OBJECTIVETo observe preliminary efficacy of decompressive unilateral improved transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) for the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases.

METHODSFrom August 2009 to December 2011, 28 patients with lumbar degenerative diseases were treated by decompressive unilateral improved TLIF,including 16 males and 12 females with an average of 61 (aged 46 to 71) years old,the courses of disease ranged from 6 months to 6 years. Among them, 20 cases suffered from lumbar spinal stenosis, 8 cases were lumbar disc herniation. Decompressive range included single segment in 24 cases,and double segments in 4 cases; 15 cases were performed operation on the left side, 13 cases on the right side. JOA lower back pain scoring system (29 points) were applied for evaluate preoperative and postoperative symptoms, physical signs and sphincteral functions;Visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to evaluate preoperative and postoperative low back pain.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up 6 to 28 (mean 14) months. Postoperative JOA score and VAS score were 17.9 +/- 2.2, 2.8 +/- 0.7 respectively,and preoperative JOA score and VAS score were 8.5 +/- 1.7, 8.6 +/- 1.2, respectively. There were significant meaning in JOA and VAS scores before and after operation (P < 0.05). Twenty-eight patients were all obtained intervertebral synostosis.

CONCLUSIONDecompressive unilateral improved TLIF for treatment of unilateral radicular lumbar spinal stenosis and lumbar disc herniation,which has advantages of minimally invasive,curative effects,decrease medical costs,is worthy spreading in clinical.

Adult ; Aged ; Decompression, Surgical ; Female ; Humans ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Spinal Diseases ; surgery ; Spinal Fusion ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To investigate the feasibility and efficacy of iliofemoral endovascular therapy for the treatment of chronic ischemia of lower extremities due to arterial atherosclerosis. Methods During the period of September 2005-January 2009 percutaneous endovascular angioplasty and stent implantation were performed in 15 consecutive patients with CTA-proved chronic occlusive iliofemoral artery disease. The patients included 11 males and 4 females with a mean age of (72.1 ± 5.9) years (ranged from 61 to 82 years). Before the procedure, all patients underwent clinical and imaging assessments, including Fontaine classification, ankle-brachial pressure index (ABI), and lower limb computed tomography angiography (CTA). According to the length, morphology and location of the occlusive segment, different types of stents were employed together with pereutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) to treat the occluded lilac or superficial femoral artery. At the end of the procedure, distal angiogram was performed to assess the success of the procedure and to exclude thromboembolism or dissection complications. After PTA, the residual stenosis < 30% and/or pressure gradient < 10 mmHg were defined as technical success. Clinical success was identified when patient's clinical symptoms were improved by one or more grade according to Fontaine classification. Results Technical success was totally achieved in all patients with no occurrence of complication. Recanalization of the occluded artery was performed preferably by retrograde ipsilateral femoral artery approach in 5 patients and by contralateral access using the crossover aorta technique in 10 patients. PTA was performed in all patients after stent release to open the occluded vessel to its normal diameter. The mean length of the lilac arterial segment covered with 8 stents was (7.6 ± 1.4) cm (ranged from 6 cm to 10 cm). The mean diameter ± SD of the iliac stents was 9.5 mm ± 1.4 mm (ranged from 8 mm to 12 mm). The mean length of 5 superficial artery implanted stents was (4.5 ± 1.1) cm (ranged from 4 cm to 6 cm). The mean ABI before treatment and six months after treatment was 0.64 (range 0.41 to 0.89) and 0.76 (range 0.50 to 0.95), respectively. The difference in ABI between pre-interventional and post-interventional procedure was statistically significant (t = -4.64, P < 0.01). Clinical improvements according to Fontaine classification were obtained in all patients, in whom technical success was achieved (100%). Conclusion Endovascular interventional procedure is a safe and effective treatment for iliofemoral arterial occlusive disease due to arterial atherosclerosis. PTA combined with subsequent stent implantation can well improve the patient's quality of life as well as the hemodynamics of lower extremities, which is very important for preserving the diseased limb for a long period of time.

Objective:To observe preliminary efficacy of decompressive unilateral improved transforaminal lumbar inter-body fusion(TLIF) for the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases. Methods:From August 2009 to December 2011,28 pa-tients with lumbar degenerative diseases were treated by decompressive unilateral improved TLIF ,including 16 males and 12 females with an average of 61 (aged 46 to 71) years old,the courses of disease ranged from 6 months to 6 years. Among them , 20 cases suffered from lumbar spinal stenosis ,8 cases were lumbar disc herniation. Decompressive range included single seg-ment in 24 cases,and double segments in 4 cases;15 cases were performed operation on the left side,13 cases on the right side. JOA lower back pain scoring system (29 points) were applied for evaluate preoperative and postoperative symptoms, physical signs and sphincteral functions;Visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to evaluate preoperative and postoperative low back pain. Results:All patients were followed up 6 to 28 (mean 14) months. Postoperative JOA score and VAS score were 17.9±2.2,2.8±0.7 respectively,and preoperative JOA score and VAS score were 8.5±1.7,8.6±1.2,respectively. There were significant meaning in JOA and VAS scores before and after operation (P<0.05). Twenty-eight patients were all obtained inter-vertebral synostosis. Conclusion:Decompressive unilateral improved TLIF for treatment of unilateral radicular lumbar spinal stenosis and lumbar disc herniation,which has advantages of minimally invasive,curative effects,decrease medical costs,is worthy spreading in clinical.

BACKGROUNDWe randomly sampled a healthy community to evaluate the prevalence and associated risk factors of urinary incontinence.

METHODSThe survey was performed in Fuzhou, China. Of women over twenty years of age in the city, 3.0% were randomly selected and 4684 evaluated by Bristol Female Urinary Tract Symptoms Questionnaire.

RESULTSOf the women in Fuzhou, 19.0% had urinary incontinence. The prevalence of stress incontinence, urge incontinence and mixed incontinence was 16.6% (n = 777), 10.0% (n = 468), 7.7% (n = 360) respectively. The prevalence of the three types of urinary incontinence increased significantly with age (P < 0.01). In multiple logistic models, age (OR, 1.3, 95% CI, 1.1-1.4), vaginal delivery (3.0, 1.9-4.7), parity > 2 (2.1, 1.5-2.9), hypertension (2.7, 1.4-5.6), constipation (2.6, 1.8-3.8), alcohol consumption (4.7, 1.1-20.2), episiotomy (1.7, 1.4-2.0), higher body mass index (BMI, 1.8, 1.5-2.2) and unskilled worker (0.7, 0.5-0.8) were potential risk factors for stress incontinence. Urge incontinence was associated with age (OR, 1.3, 95% CI, 0.9-1.3), menopause (1.6, 1.1-2.4), Caesarean delivery (0.2, 0.1-0.5), parity > 2 (2.6, 1.8-3.8), constipation (2.3, 1.4-3.7), foetal birthweight (1.7, 1.1-2.4), episiotomy (1.4, 1.1-1.8), higher BMI (1.5, 1.2-2.0) and unskilled worker (0.7, 0.5-0.9).

CONCLUSIONSThe prevalence of urinary incontinence and its subtypes in Chinese women is lower than that of occidental women. In China, age, vaginal delivery, parity, hypertension, constipation, alcohol consumption, episiotomy, higher BMI are potential risk factors for stress incontinence. Urge incontinence is associated with age, menopause, Caesarean delivery, parity, constipation, foetal birthweight, episiotomy, higher body mass index.

Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Body Mass Index ; China ; epidemiology ; Episiotomy ; adverse effects ; Female ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Middle Aged ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; Urinary Incontinence ; epidemiology ; etiology

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the transcriptional or posttranscriptional level. Many miRNAs are found to play a significant role in cancer development either as tumor suppressor genes or as oncogenes. Examination of tumor-specific miRNA expression profiles in diverse cancers has revealed widespread deregulation of these molecules, whose loss and overexpression respectively have diagnostic and prognostic significance. Genetic variations, mostly single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within miRNA sequences or their target sites, have been found to be associated with many kinds of cancers. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of miRNAs including their biogenesis and role in cancer development, and finally, how SNPs among miRNAs affect miRNA biogenesis and contribute to cancer.
Animals ; Binding Sites ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Genes, Tumor Suppressor ; Humans ; MicroRNAs ; genetics ; metabolism ; Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; Oncogenes ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide

Objective To report the therapeutic effect of free dursum flap lnbule grafting to repair soft tissue defects in two or three fingers result from electric bum in just one operation.Methods Seven patients with electric injuries in two or three fingers were treated by the dorsum flap (or composite flap) lohule graft- ing.The procedure is followed:after dehridement,a trifoliated flap composed of medial pedal,first dorsal met- atarsal and lateral pedal flaps or a bifoliated flap composed of first dorsal metatarsal and lateral pedal flaps was designed.The combined flap contained anterior tihial artery and dorsal pedal artery as the stem vessel for anas- tomosing with the supplying vessel.The three tributaries of dorsal pedal artery:medial tarsal artery,first dor- sal metatarsal artery and lateral tarsal artery were enntained in the three leaves respectively.They could contain extensor digitorum longus tendons and cutaneous nerves and be used to cover the skin defect of two or three fin- gers,reconstruct the flexor tendons and finger arteries and nerves at the same time.Results All the flaps were survived completely,the wounds in all fingers healed primarily,however,skin graft in two feet necrosised partly,one got to healing required wound dressing for three weeks,another required further operation of trans- ferring medial supramalleolar flap due to tendon exposure.The patients were followed up from 3 to 24 months, all the flaps were of appropriate thickness,good texture and satisfactory sensation,all the fingers recovered good function of flection and extension except two fingers existing little limitation.Conclusion Free dorsum flap lohule grafting is an ideal way to treat electric injuries of multiple fingers because it can recnnstruct the skin,tendons,blood vessels and nerves in two or three fingers in just one operation.

OBJECTIVESTo compare expressions of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins in different hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines with different metastasis potential and to screen key molecules associated with HCC metastasis and recurrence.

METHODSUsing two-dimensional electrophoresis, Western blotting and MALDI-TOF-MS/MS, we analyzed tyrosine-phosphorylated protein profiles of Hep3B, MHCC97L and MHCC97H, HCC cell lines with different metastasis potentials.

RESULTS10 spots were detected in Hep3B, 19 in MHCC97L and 17 in MHCC97H. Seventeen significantly different phosphotyrosine proteins in gel were identified by MALDI-TOF-MS/MS, including Annexin I.

CONCLUSIONThe changed expression of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins is associated with HCC metastasis and recurrence.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Neoplasm Proteins ; analysis ; Phosphotyrosine ; analysis

OBJECTIVEA comparative proteomic approach was used to identify and analyze proteins relevant to metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODSProteins extracted from 12 liver tumor tissue specimens (6 with metastases and 6 without) were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE). Comparative analyses of 2-DE protein patterns between the two groups were done using computerized image analysis. Selected proteins exhibiting statistically significant alternations were identified by mass spectrometry. Immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and RT-PCR were performed to examine the expressions of the candidate proteins.

RESULTS16 proteins including HSP27, S100A11, CK18 were identified using mass spectrometry, which were related to cell mobility, signal transduction, and energy metabolism respectively. Of these, HSP27 was found to be uniquely over-expressed in 2-DE maps of all metastatic HCCs when compared to the non-metastatic HCC tissues. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting of HCC tissues confirmed this difference while RT-PCR did not.

CONCLUSIONThere are different proteins working together that affect the metastasis of HCCs. The overexpression of HSP27 may serve as a biomarker for early detection and therapeutic targets to the metastatic phenotype of HCC. The role of HSP27 in HCC metastasis warrants further investigation.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; chemistry ; pathology ; Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; HSP27 Heat-Shock Proteins ; Heat-Shock Proteins ; analysis ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; chemistry ; pathology ; Mass Spectrometry ; Neoplasm Proteins ; analysis ; Proteome ; analysis ; S100 Proteins ; analysis

OBJECTIVETo explore the secular trend in incidence and mortality rate of gastric cancer in Tianjin and to provide evidence and reference for making prevention and control strategy for gastric cancer.

METHODSData derived from Tianjin cancer registry system were analyzed by descriptive epidemiological method and Joinpoint model. A total of 17990 gastric cancer cases reported in Tianjin from 1981 to 2002, including 12755 males and 5235 females were studied.

RESULTSThe annual percent change (APC) of crude incidence rate for males and females was -0.92% (Z = -3.85, P = 0.001) and -0.79% (Z = -2.67, P = 0.015), while the APC of standard incidence rate was -3.55% (Z = -13.52, P = 0.000) and -3.47% (Z = -12.85, P = 0.000). There was a descending trend of incidence rate in males and females above 45-years-old, however, in male under 45 years it showed an increased trend and in females it kept stable. The APC of crude mortality rate was -1.66% ( Z = -5.79, P = 0.000) for males and -1.84% (Z = -6.02,P = 0.000) for females, while the APC of standard mortality rate was -4.60% ( Z = -15.79, P = 0.000) for females and -5.36% ( Z = -8.28, P = 0.000) for males during 1989-2002. Mortality and incidence ratio also indicated a downward trend.

CONCLUSIONDespite its declining trend in Tianjin, gastric cancer still remains an important public health problem in facing of the aging society and many risk factors.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Risk Factors ; Stomach Neoplasms ; epidemiology ; mortality ; Survival Rate

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of low pre-pregnant lead exposure level on the mobilization of lead and calcium in maternal skeleton during gestation and lactation in mice.

METHODSSeventy Kunming female mice were randomly divided into the lead exposure or control groups, 36 mice were exposed to lead by drinking water (50 mg/L) and 36 mice were exposed to deionized water for 4 weeks. The levels of calcium and lead in blood and femurs were measured on the 1st, 7th and 14th days during gestation and on the 1st,10th and 21st days during lactation with atomic absorption spectrophotometry using a heated graphite atomizer or flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

RESULTSAs compared with the pre-pregnant, at the end of lactation in exposure group the levels of calcium in blood and bones significantly decreased 18.5% and 17.75%, respectively, the levels of lead in blood significantly increased 65.22% and the levels of lead in bones significantly decreased 28.45% (P < 0.05). There was a significant negative correlation between the blood lead level and the bone lead level during gestation and lactation in exposure group (r = -0.904, P < 0.01). There were significant differences of lead and calcium levels during the gestation and lactation between exposure group and control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe lead mobilization in maternal bone occurred during gestation and lactation in mice, which could be accelerated by the low pre-pregnant lead exposure.

Animals ; Bone Remodeling ; drug effects ; Bone and Bones ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Calcium ; blood ; metabolism ; Calcium, Dietary ; Female ; Lactation ; Lead ; blood ; toxicity ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred Strains ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects