Adult ; Aged ; Apoptosis ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nitric Oxide ; metabolism ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II ; metabolism ; Pressure Ulcer ; metabolism ; pathology ; Skin ; metabolism ; pathology ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 ; metabolism

Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Membrane ; metabolism ; Cell Nucleus ; metabolism ; Cytoplasm ; metabolism ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Signal Transduction ; TCF Transcription Factors ; metabolism ; Transcription Factor 7-Like 2 Protein ; Wnt Proteins ; physiology ; beta Catenin ; metabolism

Throughout the twenty-first century, robotic surgery has been used in multiple oral surgical procedures for the treatment of head and neck tumors and non-malignant diseases. With the assistance of robotic surgical systems, maxillofacial surgery is performed with less blood loss, fewer complications, shorter hospitalization and better cosmetic results than standard open surgery. However, the application of robotic surgery techniques to the treatment of head and neck diseases remains in an experimental stage, and the long-lasting effects on surgical morbidity, oncologic control and quality of life are yet to be established. More well-designed studies are needed before this approach can be recommended as a standard treatment paradigm. Nonetheless, robotic surgical systems will inevitably be extended to maxillofacial surgery. This article reviews the current clinical applications of robotic surgery in the head and neck region and highlights the benefits and limitations of current robotic surgical systems.

objecfive To know and compare the intelligence level of children born in different time periods in regions with iodine deficiency disorders(IDD)in Liaoning province.Methods All 7-14 year-old children from ten schools were chosen as the subjects respectively from six villages in each of the six counties and in regions with iodine deficiency,who were respectively born at the initialization of iodinated salt supplying period(1978-1980);non-iodinated salt supplying period(1981-1990);recovery of supplied iodized salt period(1991-1995);universal iodized salt period(1996-2000),respectively.Intelligence quotient(IQ)was measured by Combined Ravens Test in China(CRT-C)and Combined Ravens Test-the Rural,in China,2nd edition(CRT-RC2).Results IQ of children during the non-iodized salt period(91.9±14.3)was significantly lower than the initial supply of iodized salt period(95.8±14.6,q=8.60,P<0.01),recovery of supplied iodized salt period(99.7±14.7)was significantly higher than the initial supply of iodized salt period, non-iodized salt sales period(q = 9.53, 18.13, all P < 0.01 ),universal salt iodization( 104.3 ± 14.9) was significantly higher than the initial supply of iodized salt period, non-iodized salt sales period, recovery of supplied salt iodization(q = 20.00,28.00,10.46, all P < 0.01). Children's rate of mental retardation (IQ≤69) was higher in non-iodinated salt supplying period (6.7%, 88/1314 ) than the initial supply of iodized salt (4.4%, 21/471, χ2 = 3.85, P < 0.05), recovery of supplied iodized salt period(3.3%,48/1470) was significantly lower than non-iodinzed salt supplying period (χ2 = 15.37, P < 0.01), universal salt iodization period(2.7%, 36/1344) was lower than the initial supply of iodized salt period(χ2 = 4.41, P < 0.05) and non-iodinzed salt supplying period(χ2 = 26.34, P < 0.01 ). The IQ and intelligent retarded rates in children born during the initial years of iodinated salt supplying period were not different. The IQ of the children during ten years of non-iodized salt supplying period fluctuated in a "∪" curve, while the intelligent retardation rates in a "∩" curve.The children born during the period of recovery supplied iodized salt increased their IQ and lowered the retardation rates year after year. The IQ of the children in universal iodized salt period kept on increasing while intelligent retarded rates reduced to the lowest level. Conclusions The intelligence level of children born in regions with IDD during non-iodized salt supplying period is remarkably lower than that of the beginning years of iodinated salt supplying period. The intelligence level of children born after universal iodized salt period is remarkably higher than that of the initial iodinated salt supplying period and recovery of supplied iodized salt period, respectively.

OBJECTIVEBy establishing a model of straight-leg swaddle of newborn rats and observing the experimental animals'hips morphologically and pathologically, this study explored the changes of gross appearance of the acetabulum and the maturity of cartilage cells in the different regions of acetabular cartilage complex.

METHODSThe legs and hips were fixed by adhesive tape for 10 days in the position of hip extension and adduction in 31 newborn Wistar rats (experimental group). The other 31 newborn rats without legs and hips treatment were used as the control group. After 10 days raising in the same condition, all the rats were sacrificed. The gross appearance, histological observations and VEGF and type X collagen immunohistochemistry were used for examining the acetabulum changes.

RESULTSA straight leg swaddle model of newborn rats was established successfully. In the experimental group the acetabulum became shallow and small and surrounded by more soft tissues. There were 49 dislocated hips (49/54) in the experimental group and 2 hips dislocated (2/60) in the control group (p<0.01). Fake acetabulum appeared in the experimental group. In the control group, the shape of the acetabulum was normol, and no fake acetabulum was found. The safranin O-fast green staining showed that the orange-red cartilage in the experimental group was wider than the control group. Immunohistochemistry observations showed VEGF and type X collagen immunoreactivities in the hypertrophic layer of the acetabular cartilage complex in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group. The percentages of VEGF positive and type X collagen positive cells in the iliac hypertrophic layer of the acetabular articular cartilage were significantly higher than those in the ischiadic ramus and the pubic branch in the experimental group.

CONCLUSIONSVEGF and type X collagen immunoreactivities in acetabular cartilage cells decrease in a straight-leg swaddle model of newborn rats. This suggests that this position might lead to dysmaturity of the acetabular cartilage cells and affect the development of the acetabulum.

Acetabulum ; growth & development ; pathology ; Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Bone Development ; Cartilage ; growth & development ; pathology ; Collagen Type X ; analysis ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Hip Dislocation, Congenital ; metabolism ; pathology ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; analysis

OBJECTIVETo study the mechanism of scalp penetration acupuncture treating acute cerebral hemorrhage (ACH).

METHODSThe treatment group (n = 30) and the control group (n = 30) were treated with the same basic therapy, but scalp penetration acupuncture was added to the treatment group. Changes of plasma ET and CGRP contents were compared.

RESULTSAfter treatment for 14 days, the content of plasma ET in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.01). Moreover, the content of plasma CGRP was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONScalp penetration acupuncture is able to improve the prognosis of the patient with ACH by means of regulating the contents of plasma ET and CGRP.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Calcitonin ; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide ; Cerebral Hemorrhage ; therapy ; Endothelins ; blood ; Humans ; Scalp

OBJECTIVEThe impact of dendritic cells (DCs) and regulatory T cells (Tr) on the pathogenesis of asthma have been investigated over the past decades. As the professional antigen presenting cells, DCs not only prime immune response directing Th0 cells toward different T subtypes but also induce immune tolerance. As an immunoregulator, Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) has potential to be applied in allergic diseases such as asthma for prevention. Previous study showed that neonatal BCG vaccination could induce Th1/Tr1 development in mice in vivo. To further identify the mechanism of neonatal BCG vaccination on T cell subsets differentiation, the present study was designed to investigate the impact of BCG vaccination on splenic DCs development in neonatal mice.

METHODSNeonatal specific pathogen free (SPF) BALB/c mice (2-3 days) were divided into intraperitoneal BCG-treated group, subcutaneous BCG-treated group and control group; simultaneously adult SPF BALB/c mice (6-8 weeks) were divided into intraperitoneal BCG-treated and control group. The BCG-treated mice were inoculated with 1 x 10(5) CFU BCG, the mice in control group were not inoculated with any vaccine. Four weeks post BCG vaccination, spleen cells were isolated. With flow cytometry, subtype and maturity of splenic DCs were analysed. Moreover, cells were further separated into mononuclear cell by Ficoll solution. The mononuclear cells were stimulated by 1 microg/ml lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 18 or 10(5) CFU /ml BCG for 48 hours at 37 degrees C in a humidified atmosphere containing 5% CO2 and cytokines concentration was detected by ELISA.

RESULTS(1) CD11c(+) CD8alpha(+) and CD11c(+) CD8alpha(-) DCs were found in spleen cells of the BALB/c mice. In comparison with the control group, the percent of CD11c(+) CD8alpha(-) DCs in intraperitoneal BCG group significantly declined (P < 0.01) and that of CD11c(+) CD8alpha(+) DCs significantly increased (P < 0.01), there were no significant difference in DC subtypes between intraperitoneal and subcutaneous BCG-vaccinated mice. In contrast, the percent of CD11c(+) CD8alpha(-)DCs markedly increased (P < 0.01) and that of CD11c(+) CD8alpha(+)DCs noticeably reduced (P < 0.01) in adult BCG-vaccinated mice. The percent of CD11c(+)CD8alpha(-)DC was significantly higher and that of CD11c(+) CD8alpha(+)DC was significantly lower in adult-vaccinated BALB/c mice than that of neonatal-vaccinated ones. (2) The expression of costimulatory molecules CD40 on CD11c(+) CD8alpha(-) DCs and CD86 on CD11c(+) CD8alpha(+) DCs in neonatal BCG-treated BALB/c mice was higher than the controls. There were no significant difference in expression of costimulatory molecules on DC between neonatal BCG-vaccinated mice. Compared with the control group, expression of CD40 and MHC-II molecules on CD11c(+) CD8alpha(-) and CD11c(+) CD8alpha(+)DC was significantly higher and that of CD86 was significantly lower in adult BCG-vaccinated mice. The expression of costimulatory molecules on DC had no significant difference between neonatal and adult BCG vaccinated BALB/c mice. (3) As compared with the control mice, concentration of IL-12p70 induced by LPS and IL-10 induced by BCG in vitro from spleen cells culture supernatant was noticeably elevated (P < 0.05) in neonatal BCG-treated BALB/c mice, but that of IL-6 did not change by LPS or BCG stimulation.

CONCLUSION(1) By up-regulating splenic CD8alpha(+)DCs and inducing IL-12p70 and IL-10 production in BALB/c mice, neonatal BCG vaccination promoted Th1/Tr1 development. (2) The effect of BCG vaccination on DC was different between neonates and adult BALB/c mice.

Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; BCG Vaccine ; immunology ; Cell Differentiation ; Cells, Cultured ; Dendritic Cells ; cytology ; immunology ; metabolism ; Immunophenotyping ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Spleen ; cytology ; immunology ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the feasibility of mandibular "V-Line" osteotomy combined with mandibular outer cortex osteotomy for correction of low angle-square jaw.

METHODSFrom Jul. 2005 to Nov. 2007, 31 patients with low angle-square jaw were corrected with mandibular "V-Line" osteotomy combined with mandibular outer cortex osteotomy. The patients were followed up for 6-24 months. Pre- and Post-operative standard images and X-ray cephalometric examination were used to assess the therapeutic effect.

RESULTSThe wounds were healed primarily in all the 31 cases with no severe complication. The lower labial numbness was happened in 13 cases, which was recovered within 4 months. All the patients achieved esthetic improvement at the frontal and lateral view. The mandibular angle and the mandibular plane angle reached 110 degrees - 120 degrees and 25 degrees - 30 degrees after operation. The distance between the angles was decreased.

CONCLUSIONSThe low angle-square jaw can be corrected satisfactorily with mandibular "V-Line" osteotomy combined with mandibular outer cortex osteotomy.

Adult ; Feasibility Studies ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Jaw Abnormalities ; surgery ; Mandible ; surgery ; Osteotomy ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

BACKGROUNDT cell factor-4 (TCF-4) plays an important role in development and carcinogenesis. Recently, the role of TCF-4 has been described in colon cancer and other cancers. However, whether TCF-4 plays a similar role in lung cancer is unknown. To answer this question, we studied the expression of TCF-4 protein and mRNA in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the relation of TCF-4 expression pattern to histological type and cell differentiation.

METHODSTissue samples from sixty cases of pathologically diagnosed NSCLC and eight normal tissue samples were obtained between September 2001 and March 2003. Immunohistochemistry was used to investigate the distribution of TCF-4 protein. The staining patterns of the tumors were divided into 4 categories: nuclear staining alone or nuclear staining greater than cytoplasmic staining; cytoplasmic staining or cytoplasmic staining greater than nuclear staining; equal nuclear and cytoplasmic staining; no nuclear staining or cytoplasmic staining. The integrated optical density (OD) values of all sections were analyzed by UIC MetaMorph image analysis software. The expression of TCF-4 mRNA was detected by one-step reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The integrated density values of the PCR products were analyzed semi-quantitatively.

RESULTSImmunohistochemistry showed that there was no expression of TCF-4 in normal tissue. However, TCF-4 was expressed in 86.7% (52/60) of NSCLC samples, mainly in the nuclei of tumor cells. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in TCF-4 localization patterns between squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas (P < 0.05). The integrated OD values of TCF-4 expression was significantly higher in tumors with moderate-poor cell differentiation than in well differentiated tumors (51.63 +/- 6.67 vs 46.13 +/- 12.31, P < 0.01). There was no TCF-4 mRNA expression in normal tissue. However, 63.9% (23/36) of carcinoma samples expressed TCF-4 mRNA. TCF-4 mRNA expression was significantly higher in tumors with moderate-poor cell differentiation than in well differentiated tumors (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in mRNA expression in comparison with histological type.

CONCLUSIONSThe sub-cellular distribution of TCF-4 may correlate with NSCLC histological type. High expression of TCF-4 mRNA and protein may be associated with the degree of cell differentiation in NSCLC.

Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; chemistry ; Cytoskeletal Proteins ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Lung Neoplasms ; chemistry ; Male ; Middle Aged ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; TCF Transcription Factors ; Trans-Activators ; metabolism ; Transcription Factor 7-Like 2 Protein ; Transcription Factors ; analysis ; genetics ; beta Catenin

Objective To establish and optimize a sensitive and specific quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction(PCR)method for detection of hepatitis B virus covalently closed circular DNA(HBV cccDNA)in liver tissue. Methods Specific primers and probes were designed to detect HBV DNA(tDNA)and cccDNA. A series of plasmids(3.44 × 100-3.44 × 109 copies/μl)containing a full double-stranded copies of HBV genome(genotype C)were used to establish the standard curve of real-time PCR. Liver samples of 33 patients with HBV related hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), 13 Chronic hepatitis B patients(CHB)and 10 non-HBV patients were collected to verify the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. A fraction of extracted DNA was digested with a Plasmid-Safe ATP-dependent Dnase(PSAD)for HBV cccDNA detection and the remaining was used for tDNA and β-globin detection. The amount(copies/cell)of HBV cccDNA and tDNA were measured by a real-time PCR, using β-globin housekeeping gene as a quantitation standard. Results The standard curves of real-time PCR with a linear range of 3.44 × 100 to 3.44 × 109 copies/μl were established for detecting HBV cccDNA and tDNA, and both of the lowest detection limits of HBV cccDNA and tDNA were 3.44 × 100 copies/μl. The lowest quantitation levels of HBV cccDNA in liver tissues tested in 33 HBV related HCC patients and 13 CHB patients were 0.003 copies/cell and 0.031copies/cell, respectively. HBV cccDNA and tDNA in liver tissue of 10 non-HBV patient appeared to be negative. The true positive rate was increasing through the digestion of HBV DNA by PSAD, and the analytic specificity of cccDNA detection improved by 7.24 × 102 times. Liver tissues of 2 patients were retested 5 times in the PCR for detecting cccDNA and the coefficience of variations on cycle threshold (Ct)were between 0.224%-0.609%. Conclusion A highly sensitive and specific quantitative real time PCR method for the detection of HBV cccDNA in liver tissue was established and could be used for clinical and epidemiological studies.