Child ; Cross Infection ; Humans ; Pneumonia

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of short double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) on F10 gene expression in KLE cells and the effect of F10 knock-down on KLE cell apoptosis.

METHODSThe short dsRNA specifically targeting F10 gene prepared by in vitro transcription was transfected into KLE cells via lipofectamine 2000. The expression of F10 mRNA in the transfected KLE cells was detected by real-time quantitative RT-PCR, and the apoptosis of the cells was assayed by flow cytometry.

RESULTSReal-time quantitative RT-PCR demonstrated that transfection of the KLE cells with the short dsRNA induced effective knock-down of F10 gene, and transfection of the cells with 20 nmol/L dsRNA for 48 h decreased the expression of F10 mRNA by 83%. Compared with the control, the apoptosis index of the transfected KLE cells increased from 0.36% to 8.91%.

CONCLUSIONF10 gene in KLE cells can be specifically knocked-down with dsRNA prepared by in vitro transcription, and the down-regulation of F10 gene induces apoptosis of KLE cells.

Adenocarcinoma ; genetics ; pathology ; Apoptosis ; genetics ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Endometrial Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; Female ; Gene Knockdown Techniques ; Genes, Neoplasm ; genetics ; Humans ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Transfection

Objective: To investigate the accuracy and repeatability of contrast-enhanced transthoracic echocardiography for measurements of right ventricular structure and function. Methods: The apical four-chamber views and the three-dimensional full-volume images of the right heart were collected from 12 beagles with unenhanced and contrast-enhanced transthoracic echocardiography. The intimal display rate of the right ventricular segments, right ventricular end diastolic longitudinal dimension (RVLD), right ventricular end diastolic area (RVEDA), right ventricular end systolic area (RVESA) and right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC) were evaluated respectively with two-dimensional unenhanced and contrast-enhanced echocardiography. Right ventricular three-dimensional full-volume images were processed and analyzed by TomTec software, and right ventricular end diastolic volume (RVEDV), right ventricular end systolic volume (RVESV) and right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) were measured respectively with three-dimensional unenhanced and contrast-enhanced echocardiography. The measurements of pathological specimen were taken as the gold standard, the accuracies of measuring RVEDVand RVLD by different methods were evaluated. All indexes were measured repeatedly by the same observer and different observers to assess the intraobserver and interobserver reproducibilities of different methods. Results: ①The intimal display rate of the right ventricular segments was higher with contrast-enhanced echocardiography than that with unenhanced echocardiography (P<0.05). ②The measurements of RVEDV by three-dimensional contrast-enhanced echocardiography correlated well with the measurements by anatomical specimens. And the correlation was higher (0.916 vs 0.843), the consistency was better than that by unenhanced echocardiography. The measurements of RVLD by two-dimensional contrast-enhanced echocardiography correlated well with the measurements by anatomical specimens. And the correlation was higher (0.928 vs 0.850), the consistency was better than that by unenhanced echocardiography. ③For inter- and intraobservers reproducibilities, the interclass correlation coefficients of RVLD, RVEDV, RVESV, RVEF, RVEDA, RVESA, RVFAC with contrast-enhanced echocardiography were higher and 95% confidence interval ranges were smaller than those with unenhanced echocardiography. Conclusions Contrast-enhanced transthoracic echocardiography can improve the accuracy and repeatability for measurements of right ventricular structure and function, providing a new evaluation method for patients with poor image quality of the right ventricle in clinical practice.

Objective To investigate filtration efficiency of convertible vena cava filters on treating pulmonary embolism under the condition of different thrombus diameters and contents.Methods Three kinds of convertible vena cava filter models with different filtering unit structures (L-style,S-style,W-style) were constructed to numerically simulate hemodynamics based on computational fluid dynamic (CFD) methods,and their filtration efficiency was comparatively analyzed under the condition of different thrombus diameters (5,10,15 mm) and contents (10％,15％,20％).Results With the increasing of thrombus diameter and content,the volume fraction of thrombus distributed on the filter bars increased and the filtration efficiency of the filter became better.When the thrombus diameter was 5 mm,the S-style filter's filtration efficiency was the best as compared with the other two kinds of filters.When the thrombus diameter was 10 mm,the W-style filter showed the best filtration efficiency.When the thrombus diameter was 15 mm,the S-style and W-style filter showed the same filtration efficiency,which was better than the L-style filter.Conclusions The implantation of vena cava filters will cause hemodynamic changes,and its filtration efficiency is not only related to filtering unit structures,but also closely related to the diameter and content of thrombus.These results provide a theoretical reference basis for the design and clinical choice of the novel convertible vena cava filter.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the acceptability and influential factors of Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing (VCT) among the Chinese and Ethiopian peacekeepers in Liberia so as to conduct more effective health education of AIDS and enhance the acceptance of VCT.

METHODSAn anonymous questionnaire was used to investigate the attitudes to VCT among 518 Chinese (aged 23-51) and 648 Ethiopian (aged 25-49) peacekeepers in Liberia.

RESULTSThe rates of those who claimed to have never heard of HIV/AIDS were 8.1% and 7.9% in the Chinese and Ethiopian subjects respectively, with no significant differences (P > 0.05) in between. Among those who had heard of HIV/ AIDS, 407 (85.5%) Chinese and 449 (75.2%) Ethiopians expressed their willingness to accept VCT, with a significant difference (P < 0.05) between the two groups. Statistic analysis indicated that the acceptance of VCT was as- sodiated with schooling and knowledge on HIV/AIDS in both groups as well as with the susceptibility to HIV among the Ethiopian subjects.

CONCLUSIONThe acceptability of VCT is obviously lower among those with less schooling and less knowledge of HIV/AIDS. It is important to carry out information-oriented education to increase VCT acceptability among the peacekeepers in the area with a high incidence of AIDS.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ; prevention & control ; China ; Counseling ; methods ; statistics & numerical data ; Ethiopia ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Humans ; Liberia ; Male ; Mass Screening ; methods ; psychology ; statistics & numerical data ; Military Personnel ; psychology ; Surveys and Questionnaires

OBJECTIVESTo investigate the surgical results of one-stage total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) and reconstruction via a single posterior approach for thoracic symptomatic vertebral hemangioma associated with spinal cord dysfunction and evaluate its curative effect.

METHODSA total of 9 patients treated with one-stage TES (7 cases) and total vertebrectomy (2 cases) by posterior approach from March 2006 to January 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. The cases included 2 males and 7 females with a median age of 33.6 years (range 14 to 77 years), and with 1 case of Grade A, 3 cases of Grade B, 3 cases of Grade C, 2 cases of Grade D according to Frankel grade system. All patients suffered from moderate to severe pain and neurological deficit with an average symptom duration of 14.4 months (range 3 - 24 months) MRI revealed severe spinal cord compression. The spinal reconstruction was obtained by titanium mesh filled with autograft and posterior internal fixation with rod-screw system.

RESULTSThe operation time was 210 minutes on average (180 - 270 minutes) and the average blood loss was 1800 ml (1000 - 5000 ml). The follow-up period lasted from 18 months to 5 years. All cases with preoperative pain relieved after operation. The visual analogue scale pain scores decreased to 1.1 from 8.3 at 3 months after surgery. No disruption of dural mater, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, iatrogenic spinal cord injury and major vessel damage occurred. Up to now, there was no local recurrence in all cases. Significant neurological function improvement was achieved in all patients with one to three grades in Frankel grade system. Fusion of the autograft was well achieved and no internal fixation failure in all patients.

CONCLUSIONSOne-stage TES and spine reconstruction by a single posterior approach is feasible, safe and effective to this disease. It is favourable in decreasing the hemangioma recurrence and improvement of the neurological function.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hemangioma ; complications ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Paraplegia ; etiology ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Neoplasms ; complications ; surgery ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; surgery ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVEto explore the effectiveness and safety of vertebral column decancellation (VCD) for the management of rigid scoliosis.

METHODSfrom May 2004 to February 2008, 32 patients with rigid scoliosis underwent VCD were reviewed. There were 12 males and 20 females with an average age of 18 years (range, 10 - 56 years). The operation techniques included multilevel vertebral body decancellation and residual intervertebral disc resection, followed by realignment and posterior correction with pedicle screws. The effectiveness was evaluated by preoperative and postoperative radiography and three-dimensional CT scan reconstruction at final follow-up. The intraoperative and postoperative complications of all patients were recorded.

RESULTSa mean of 2.1 vertebrae were performed with VCD and a mean of 10.6 vertebral levels were instrumented and fused (range, 8 - 13 vertebrae). The mean duration of surgery was 270 minutes (range, 215 - 380 minutes). The average intraoperative blood loss was 1560 ml (range, 900 - 4800 ml). Complications were encountered in 4 patients. There were 2 cases with transient neurological deficits, 1 case with CSF leak, 1 case with epidural hematoma. The average time of follow-up was 31 months (range, 24 - 48 months). The correction rate was 61% on the coronal plane (from 108° to 42°), and the correction rate was 65% on the sagittal plane (from 82.0° to 28.7°). All patients had solid fusion at osteotomy site, and no instrumentational failure and loosening were found over the follow up.

CONCLUSIONsingle stage posterior VCD is an effective option to manage rigid scoliosis.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Osteotomy ; adverse effects ; methods ; Retrospective Studies ; Scoliosis ; surgery ; Spine ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the feasibility of the correction idiopathic-type scoliosis by implanting the staple in growing animal models.

METHODSFourteen female goats were performed unilateral pedicle screws asymmetric tethering in left side in combination with right rib resection (age: 5 to 8 weeks, weight: 6 to 8 kg). The observing time was about 8 weeks. Goats that had been created scoliosis model successfully were classified in 2 groups randomly.

CONTROL GROUPjust removing the posterior tether, no treatment was offered. Correct group: the removing of posterior tether and the stapling of anterior spinal epiphysis were performed simultaneously. Dorsoventral and lateral plain radiographs were taken preoperatively and postoperatively. Serial X-ray postoperatively were performed every 4 weeks to measure the Cobb angle of the spine and to observe the condition of the insert. The observing time is about 8 weeks.

RESULTSRadiography showed that 12 goats had created scoliosis model successfully. CONTROL GROUP (n = 6): Series X-ray show that the change of the Cobb angle was not obviously. The initial curves after the procedures measured an average of 40.8 degrees (28 degrees-56 degrees), the average Cobb angle was 42.5 degrees (30 degrees-58 degrees) after 8 weeks, no statistics difference are found (P > 0.05). Treatment group (n = 6): no complication such as pedicel screw break, instrument loosen, dislocation, injury of blood vessel, nerve injury and organ injury of thoracic cavity etc, were found during the observing period. The initial curves after the procedures measured an average of 44.5 degrees (36 degrees-57 degrees), to some degree, the Cobb angle decreased and the average was 42.5 degrees (30 degrees-58 degrees) after 8 weeks. There are statistics difference between the initial and final curves (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONAs a means of mechanical modulation, stapling can be manipulate conveniently and safely, and can modulate the spinal growth of the animal model successfully, predicted that it may be a new selection for idiopathic-type scoliosis in growing children.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Goats ; Internal Fixators ; Scoliosis ; surgery ; Spine ; surgery ; Surgical Stapling

OBJECTIVETo investigate and analyze AIDS knowledge of the Chinese peacekeepers in Liberia and to evaluate the effects of AIDS education in order to conduct more effective health education of AIDS and increase AIDS knowledge among the Chinese peacekeepers in the areas with a high incidence of AIDS.

METHODSA questionnaire was designed on the basis of that recommended by WHO to investigate the knowledge of AIDS among the 528 Chinese peacekeepers in Liberia respectively before and after relevant health education, and the results were compared.

RESULTSThere was an obvious deficiency in AIDS knowledge among the subjects before the education and an evident increase after it, and the difference was significant (P <0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe Chinese peacekeepers are deficient in AIDS knowledge, and the deficiency can be effectively improved by relevant health education, which is essential for the health of the Chinese peacekeepers in the areas with a high incidence of AIDS.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ; Adult ; China ; Female ; Health Education ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Humans ; Liberia ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Military Personnel ; Surveys and Questionnaires

OBJECTIVETo describe the clinical manifestations and lung imaging characteristics of the human transmissible highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza.

METHODSThe clinical manifestations and lung imaging characteristics of human transmissible highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in one patient were reviewed and analyzed.

RESULTSThe patient had the clear history of occupational exposure. The fever and symptoms of influenza were prominent at onset and associated with the symptoms of the digestive tract. The laboratory findings comprised the significant decrease of the white blood cell count and the lymphocyte number and the impairment of the liver function and the myocardial enzymes. The disease progressed rapidly and multiple organs including lung, heart, liver and kidneys were involved. It was ineffective to administer anti-fungal, anti-virus and anti-inflammation medicines. It was in vain to use mechanical ventilation and pneumothorax intubation and closed drainage as well as the support therapy. In the X-ray film, the lesions progressed quickly and changed diversely with absorption and development at the same time. The nasal and throat swabs and the gargle specimen were detected with RT-PCR and real time PCR by Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The results showed that both the specific HA and NA genes of the avian influenza virus H5N1 subtype were positive and in the same time a strain of avian influenza virus A/jiangxi/1/2005H5N1) was separated and obtained from the nasal and throat swabs. The autopsy showed that diffuse injury of alveolus in lungs, DIC and multiple organ injury.

CONCLUSIONThe human transmissible highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza is a lethal disease. The disease progresses rapidly with the absorption and development at the same time in the lungs and unfortunately there are no effective therapeutic measures. The prevention of the contagious disease for the occupationally exposed population should be emphasized.

Adult ; Humans ; Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype ; Influenza, Human ; diagnosis ; etiology ; therapy ; Male ; Occupational Exposure ; adverse effects