Objective:To screen epitope mimics to lipoteichoic acid from a random 12-mer phage display peptide library and i-dentify the specificity of the mimotopes of LTA.Methods:The monoclonal antibody against LTA was used as a target to screen the 12-mer phage display peptide library and the specificity of phage clones were identified by sandwich ELISA.The amino acid sequences of positive phage clones were deduced from DNA sequencing.The specificity of synthetic peptide were identified by sandwich ELISA.Results:4 clones were obtained after 3 rounds of screening.Amino acid sequence analysis revealed four different types of mimotope sequence.A linear peptide (GHxDFRQxxQPS),named L2,which derived from positive sequence was synthesized.ELISA result indicates that L2 can bind to anti-LTA mAb specifically in a dose-dependent manner.Conclusion:The mimotopes of LTA were obtained by using the phage display technology.

Objective To study the NR5A1 gene mutation in patients with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism(IHH), and to find the new mutation point.Methods Sixty-one IHH patients and 100 normal control subjects were collected and genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples.These patients were with normal karyotype and no abnormality was discovered in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the pituitary.Other endocrine diseases were also excluded.The 2-7 exons and splice-sites of NR5A1 gene were amplified with polymerase chain reaction.DNA of the coding sequence and splice-sites of NR5A 1 were sequenced by double deoxidizing terminal end sequencing method in 61 IHH and 100 normal control subjects.The results of sequencing were compared with their corresponding sequence data.61 IHH kindreds were investigated and the clinical data of these patients were collected.Finally, the phenotype and genotype positive cases were analyzed.Results Six patients carried NR5A1 gene mutational sites in 61 cases of IHH.Analysis of sequencing results from 100 age and ethnicity matched control subjects did not show any of these novel changes.Conclusions One mutation in NR5A1 gene may affect protein structure and function, which should be considered in male IHH patients with normal karyotype and without insufficiency of adrenal function.

Objective To discuss the unique biological,histological and clinical features of pediatric renal cell carcinoma (RCC).Methods A retrospective review and biological analysis of all RCC cases presenting to our hospital from January 1973 to March 2012 was undertaken.Results Twenty-nine RCC pediatric patients (16 boys,13 girls) with mean age of 9.6 (range 2.5-16.0) years were identified.The presentations included hematuria in 17 (58.6％) cases with 3 who developed hematuria after trauma,abdominal mass with hematuria in 3 (10.3％),abdominal mass in 3,abdominal pain in 2,abdominal pain with hematuria in 1,and incidentally finding in 3.The diameter of tumor was from 2.5 cm to 25.0 cm,mean 6.8 cm.According to TNM stage grouping system,16 cases were stage Ⅰ,10 stage Ⅲ,and 3 stage Ⅳ.Xp1 1.2 translocation RCC was identified in 21 patients,clear cell RCC 6,papillary RCC 2.Of the 29 cases,3 patients with the tumor less than 7-cm had nephron-sparing surgery.A 15-cm tumor was incompletely removed in 1 patient and another patient with a 25 cm× 18 cm×15 cm tumor had gross residual.Nephrectomy was performed for the affected kidney in the remaining 24 patients.Twenty-one patients (Xp1 1.2 translocation RCC 13 patients,clear cell RCC 6,papillary RCC only 2) were followed up from 1.5 to 34.0 years,18 were living well (T1N0M0 in 11 cases,T1N1M0 in 2,T2N1M0 in 3,T3N1M0 in 1 and T4N1M1 in 1) and 3 died of recurrence.Conclusions Although RCC is rare in children,pediatric RCC behaves in a distinct fashion compared with adult forms of RCC.Hematuria is the main symptom in pediatric RCC.Xp11.2 translocation RCC is the predominant form,associated with an advanced stage at diagnosis.Nephrectomy is the common treatment for RCC and nephron sparing surgery could be a reasonable option for patients with tumor smaller than 7 cm.For localized RCC (T1-2 N0-1 M0),simple kidney removal surgery is sufficient for treatment without lymph node dissection and postoperative adjuvant treatment.

BACKGROUND:Lipoic acid, with a closed circle structure composed by sulphur and carbon atoms, exerts strong anti-oxidation, and has been extensively applied in the prevention and treatment of oxidative stress, diabetic cataract, diabetic neuropathy and cardiovascular diseases. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the protective effect of lipoic acid on peripheral nerve function during peripheral nerve ischemia/reperfusion injury. METHODS:Models of peripheral nerve ischemia/reperfusion injury were established in rabbits, and then rabbit models were then allotted to treatment and non-treatment groups. The treatment group was subdivided into experimental (injection of lippoic acid) and control groups according to the use of lipoic acid at 1, 3 and 6 hours after ischemia and before reperfusion. The ultrastructural changes of the sciatic nerve were observed under electron microscope, and the electrophysiological changes of the sciatic nerve were detected using evoked potential instrument. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:With the ischemic time increasing, the number of vacuoles in the axon increased gradually, accompanied by axonal atrophy, and Waller's degeneration in the aggregated microfilaments. The myelin sheath thickening and dissolving were visible. All above phenomena became severest at 6 hours after ischemia. Compared with the control groups, lipoic acid reduced the number of the vacuoles in the axon and all eviated axonal atrophy, Waller's degeneration and demyelination. As the ischemic time increasing, the latency of sciatic nerve was significantly increased, and peaked at 6 hours of ischemia;while the amplitude was significantly decreased, and reached a minimum at 6 hours of ischemia. Compared with the control groups, in the experimental groups, the latency of sciatic nerve was significantly decreased, but the amplitude was significantly increased. These results suggest that lipoic acid provides neuroprotection against peripheral nerve ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Objective To evaluate the role of imaging diagnosis in surgical treatment of primary aldosteronism(PA). MethodsFrom Jan 1995 to Dec 2004,245 patients with PA were hospitalized in our hospital.Before the operations,all the patients underwent B-ultrasonography and CT scaning,240 received intravenous pyelography and 75 MRI.The preoperative imaging diagnosis were compared with the findings during the operations and postoperative pathologic results. Results Compared with the findings during the operations,the accuracy rates of localized diagnosis for PA with B-ultrasonography,CT scanning and MRI were 92.7%,98.2% and 90.4%,respectively.Compared with the postoperative pathologic results,the accuracy rates of qualitative diagnosis for aldosterone-producing adenoma(APA) with B-ultrasonography,CT scanning and MRI were 83.0%,90.7% and 72.2%,respectively. Conclusion The comprehensive imaging data are helpful in the localized diagnosis of PA.Correct preoperative qualitative diagnosis of APA is the key step for the surgical treatment for PA.

Objective To investigate the activity change pattern and corresponding significance of gly- colytic enzymes including alsolase A(ALDA)and lactate dehydrogenase M(LDH-M)regulated by hy- poxia-inducible factor 1?(HIF-1?)in spinal cord injury(SCI)of rats.Methods SD rats were ran- domly divided into control group and groups at 12 hours,1,2 and 3 days,1 and 2 weeks after compres- sive SCI,in which the activity changes of ALDA and LDH-M in the injured spinal cord were observed at different time points by means of enzyme histochemistry.Results Opitical density(A)value of AL- DA continued significant increase from two days to one week after SCI(P＜0.05)and decreased gradual- ly at 2 weeks after SCI.A value of LDH-M began significant increase at day 1 after SCI and recovered to normal level at 2 weeks after SCI(P＜0.05).Conclusion Activities of ALDA and LDH-M regulated by HIF-1?in spinal cord injury is significantly increased.

OBJECTIVETo observe the expressions of Wnt/beta-catenin and the effects of tanshinone IIA (TII A) on Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway in high glucose induced renal tubular epithelial cell transdifferentiation.

METHODSHuman kidney proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) were divided into three groups, i. e., the normal glucose group, the high glucose group, and the high glucose plus tanshinone IIA group. The expression of beta-catenin was observed using immunocytochemical staining. The protein expression of beta-catenin, E-cadherin, and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) were detected by Western blot. The mRNA levels of beta-catenin and E-cadherin were detected by RT-PCR.

RESULTSCompared with the normal glucose group, both the protein and the mRNA expressions of beta-catenin were significantly enhanced (P < 0.01), the expression of E-cadherin significantly decreased (P < 0.01), the expression of beta-catenin increased in the cytoplasm and nucleus in the high glucose group. TIIA at the final concentration of 100 micromol/L significantly reduced the ectopic expression of beta-catenin. At that concentration, the protein and mRNA expressions of beta-catenin in the nucleus significantly decreased, while the protein and mRNA expressions of E-cadherin were up-regulated. Meanwhile, the expression of alpha-SMA obviously decreased.

CONCLUSIONSWnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway participated in the high glucose induced renal tubular epithelial cell transdifferentiation. TIIA inhibited the transdifferentiation process possibly through down-regulating the activities of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway, thus further playing a role in renal protection.

Cadherins ; metabolism ; Cell Line ; Cell Transdifferentiation ; drug effects ; Diterpenes, Abietane ; pharmacology ; Epithelial Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Glucose ; adverse effects ; Humans ; Kidney Tubules, Proximal ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Wnt Signaling Pathway ; drug effects ; beta Catenin ; metabolism

Background: Coracoacromial ligament transfer is the traditional procedure for treating chronic acromioclavicular separation, but it is significantly inferior to ligament reconstruction according to biomechanical and clinical studies. However, ligament reconstruction carries the risk of complications of graft loosening and peri-tunnel fractures. Currently, there is no ligament reconstruction procedure optimal for preventing such complications. The purpose of this study was to describe and retrospectively analyze the clinical and radiological outcomes of a “duo-figure-8” autogenic graft wrapping technique, which was used to concomitantly reconstruct the acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments. Methods: Preoperative, immediate postoperative, and final follow-up oputcomes were evaluated in 10 enrolled patients. Radiographic outcomes were indicated by the bilateral difference of the coracoclavicular distance (CCD) and overlapping length of the acromioclavicular joint (OLac). Quality of reduction was classified into 4 grades according to bilateral CCD difference into overreduction (< 0 mm), anatomic reduction (0–4 mm), partial loss of reduction (4–8 mm), and recurrent dislocation (> 8 mm). Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and Constant scores. Results: The mean side-to-side differences for CCD were 11.9 mm (preoperative), −0.1 mm (immediate postoperative), and 3.4 mm (final follow-up); those for OLac were 9.4 mm (preoperative) and 2.7 mm (final follow-up). CCD and OLac outcomes significantly improved at final follow-up (p < 0.05). At the immediate postoperative stage, 6 and 4 patients had overreduction and anatomic reduction, respectively. At final follow-up, 7 and 3 patients had anatomic reduction and partial loss of reduction, respectively. The magnitude of improvement of ASES scores for patients with anatomic reduction and partial loss of reduction (p = 0.20) was 18.1 and 20.0, respectively. The magnitude of improvement of Constant scores in patients with anatomic reduction and partial loss of reduction (p = 0.25) was 19.9 and 22.3, respectively. Conclusions The technique yielded acceptable functional outcomes in patients with anatomic reduction or partial loss of reduction. The “duo-figure-8” wrapping method—a single autogenic tendon graft passing beneath the coracoid process with a tendonknot fixation over the distal clavicle and looping around the acromion intramedullary—did not increase the risk of peri-tunnel fractures over the clavicle, coracoid process, or acromion.

Background: Coracoacromial ligament transfer is the traditional procedure for treating chronic acromioclavicular separation, but it is significantly inferior to ligament reconstruction according to biomechanical and clinical studies. However, ligament reconstruction carries the risk of complications of graft loosening and peri-tunnel fractures. Currently, there is no ligament reconstruction procedure optimal for preventing such complications. The purpose of this study was to describe and retrospectively analyze the clinical and radiological outcomes of a “duo-figure-8” autogenic graft wrapping technique, which was used to concomitantly reconstruct the acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments. Methods: Preoperative, immediate postoperative, and final follow-up oputcomes were evaluated in 10 enrolled patients. Radiographic outcomes were indicated by the bilateral difference of the coracoclavicular distance (CCD) and overlapping length of the acromioclavicular joint (OLac). Quality of reduction was classified into 4 grades according to bilateral CCD difference into overreduction (< 0 mm), anatomic reduction (0–4 mm), partial loss of reduction (4–8 mm), and recurrent dislocation (> 8 mm). Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and Constant scores. Results: The mean side-to-side differences for CCD were 11.9 mm (preoperative), −0.1 mm (immediate postoperative), and 3.4 mm (final follow-up); those for OLac were 9.4 mm (preoperative) and 2.7 mm (final follow-up). CCD and OLac outcomes significantly improved at final follow-up (p < 0.05). At the immediate postoperative stage, 6 and 4 patients had overreduction and anatomic reduction, respectively. At final follow-up, 7 and 3 patients had anatomic reduction and partial loss of reduction, respectively. The magnitude of improvement of ASES scores for patients with anatomic reduction and partial loss of reduction (p = 0.20) was 18.1 and 20.0, respectively. The magnitude of improvement of Constant scores in patients with anatomic reduction and partial loss of reduction (p = 0.25) was 19.9 and 22.3, respectively. Conclusions The technique yielded acceptable functional outcomes in patients with anatomic reduction or partial loss of reduction. The “duo-figure-8” wrapping method—a single autogenic tendon graft passing beneath the coracoid process with a tendonknot fixation over the distal clavicle and looping around the acromion intramedullary—did not increase the risk of peri-tunnel fractures over the clavicle, coracoid process, or acromion.

OBJECTIVETo study the therapeutic effects of combined anterior-posterior (small incision or micro-incision) approach for complex tibial plateau and posterior condylar fractures.

METHODSFrom 2000 to 2008, 79 patients (81 limbs) with complex tibial plateau and posterior condylar fractures were reviewed. There were 45 males and 34 females, ranging in age from 19 to 66 years, with an average of 40.6 years. Thirty-nine limbs were treated using small incision through combined anterior-posterior approach, in which 13 limbs were Schatzker type IV, 15 limbs were type V ,and 11 limbs were type VI. Other 42 limbs were treated using micro-incision through combined anterior-posterior approach, in which 18 limbs were Schatzker type IV, 16 limbs were type V, and 8 limbs were type VI. The Rasmussen scores for knee joint and radio scores were used to evaluate therapeutic effects after the treatment. The complications such as cutaneous necrosis and incision infection were observed.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up. According to Rasmussen criterion, in small incision group, 16 limbs got an excellent result, 13 good, 7 fair and 3 bad; in micro-incision group,above data were 19, 11, 8 and 4 respectively. Comparison between the two groups, P = 0.924. Comparison of complications such as cutaneous necrosis and incision infection: in small incision group,10 limbs had the complications, and in micro-incision group were 4 limbs; the occurrence rate of small incision group were higher than that of micro-incision group (P = 0.047).

CONCLUSIONThere are no significant differences between the two groups in the knee joint function rehabilitation; however, there is smaller rate for cutaneous necrosis and incision infection in micro-incision group.

Adult ; Aged ; Ankle Injuries ; surgery ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Fracture Fixation ; methods ; Humans ; Knee Joint ; physiopathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications ; epidemiology ; Retrospective Studies ; Tibial Fractures ; surgery