Objective: To investigate the expressions of HIF-1α (hypoxia inducible factor-1α) and VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) in rhabdomyosarcoma and their clinical significance. Methods: The expressions of HIF-1α and VEGF preteins in 70 cases of rhabdomyosarcoma were detected by immunohistochemistry, and the correlations of the expressions of HIF-1α and VEGF with the clinicopathological characteristics and the prognosis were analyzed. Results: The positive-expression rates of HIF-1α and VEGF in rhabdomyosarcoma tissues were 75.7% (53/70) and 72.9% (51/70), respectively. HIF-1α expression was positively correlated to VEGF expression (r = 0.554, P = 0.000). HIF-1α expression was significantly associated with the factors of gender (P = 0.035), tumor size (P = 0.016) and clinical staging (P = 0.008), but it was not associated with the age (P = 0.555), pathological type (P = 0.625) and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.750). The three-year overall survival rates of HIF-1α-negative patients and HIF-1α-positive patients were 54.5% and 38.0%, respectively (P = 0.045). VEGF expression was significantly associated with clinical stage (P = 0.026), but it was not associated with the age (P = 0.478), gender (P = 0.944), tumor size (P = 0.535), pathological type (P = 0.399) and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.356). The three-year overall survival rates of VEGF-negative patients and VEGF-positive patients were 68.1% and 31.1% (P = 0.011). COX regression model showed that the factors of VEGF expression (P = 0.005), clinical staging (P = 0.004) and tumor size (P = 0.000) were independent predictors of poor prognosis of rhabdomyosarcoma. HIF-1α could not be considered as an independent prognostic factor of rhabdomyosarcoma (P = 0.845). Conclusion: The overexpression of HIF-1α and VEGF in rhabdomyosarcoma is related to clinical staging. HIF-1α expression is associated with VEGF expression, and VEGF is an independent predictor of poor prognosis of rhabdomyosarcoma. Copyright © 2012 by TUMOR.

Objective To design a set of feasible program of data monitor based on the database's security of the "No.1 Military Medical Project" in many years of running successful operation to enhance safety audit of database.Methods The system was consisted with date's collection of active and passive for safety information,preservation of backup data,and analysis of credibility dictionaries and auditing.Results The complete processing program of network security monitor which could form alarm message and advance corresponding disposal plans was came into being and its better reliability.Conclusion By using the way,the question of the "No.1 Military Medical Project" in database monitoring is solved in network environment and ensured safe operation of database,the network security of the "No.1 Military Medical Project" system is promoted.

Objective To establish a method to compare the difference of exposure component of oral taking different part ofPueraria Lobata (Willd.) Ohwi in intestine.Methods After the incubation of puerarin,extraction Radix Puerariae and Flos Puerariae with S9,the mixtures were centrifuged to get the supernatant for analysis with HPLC.Results The research showed that the metabolic rate of puerarin was higher than that of extractions because of the concentration of enzyme.The difference between the fingerprints of Radix Puerariae and Flos Puerariae Lobata indicated that there was a difference of chemical components in such two parts of Kudzuvine Root.Conclusion The profile of intestinal metabolism can be revealed in the research of gut wall metabolism in the course of intestinal absorption by S9 incubation.

Objective To compare the safe zone and safe angles between males and females for screw placement on the medial iliosciatic plate for acetabular posterior column using 3D reconstruction technique.Methods Normal pelvic CT scans of 52 adults (27 males and 25 females;aged from 18 to 74 years,averaging 47.2 years) were obtained to create pelvic 3D models.After the acetabulum was thickened by 5 mm,the width (d) of the safe zone for placement of the medial iliosciatic plate was measured.After the vertical distance (w) between the vertex of the obturator canal and the greater sciatic notch was measured,the ratio (r) of d/w was calculated.The recombined innominatum model was cut through the center of the acetabulum with a plane perpendicular to the quadrilateral plate and the greater sciatic notch.The cross-section was marked as M.In males,4 points at distances of 1.0 cm,1.5 cm,2.0 cm and 2.5 cm anterior to the greater sciatic notch were marked.At the 4 points,the angulations (∠ a,∠b,∠ c and ∠ d) between the quadrilateral plate and the tangent line of the outer edge of the thickened acetabulum model were measured on the cross-section M.In females,3 points at distances of 1.0 cm,1.5 cm and 2.0 cm anterior to the greater sciatic notch were marked before ∠a,∠b,and ∠c were measured.The differences in the above parameters were compared between males and females.Results The width (d) of the safe zone for placement of the medial iliosciatic plate was 28.56 ±2.44 mm in males and 24.36 ±2.47 mm in females;the ratio (r) was 0.61 ± 0.07 in males and 0.54 ± 0.05 in females.The safe angulations for screw placement in males,∠ a,∠b,∠cand ∠d,were 88.04°±3.18°,77.81°±3.85°,68.01°±4.11°and56.81°±4.81° while those in females,∠a,∠b and ∠c,were 91.29°±4.52°,76.23°±3.82° and 62.79°±3.51°,respectively.There were statistically significant differences between males and females in values of d,r,∠ a and ∠ c (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions In fixation of acetabular posterior column fractures using medial iliosciatic plate,the differences between males and females should be taken into account.Besides,specific safe angles should be chosen according to the position of the plate.

Objective To summarized the experiences of endoscope used to cope with the tumor located at the dead angle during microsurgical treatment to increase the total removal rate of cholesteatoma in cerebellopontine angle (CPA). Methods We retrospectively analyzed the data of 34 patients with CPA. These patients underwent microsurgery from January 2007 to July 2009. All patients received CT and MRI on the head and brain, and were documented with cholesteatoma by surgery.Retrosigmoid approach was adopted; tumors and their capsules were separated and removed, and then the dead angles were inspected by 0-30 degree rigid neuroendoscopy to dissect the residual tumor. Another 36 patients with CAP, admitted to our hospital and performed surgery without neuroendoscopy from January 2004 to December 2006, were chosen as controls. Results Total removal was achieved in 31 patients (91.18%), and subtotal removal in 2 (5.88%). Temporal neurological damage was noted in 2 patients; no death was noted. All patients followed up for half a year to one and half a year returned to work and study. In control group, total removal was achieved in 25 patients (69.44%) and subtotal removal in 11 (30.56%); neural dysfunctions were present in 9 (25%); no patient died. Conclusion Endoscope-assisted microsurgery can decrease the tumor recurrence by exposing the remnant tumor in the death angle and increasing the total removal rate.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the change of gastric cancer cell proliferation and the expression of gastric cancer related gene 213 (GCRG213), a long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE-1) endonuclease variant, during hypoxia.

METHODSNormal gastric mucosa cell GES-1 and gastric cancer cell BGC-823 were cultured in 20% or 3% oxygen concentrations, respectively. MTT test was used to analyze the proliferation of the GES-1 and BGC-823 cells. The change of GCRG213 mRNA and protein expression in GES-1 and BGC-823 cells was detected by using RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Blast was used at the NCBI Blast server to identify GCRG213 sequence to any alignment in the GeneBank databases.

RESULTSCompared with 20% oxygen condition, 3% oxygen concentration could promote cell growth. Mean-while, the expression of GCRG213 at mRNA and protein levels was increased. GCRG213 sequence shared high homology with LINE-1 endonuclease sequence.

CONCLUSIONGCRG213 is a variant of LINE-1 endonuclease. Hypoxia as in 3% oxygen condition can promote cell proliferation and lead to GCRG213 overexpression.

Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Cells, Cultured ; Deoxyribonuclease I ; genetics ; Gastric Mucosa ; cytology ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Hypoxia ; Peptide Hormones ; genetics ; Stomach Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology

BACKGROUNDApoptosis is involved in the adaptive responses of bone to mechanical loading. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of tensile forces on osteoblast apoptosis and the related mechanism by analyzing the expression of caspases, Bcl-2, and Bax.

METHODSPrimary osteoblasts were harvested from neonatal rat calvaria and were subjected to cyclic tensile forces for 72 hours using Flexcell 4000 strain unit in Minimum Essential Medium (MEM) with 10% fetal calf serum (FCS) or with serum deprivation. Apoptosis was tested by flow cytometry using annexin V/PI staining. Caspase-3 activity was analyzed via Elisa. The gene expression of caspase-8, -9, Bcl-2, and Bax was quantified by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR.

RESULTSIn 10% FCS condition, no significant difference in cell apoptosis was found between the stretched and non-stretched osteoblast cultures. Serum withdrawal resulted in higher apoptosis rate in the osteoblasts with increased caspase-3 activity, and elevated expression of caspase-9 and Bax. Six-percent elongation of stretch attenuated the cell apoptosis induced by serum starvation, concurrent with a decrease in caspase-3 activity, a decline of caspase-8 expression, and an elevation of Bcl-2 level. On the contrary, 12% elongation of stretch increased caspase-3 activity and promoted the apoptosis with an elevated expression of caspase-8 and Bax. No significant change of caspase-9 expression was identified upon force application.

CONCLUSIONSThese results suggested that tensile forces regulate cell apoptosis of primary rat osteoblasts through caspase-3 and caspase-8 signaling cascade. Light forces rescue the cells from serum deprivation-induced apoptosis by elevating Bcl-2 expression, while heavy forces promote the apoptotic insult by inducing Bax expression.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; physiology ; Caspase 8 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Caspase 9 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Caspases ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Flow Cytometry ; Osteoblasts ; cytology ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the therapeutic effect of subcutaneous tunnel hepaticoplasty on the treatment of hepatolithiasis.

METHODSThe early complications and clinical effects of 99 hepatolithiasis cases who underwent subcutaneous tunnel hepaticoplasty from January 1993 to August 2006 were analyzed retrospectively. The stones of 28 (28.3%) patients were in the left lobe, 24.2% (24/99) in the right, and 47.5% (47/99) in bilateral lobe. Sixty-six patients (66.7%) had both stones and biliary strictures. During the procedure, a portion of the liver habouring stone was resected if necessary. The hepatic duct and strictures were opened, the stones were removed, and the porta hepatis was repaired by one end of a segment of jejunum. The other end of the jejunum was set subcutaneously. The gall bladders of 27 patients (27.3%) were used as subcutaneous tunnel instead.

RESULTSNinety-five out of ninety-nine cases were followed up with an average of 4.2 years (1 month to 13.5 years). The rates of residual stone, recurrent stone and cholangitis were 23.2% (23/99), 20.0% (19/95) and 14.7% (14/95) respectively. Postoperatively, 34 cases who had residual or recurrent stones were underwent lithotomy by choledochoscope through the subcutaneous blind loop and the achievement ratio was 91.2% (31/34).

CONCLUSIONSSubcutaneous tunnel hepatocholangioplasty decreases the relapsing cholangitis effectively, and makes an easy way to take out residual or recurrent stones.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic ; pathology ; surgery ; Biliary Tract Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Cholelithiasis ; pathology ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hepatectomy ; methods ; Humans ; Liver Diseases ; pathology ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications ; etiology ; prevention & control ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and safety of argon plasma coagulation (APC) in the treatment of large airway obstruction.

METHODSTotally 389 patients with treacheobronchial stenosis were treated with APC (ARCO3000 type) by bronchoscopy. The stenoses were caused by carcinomas (203 cases, 52.2%), metastatic tumors (67 cases, 17.2%), benign tumors (18 cases, 4.6%), granulomas (93 cases, 23.9%) and other lesions (8 cases, 2.1%). The rate of recanalization, relief of the symptoms, and complications were analyzed.

RESULTS1121 times of APC treatment were performed in the 389 patients. Complete recanalization was achieved in 138 cases (35.5%), partial in 143 (36.8%), mild in 55 (14.1%) and none in 53 (13.6%). The major complications included: super-ventricular tachycardia in 136 cases (34.9%), bleeding in 51 (13.1%), decrease in blood oxygen saturation in 48 (12.3%), asphyxia in 33 (8.5%), ventricular or super-ventricular arrhythmia in 24 (6.2%), short-term aggravation of airway obstruction in 18 (4.6%), and tracheal perforation in 3 (0.78%). All those complications were treated with various measures and no patient died of the complications during the procedure.

CONCLUSIONArgon plasma coagulation is effective and relatively safe in relieving the obstruction and dyspnea in patients with large airway obstruction caused by various reasons. However, for the patients with severe airway obstruction, argon plasma coagulation sometimes may cause severe or even lethal complications. Critical consideration of the indication, operators' skill and taking more precautions during the procedure are required to ensure the safety of argon plasma coagulation treatment.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Argon ; therapeutic use ; Bronchial Diseases ; etiology ; surgery ; Bronchial Neoplasms ; complications ; Bronchoscopy ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Electrocoagulation ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Tracheal Neoplasms ; complications ; Tracheal Stenosis ; etiology ; surgery ; Young Adult

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic value of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) for pulmonary complications in patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) and its safety. Methods: Patients with pulmonary complications after allo-HSCT underwent BAL. Microbiological smears, culture, PCR of CMV-DNA, EBV-DNA and TB-DNA, macro genomes new generation sequencing (mNGS) techniques were performed to detect pathogens in BAL fluid (BALF) . Results: A total of 73 allo-HSCT patients with 86 times of pulmonary complications enrolled this prospective study. They underwent 132 times of BAL procedures. The clinical diagnoses of 88.4% cases were made based on BALF analysis. Of them, 67 cases (77.9%) had infectious pulmonary complications, including 29 cases (33.7%) of fungal infection, 18 cases (20.9%) of mixed infection, 11 cases (12.8%) of viral infection and 9 cases (10.5%) of bacterial infection. The other 9 cases (10.5%) of non-infectious pulmonary complications included 8 cases (9.3%) of idiopathic pneumonia syndrome (IPS) and 1 case (1.2%) of pulmonary infiltration of lymphoma. The diagnoses of the remaining 10 cases (11.6%) were not determined. The platelet counts of 33 patients were less than 50×10(9)/L before BAL. None of them developed severe bleeding complications during or after BAL. Transient fever occurred in 10 patients after BAL. Blood cultures showed staphylococcal bacteremia in them and anti-infection therapies were effective. No life-threatening complications occurred in all of the patients during or after BAL. Conclusion: BALF analysis was informative for the diagnosis of pulmonary complication and safe for patients with pulmonary complications after allo-HSCT.
Bronchoalveolar Lavage ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/adverse effects* ; Humans ; Pneumonia/etiology* ; Prospective Studies