the levels of Syt Ⅰ protein in hippoeampus CA1, CA3 and dentate gyrus (DG). The layers analyzed in the different subfields include the polymorphic cell layer(the stratum oriens, SO), pyramidal cell layer(PCL), stratum radiatum (SR), lacunosum-molecular layer (SLM) in CA1 and CA3, granular cell layer(GL) and molecular layer(ML) in DG. Results The levels of serum T3 and T4[(0.34±0.12), (41.03± 11.37)nmol/L]in the hypothyroid rats were significantly lower than those in the control group[(0.65±0.15), (55.20±10.68)nmol/L, P < 0.01 or < 0.05], and the positive granule of Syt Ⅰ was significantly lower in PCL and SR of CA1 and CA3, GL of DG. The average optical value responsible for Syt Ⅰ immunoreactivity was obviously reduced in SO(0.048±0.007), PCL(0.299±0.035), SR(0.042±0.007), SLM(0.038±0.006) of CA1, PCL(0.085± 0.019), SR(0.040±0.011), SLM (0.038±0.006) of CA3, GL (0.076±0.019) of DG than normal controls (0.068± 0.014, 0.376±0.053, 0.053±0.008,0.056±0.009,0.118±0.026,0.052±0.010,0.053±0.009,0.099±0.015; P< 0.01 or < 0.05). Serum T3 and T4 levels [(1.43±0.30), (157.18±19.95)nmol/L]of hyperthyroid rats were significantly higher than those of control group(P < 0.01). The value was reduced in PCL(0.322±0.050), SR(0.039±0.006), SLM (0.042±0.006) of CA1, PCL(0.098±0.034), SR(0.046±0.013), SLM(0.046±0.010) of CA3 and GL(0.085± 0.024), ML (0.042±0.009) of DG (P < 0.05 or < 0.01). Conclusion Adult-onset of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can reversibly decrease the expression of Syt Ⅰ in CA1, CA3 and DG regions of hippocampus.

Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) is a potential biomarker for joint destruction associated with osteoarthritis, which is first and best investigated biomarkers to reflect osteoarthritis occurs, progress and the prognosis. In this article, multiple uses and related reports of COMP are summarized briefly to promote further investigation of COMP.
Biomarkers ; blood ; Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein ; Extracellular Matrix Proteins ; blood ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Glycoproteins ; blood ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Humans ; Matrilin Proteins ; Osteoarthritis ; blood ; diagnosis ; Prognosis

OBJECTIVETo improve the X-ray diagnosis of cervical spondylosis of vertebral artery type (VCS).

METHODSA blinded design research. The X-ray signs both 60 patients with VCS and 60 patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy were collected from January 2011 to November 2012. There were 36 males and 84 females, aged from 25 to 65 years old with an average of (48.4 ± 12.3) years old. Cervical curvature, atlanto-occipital joint angle, atlanto-axial joint angle, C2/C3 joint angle and lower cervical instability condition and segmental distribution were measured and recorded by X-rays. These data were analyzed and compared between the two groups after unblended. Combined with clinical manifestations,the X-ray imaging features of VCS were further analyzed.

RESULTSThere was significant difference in cervical curvature between two groups in anteflexion X-ray films (P < 0.05). There was significant difference in extension degree of atlanto-occipital joint angle between two groups (P < 0.01). There was significant difference in atlanto-axial joint angle between two groups in lateral X-ray films (P< 0.05). There was significant.difference in anteflexion degree of atlanto-axial joint angle between two groups (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in C2/C3 joint angle between two groups. There was no significant difference in the lower cervical instability condition and segmental distribution between two groups. In VCS group, the mild and moderate dizziness was main symptom, flexion and extension activities of neck was most common cause in the dizziness; and always accompanied with headache; tenderness mostly concentrated in the upper cervical area.

CONCLUSIONBoth X-ray signs and clinical manifestations can prompt the abnormalities of the upper cervical structure or function in patients with VCS. Anteflexion activities of neck observed by functional position of X-ray films should be emphasized in diagnosis of VCS.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radiculopathy ; diagnostic imaging ; Radiography ; Spondylosis ; diagnostic imaging ; Vertebral Artery ; X-Rays

BACKGROUND: Currently, the materials used in clinical practice to repair cruciate ligament of knee joint contain auto-graft bone- mid 1/3 patella tendon-bone (B-T-B), auto-semitendinous muscle, gracilis muscle and allogenic tissue graft. All of them are limited to a certain degree in clinical application. Therefore, people hope to consistently develop artificial ligaments to take the place of auto- and allografts. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility to construct artificial biological ligament (ABL) by applying a novel biochemical technique using porcine tendon as the raw material. DESIGN: Research of new biological material. SETTING: Department of Orthopedics, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. MATERIALS: Adult pigs of either gender were provided by the Animal Center of Sun Yat-sen University. Scanning electron microscope (SEM, S-520) was provided by Hitachi, Japan, and micro-controlled electron tension-testing device (Model LWK-10B) by Guangzhou Experimental Devices Factory. METHODS: The experiment was performed at the Animal Center of Sun Yat-sen University from January 2004 to June 2005. ABL was established by means of treating porcine tendon with epoxy cross-linking fixation, diversified antigen minimization process, mechanic enhancement modification and surface activating process. Under aseptic condition, a 6-month-old goat's bone marrow was abstracted, and then the bone marrow matrix stem cells were cultured in ABL stent for 3 weeks. Scanning electron microscope was used to observe structure and compatibility of artificial ligament, and mechanics test was used to analyze biomechanics characteristics of ABL. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Structural features, cell compatibility and biomechanics characteristics of ABL.RESULTS: ① Structural features of ABL: The appearance of ABL was similar to that of the normal human ligament. Histological examination showed that the ABL was collagen fibers with no cells. Electron microscope examination revealed that the ABL was composed of hair-looking and fiber-like objects running uniformly in a certain direction and closely parallel-arranged. ② Cell compatibility: Three weeks after xenogenic marrow matrix cells were cultured on the surface of the ABL, it was noted that cells adhered and the matrix secreted by the cells precipitated around the cells. There were no cells found inside the ABL. ③ Mechanical strength of the ligament: The average diameter of ABL was 5 mm and the mechanical test at a speed of 100 mm/min showed that its averaged tensile limit was 927.19 N and the tension-resistant strength was 47.22 N/mm those were close to the corresponding parameters of the normal goat's ACL. The normal goat's ACL was 5 mm. The greatest tensile load was 807.50 N and the tension-resistant strength was 41.13 N/mm.CONCLUSION:As we used the unique biochemical technique and minimized the xenogenic protein immunogenicity of the porcine tendon, ABL has acceptable biomechanical properties and superior biocompatibility. As a substitute of the ligament in the reconstruction of the ACL, ABL has a promising prospect in clinical applications.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of computed tomography ( CT ) and diffusion?weighted magnetic resonance imaging ( DWMRI ) in the diagnosis of regional lymph node metastasis in thoracic carcinoma, and to figure out the methods and thresholds for delineation of lymph nodes with higher reasonability and accuracy. Methods A total of 43 patients with thoracic carcinoma, including 35 patients with esophageal cancer and 8 patients with non?small cell lung cancer, were enrolled as subjects from 2012 to 2013. All patients received abdominal CT scan and DWMRI examination one week before surgery, and regional lymph node metastasis was diagnosed based on the images of CT scan or DWMRI. With the postoperative pathology as the gold standard, the diagnostic efficacy was evaluated and compared between the two methods. The two sets of obtained images were analyzed using the χ2?test. Results The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and Youden’ s index of CT versus DWMRI in the diagnosis of regional lymph node metastasis were 57?1% vs. 60?0%, 96?3% vs. 98?9%, 93?8% vs. 96?5%, 50?0% vs. 77?8%, 97?2% vs. 97?4%, and 53?4% vs. 58?9%, respectively;the specificity, accuracy, and positive predictive value of DWMRI were significantly superior to those of CT ( P=0?005,0?038,0?022) . Twenty out of forty lymph nodes diagnosed by CT scan were false positive, and 15( 75%) of them could be corrected by DWMRI. Fifteen out of forty lymph nodes diagnosed by CT scan were false negative, and 3 ( 20%) of them could be recognized by DWMRI. In all 35 metastatic lymph nodes, 5 lymph nodes had no apparent swelling on images, and 13(43?3%) out of the other 30 lymph nodes had a short diameter less than 1?0 cm. Conclusions CT scan has apparent limitation in the diagnosis of regional lymph node metastasis. Many metastatic lymph nodes would be missed if a short diameter not less than 1? 0 cm is the only standard for target volume delineation . With superior specificity , accuracy , and positive predictive value to CT in the diagnosis of regional lymph node metastasis, DWMRI can effectively rule out non?cancerous intumescent lymph nodes and recognize some of small metastatic lymph nodes.