0.05).Conclusion:The decreased expressions of IL-18 and ICE in local ovarian cancer Tissues should have certain relation to the occurrence and development of ovarian cancer.

Objective To evaluate the left ventricular synchrony after myocardial infarction (MI) by ultrasound targeted microbubbles destruction (UTMD)-mediated angiogenin 1 (Ang1) gene transfection in canine.Methods Twenty-one dogs were divided into three groups (n =7 in each group):①control group (healthy dogs);②MI group (MI dogs without treatment);③UTMD group (MI dogs with UTMD treatment).One month later,the size and systolic function of heart were measured by echocardiography.The synchronization parameters derived from two dimensional-speckle tracking imaging(2D-STI) included the standard deviation and maximum difference of time to peak strain for all left ventricular segments (Tls-SD,Trs-SD,Tcs-SD,Tls-Dif,Trs-Dif and Tcs-Dif).CD31 and α-SMA were applied for quantifying capillary and arteriolar density.The Ang1,SERCA2a and PLB protein were detected by Western blotting.Results ① One month later,the conventional ultrasonic parameters were compared among three groups,the LVEDD,LVESD and E/e'increased and LVEF,e'and E/A reduced in MI group than those in control group,all of them partially recovered in UTMD group than those in MI group,but were still lower than those in control group (P ＜0.05);②The left ventricular synchrony parameters of Tls-SD,Tls-Dif and Trs-SD showed significant differences among the three groups(P ＜0.05),the degree of dyssynchrony increased in MI group than control group,they were lower in UTMD group than those in MI group.The Tcs-SD,Tcs-Dif and Trs-Dif showed no significant difference among three groups (P ＞ 0.05);③ The immunohistochemistry showed the higher blood vessel density in UTMD group than that in MI group(P ＜ 0.05);④The relative quantity of Ang1 was significantly higher in UTMD group.The relative quantity of SERCA2a protein was lower in MI group than that in control group,increased in UTMD group,the trend of PLB was contrary to it.The differences were statistically significant (all P ＜0.05).Conclusions The UTMD-mediated Ang1 gene transfection can promote angiogenesis after MI,reverse left ventricular remodeling and improve left ventricular synchrony.The myocardial synchrony may be related to the expression of calcium ions key protein SERCA2a and PLB.

Objective To explore the effect of low frequency repetitive transranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on unilateral spatial neglect (USN). Methods 40 stroke patients with USN were divided into treatment group (n=20) and control group (n=20). Patients in the treatment group were treated with low frequency rTMS for 2 weeks. The USN degree of these groups were evaluated before and after the treatment. Results There was no significant difference of USN degree between these groups before the treatment (P>0.05); Compared with the control group, the treatment group improved significantly after the treatment (P<0.05). The USN degree of patients in the treatment group decreased significantly after the treatment (P<0.05), while patients in the controlled group had no difference (P>0.05). Conclusion USN induced by stroke could be improved obviously through low frequency rTMS.

A new neo/E counterselection technique was set up using Red recombination, which could be used in constructing recombinant plasmid. Firstly, linear targeting cassettes were amplified by PCR; secondly, two steps of homology recombination occurred in vivo: (1) The neo/E counterselection targeting cassette, consisting of a unique endonuclease recognition site and an antibiotic resistance gene, was introduced into the targeted region. (2) The neo/E cassette was replaced in the second round of recombination by another linear targeting cassettes DNA fragment carrying the targeted gene. For selecting a correct recombinant plasmid from the mixture of nonrecombinant and recombinant clones, the unique endonuclease recognition site in the nonrecombinant clones was cut by endonuclease and then transformed into the E. coli competent cells, up to 20% correct recombinants were yielded. A recombinant plasmid of pGL3-Basic PC1900T was successfully constructed in this way. Application of this technique offers a new and highly efficient way for recombinant plasmids construction.
Bacteriophage lambda ; genetics ; DNA, Recombinant ; genetics ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; Genetic Engineering ; Plasmids ; genetics ; Rec A Recombinases ; genetics ; metabolism ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics

Group B Streptococcus(GBS)is a major member of the Gram-positive Streptococcus family,which occupies a dominant position in the infection spectrum of newborns and young infants.GBS infections occurring 0?6 days after birth are called GBS early-onset disease(GBS-EOD),and those occurring 7?89 days are called GBS late-onset disease(GBS-LOD).With the use of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis,the incidence of neonatal GBS-EOD has declined without a notable impact on GBS-LOD,which brings great pressure and challenge to clinical diagnosis and nursing work.However,the specific mechanisms by which GBS transmission triggers illness in newborns and young infants are not fully elucidated.Some factors,such as maternal GBS colonization,maternal characteristics(age,weight and ethnicity),preterm birth,GBS infection in multiple births,and exposure to human immunodeficiency virus,have been identified as risk factors for GBS-LOD.To prevent maternal and infant GBS infection,some measures,such as vaccination of pregnant women,gut microbiota regulation and lactoferrin supplementation,are developing.In addition,strengthening maternal health care and health education,along with some other conventional infection control strategies(including enhancing hand hygiene awareness among caregivers and making good disinfection of the environment and equipment)is also effective in the prevention of GBS-LOD.This review elaborates the prevalence,transmission,risk factors and prevention of GBS-LOD in infants,aiming to improve the understanding and clinical practice ability of the medical staff.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study of surgically managed patients. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the results of posterior stabilization of a thoracolumbar fracture, without fusion, followed by the removal of metal implants within an appropriate period. Changes in the sagittal alignment and the restoration of segmental motion were also investigated. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: In managing unstable thoracolumbar and lumbar fractures, posterior fusion, using a transpedicular screw system, has been the treatment of choice, but results in the permanent loss of segmental motion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve patients with thoracolumbar and lumbar spine fractures, under 40 years of age (mean 28.4 years), were managed using this non-fusion method. Implants were removed at mean 9.2 months after the initial fixation of the fracture. For metal-fixed segments, the sagittal alignment, such as the angle of kyphosis, height of body, recovered motion range in flexion-extension and right-left bending view, were measured radiologically and compared with a control group. Clinical aspects, such as gross deformity and functional ability, were also investigated. RESULTS: The average sagittal angle at the time of injury was average 17.2 degrees, but became 1.7 degrees post-fixation, which increased after removal of the implants, reaching 9.8 degrees at the final follow up. The height of the fractured body was maintained until the final follow-up. The mean segmental motion measured in the sagittal and coronal planes were 11.7 and 9.5 degrees, respectively. Most patients were satisfied with the final gross appearance and functional outcomes. Only one patient showed considerable development of kyphotic angulation, but the functional outcome was good. CONCLUSION: The author's non-fusion method seems to be effective in achieving stability and sagittal alignment, as well as in regaining segmental motion of the fixed segments. The non-fusion method seems to be an effective method for managing thoracolumbar fractures, especially for young active persons.
Congenital Abnormalities ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Kyphosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Fractures* ; Spine

OBJECTIVETo study the association between vitamin D status and bone mineral density(BMD) in urban postmenopausal women in Beijing.

METHODSA total of 400 community-dwelling women older than 60 (median age 67.8 years) were selected randomly from 17 community of 3 districts in Beijing by cluster sampling method from May to July, 2008. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay, using the DiaSorin kit, America. The objects were assigned into four groups: vitamin D deficient group (group A, 25(OH)D < 25 nmol/L), insufficient group(group B, 25 nmol/L < 25(OH)D < or = 50 nmol/L), normal group (group C, 50 nmol/L < 25(OH)D < or = 75 nmol/L) and enough group (group D, 25(OH)D > 75 nmol/L). The BMD at total, lumbar spine (L(2-4)) and proximal femur were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).

RESULTSThe mean concentration of serum 25(OH)D concentration was (36.0 +/- 14.6) nmol/L, BMD at total and proximal femur were respectively (0.829 +/- 0.090) and (0.679 +/- 0.106) g/cm(2). The mean BMD at total of group A, B, C + D were respectively (0.811 +/- 0.077), (0.825 +/- 0.088) and (0.864 +/- 0.112) g/cm(2)(F = 16.93, P < 0.01), and BMD at proximal femur of group A, B, C + D were respectively (0.666 +/- 0.107), (0.673 +/- 0.099) and (0.725 +/- 0.117) g/cm(2)(F = 18.36, P < 0.01). The 25(OH)D level was positively correlated with BMD at total body and proximal femur (r values were 0.17 and 0.18, both P values < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONVitamin D status was highly correlated with BMD at lumbar spine (L(2-4)), proximal femur, pelvis and limbs for the postmenopausal older women.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Bone Density ; China ; Female ; Femur ; metabolism ; Humans ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; metabolism ; Middle Aged ; Postmenopause ; Vitamin D ; blood

Skeletal lesions such as osteomyelitis induced by acquired syphilis are rarely encountered except in the neuropathic joints of tertiary syphilis. The authors experienced syphilitic osteomyelitis of the clavicle in a 51 year-old lady. The lesion seemed to be a malignant tumor radiologically, but diagnosis was not achieved even by biopsy. However, thorough serologic examinations enabled an accurate diagnosis and the disease was controlled effectively by antibiotics, including penicillin injections. The authors report this case and include a review of the literature, which describes the rarity and clinical significance of this condition.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Biopsy ; Clavicle ; Diagnosis ; Humans ; Joints ; Middle Aged ; Osteomyelitis* ; Penicillins ; Syphilis

Calcific amyloidoma of the soft tissue is quite rare and it is difficult to make a differential diagnosis from other lesions such as osteomyelitis or bone tumor. We encountered a case of a calcified amyloidoma found in the anterior tibial muscle that occurred more than 20 years after a proximal tibial fracture adjacent to the origin of the muscle. The features of the lesion resembled osteomyelitis. Satisfactory result was obtained by a thorough mass excision. We report this case with review of the relevant literature.
Diagnosis, Differential ; Muscle, Skeletal ; Muscles ; Osteomyelitis ; Tibial Fractures

PURPOSE: Isoflavones are rich in soybean and are known to affect bone formation. This study examined the effects and modes of action of isoflavones on the differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts in the presence of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-4. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The isoflavones, daidzein, genistein or equol, and/or BMP-4 were added alone or in combination to C2C12 myoblasts. After 72 hours culture, the cells were stained for the early osteoblastic differentiation marker, alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The ALP activity was determined by comparing the color of the stained images as well as by spectrophotometry. The expression profiles of the extracellular matrix (ECM) genes responsible for the extensive remodeling at the cell surface were analyzed using agene expression microarray after treating thesamples with daidzein. RESULTS: ALP staining of BMP-4 or the isoflavones-treated cells showed that BMP-4 increased the activity of ALP in a dose dependent manner, whereas the isoflavones alone did not induced any remarkable increase. However, the ALP activity increased when the cells were treated with BMP-4 and any of the three isoflavones. The macrogen mouse MAC array data showed that the ECM genes, Mmp13 and Mmp3, were up-regulated by daidzein, whereas Col4a2, Col5a1 and Mmp9 were down-regulated. CONCLUSION: Isoflavones induce osteoblastic differentiation when combined with BMP-4, which is possibly achieved by modulating the expressional levels of various ECM genes.
Alkaline Phosphatase ; Animals ; Bone Morphogenetic Proteins ; Equol ; Extracellular Matrix ; Genistein ; Isoflavones* ; Mice ; Myoblasts* ; Osteoblasts ; Osteogenesis ; Soybeans ; Spectrophotometry