ObjectiveTo evaluate the diagnostic performance of bone SPECT and CT fusion imaging in bone metastases from pediatric neuroblastoma.MethodsTwenty-four pediatric patients with neuroblastoma were included in this retrospective study.All patients underwent planar imaging and SPECT integrated with CT.Lesion visibility,diagnostic certainty and diagnostic performance were evaluated with KolmogorovSmirnov test andx2 test.ResultsLesion visibility of SPECT alone,SPECT integrated with CT were significantly better than that of planar imaging ( both H =69.000,P ＜ 0.05 ).SPECT and CT fusion imaging,SPECT alone both detected five more bone lesions than planar bone imaging (77 vs 72).The diagnostic accuracy of SPECT imaging (62.34％,48/77 )was significantly higher than that of planar imaging (45.45％,35/77; x2 =4.416,P ＜ 0.05 ).The sensitivity,specificity and accuracy of SPECT and CT fusion imaging for diagnosing malignant bone lesions were significantly higher than those of planar imaging:82.35％ (42/51) vs 53.19％ ( 25/47),88.46％ ( 23/26 ) vs 40.00％ ( 10/25 ),84.42％ ( 65/77 ) vs 45.45％ (35/77 ; x2 =12.571,14.016,25.667,all P ＜ 0.01 ).The diagnostic specificity and accuracy of SPECT and CT fusion imaging were significantly higher than those of SPECT alone ( 53.85％,14/26 ;62.34％,48/77) (x2 =7.589,9.606,both P ＜0.01 ).However,there was no significant difference of sensitivity between the two methods (x2 =2.942,P ＞ 0.05 ).Diagnostic certainty by SPECT and CT fusion imaging was significantly higher than that by SPECT alone ( H =28.000,P ＜ 0.05 ) and by planar imaging (H =21.000,P ＜ 0.05).ConclusionSPECT and CT fusion imaging can detect more bone lesions in patients with pediatric neuroblastoma.It is helpful for diagnosing bone metastases from pediatric neuroblastoma.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical effects of 360 degree circular decompression and transpedicle screw fixation to treat the ossification of thoracic posterior longitudinal ligament by posterior approach.

METHODSFrom December 2009 to November 2013, 18 patients with ossification of thoracic posterior longitudinal ligament ossification were treated with 360 degree circle decompression and transpedicle screw fixation by posterior approach. There were 8 males and 10 females,ranging in age from 32 to 67 years old, with an average of 51 years old. Four patients were accompanied with ligamentum flavum ossification. Longitudinal ossifications in 5 cases were located in the upper thoracic vertebra and 13 cases in the middle and lower thoracic vertebra. Five cases were typical type, 4 cases were segmental type, 6 cases were continuous type and 3 cases were mixed type. All the patients had the posterior spinal canal decompression combined with longitudinal ligament resection, interbody fusion with bone graft and internal fixation surgeries. The operation time,blood loss and complications were recorded. JOA score were applied to evaluate the neurological function recovery pre-surgery, 2 days post-surgery and the latest follow-up. The surgery effects were evaluated by Epstein-Schwall method.

RESULTSThe operation time ranged from 3 to 6 hours (mean, 4.2 hours). The blood loss ranged from 800 to 4 000 ml (mean, 1 800 ml). All the patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 6 months to 3 years, with a mean of 1.8 years. The JOA score increased from preoperative 4.30 ± 2.60 to 7.60 ± 2.40 2 days after surgery, and 7.80 ± 1.90 at the latest follow-up (t = 4.61, P < 0.001). The JOA scores between 2 days after surgery and the latest follow-up had no significant differences (t = 0.28,P = 0.78). The neurological recovery rate was 74% 2 days after surgery and 71% at the latest follow-up. There were 4 cases got an excellent result,10 good,3 fair and 1 poor according to Epstein-Schwall evaluation method. Four patients had cerebrospinal fluid leakage, 3 patients had intercostal nerve paralysis or pain, and 1 patient had superficial incision infection. The neurological function in 3 patients became worse in the second day posteratively , and among them, 2 patients were recovered at the latest follow-up and 1 patient had no changes. All the patients got fusion of bone graft and no internal fixation loosening and fractures occurred.

CONCLUSION360 degree circular decompression and transpedicle screw fixation can resect different types of thoracic longitudinal ligament ossification, and can achieve a good clinical effect.

Adult ; Aged ; Decompression, Surgical ; methods ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ; surgery ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of baicalein on the gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) in the TM4 Sertoli cells of the mouse testis and its related mechanism.

METHODSWe measured the cytotoxicity of different concentrations of baicalein on the TM4 Sertoli cells in the mouse testis by MTT, detected the fluorescence transfer of the TM4 Sertoli cells by parachute assay, and determined the expression of the protein connexin 43 ( Cx43) in the baicalein-treated cells by Western blot and immunofluorescence assay.

RESULTSBaicalein produced no obvious cytotoxicity on the TM4 Sertoli cells at the concentration below 60 µmol/L but significantly increased their GJIC at 0-20 µmol/L (P < 0.01). Western blot and immunofluorescence assay showed that 0-20 µmol/L baicalein remarkably elevated the expression of Cx43 in the TM4 cells (P < 0.01) and on the membrane of the TM4 cells.

CONCLUSIONBaicalein at the concentration of 0-20 µmol/L can significantly enhance GJIC in mouse TM4 Sertoli cells by increasing the expression of the Cx43 protein.

Animals ; Cell Communication ; drug effects ; Connexin 43 ; metabolism ; Flavanones ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Gap Junctions ; drug effects ; Male ; Mice ; Sertoli Cells ; drug effects ; metabolism ; ultrastructure

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical effects of posterior spinal transpedicular wedge osteotomy for kyphosis due to delayed osteoporotic vertebral fracture in elderly.

METHODSFrom July 2009 to February 2014,26 patients with kyphosis caused by delayed osteoporotic vertebral fracture were treated with transpedicular wedge osteotomy. There were 10 males and 16 females,aged from 55 to 75 years old with an average of 67 years. There were 1 osteotomy in thoracic vertebra,21 osteotomies in thoracolumbar vertebrae and 4 in lumbar vertebrae. Total 29 vertebrae were involved, 23 cases with single vertebral fracture and 3 cases with double vertebral fractures. Preoperative Cobb angles were 32°~51° with the mean of (42.00 ± 4.75) ° and VAS scores were 6 to 9 points with an average of (8.40 ± 0.75) points. According to the Frankel grade of spinal cord function, 4 cases were grade D and 22 cases were grade E. Intraoperative bleeding, operation time and perioperative complications were recorded, and improvements of Cobb angle were evaluated by X-rays. VAS score and Frankel grade were respectively used to evaluate the pain and nerve function.

RESULTSThe average operation time were 155 min (ranged, 120 to 175) and the mean intraoperative bleeding were 1 100 ml (ranged,800 to 1 500). Postoperative at 2 days, Cobb angle and VAS score were (9.60 ± 2.50) ° and (4.00 ± 1.00) points, respectively, ranged from 5° to 15° and 1 to 5 points. VAS score and Cobb angle improved obviously compared with preoperative (P < 0.05), and the improvement rate of Cobb angle was 76%. Frankel grade of 1 case changed from grade E to C, and the others did not become worse. The follow-up period ranged from 3 to 24 months with an average of 16.4 months. At the final follow-up, Cobb angles and VAS score were (11.00 ± 3.50)° and (4.40 ± 1.25) points, respectively, ranged from 5° to 19° and 1 to 6 points. The patient whose Frankel grade E changed to C at 2 days after surgery and changed to grade D at the latest follow-up. Vertebral body fracture below the fusion level happened in 1 case at 3 months after surgery, vertebral body fracture above the fusion level happened in 1 case at 5 months after surgery, and their chest pain symptoms were relieved after symptomatic treatment and anti osteoporosis treatment. All osteotomy levels obtained fusion which confirmed by X-ray and no internal fixation loosening and breakage were found.

CONCLUSIONThe clinical effect of posterior transpedicular wedge osteotomy for kyphosis due to delayed osteoporotic vertebral fracture was satisfactory, but manipulation during the operation should be cautious and prevent adjacent vertebral body fracture should be pay attention to prevent.

Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Kyphosis ; etiology ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Osteoporotic Fractures ; complications ; surgery ; Osteotomy ; methods ; Spinal Fractures ; complications ; surgery ; Visual Analog Scale

BACKGROUND: Models concerning tumor external environment mainly concentrated on laboratory two-dimensional culture and in vitro animal experiment, which lack of three-dimensional stereo.OBJECTIVE: To establish in vitro bone metastasis stereo models of human prostate carcinoma, and to investigate the effect of stem cells on proliferation rate and clustering size of prostate carcinoma cells. METHODS: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) were extracted from 2 clean grade SD rats. Alginate was used to simulate medullary microenvironment, where prostate carcinoma cells and BMMSCs were co-culturedd. Growth of the cells in the three-dimensional model was observed through microscope and histological sections. The carcinoma cells were transfected with green fluorescent protein. The proliferation of monoclonal cells clustering was observed under light microscope and fluorescence microscope. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In the co-culture group, the clustering speed, clustering amount and tumor formation rate were greater that those of the control group. The monoclonal cells clustering was formed at 7.75 days and 6.00 days in the control and co-culture groups, respectively, with cell counts of (95.13±11.63) and (112.53±14.67) after 10 days. The formation rate of fluorescent cell clones was (77.10±6.85)% in the control group and (64.55±6.21)% in the co-culture group, the difference had significance. The results suggested that: the alginate microenvironment is conductive to proliferation and clustering of prostate carcinoma cells and BMMSCs.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between clinical effects of acupuncture for elderly patients with sensorineural deafness and ear distending sensation.Methods:A total of 120 elderly patients with sensorineural deafness were randomly divided into a comprehensive treatment group,an acupuncture group and a Western medicine group,with 40 cases in each group.The acupuncture group received acupuncture treatment,the Western medicine group received oral mecobalamin tablets and the comprehensive treatment group received acupuncture plus acupoint injection and auricular acupoint sticking.The values of pure tone hearing threshold test of the three groups were observed before and after treatment,and the relationship between clinical effects and ear distending sensation was compared.Results:The total effective rate of the comprehensive treatment group was 82.5％ versus 67.0％ in the acupuncture group and 62.5％ in the Western medicine group.The inter-group comparisons showed statistically significant differences in the comprehensive treatment group versus the Western medicine group (P＜0.01) and the acupuncture group (P＜0.05).In the comprehensive treatment group,there were 23 cases (57.5％) with ear distending sensation,the clinical total effective rate was 86.9％;there were 17 cases (42.5％) without the sensation,the clinical total effective rate was 76.5％.In the acupuncture group,there were 24 cases (60.0％) with ear distending sensation,the clinical total effective rate was 71.0％;there were 16 cases (40.0％) without the sensation,the clinical total effective rate was 63.0％.In the Western medicine group,there were 21 cases (52.5％) with ear distending sensation,the clinical total effective rate was 66.7％;there were 19 cases (47.5％) without the sensation,the clinical total effective rate was 57.9％.The total effective rate of patients with ear distending sensation were higher than the rates of those without ear distending sensation in the three groups,but the differences were insignificant (all P＞0.05).Conclusion:The comprehensive therapy is one of the effective methods to treat elderly patients with sensorineural deafness.In the three groups of elderly patients with sensorineural deafness,the relief of ear distending sensation and the hearing loss were basically simultaneous,and the hearing recovery in the patients with ear distending sensation may be slightly better than that in those without ear distending sensation.Nevertheless,further research is needed.

AIM:To determine whether acellular porcine cornea stroma (APCS) could support the growth of the rabbit corneal cells in vitro.METHODS: APCS was prepared. The rabbit's corneal epithelium and stromal cells were cultured and seeded on, APCS in vitro.The observation of phase contrast photograph and histological examination were performed.RESULTS: Histological examination showed the epithe- lium grew on the scaffold of APCS in 2-3 layers at 10th day. The stromal cells adhered to the surface of the scaffold after 24 hours and invaded into the interlaminar of the material at 5th day.CONCLUSION: These results indicate that APCS can support the growth and proliferation of the corneal epithelium and stromal cells in vitro.

ObjectiveTo investigate the concentration of water fluoride and the application of water defluoridation projects in Suizhou,and to provide a basis for water improvement and prevention of the disease.MethodsCross-sectional study was carried out to investigate completely the water defluoridation projects built between 1986 and 2009 in the area under Suizhou's jurisdiction; 3 source water and terminal water samples of the projects in use were collected,respectively; 1 water sample was collected,respectively in the 3 projects with out-ofcommission or discarded water sources that used to be major water supply,for detection of fluoride,chloride,total hardness,heavy metals and other indicators.ResultsA total of 21 projects were investigated,14 projects were in normal use (66.7％),7 projects were out of order and abandoned (33.3％).Of the 14 projects normally used,13projects with water fluoride concentration ≤ 1.0 mg/L(92.9％)and 1 project with water fluoride concentration higher than 1.0 mg/L(7.1％),the concentration of water fluoride in the 7 abandoned projects was higher than 1.0 mg/L(100％).Arsenic and lead levels of all the water samples were normal.There were two water samples with iron content exceeded the standard,and one total hardness of water samples exceeded the standard in the normally used 14 peripheral water sources.One chloride content exceeded the standard,one manganese content exceeded the standard,two iron content exceeded the standard and three total hardness exceeded the standard in the seven abandoned projects.ConclusionsSome defluoridation projects are stopped using and abandoned in Suizhou,and the water fluoride exceeds the standard.

In this paper 3 different media (A,for yeast cultivation ; B, for laccase producing; D, for white rot fungi cultivation) were compared in enriching and screening decolorizing fungi culture using Reactive Black 5 (RB5) and Reactive Red (M-3BE) from the following three points: decolorization effects, abilities of producing enzymes and diversity of microbial community. 11 groups of fungi with obvious decolorization effects were obtained after enrichment for near one month. Among them, 6 groups came from medium D, the other two 3 groups from medium A and B, respectively. However, the 3 groups from medium A exhibited the highest microbial diversity and best decolorization results with 99.53% and 97.42% color removal rate of Reactive Red M-3BE and Acid Red. From them, 16 strains of fungi were isolated and primarily identified as Saprolegniaceae, Eurotiaceae (Monascus went), Erysiphaceae and Physodermataceae. Fungi groups from medium B and D exhibited a bit lower color removal rate of various dyes and only 3 and 2 isolates primarily classified as Saccharomycetaceae and Eurotiaceae (Penicillium) were obtained from them. Fungi cultures in medium A and B could produce lignin peroxidase, and those in medium D could be detected higher activity of laccase. All the fungal cultures exhibited very weak activity of manganese dependant peroxidase.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of total flavonoids of Litsea Coreana (TFLC) on the gap junction (GJ) intercellular communication in TM3 testicular Leydig cells and whether TFLC can reduce the cytotoxicity of oxaliplatin (OHP) in vitro.

METHODSWe detected the effect of TFLC on the dye spread of the in vitro cultured TM3 cells by parachute assay, observed changes in the expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) total protein in the TFLC-treated TM3 cells by Western blot, and determined the effects of TFLC on the expression of Cx43 on the membrane of the TM3 cells by immunofluorescence assay and on the cytotoxicity of OHP by MTT assay.

RESULTSTFLC obviously enhanced the GJ function with the increasing of the TFLC concentration in the TM3 cells. Western blot and immunofluorescence assay confirmed that TFLC significantly enhanced the expression of Cx43 total protein and Cx43 expression on the membrane of the TM3 cells. MTT assay showed that at a high cell density (confluent with GJ formation), 20 microg/ml TFLC enhanced the GJ function of the TM3 cells and reduced the cytotoxicity of OHP (P < 0.05), while at a low density (preconfluent with no GJ formation), TFLC exhibited no effect on the cytotoxicity of OHP (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONTFLC increases the Cx43 expression and GJ function in normal TM3 Leydig cells, and the enhancement of GJ function reduces the cytotoxicity of OHP.

Antineoplastic Agents ; toxicity ; Cell Communication ; drug effects ; physiology ; Cell Count ; Connexin 43 ; metabolism ; Flavonoids ; pharmacology ; Gap Junctions ; drug effects ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Leydig Cells ; drug effects ; ultrastructure ; Litsea ; chemistry ; Male ; Organoplatinum Compounds ; antagonists & inhibitors ; toxicity ; Proteins ; metabolism