Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mikulicz' Disease ; Salivary Gland Diseases

OBJECTIVETo investigate the applications of percutaneous screw fixation for the treatment of pelvic fractures and its related surgical considerations.

METHODSFrom June 2010 to June 2012,19 patients with pelvic fractures were treated with percutaneous hollow screws. There were 13 males and 6 females, with an average age of 41 years (ranged from 22 to 58 years). Fractures were caused by traffic accidents in 11 cases, by falling down from high place in 8 cases. Based on the Tile classification, there were 15 cases of Tile C type and 4 case of Tile B type. The indexes such as screw inserting time, intraoperative blood loss, complications, functional recovery and reduction conditions were observed. Fixation methods included sacroiliac screws, cannulated screw fixation of the pubic ramus and cannulated screw fixation of the pubic symphysis separation.

RESULTSAnatomical reduction achieved in 7 cases, satisfactory reduction 11 cases, and unsatisfactory reduction 1 case. Union time of fracture union ranged from 8 to 12 weeks (mean 10 weeks). Wound infection,ununion of fracture and nerve injuries were not found. According to the Majeed standards, 12 patients obtained an excellent results, 6 good and 1 fair.

CONCLUSIONPercutaneous screw fixation for the treatment of pelvic fractures under fluoroscopy has several advantages such as less trauma, less blood loss, fewer rates of complications, reliable fixation and no blood transfusion, which can reconstruct the stability of the pelvic ring, but it needs adequate preoperative preparation and high requirements for the surgeon.

Adult ; Bone Screws ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; Fractures, Bone ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pelvic Bones ; diagnostic imaging ; injuries ; surgery ; Radiography ; Young Adult

Objective To evaluate the changes in the activity of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) in the distal cerebrospinal fluid contacting neurons (CSF-CNs) in the mid-brain of morphine dependent rats.Methods Forty-eight male adult Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 230-270 g,were randomly divided into 2 groups (n =24 each) using a random number table:control group (group A) and morphine dependence group (group B).Morphine dependence was induced by increasing doses of subautaneous morphine for 5 consecutive days.The initial dose of morphine was 10 mg/kg twice a day and was increased by 10 mg/kg everyday until 50 mg/kg on 5th dav.The equal volume of normal saline was injected subcutaneously instead of morphine in group A.On 3rd day after morphine dependence was induced,the distal CSF-CNs in the mid-brain was labeled with 30％ cholera toxin subunit B and horseradish peroxidase compound (CB-HRP) 3 μl injected in the lateral cerebral ventricle in the morning.At 4 h after the last injection of morphine,the segments in which CSF-CNs were located were removed,and CB-HRP positive neurons,phosphor-ERK5 (p-ERK5) positive neurons and CB-HRP/p-ERK5 positive neurons were counted.Results Compared with group A,the number of p-ERK5 and CB-HRP/p-ERK5 positive neurons in the mid-brain was significantly increased (P ＜ 0.05),and no significant change was found in CB-HRP positive neurons in group B (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion The enhanced activity of ERK5 in the distal CSFCNs in the mid-brain may contribute to the development of morphine dependence in rats.

Objective To evaluate the role of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 5 (ERK5) in the spinal cord in withdrawal responses in morphine-dependent rats.Methods Ninety-six adult male SpragueDawley rats in which intrathecal catheters were successfully placed,weighing 200-250 g,were randomly divided into 4 groups (n =24 each) using a random number table:normal saline group (group A),withdrawal group (group B),dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) group (group C) and ERK5 inhibitor BIX02188 group (group D).Morphine dependence (MD) was induced by increasing doses of subcutaneous morphine for 6 days.The initial dose of morphine was 10 mg/kg once a day and was increased by 10 mg/kg once a day from the 2nd to 5th days until 50 mg/kg on the 6th day in B,C and D groups.Morphine withdrawal response (MW) was induced by intraperitoneal naloxone 4 mg/kg at 4 h after last morphine administration in B,C and D groups.In addition,BIX02188 and 1％ DMSO 10 μl were injected intrathecally at 1 h before naloxone injection in D and C groups,respectively.MW and morphine withdrawal-induced hypemlgesia were scored.The rats were then sacrificed after hyperalgesia was scored and the spinal cord was removed for determination of ERK5 and phosphorylated ERK5 (p-ERK5) expression.Results Compared with group A,MW and hyperalgesia scores were significantly increased and the expression of pERK5 was up-regulated in B,C and D groups (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with group B,MW and hyperalgesia scores were significantly decreased and the expression of p-ERK5 was down-regulated in D group (P ＜ 0.05),and no significant change was found in group C (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion ERK5 in the spinal cord is involved in withdrawal responses in morphine-dependent rats.

Objective To evaluate the role of spinal neuronal extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 5/cAMP response element binding protein (ERK5/CREB) signaling pathway in withdrawal responses in morphinedependent rats.Methods Ninety-six adult male Sprague-Dawley rats in which intrathecal catheters were successfully placed,weighing 200-250 g,were randomly divided into 4 groups (n =24 each):normal control group (group A),morphine withdrawal group (group B),dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) + morphine withdrawal group (group C) and ERK5 inhibitor BIX02188 + morphine withdrawal group (group D).Morphine dependence (MD) was induced by increasing doses of subcutaneous morphine for 6 days.The initial dose of morphine was 10 mg/kg once a day and was increased by 10 mg/kg once a day from 2nd to 5th days until 50 mg/kg on 6th day in B,C and D groups.Morphine withdrawal response (MW) was induced by intraperitoneal naloxone 4 mg/kg at 4 h after last morphine administration in B,C and D groups.In addition,BIX02188 10 μg and 1％ DMSO 10 μl were injected intrathecally at 1 h before naloxone injection in D and C groups,respectively.MW and morphine withdrawal-induced hyperalgesia were scored.The rats were then sacrificed after hyperalgesia was scored and the spinal cord was removed for determination of CREB and phosphorylated CREB (p-CREB) expression.Results Compared with group A,MW and hyperalgesia scores were significantly increased and the expression of p-CREB was up-regulated in B,C and D groups.Compared with group B,MW and hyperalgesia scores were significantly decreased and the expression of p-CREB was down-regulated in D group,and no significant change was found in group C.Conclusion The spinal neuronal ERK5/CREB signaling pathway is involved in withdrawal responses in morphine-dependent rats.

Objective To detect the levels of five trace elements in whole blood of patients with Keshan disease(KSD) and dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM) and explore their role in the pathogenesis of KSD.Methods One hundred and four patients with chronic KSD were selected from Keshan diseased areas in Shandong,Sichuan and Inner Mongolia.Thirty patients with DCM were selected from Qilu Hospital of Shandong University,Jinan Central Hospital,The First People's Hospital.Ninety-one healthy people from KSD endemic areas and 39 healthy people from Jinan were selected as endemic healthy controls and non-endemic healthy controls,respectively.Blood samples were collected to determinate the level of selenium (Se),copper (Cu),zinc (Zn),chromium (Cr) and manganese (Mn) with fluorescence method and atomic absorption spectrometry,according to the principle of informed consent.Results The level of Se,Zn and Cr of KSD group[(36.0 + 4.9)μg/L,(22.73 + 4.62)mg/L,(0.56 + 0.17)mg/L] was significantly lower than that of non-endemic healthy controls [(56.4 ± 6.8)lμg/L,(25.35 ± 4.44)mg/L,(0.71 ± 0.17)mg/L,all P ＜ 0.05],but the level of Cu of KSD group[(0.95 ± 0.24)mg/L] was significantly higher than that of non-endemic healthy controls[(0.73 ± 0.13) mg/L,all P ＜ 0.05].The level of Se and Cr of KSD was significantly lower than that of endemic healthy controls[(54.5 ± 5.4)μg/L,(0.87 ± 0.02)mg/L,P ＜ 0.05],and Cu was significantly higher than that of endemic healthy controls[(0.66 ± 0.02)mg/L,P ＜ 0.05].The level of Cu and Zn of KSD was significantly lower than that of DCM [(1.21 ± 0.23)mg/L,(27.09 ± 7.10)mg/L,all P ＜ 0.01].The level of Se and Cr of DCM group[(39.6 ± 3.5)μg/L,(0.58 ± 0.14)mg/L] was significantly lower than that of non-endemic healthy controls(all P ＜ 0.01),but Cu[(1.21 + 0.23)mg/L] was significantly increased (P ＜ 0.01).Compared with non-endemic healthy controls,the level of Se of endemic healthy control group was significantly decreased (P ＜ 0.01),while Cu was significantly increased (P ＜ 0.01).Se,Zn and Cr level of KSD decreased gradually following elevated heart function level,but the level of Cu gradually increased.Conclusions The metabolism of Se,Cr,Cu and Zn is unbalanced in KSD patients,whose Se level is still lower than that of people in non-endemic areas.The change of Se,Cr,Cu and Mn level between KSD and DCM is consistent.

Drug-Eluting Stents ; adverse effects ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myocardial Infarction ; diagnosis ; etiology ; Thrombosis ; etiology ; physiopathology

Objective To explore the long-term effect of endemic arsenism on oxidative stress and immune function, and to provide scientific basis for prevention and treatment of the disease in the areas. Methods In 2009, Using cluster sampling and typical investigation, the cross-sectional study was completed. The patient groups and the internal control group were selected in the arsenism areas after 5 years quality improvement of drinking water(Silizhuang village, Daying village and Gucheng village in Shanyin county, Gucheng city, Shanxi province) and they were divided into mild, moderate, severe case and internal control groups, respectively. The external control group was selected in a non-arsenism area(Yangzhuang village in Heshengbu city). The Oxidative stress indicators were determined and analyzed [serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was determined with xanthine oxidase method, glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px) activity was determined with 2-thio-2-nitrobenzoic acid method, and mmuuity malondisldohyde(MDA) levels was determined with thiobarbituric acid method]. The immune function was determined and analyzed [immunoglobulin G (IgG) was determined with radioimmunoassay method, and serum lysozyme was determined with turbidimetric method]. Results A total of 252 people were surveyed, in which the external control group, the internal control group, mild, moderate and severe patient groups were 56, 57, 49,44 and 46, respectively. Serum SOD activities were (72.19 ± 11.75), (66.96 ± 12.02), (49.79±11.07), (48.54 ±10.56) and (47.68 ± 10.68)kU/L, respectively. The difference of serum SOD activities between the groups was statistically significant(F = 52.42, P ＜ 0.01 ). Serum SOD activities in the external control group were significantly higher than other groups (all P ＜ 0.05). The value in the internal control group was significantly higher than the 3patient groups (all P ＜ 0.05). There were no significant differences between the case groups (P ＞ 0.05). Serum GSH-Px activities of the five groups were (197.41 ± 38.54), (195.02 ± 31.93), (187.26 ± 28.22), (187.24 ± 25.40),(186.88 ± 21.84)U/mg, respectively, and the difference between the groups was not significant(H = 4.21, P ＞0.05). Serum MDA levels of the five groups were (4.51 ± 2.14), (5.88 ± 2.00), (6.44 ± 2.83), (5.89 ± 2.57),(5.88 ± 2.40)μ mol/L, respectively, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant(F = 3.36,P ＜ 0.05). The external control group was significantly lower than other groups(all P ＜ 0.05). No significant difference was observed between other groups(all P ＞ 0.05). Serum IgG levels were(11.16 ± 2.08), (8.15 ± 1.44), (8.77 ±2.54), (9.19 ± 1.97), (8.44 ± 2.52)g/L, respectively, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant(H = 52.92, P ＜ 0.01 ). The external control group was significantly higher than other groups(all P ＜0.05). No significant difference was observed between other groups(all P ＞ 0.05). Serum lysozyme levels were (13.57 ± 5.16), (10.05 ± 3.96), (8.78 ± 3.35), (8.72 ± 3.76), (9.38 ± 4.26)mg/L, respectively, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (H = 35.00, P ＜ 0.01 ). The external control group was significantly higher than other groups(all P ＜ 0.05). No significant difference was observed between other groups(all P ＞ 0.05). Conclusions The effect of arsenic on the body's oxidative stress response and immune function persists after 5 years of drinking low arsenic water. In addition to intensify arsenic removal from drinking water, it should also strengthen the monitoring of population's health in the diseased areas.

Design space approach is applied in this study to enhance the robustness of first ethanol precipitation process of Codonopsis Radix (Dangshen) by optimizing parameters. Total flavonoid recovery, dry matter removal, and pigment removal were defined as the process critical quality attributes (CQAs). Plackett-Burman designed experiments were carried out to find the critical process parameters (CPPs). Dry matter content of concentrated extract (DMCE), mass ratio of ethanol to concentrated extract (E/C ratio) and concentration of ethanol (CEA) were identified as the CPPs. Box-Behnken designed experiments were performed to establish the quantitative models between CPPs and CQAs. Probability based design space was obtained and verified using Monte-Carlo simulation method. According to the verification results, the robustness of first ethanol precipitation process of Dangshen can be guaranteed by operating within the design space parameters. Recommended normal operation space are as follows: dry matter content of concentrated extract of 45.0% - 48.0%, E/C ratio of 2.48-2.80 g x g(-1), and the concentration of ethanol of 92.0% - 92.7%.
Chemical Precipitation ; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical ; methods ; Codonopsis ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; isolation & purification

This study examined the effect of Notch-1 signaling on malignant behaviors of breast cancer cells by regulating breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). BCSCs were enriched by using serum-free medium and knocked out of Notch-1 by using a lentiviral vector. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting were used to detect the Notch-1 expression levels in breast cancer cell lines and BCSCs, and flow cytometry to detect the proportion of BCSCs in BCSC spheres. The BCSC self-renewal, migration, invasion, and tumorigenicity were examined by the tumor microsphere-forming assay and transwell assay and after xenotransplantation. The results showed that the Notch-1 silencing reduced the number of BCSC spheres, the proportion of BCSCs, and the number of cells penetrating through the transwell membrane. It also decreased the size of tumors that were implanted in the nude mice. These results suggest that Notch-1 signaling is intimately linked to the behaviors of BCSCs. Blocking Notch-1 signaling can inhibit the malignant behaviors of BCSCs, which may provide a promising therapeutical approach for breast cancer.