BACKGROUND: Vertebroplasty (PVP) and kyphoplasty (PKP) are important methods for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures in the elderly. Although bone cement has certain liquidity and vertebral fractures are often in different situations, bone cement leakage rate is still high. OBJECTIVE: Based on the theoretical discussion and clinical analysis, to study the theoretical causes of bone cement leakage and effective prevention methods. METHODS: A total of 162 cases (186 vertebrae) were treated with three methods of vertebroplasty. Group A: 64 cases with 78 vertebrae were treated with conventional cemented vertebroplasty; Group B: 57 cases with 65 vertebrae were treated with cemented vertebroplasty using cement pump; Group C: 41 cases with 43 vertebrae were treated with balloon kyphoplasty. The leakage of bone cement was observed in three groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Of the 186 vertebrae, postoperative bone cement leakage occurred in 25 vertebrae, with the leakage rate of 13% (25/186). Group A had bone cement leakage in 11 vertebrae, and the leakage rate was 14% (11/78). Group B had bone cement leakage in 8 vertebrae, and the leakage rate was 12% (8/65). Group C had bone cement leakage in 6 vertebrae, and the leakage rate was 14% (6/43). There was no significant difference among the three groups in the leakage rate of bone cement (P > 0.05). That is to say, the causes of bone cement leakage are not completely controllable, and the leakage position has some randomness. Strict and careful imaging monitoring is an intuitive method to prevent bone cement leakage.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of organic gallium and gallium chloride on bone metabolism and their therapeutic effect against tretinoin-induced osteoporosis in rats.

METHODSRat models of osteoporosis was established with intragastric administration of tretinoin at the daily dose of 85 mg/kg for 15 days and randomized into control, organic gallium and gallium chloride groups. After administration of the corresponding treatments (none for the control group) for 4 weeks, the changes of the indices for osteoporosis were evaluated through biochemical and pathological approaches.

RESULTSTretinoin induced obvious changes in bone structure and contents of bone calcium and other elements, causing also significantly increased tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP), which suggested the development of osteoporosis. Administration of organic gallium and gallium chloride treatments increased the bone density, bone cortex thickness and the percentage of bone trabecula, and Ga, Ca, P contents in the femur and teeth, but lowered the activity of TRAP and AKP, suggesting decreased bone conversion rate. Compared with gallium chloride, organic gallium required smaller dose with better safety to produce better therapeutic effect.

CONCLUSIONOrganic gallium can be safe and effective for treatment of tretinoin-induced osteoporosis in rats.

Animals ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Female ; Femur ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Gallium ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Hemodynamics ; drug effects ; Organometallic Compounds ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Osteoporosis ; chemically induced ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Tooth ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Trace Elements ; metabolism ; Tretinoin ; pharmacology

Adult ; Aged ; Axilla ; Breast Neoplasms ; pathology ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Lymph Node Excision ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Middle Aged ; Risk Factors ; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

OBJECTIVETo study the protocol of construction of the mutation E292V and M723I of hABCA3 gene associated with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, as well as their eukaryotic green fluorescent protein expression rectors, and to examine the expression of mutation proteins in human lung carcinoma epithelial cells (A549).

METHODSSite-directed mutagenesis method based on overlap extension PCR was used to introduce mutations in the two sites which were E292V and M723I in the ABCA3. The PCR fragments were subcloned to PEGFP-C2 vectors to construct the eukaryotic green fluorescent protein expression rectors. A549 cells were transiently transfected with the recombinants using Lipofectamine 2000 and the transfection efficiency was confirmed through GFP signal. The expression and location of recombinants were detected by FV1000 laser scanning microscope.

RESULTSDirect sequence analysis confirmed an A to T transition at position 875 in E292V and a G to A transition at position 2169 in M723I. Recombinants were transfected to A549 cells and both wild type and mutant ABCA3 proteins were expressed in the cytoplasm.

CONCLUSIONSThe eukaryotic green fluorescent protein expression rectors of wild type and mutant ABCA3 gene were constructed and they were successfully expressed in A549 cells. This experiment provides a basis for subsequent research.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters ; genetics ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Green Fluorescent Proteins ; genetics ; Humans ; Mutagenesis, Site-Directed ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo establish malignant progression associated gene expression profiles in human brain glioma.

METHODSThe primary (WHO grade II), recurrent (WHO grade III) and re-recurrent (WHO grade IV) glioma specimens were sequentially collected from one single patient. Gene expression of different tumor specimens and normal brain tissue of the same patient was compared by microarrary techniques.

RESULTS197 differentially expressed genes with differential ratio > or = 3 were observed when compared with normal brain tissue. When the specimens (3 tumor, 1 normal brain) were paired with each other, 7 groups containing 489 genes (upregulated 193, downregulated 296) were observed. According to the descending frequency of the 109 genes with known function, they were the genes associated with development, metabolism, differentiation, signal transduction, DNA binding transcription, cellular receptor, immunity, ion-channel transportation, protein translation, cell backbone motion, stress, protooncogene and anti-oncogene and cell apoptosis, respectively.

CONCLUSIONFrom the 197 differentially expressed genes found in one glioma patient experiencing tumor malignant progression, 17 genes screened out by bioinformatics assay, may offer valuable information on molecular mechanisms on genesis and malignant progression of glioma.

Brain Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Glioma ; genetics ; pathology ; Humans ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis

BACKGROUNDStaphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) remains as an important microbial pathogen resulting in community and nosocomial acquired infections with significant morbidity and mortality. Few reports for S. aureus in lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) have been documented. The aim of this study was to explore the molecular epidemiology of S. aureus in LRTIs in China.

METHODSA multicenter study of the molecular epidemiology of S. aureus in LRTIs was conducted in 21 hospitals in Beijing, Shanghai and twelve other provinces from November 2007 to February 2009. All the collected S. aureus strains were classified as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), mecA gene, virulence genes Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) and γ-hemolysin (hlg), staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) type, agr type, and Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST).

RESULTSTotally, nine methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) and 29 methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains were isolated after culture from a total of 2829 sputums or bronchoalveolar lavages. The majority of MRSA strains (22/29) had a MIC value of ≥ 512 µg/ml for cefoxitin. The mecA gene acting as the conservative gene was carried by all MRSA strains. PVL genes were detected in only one S. aureus strain (2.63%, 1/38). The hlg gene was detected in almost the all S. aureus (100% in MSSA and 96.56% in MRSA strains). About 75.86% of MRSA strains carried SCCmec III. Agr type 1 was predominant (78.95%) among the identified three agr types (agr types 1, 2, and 3). Totally, ten sequence type (ST) of S. aureus strains were detected. A new sequence type (ST1445) was found besides confirming ST239 as the major sequence type (60.53%). A dendrogram generated from our own MLST database showed all the bootstrap values ≤ 50%.

CONCLUSIONOur preliminary epidemiology data show SCCmec III, ST239 and agr type 1 of S. aureus as the predominant strains in LRTIs in Mainland of China.

Alleles ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; therapeutic use ; China ; epidemiology ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; genetics ; Humans ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Prospective Studies ; Respiratory Tract Infections ; epidemiology ; Staphylococcal Infections ; epidemiology ; Staphylococcus aureus ; drug effects ; pathogenicity

OBJECTIVETo investigate infections of syphilis, neisseria gonorrhoeae, chlamydia trachomatis and the related risk factors in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Jiangsu province.

METHODSA total of 400 MSM were enrolled by Snowball Sampling Method from August to October in 2010 and then 328 cases were surveyed by a questionnaire and collected serum sample 5 ml per person as well as rectal swab on the spot; all of the serum samples were tested for syphilis by ELISA and TRUST, and all of the rectal swabs were tested for neisseria gonorrhoeae or chlamydia trachomatis. The influencing factors of syphilis, neisseria gonorrhoeae, chlamydia trachomatis were analyzed by logistic regression analysis.

RESULTSThe 328 MSM were (32.46 ± 9.72) years old, 59.15% (194/328) were unmarried.75.00% (246/328) MSM had rectal sex with men in the past 3 months, and condom use rate for recent sex was 56.71% (186/328), while 53.05% (174/328) MSM didn't have sex with women in the last 3 months. The syphilis infection rate among MSM was 13.41% (44/328), the neisseria gonorrhoeae infection rate was 3.66% (12/328), and the chlamydia trachomatis rate was 11.59% (38/328). The number of sex partners was the key factor that influenced syphilis infections (OR = 4.213, 95%CI: 1.133 - 15.656).

CONCLUSIONThe prevalence of syphilis and chlamydia trachomatis was high in MSM in Jiangsu, while risk behavior rate were high in the MSM and then should be intervened.

Adult ; China ; epidemiology ; Chlamydia Infections ; epidemiology ; Gonorrhea ; epidemiology ; Homosexuality, Male ; statistics & numerical data ; Humans ; Male ; Risk Factors ; Risk-Taking ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Syphilis ; epidemiology ; Young Adult

Objective·To explore the association between neuropeptide Y (NPY) gene polymorphism and schizophrenia in Chinese Han population. Methods·Four single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci (rs16148, rs1859290, rs16147, and rs16478 in NPY gene) were selected and genotyped by TaqMan genotyping assay in a case-control study with 678 schizophrenia cases (case group) and 685 healthy controls (control group). The allele, genotype and haplotype frequencies distribution of the SNPs between the groups were compared with SHEsis online software. Results·The distribution of genotype frequency of locus rs16478 showed a nominal statistically difference between the adult-onset schizophrenia (AOS group) and control group (χ2=6.66, P=0.036, P correction=0.144). Under recessive inherited model, the distribution of CC genotype frequency of locus rs1859290 showed statistically difference between the male schizophrenia cases and control group (P=0.012, OR=0.97, 95％CI 0.94-0.99, P correction=0.048). The distribution of haplotype CCTA (consisted of rs16148, rs1859290, rs16147, and rs16478) frequency showed statistically difference between the male AOS group and control group (8.1％ vs 13.2％, OR=0.57, P=0.010, P correction=0.040). Conclusion·The polymorphisms in NPY gene may be associated with schizophrenia in Chinese Han population.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the potential systemic antitumor effects of stereotactic ablativeradiotherapy (SABR) and apatinib (a novel vascular endothelial growth factor receptor2 inhibitor) via reversing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment for lung carcinoma. Materials and Methods: Lewis lung cancer cells were injected into C57BL/6 mice in the left hindlimb (primary tumor;irradiated) and in the right flank (secondary tumor; nonirradiated). When both tumors grewto the touchable size, mice were randomly divided into eight treatment groups. These groupsreceived normal saline or three distinct doses of apatinib (50 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg, and 200mg/kg) daily for 7 days, in combination with a single dose of 15 Gy radiotherapy or not tothe primary tumor. The further tumor growth/regression of mice were followed andobserved. Results: For the single 15 Gy modality, tumor growth delay could only be observed at the primarytumor. When combining SABR and apatinib 200 mg/kg, significant retardation of both primaryand secondary tumor growth could be observed, indicated an abscopal effect wasinduced. Mechanism analysis suggested that programmed death-ligand 1 expressionincreased with SABR was counteract by additional apatinib therapy. Furthermore, whenapatinib was combined with SABR, the composition of immune cells could be changed.More importantly, this two-pronged approach evoked tumor antigen–specific immune responsesand the mice were resistant to another tumor rechallenge, finally, long-term survivalwas improved. Conclusion Our results suggested that the tumor microenvironment could be managed with apatinib,which was effective in eliciting an abscopal effect induced by SABR.

BACKGROUNDAcinetobacter baumanii (A. baumanii ) remains an important microbial pathogen resulting in nosocomial acquired infections with significant morbidity and mortality. The mechanism by which nosocomial bacteria, like A. baumanii, attain multidrug resistance to antibiotics is of considerable interest. The aim in this study was to investigate the spread status of antibiotic resistance genes, such as multiple β-lactamase genes and aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme genes, from A. baumanii strains isolated from patients with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs).

METHODSTwo thousand six hundred and ninety-eight sputum or the bronchoalveolar lavage samples from inpatients with LRTIs were collected in 21 hospitals in the mainland of China from November 2007 to February 2009. All samples were routinely inoculated. The isolated bacterial strains and their susceptibility were analyzed via VITEK-2 expert system. Several kinds of antibiotic resistant genes were further differentiated via polymerase chain reaction and sequencing methods.

RESULTSTotally, 39 A. baumanii strains were isolated from 2698 sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage samples. There was not only a high resistant rate of the isolated A. baumanii strains to ampicillin and first- and second-generation cephalosporins (94.87%, 100% and 97.44%, respectively), but also to the third-generation cephalosporins (ceftriaxone at 92.31%, ceftazidine at 51.28%) and imipenem (43.59%) as well. The lowest antibiotic resistance rate of 20.51% was found to amikacin. The OXA-23 gene was identified in 17 strains of A. baumanii, and the AmpC gene in 23 strains. The TEM-1 gene was carried in 15 strains. PER-1 and SHV-2 genes were detected in two different strains. Aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme gene aac-3-Ia was found in 23 strains, and the aac-6'-Ib gene in 19 strains. aac-3-Ia and aac-6'-Ib genes hibernated in three A. baumanii strains that showed no drug-resistant phenotype.

CONCLUSIONSA. baumanii can carry multiple drug-resistant genes at the same time and result in multi-drug resistance. Aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme genes could be hibernating in aminoglycoside sensitive strains without expressing their phenotype.

Acinetobacter ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathogenicity ; Acinetobacter Infections ; microbiology ; Bacterial Proteins ; genetics ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid ; microbiology ; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial ; genetics ; Humans ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Respiratory Tract Infections ; microbiology ; Sputum ; microbiology