It is one of the main characters of malignant tumors that malignant tumor cells invade surrounding tissues and metastasize to distant tissues .Multiple factors are involved in this complicated dynamic process .Metastasis is the major factor influencing recurrence and prognosis .Therefore, it is important to explore the mechanism of invasion and metastasis for reducing recurrence rate and mortality of malignant tumors .Engulfment and cell mobility ( ELMO) family is one kind of conserved protein in evolutional process .It includes 3 members, ELMO1, ELMO2 and ELMO3.The members of ELMO family play an important role in cell phagocytosis and cell migration , and they also have close correlation with ma-lignant tumor cell invasion and metastasis .In this paper , we review the progress of the relationship between ELMO family and malignant tumor invasion and metastasis .

AIM:To reveal the role and function of engulfment and cell mobility 1 (ELMO1) in the invasion and migration of gastric cancer cells.METHODS:The expression of ELMO1 at protein and mRNA levels was detected in 5 kinds of gastric cancer cells and 1 normal human gastric epithelial cells by Western blot and real-time PCR, and the gastric cancer cells with the highest expression of ELMO1 were screened out.The cell transfection experiment was used to silence ELMO1 expression in the gastric cancer cells, and the effect of ELMO1 silencing on the invasion and migration of the gastric cancer cells was detected by Transwell assay.RESULTS:The expression level of ELMO1 in the gastric cancer cells was significantly higher than that in human normal gastric epithelial cells (P<0.01), and the SGC7901 cells had the highest expression level of ELMO1.ELMO1-siRNA significantly silenced the expression of ELMO1 in the SGC7901 cells (P<0.01).Silencing of ELMO1 expression significantly reduced the invasion and migration abilities of the human gastric can-cer cells (P<0.01).CONCLUSION:ELMO1 is highly expressed in the gastric cancer cells, and promotes the invasion and migration abilities of the gastric cancer cells.ELMO1 may become an effective target for the treatment of invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical effect of a modified arthroscopic outside-in suture technique in the treatment of meniscus tear using a spinal needle. METHODS: From January 2015 to October 2017, 95 patients treated with this method were followed-up. Among these cases, there were 36 males and 59 females. The age of the patients ranged from 16 to 77 years, (46.79±18.07) years in average. Among them, there were 28 patieats aged 16-35, 53 patients aged 36-65, and 14 patients aged over 65 years old. 28 cases were diagnosed with medial meniscus tear, 43 cases with lateral meniscus tear and 24 cases with both medial and lateral meniscus tear. Causes of the injury included sports, sprain, etc. According to Barrett standard, the clinical healing of meniscus tear was judged. Lysholm score, knee range of motion, visual simulation score (VAS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used to evaluate the postoperative knee function and recovery of the patients. RESULTS: The 95 patients were followed up for 22 to 36 months, with an average of (28.32±3.98) months. According to Barrett standard, 90 patients (94.7%) obtained meniscus clinical healing. Meniscal healing rates were 96.43%, 96.23% and 85.71% in the three age groups, respectively. The meniscal healing rate was lower in the elderly group, but there was no significant difference in statistical results (P=0.262). Five patients had deep tenderness in the joint space of the injured side, and the overstretch test was positive. The preoperative and postoperative VAS scores, Lysholm scores and knee motion were compared in each group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.01). At the end of the last follow-up, there were no cases of knee joint effusion, swelling and interlocking, and the joint function was effectively improved in most patients. No surgical site infection, periarticular vascular/nerve injury or knotting reaction was found during the follow-up. CONCLUSION This modified arthroscopic outside-in suture technique using a spinal needle has the characteristics of simple operation, small trauma and rapid recovery, and the mid-term follow-up results were satisfactory. Therefore, we consider this method to be a safe and efficient method for the treatment of meniscus anterior horn and body tear.
Aged ; Arthroscopy ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Knee Injuries/surgery* ; Male ; Punctures ; Suture Techniques ; Tibial Meniscus Injuries/surgery*

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the surgical technique and clinical effect of less invasive intrame-dullary nail fixation combined with titanium cable cerclage in the treatment of subtrochanteric fractures. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in 46 cases of subtrochanteric fractures in Peking University People's Hospital from January 2015 to December 2017. Among them, there were 14 males and 32 females, with an average age of (77.83±10.66) years (44-92 years); 17 cases on the left side and 29 cases on the right side. The causes of injury included crash from a height, traffic accident and accidental fall. According to Seinsheimer classification, there were 26 cases of type Ⅱ, 11 cases of type Ⅲ, 9 cases of type Ⅳ, and these cases were all closed injury. After admission, these patients underwent continuous tibial tuberosity bone traction to maintain the length and force line of the lower extremity, so as to reduce the difficulty of intraoperative fracture reduction. Anticoagulant therapy was given before operation to reduce perioperative thrombotic complications. All the patients were treated with less invasive intramedullary nail fixation combined with titanium cable cerclage. Operation time, blood loss during surgery, time of fracture healing were recorded, Harris and Sanders scoring system were used to assess hip function after operation at each follow-up time point. RESULTS: All the included patients underwent surgery successfully. Average operative time and intraoperative blood loss of these patients were (131.09 ± 20.06) min and (191.96±111.03) mL, respectively. All the patients were followed up satisfactorily, with an average follow-up time of 28 months. The fractures received bone healing within 3-6 months, average hospital stay was (10.61±2.85) days. The Sanders score was excellent in 3 cases, good in 37 cases and common in 6 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 86.96%. The Harris score was excellent in 6 cases, good in 36 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 91.30%. There were no cases of wound infection, loss of reduction, nonunion of fracture or internal fixation failure. Hip pain symptoms were effectively relieved in most patients. CONCLUSION Less invasive intramedullary nail fixation combined with titanium cable cerclage can obtain good alignment and stability of fracture ends, which is an effective method for the treatment of subtrochanteric fractures.
Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Bone Nails ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary ; Fracture Healing ; Hip Fractures/surgery* ; Humans ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Titanium ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo study the resource and the quality of wild Corydalis yanhusuo distributed in China.

METHODDistribution was observed and samples of wild C. yanhusuo were collected and qualities were evaluated by determining six main alkaloids contained in the samples.

RESULTThe main distribution of wild Corydalis yanhusuo was in the hills around middle and lower reaches of Yangtze River. Its distributive areas were continuously decreasing. The alkaloids contents in the samples varied among different populations.

CONCLUSIONThe alkaloids contents in wild populations of C. yanhusuo are diverse. The main kinds of alkaloids in some wild populations are higher than cultivated ones, which are valuable for breeding. The wild C. yanhusuo propagate well, however they are endangered due to environment problem, and should be protected.

Aporphines ; analysis ; Berberine Alkaloids ; analysis ; China ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Corydalis ; chemistry ; Ecosystem ; Pharmacognosy ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Quality Control ; Rhizome ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo investigate the prevalence and related factors of prostatitis-like symptoms among young men.

METHODSThe study was a cross-sectional survey of 2500 young men aged 18-30 years in the city of Weifang, and all of them completed a questionnaire on prostatitis. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression procedures were used to investigate the risk factors among the young men with chronic prostatitis-like symptoms.

RESULTSThe valid response rate was 85% (n = 2125). Of the 128 subjects (6.02%) identified as having chronic prostatitis-like symptoms, the mean age was 21.8 years, the average pain score was 6.98 +/- 0.29, and the average voiding score was 3.77 +/- 0.25. Of the sampled population, 39 men had prostatitis-like symptoms with an index pain score of 8 or more. Significant risk factors include frequent masturbation, prolonged sitting, long-time fixed posture, cold environment, stress at home and work.

CONCLUSIONThe study suggested that chronic prostatitis-like symptoms are common among young men, and the urethritis history, frequent masturbation, prolonged sitting, long-time urine holding, cold environment, and stress at home and work might be significant risk factors.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Analysis of Variance ; China ; epidemiology ; Chronic Disease ; Humans ; Incidence ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Prostatitis ; epidemiology ; Risk Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires

OBJECTIVETo investigate prospectively the effectiveness of kyphoplasty with SKY bone expander system in treatment of compression fracture of thoracic/lumbar vertebrae and correction of the deformity.

METHODSTwenty-five patients with thoracic/ lumbar vertebral osteoporotic compression fracture were admitted to our hospital between March 2007 and March 2008, and treated by kyphoplasty with SKY bone expander system. Patient's pain status was rated with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score system 1 day before and 1 hour, 48 hours, 6 months, 12 months after surgery. In addition, Rolland-Morris and Oswestry disability questionnaires (RDQ and ODI) were used for survey 1 day before and 1, 6, 12 months after surgery. Pre- and post-operative vertebral heights and Cobb's angles were measured based on the X-ray films and statistically analyzed.

RESULTSThere were 27 fractured vertebrae in these 25 patients. After SKY kyphoplasty, the Cobb's angles (9.8 degree ± 9.76 degree) were significantly reduced compared with preoperative angles (17.18 degree ± 9.35 degree P < 0.05), and the average improvement rate was 39%. Patients'pain VAS scores were also greatly improved after operation (P < 0.05). Moreover, postoperative RDQ and ODI scores were significantly smaller than preoperative values (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSKyphoplasty with SKY bone expander system provides an effective method for treating thoracic/ lumbar vertebral osteoporotic compression fracture, with the advantages of small surgical wound and short duration. It can effectively recover the anterior and medial heights of fractured vertebrae (33% and 50%, respectively), reduce the Cobb's angle, quickly alleviate pain and improve patients'quality of life in a relatively short time period.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Fractures, Compression ; surgery ; Humans ; Kyphoplasty ; methods ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; injuries ; Male ; Osteoporotic Fractures ; surgery ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; injuries ; Tissue Expansion Devices

OBJECTIVETo compare the differences of expressions of adenylyl cyclase (AC) and phosphodiesterase (PDE) in ejaculated spermatozoa between healthy volunteers and the patients with asthenospermia.

METHODSEjaculated spermatozoa were collected from healthy volunteers and the patients with asthenospermia. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect mRNA expression of AC and PDE subtypes in human spermatozoa. The concentrations of cAMP and cGMP in the samples were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTSCompared with healthy volunteers, expression of sAC mRNA and concentration of cAMP were significantly decreased in the patients with asthenospermia (P < 0.01) , while the expression of PDE4C mRNA was significantly increased at the same time (P <0.01). There were no marked differences in the expression of ACIII mRNA and concentration of cGMP between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONThe sAC down-regulation and PDE4C up-regulation are possible reasons for asthenospermia.

Adenylyl Cyclases ; biosynthesis ; Asthenozoospermia ; metabolism ; Cyclic AMP ; metabolism ; Humans ; Male ; Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases ; biosynthesis ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Spermatozoa ; metabolism

OBJECTIVEThe Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), belonging to the Bcl-2 family, plays a pivotal role in mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. The aims of this study are to revalidate the functional significance of Bax G(-248)A polymorphism, and investigate its association with lung cancer risk in Chinese population.

METHODSThe biological function of Bax G(-248)A was tested by luciferase assays, and its effects on lung cancer risk was determined by case-control analysis of 989 patients with lung cancer and 990 controls.

RESULTSBax -248A allele exhibited significantly higher transcriptional activity compared with G allele. The Bax-248A allele carriers yielded a significantly decreased risk of lung cancer, compared with -248G allele carriers (OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.48 approximately 0.90, P = 0.01). Furthermore, a significant gene-smoking interaction between Bax G(-248)A polymorphism and smoking existed among the light smokers.

CONCLUSIONBax G(-248)A polymorphism is associated with lung cancer susceptibility in Chinese population.

Adenocarcinoma ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Adult ; Aged ; Alleles ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Case-Control Studies ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Female ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Odds Ratio ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; Risk Factors ; Smoking ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; genetics ; metabolism

AIMTo detect the hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (HPA) in the genus Ligularia Cass..

METHODSThe alkaloid extracts of Ligularia plant materials were detected and analyzed by the method of combination of TLC, and LC/MSn.

RESULTSAmong 22 species of Ligularia Cass., HPA were detected in 18 species with LC/MSn, and no HPA was detected in the remaining 4 species.

CONCLUSIONHPA was first detected with LC/MSn in L. tongelensis and other 15 species of Ligularia Cass.; HPA from these plants should be isolated, separated and identified and it is necessary to study the activities and toxicities of the HPA. The types and kinds of HPA from different species and sources are different, they should be detected separately.

Asteraceae ; chemistry ; classification ; Chromatography, Thin Layer ; Molecular Structure ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids ; analysis ; chemistry ; Species Specificity ; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization