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

OBJECTIVETo explore the role of abnormal Tbx3 expression in the pathogenesis of breast cancer.

METHODThe total RNA of 4 breast cancer cell lines and 5 normal breast samples was extracted by routine Trizol method. After reverse transcription of the total RNA into cDNA, Tbx3 mRNA expression was detected in these samples by real-time PCR. Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the differences in Tbx3 protein expression between 60 breast cancer samples and 34 normal breast tissue samples.

RESULTSCompared to normal breast tissue samples, the breast cancer cell lines showed markedly increased Tbx3 mRNA expression. The results of immunohistochemistry demonstrated a significant upregulation of Tbx3 protein expression in the 60 breast cancer tissues in comparison with the normal breast tissues, as was consistent with Tbx3 mRNA expressions in these tissue samples.

CONCLUSIONSThe mRNA and protein expressions of Tbx3 are markedly upregulated in breast cancer cell lines and tissue samples, suggesting that Tbx3 may serve as one of the malignant biomarkers in the pathogenesis of breast cancer.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; genetics ; metabolism ; Breast ; cytology ; metabolism ; pathology ; Breast Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Middle Aged ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; T-Box Domain Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Up-Regulation

OBJECTIVETo explore the role of TBX3 gene in the pathogenesis of breast cancer.

METHODSThe total RNA of 51 fresh breast cancer tissues and the corresponding adjacent tissues were extracted and reverse transcribed into cDNA to detect the expression of TBX3 mRNA by real-time PCR. The correlation between TBX3 mRNA expression and the clinicopathologic parameters in relation to breast cancer metastasis was analyzed.

RESULTCompared to that in the adjacent tissues, the expression of TBX3 mRNA was markedly increased in breast cancer tissues. TBX3 mRNA expression was significantly higher in metastatic breast cancer than in non-metastatic tumors.

CONCLUSIONIncreased expression of TBX3 mRNA suggests the involvement of TBX3 in the pathogenesis and metastasis of breast cancer.

Breast Neoplasms ; etiology ; genetics ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; T-Box Domain Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism

Objective　To investigate the expression of TGF-β and TGF-β receptor in human breast cancer cell Bcap-37 inhibited by soybean isoflavones. Methods　mRNA and protein of TGF-β1、TGF-βRⅠ in Bcap-37 cells were examined with reverse transcription ploymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry after cells were treated with daidein or genistein for 1-4 d.The expression of TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 was determined with TGF-β resistance test. Results　The TGF-β1, TGF-β2 and TGF-β recepor increased in Bcap-37 cells at a concentration of 3×10-5 mol/L of genistein. No changes was found when treated with daidzein. Conclusion　Genistein may inhibit the proliferation of Bcap-37 cells and accompany with increasing expression of TGF-β1, TGF-β2 and TGF-β receptor.

OBJECTIVETo explore biological exposure markers, we investigated the chromium content in peripheral erythrocytes from occupational population with broad ranges of soluble chromate exposure, as the candidate biomarker may provide the scientific evidence for health risk assessment in occupational chromate-exposed population.

METHODSA cross-sectional study was conducted in chromate exposed workers employed at a chromate factory in a district of Jinan city, Shandong Province. The studied population contained 114 workers from different processes of the chromate plants, which included 74 males and 40 females, with an age range from 25 to 52 years old, averaging at (35.83 +/- 6.14) years old; the length of service was ranging from 1 year to 37 years, an average of (14.20 +/- 6.77) years. In addition, 30 farmers in the countryside one hundred kilometers away from the factory, without exposure to chromate matched with exposed subjects by age, gender and smoking status were identified as a control group, which included 22 men and 8 women, with age ranging from 25 years old to 47 years old, having an average age of (36.13 +/- 6.17) years old. Personal information on age, chromate exposure, medical history, smoking habit and alcohol consumption was obtained at an interview. The air concentration of personal exposure was determined by individual sampling for 8 hours per day as shift work, and chromium was assayed by atomic absorption spectrometry. The chromium content in the erythrocytes from peripheral blood was determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The potential plasma reduction capacity was determined by dibenzene anthracoamid dihydrazide spectrophotometry. The content of total vitamin C and reductive ascorbic acid were determined by 2, 4-dinitrobenzene hydrazine. The data were analyzed by SPSS10.0 software for statistical significance.

RESULTS(1) The results showed that the chromium levels in erythrocytes in the exposed group [(15.79 +/- 31.01) microg/L] were significantly higher than those in the control group [(3.21 +/- 2.20) microg/L] (P < 0.01). (2) There existed a dose-response relationship between the personal airborne chromate concentration and the chromium content in erythrocytes. As airborne chromate concentration lowered to 106.00 microg/m(3), the chromium content in erythrocytes increased, depending on the air concentration of chromate. (3) Correlation analysis showed that there was a significant positive correlation between airborne chromate concentration and the chromium content in erythrocytes (P < 0.01). (4) In multiple regression analysis, it was found that the potential plasma reduction capacity and reductive ascorbic acid may be a good indicator for oxidative stress produced by chromate exposure and be used to evaluate the effects on intracellular uptake of chromium (VI).

CONCLUSIONOur findings suggested that the chromium content in erythrocytes should be used as an effective exposed biomarker in the risk assessment for occupational chromate-exposure.

Adult ; Air Pollutants, Occupational ; analysis ; Biomarkers ; blood ; Chromates ; analysis ; Chromium ; blood ; Erythrocytes ; chemistry ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Occupational Exposure ; analysis

OBJECTIVETo provide data on alcohol consumption and drug use among middle-school students aged 13-15 in 4 cities of China, and to provide evidence for developing intervention strategies on adolescents alcohol and drug use.

METHODSStandardized sample selection process of two-stage cluster-sampling was used in middle-school students in Beijing, Hangzhou, Wuhan and Urumchi. A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted in Sept. 2003 and data was analyzed by Epi Info software.

RESULTSAmong 7344 students from grade 1 to 3, 36.5% had tasted while 14.4% had drunk alcohol in the past 30 days. 9.9% had experienced drunkness, 5.1% had been in trouble because of drinking, and 1.6% had ever used illegal drugs. Significant differences had been found in all the cities. Higher graders, older students and boys had higher rates of alcohol and addictive drug use than low graders, younger students and girls. 51.9% had been taught on take alcohol safety and another 27.6% on skills of rejecting alcohol, during the past school year.

CONCLUSIONSThe current situation of alcohol and addictive drug use among Chinese middle-school students aged 13-15 seemed to be quite critical, suggesting that it is necessary to carry out relevant health education in accordance with different characteristics in area, gender and age of the students.

Adolescent ; Alcohol Drinking ; epidemiology ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Students ; Substance-Related Disorders ; epidemiology

OBJECTIVETo detect bcl-2 gene expression in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-infected human gastric epithelial cell line GES-1 for understanding the role of bcl-2 gene in the carcinogenesis of EBV-associated gastric carcinoma.

METHODSAkata 1061 cells producing recombined EBV carrying neomycin resistance gene (NEOr) was used to mediate the EBV infection of human gastric epithelial cell line GES-1 via close contact, with the empty plasmid pcDNA3-transfected GES-1 cells via lipofectamine method as a control. The EBV-infected and pcDNA3-transfected cells were cloned by limited dilution and the positive clones selected with G418. Immunocytochemical staining was performed to detect the expressions of EBNA1 and Bcl-2 protein.

RESULTSBcl-2 protein expression was detected in EBV-infected cells but not in the control cells.

CONCLUSIONEBV infection can increase Bcl-2 expression in gastric epithelial cells, and such cell transformation effect of EBV is related to the overexpression of bcl-2 gene.

Cell Line, Transformed ; Cell Transformation, Viral ; Epithelial Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; virology ; Herpesvirus 4, Human ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; biosynthesis ; Stomach ; cytology

BACKGROUNDDisability and death following hip fracture is becoming more common as the population ages. Previous reports have focused on the selection of internal fixation methods and the analysis of the perioperative therapeutic results in the Chinese population. Few studies have focused on factors influencing medium and long term survival after surgery for hip fracture. We conducted a retrospective study on the factors influencing survival one year after hip fracture surgery in our elderly Chinese population to provide a reference for improved treatment and to enhance efficacy.

METHODSRecords from patients undergoing treatment for hip fracture at our hospital from October 2009 through June 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Through telephone follow-up, the health condition of each patient was surveyed, and the 1-year postoperative mortality was analyzed. The patients' age, gender, fracture type, pre-injury health condition, mobility, complications, surgical timing, surgical types, methods of anesthesia, and postoperative complications were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis was performed on relevant influencing factors.

RESULTSA total of 184 patients had complete data and were followed-up for 12-23 months (average, 16.5 months). There were 30 deaths (16.3%) at one-year. Univariate analysis revealed that factors such as age, gender, fracture-type, number of co-existing diseases, complications such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or sequelae of stroke, American society of Anesthesiology (ASA) scores, anesthesia methods, pre-injury activity, and post-operative complications were significantly different between survival versus mortality groups (P < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that age, ASA score, pre-injury mobility and combined chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were independent risk factors for death.

CONCLUSIONFull consideration of medium-/long-term risk factors in the treatment of hip fracture in the elderly, selection of appropriate anesthesia and treatment methods, and improved pre-surgical health conditions would reduce postoperative mortality and enhance surgical efficacy.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hip Fractures ; mortality ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Regression Analysis ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVETo study the chemical constituents of Excoecaria agallocha L.

METHODThe constituents were isolated and purified by repeated column chromatography and their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis.

RESULTSix triterpenoids including taraxerone (1), beta-amyrin acetate (2), 3beta-[(2E,4E)-6-oxo-decadienoyloxy]-olean-12-ene (3), taraxerol (4), acetylaleuritolic acid (5), and cycloart-22-ene-3beta, 25-diol (6), and three steroids including beta-sitostenone (7), (24R)-24-ethylcholesta-4,22-dien-3-one (8), and beta-sitosterol (9) were isolated and identified from the stems and twigs of the mangrove plant E. agallocha.

CONCLUSIONCompounds 5-8 were isolated from E. agallocha for the first time.

Euphorbiaceae ; chemistry ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; Oleanolic Acid ; analogs & derivatives ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Sitosterols ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Steroids ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Triterpenes ; chemistry ; isolation & purification

BACKGROUNDP-glycoprotein (P-gp) encoded by ATP-binding cassette sub-family B member 1 (ABCB1) gene is a kind of ATP-dependent drug transporter, which plays important roles in multidrug resistance (MDR) of human cancers, such as osteosarcoma. Curcumin is a natural phenolic coloring compound originating from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa, which is proved to possess antitumor biological activities including reversion of MDR. However, the effect and molecular mechanisms of curcumin to osteosarcoma MDR remain unclear.

METHODSWe established a human osteosarcoma drug-resistant cell line MNNG/HOS/MTX by pulse exposure to methotrexate (MTX) and verified that the new cell lines were cross-resistant to other anticancer agents. Then, according to the cytotoxicity assay, we reversed MDR of MNNG/HOS/MTX by 30 µmol/L curcumin, and detected the mechanisms of curcumin reversing MDR through Real-time PCR, Western blotting assay, and Rhodamine123 (Rh123) transport test. Finally, we evaluated the effect of curcumin reversing MDR in vivo by MNNG/HOS/MTX cells xenograft-nude mice model.

RESULTSMNNG/HOS/MTX was proved to be a human osteosarcoma MDR cell line. MTT tumor chemosensitivity test indicates that 30 µmol/L curcumin attenuates the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) and resistance index (RI) to MTX, diamminedichloroplatinum (DDP), adriamycin (ADM), ifosfamide (IFO), and epirubicin (EPI) in MNNG/HOS/MTX cells (P < 0.05). Real-time PCR and Western blotting assays demonstrated that curcumin down-regulated P-gp expression of MNNG/HOS/MTX cells. Rh123 transport test showed that curcumin inhibited the transport function of P-gp in vitro. In vivo studies showed that curcumin displayed the features of sensitizing antitumor drugs and inhibiting the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of osteosarcoma MDR cells.

CONCLUSIONDown-regulation of P-gp and inhibition of the function of P-gp efflux pump may contribute to MDR reversion induced by curcumin in vitro and in vivo.

ATP-Binding Cassette, Sub-Family B, Member 1 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents ; therapeutic use ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Curcumin ; Drug Resistance, Multiple ; genetics ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; genetics ; Humans ; Male ; Methotrexate ; therapeutic use ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Osteosarcoma ; drug therapy ; genetics