OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (PPSF) and open pedicle screw fixation (OPSF) in the treatment of single level of thoracolumbar fracture.

METHODSDatabases including Pubmed, Embasem, CNKI were searched to collect clinical trials of the clinical safety and efficiency of PPSF and OPSF for single level of thoracolumbar unstable fracture, relevant proceedings and references were also retrieved manually. Studies from 1990 to 2014 that met the inclusion and exclusion standards were researched. The data were extracted and the methods from the studies were also evaluated. Data analysis was conducted with the Review Manager 5.3 software. Observation targets included operation time, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative bleeding, hospitalization time, the bed time, postoperative vertebral Cobb angle, vertebral body height, pain score and the length of incision operation.

RESULTSFifteen papers were finally studied, including 2 randomized controlled trials (RCT) and 13 case-control studies, involving 789 patients. Compared with OPSF, the PPSF in treating thoracolumbar fracture had shorter operation time, smaller operation incision, less intraoperative and postoperation bleeding, shorter hospitalization days, fewer pain (P<0.00001), the less improvement in the change of Cobb angle (P=0.0006). There was no significant difference in the improvement of vertebral body height (P=0.36), the bed time from operation to exercise (P=0.38) between OPSF and PPSF.

CONCLUSIONCompared with OPSF, PPSF is better, safer, and has fewer pain. But there is no evidence that the PPSF is better in the recovery of the spinal height, and they have the same effect in the long-term follow-up for thoracolumbar fractures. PPSF brines minimally invasive to patients with better effect. It is worth further study and clinical research.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Pedicle Screws ; Spinal Fractures ; surgery ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To investigate the effects of periplocin from Cortex Periplocae (CPP) on apoptosis of human lung cancer A549 cells and expression of survivin, and demonstrate its anti-tumor effect and the possible mechanism. Methods Inhibitory effect of CPP at different concentrations (1. 25, 2. 50, 5. 00, 10. 00, 20. 00 ng·mL-1 ) and for different time length (24, 48, 72 h) on A549 cell proliferation was tested by MTT method. Apoptosis rate of A549 cells treated with CPP at different concentrations (2. 50, 5. 00, 10. 00 ng·mL-1 ) were measured using flow cytometry (FCM) for 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 h, respectively. The morphological and ultrastructural changes of the apoptosis cells were observed by acridine orange/ ethidium bromide (AO/ EB) staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The effects of CPP on mRNA and protein expression of apoptosis associated gene survivin were assessed by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Results CPP could significantly inhibit the growth of A549, and the inhibition rate reached (93. 46±2. 35)% . The results of FCM showed that the apoptosis rate of A549 cells treated with CPP was increased significantly as compared to the control group ( P<0. 05). Meanwhile, typical apoptotic peaks were detected. The characteristic morphological changes of apoptosis were observed in A549 exposed to CPP, including cell shrinkage, the nuclei became yellow-red by AO/ EB staining, and typical ultrastructural changes, including nuclear chromatin condensation along the nuclear membrane, vacuolar degeneration of cytoplasm observed by TEM. The result of RT-PCR indicated that survivin mRNA expression decreased obviously in A549 cells exposed to CPP. The protein expression of survivin in A549 cells treated with 10. 0 ng·mL-1 CPP(0. 251±0. 012)was weaker than that in control group(0. 928±0. 016). Conclusion CPP can induce apoptosis in human lung cancer cell lines A549, and the probable mechanism is related to the down-regulation of survivin mRNA and protein.

Objective To analyze the epidemiological features and influencing factors of human brucellosis in Qinghai province,and to provide scientific basis for prevention and control of brucellosis.Methods From 2006 to 2010,select the high incidence areas of brucellosis in Qinghai province and five counties(Henan,Dari,Tianjun,Ping'an and Haiyan counties) included in the “Central Subsidies to Local Public Health Special Fund Human Brucellosis Prevention and Control Projects” for the survey point,as well as high-risk employees from Qinghai Biological Pharmaceutical Factory were investigated.Combined with epidemiological questionnaire investigation [done according to the “National Human Brucellosis Surveillance Program(Trial)”],clinical symptoms and signs,confirmed human brucellosis patient were tested by intradermal allergy test,rose bengal plate agglutination test(RBPT) and standard tube agglutination test (SAT),in accordance with “Diagnostic Criteria and Principles of Management of Brucellosis” (GB 15988-1995) and“Diagnostic Criteria for Brucellosis” (WS 269-2007).Results Of 8368 serum samples detected,347 were RBPT positive,and the positive rate was 4.15％;5346 serum samples were tested by SAT,180 were positive,and the positive rate was 3.37％.In June 2009,112 employees in Qinghai Biological Pharmaceutical Factory were investigated on a follow-up survey,83 were RBPT positive,the positive rate was 74.11％; 58 were SAT positive,the positive rate was 51.79％.Eight of them were new cases and 4 were chronic brucellosis.Twenty five new cases were reported between 2006 and 2010.The peak incidence was from March to July.Most of the cases were herdsmen.ConclusionStrengthening animal quarantine,strengthening public education,and improving protection awareness,can effectively control the disease brucellosis.

Objective To investigate the effects of cryopreservation on the growth and osteogenesis capa- bility of human bone marrow stromal cells(BMSCs)on demineralized bene matrix(DBM).Methods Bone marrow aspirates were obtained from the lilac crests of three donors.The BMSCs were isolated from the bone marrow by density gradient centrifugation.Cells of passage 3 were cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen for 24 hours,and then re- covered.The non-cryopreserved BMSCs were used as the control,The cryopreserved and control BMSCs were cul- tured in osteogenic media,collected and labeled with Dil to be seeded onto the DBM when cells were confluent.The percentage of BMSCs adhered to the DMB was detected.The cell morphology and matrices secreted by BMSCs on the DBM were observed by the inverted phase-contrasted microscope,fluorescence microscope and scanning electron microscope(SEM).The growth and viability of BMSCs on the DBM were determined using the modified MTT ashy. The osteogenesis ability of BMSCs on the DBM was determined by assessment of the alkaline phosphatase(ALP) activity and osteocalcin(OCN)content.Results The percentages of the cryopreserved and control cells adhered to DBM were(97.25?1.17)% and(97.00?1.09)% respectively.The cells adhered well to the DBM and grew rapidly.Large amounts of matrices on the DBM were observed by the light microscope and SEM.The cells embedded in the matrices could be observed by fluorescence microscope.There were no significant differences in the assay values of MTT,ALP and OCN between the cryopreserved and control BMSCs on the DBM.Conclusion Since cryopreservation does not affect the growth and osteogenesis capability of BMSCs on DBM,the cryopreserved BMSCs can be used as a cell source in bone tissue engineering.

OBJECTIVEThis paper aims to develop a monoclonal antibodies (MAbs)- based ELISA for detecting Chlamydophila pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae) antigens in humans with the variable domains (VD) 2 and 3 of the major outer membrane protein (MOMPVD2-VD3) and to assess its sensitivity and specificity by comparing with a widely used MAb that is able to recognize the elementary bodies of C. pneumoniae.

METHODSMOMPVD2-VD3 were overexpressed in Escherichia coli and purified by affinity chromatography. Mice were immunized with the recombinant antigen, and hybridomas secreting MAbs were screened. Three stable hybridomas clones were selected and named 5D6, 7G3, and 8C9. The MAbs-based ELISA was scrutinized for species-specific recognition with a number of human throat swab samples from Group I (156 patients with typical respiratory illness clinically confirmed before) and Group II (57 healthy donors).

RESULTSIn Group I, 55 positive cases were detected by anti-EB MAb-based ELISA, 51 cases were positive by MAbs 5D6-based ELISA, and 33 and 38 cases were positive by MAb 8C9 and 7G3-based ELISA respectively. Of the 57 samples from Group II "healthy donors", 5 were positive and 52 were negative with both anti-EB and 5D6-based tests, while 2 and 3 positive cases were identified by the other two MAb-based ELISAs respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe novel MOMPVD2-VD3 MAb-based assay may have higher specificity than the anti-EB MAb, which may possibly be used as an alternative tool for the diagnosis of C. pneumoniae infection.

Animals ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins ; immunology ; Chlamydophila Infections ; diagnosis ; microbiology ; Chlamydophila pneumoniae ; isolation & purification ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; methods ; Humans ; Mice ; Protein Structure, Tertiary

BACKGROUNDHypertension is a common disease of the cardiovascular system. So far, the pathogenesis of primary hypertension remains unclear. The elaboration of its pathogenesis is an important topic in the field which calls for urgent resolution. The aim of this study was to probe into the metabolic imbalance of homocysteine (Hcy) and hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) in children with essential hypertension, and its significance in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension.

METHODSTwenty-five children with essential hypertension and 30 healthy children with normal blood pressure were enrolled in the study. The medical history was investigated and a physical examination was conducted on the subjects. Plasma Hcy content was examined by fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA). The plasma H(2)S level was detected by a modified method with a sulfide electrode. Data were presented as mean +/- standard deviation. The t test was applied to the mean values of both groups. Pearson linear correlation analysis was applied to the plasma Hcy and H(2)S as well as to the systolic pressure against the plasma H(2)S/Hcy ratio.

RESULTSPlasma Hcy, an intermittent metabolite of the endogenous methionine pathway, was markedly increased but plasma H(2)S, a final product of this pathway was significantly decreased in hypertensive cases when compared with normal subjects ((Hcy: (12.68 +/- 9.69) micromol/L vs (6.62 +/- 4.79) micromol/L (t = 2.996, P < 0.01); H(2)S: (51.93 +/- 6.01) micromol/L vs (65.70 +/- 5.50) micromol/L) (t = -8.670, P < 0.01)). The ratio of plasma H(2)S/Hcy in children with hypertension was 5.83 +/- 2.91, while that of the control group was 11.60 +/- 3.30, and the difference is significant with a t = -6.610 and P < 0.01. A negative correlation existed between plasma Hcy and H(2)S concentrations, r = -0.379, P < 0.05. And a negative correlation was found between systolic blood pressure and the plasma H(2)S/Hcy ratio, r = -0.687, P < 0.05.

CONCLUSIONThere was a metabolic imbalance of homocysteine and hydrogen sulfide in essential hypertensive children.

Adolescent ; Child ; Female ; Homocysteine ; metabolism ; Humans ; Hydrogen Sulfide ; metabolism ; Hypertension ; etiology ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Male ; Systole

OBJECTIVETo explore the functional brain localization with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after acupuncturing the Yuan-Source and He-Sea acupoints of Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming (ST).

METHODSThe study was performed in 30 healthy volunteers who underwent acupuncture at Yuan-Source acupoint (Chongyang, ST42) and He-Sea acupoint (Zusanli, ST36) (ST group). Ten of these were also underwent acupuncture at the non-acupoints as the control group. Blood oxygenation level dependent functional MRI was performed.

RESULTSIn the ST group, signal increasing areas were demonstrated in bilateral superior temporal gyri (Broadmann 22), bilateral supramarginal gyri (Broadmann 40), bilateral cerebellar hemispheres, bilateral cingulate gyri and isthmus of cingulate gyri (Broadmann 32, 30), bilateral superior parietal lobules (Broadmann 7); signal decreasing areas were shown in bilateral orbital gyri (Broadmann 11), bilateral temporal pole (Broadmann 38), right inferior frontal gyrus (Broadmann 47) and right medial occipitotemporal gyrus (Broadmann 36). In the control group, signal increases areas were demonstrated in superior temporal gyri, precentral gyri, cingulate gyri, thalamus, insula and cerebellum. The size, signal intensity and number of increasing areas in control group are less than in ST group.

CONCLUSIONCombined acupuncture of Yuan-Source and He-Sea acupoints of ST can activate and decrease the multiple brain regions of "splanchnic brain" and thus reach a new functional balance to relieve pain.

Acupuncture Points ; Adult ; Brain ; physiology ; Electroacupuncture ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Meridians ; Young Adult

Objective To measure the expressions of cytotoxity-related cytokines in CD8+memory T cell subsets of peripheral blood in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and further analyze the relationship between the cytokine levels and MS disease severity. Methods Four-color flow cytometry was employed to detect the proportion of CD8+ memory T cell subsets expressed perforin and granzyme-B in peripheral blood of patients with MS, with other neurological disorders (OND) and of normal control (NC) group. The expanded disability status scale (EDSS) was used to reflect the disease severity at the time of blood sampling. Results Patients with MS had a decreased proportion of effector memory CD8+ T (CD8+ TEM) cells and terminal TEM cells expressed granzyme-B as compared with NC group (P＜0.05). CD8+ TEM cells expressed granzyme-B and perforin were negatively correlated to the scores of EDSS in patients with MS (r=-0.493, P=0.027; r=-0.594, P=0.009). Conclusions CD8+ TEM may be involved in the MS-related CNS inflammatory immune response. The proportion of CD8+ TEM cells expressed perforin and granzyme-B can be used to reflect the pathological severity of MS lesions to some degrees.

OBJECTIVETo observe the clinical effect and safety of circumcision stapler in the treatment of phimosis and redundant prepuce.

METHODSWe treated 120 patients with redundant prepuce or phimosis using circumcision stapler and another 60 by conventional dorsal-incision circumcision. We observed intraoperative blood loss, operation time, postoperative pain, wound healing time, cosmetic appearance of the penis, and postoperative complications and compared them between the two groups of patients.

RESULTSStapler circumcision showed obvious advantages over the conventional method in intraoperative blood loss ([2. 3 ± 1. 3] vs [15.6 ± 2.9] ml), operation time ([7.1 ± 1.4] vs [22.6 ± 4.6] min), wound healing time ([12.0 ± 2.9] as [16.3 ± 3. 1] d), postoperative pain score (1. 9 ± 1. 3 vs 5. 2 ± 1. 7), incision edema, and cosmetic appearance of the penis (all P <0. 05). Besides, stapler circumcision exempted the patients from stitch-removal pain. However, the incidence rate of postoperative local ecchymosis was significantly higher in the circumcision stapler group than in the conventional circumcision group (20. 8% vs 8. 3% , P <0. 05).

CONCLUSIONCircumcision stapler, with its advantages of easier manipulation, shorter operation time, better cosmetic penile appearance, less pain, and fewer complications, is superior to conventional circumcision in the treatment of phimosis and redundant prepuce.

Blood Loss, Surgical ; Circumcision, Male ; instrumentation ; methods ; Ecchymosis ; etiology ; Humans ; Male ; Pain, Postoperative ; Penis ; abnormalities ; Phimosis ; therapy ; Postoperative Complications ; Postoperative Period ; Surgical Staplers ; adverse effects ; Wound Healing

Mechanical loading is the main "instructive" factor of bone formation. The mechanism becomes the heat point in the field of bone science, biomedicine project and rehabilitation research. Mechanical vibration is one of the mechanic stimulation. Evidences show that vibration has obvious anabolic effect, and will have a broad landscape in the treatment of osteoporosis. But in the present studies, there were incorporated with the vibration frequency, and intensity, in particularly, few reports about the mechanism of vibration to bone. It will provide theoretic foundation for further systematic, sound research and its clinical application.
Animals ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Bone Diseases ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Bone and Bones ; physiology ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Musculoskeletal Manipulations ; Osteogenesis ; Vibration ; therapeutic use