BACKGROUND: It has been demonstrated that pedicle screw internal fixation influencing factors involve screw structural morphology, thread parameter, bone density, moment size for tightening screw during operation, and depth of screw placement. There is little known about the correlation of pullout strength of spinal pedicle screw with device for transverse traction to extraversion angle. OBJECTIVE: To assess effect of the spinal pedicle screw with device for transverse traction on pullout strength at different extraversion angles. DESIGN: Repeated measurement. SETTING: Center for Bone Joint, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. PARTICIPANTS: This study was performed at Laboratory for Material Mechanics, Hehai University between June and November 2003. A total of 18 adult dried lumbar vertebrae (L1-5) were provided by Department of Anatomy, Nanjing Medical University, and recruited for this study. The protocol was approved by the hospital's Ethics Committee. The pedicle screw was made of stainless steel. Each pedicle screw had a diameter of 5.5 nun, total length of 150 nun (thread part 50 into included), and the same thread parameter. Electrical universal material machine (EW type) was provided by Laboratory for Material Mechanics of Hehai University. METHODS: Bone density was measured with a single photon bone density determinator. According to the bone density, the lumbar vertebrae were numbered and randomly divided into 3 groups with 6 lumbar vertebrae in each: extraversion angle 5 ° group, extraversion angle 15° group, and extraversion angle 30° group. ① Installation of pedicle screw and clamping apparatus: According to Wein-Stein method, one entry-point was selected at each side of lumbar vertebra, and at the sametime, extraversion angle 5°, 15° ,and 30° were respectively defined for extraversion angle 5° , 15° ,and 30° groups. A 50 mm-depth pinhole was drilled with a drill bit with a diameter of 3.0 nun. Pedicle screw was screwed into 50 nun, and its end part was connected to the device for transverse traction. Spinal vertebrae and the device for transverse traction were fixed with a specially made clamping apparatus. ② Determination of pullout strength and observation of pedicle and vertebral injury: Spinal vertebrae, on which pedicle screw and device for transverse traction were installed, was placed on a EW electrical universal material machine together with clamping apparatus for determining the pullout strength of pedicle screw. Sensor was connected to a computer to draw strength-displacement curve. The wave crest of the curve was considered the maximum pullout strength. At the same time, injuries to pedicle and vertebra caused by pullout of pedicle screw were observed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pullout strength and injuries to pedicle and vertebra. RESULTS:①The mean maximum pullout strength of pedicle screw was respectively 0.878 167, 1.420 333, and 2.154 167 KN for extraversion angle 5° , 15 ° , and 30° groups. There was significant difference among the 3 groups (F = 12.554 22, P < 0.01). ② In the extraversion angle 5° group, 4 patients presented with cortical bone fracture which occurred at the entrance for pedicle screw, and 2 patients presented with fragmentation of junctional zone between pedicle and vertebral posterior edge; In the extraversion angle 15° group, 1 patient presented with cortical bone fracture which occurred at the entrance for pedicle screw, 4 patients presented with fragmentation of junctional zone between pedicle and vertebral posterior edge, and 1 patient presented with vertebral posterior coronal fragmentation; In the extraversion angle 30° group, 1 patient presented with cortical bone fracture which occurred at the entrance for pedicle screw, 2 patients presented with fragmentation of junctional zone between pedicle and vertebral posterior edge, and 3 patients presented with vertebral posterior coronal fragmentation. There was statistical significance in the intergroup rank-sum test (P < 0.01).CONCLUSION: During application of pedicle screw with device for transverse traction, proper accrescence of extraversion angle can increase pullout strength of the screw and enhance fixative strength, and excessive extraversion angle easily injures vertebra.

Objective To evaluate clinical value of MGFA classification and QMG score on pre-dicting late extubation after thymectomy for myasthenia gravis(MG).Methods Total of 61 patients with MG received extended thymectomy from January 2007 to February 2012 were enrolled.Patients were divided into two groups:normal extubation group contained the other 47 patients without pro-longed postoperative mechanical ventilation and delayed extubation group included 14 patients with prolonged postoperative mechanical ventilation.The following factors were evaluated:gender,age, weight,MGFA classification,QMG score,history of steroid hormones or anticholinesterase drugs be-fore operation,the function of liver and kidney before operation,preoperative electrolyte,preoperative hemoglobin content,etc.Receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC)was plotted,and the predictive value, sensitivity and specificity of preoperative MGFA clinical classification and QMG score predicting postoperative ventilation in MG were calculated.Results Fourteen patients(22.95%)de-veloped breathing support after the anaesthetic or endotracheal intubation again in 48 hours.the area under ROC curve(AUC)for preoperative MGFA clinical classification predicting postoperative ventila-tion was 0.723 in MG,it had the sensitivity of 78.5% and specificity of 63.8%.The AUC for QMG score predicting postoperative ventilation was 0.866,the QMG score threshold value of 8.5 had the sensitivity of 78.6% and specificity of 87.2%.Conclusion MGFA classification and QMG score can predict late extubation after thymectomy in patients with myasthenia gravis.

Objective To investigate the effect of probiotic supplement on the microbiology,bacterial translocation,and gut barrier function of the rats with abdominal infection. Methods After making the models of cecal ligation and perforation,the SD rats were divided into two groups.The rats in the control group were administrated with parenteral nutrition.The rats in the experimental group were administrated with parenteral nutrition and probiotics via the needle jejunostomy and neck vein for 5 d.The feces in the cecum were cultured by anaerobic bacterial growth.The vena cava blood and the homogenated tissues of the lives,hungs and mesenteric lymph nodes were cultured to determine bacterial translocation. Results The quantity of normal intestinal bacteria in the experimental group and the control group had significant difference except Enterobacteriaceae.The quantity of L.acidophilus and Bifidobacteria in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group.The quantity of C.perfrigens,the potential pathogenic germ in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group(P

39℃)developed at the progressive stage of this disease.Physical examination showed variously sized,round or oval,atrophic and variola-like scars along with scattered erythematous patches,papules, necrosis and crusts on the face and extremities.The face was edematous,and there were some edematous and erythematous plaques with a necrotic center on the legs and arms.Histological examination revealed a massive infiltration with atypical CD8~+lymphocytes around the vessels and appendages in dermis.A diagnosis of CD8~+cutaneous T-cell lymphoma(CTCL)was made.Glucocorticoid and immunosuppressants were effective in controlling the condition.Up to the time of the writing,there has not been any definite evidence of systemic involvement.

Background Age-related cataract is one of the common causes of blindness.Although the pathophysiology of age-related cataract is far from clearly understood,it is well accepted that DNA damage plays an important role in the disease pathogenesis.Objective The purpose of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the DNA damage in peripheral lymphocytes of age-related cataract.Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out.This study complied Declaration of Helsinki and approved by Ethic Committee of Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University.Written informed consent was obtained from each subject.Two hundred and eleven patients with agerelated cataract and 147 normal subjects were enrolled from a “ Jiangsu Eye Study:Funing 2011 Eye Disease Epidemic Survey”.All the subjects aged from 50 through 80 years with matched age and gender between the two groups.The percentage of tail DNA and Olive tail moment (OTM) were detected by comet assay to assess the extent of DNA damage in peripheral lymphocytes.Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS 17.0 software,and the differences of the percentage of tail DNA and OTM were compared between the age-related cataract group and normal control group by independent sample t test as well as among the 50-59 years group,60-69 years group and ≥70 years group by one-way analysis of variance.Results Comet assay showed a round lymph cell with the clear border in the normal group;while in the age-related cataract group,the cell was bigger with a comet-like tail.The percentage of tail DNA and OTM in peripheral lymphocytes were (21.75 ± 3.51) ％ and 6.54 ± 1.65 in the age-related cataract group,and those in the normal control group were (9.31 ±3.60)％ and 2.18 ± 1.10,respectively,with significant differences between them (t =32.67,P =0.00 ; t =28.02,P =O.00).In the 50-59 years subgroup of the age-related cataract group,the percentage of tail DNA and OTM in peripheral lymphocytes were (20.04±2.86) ％ and 5.92± 1.14,and in the 60-69 years subgroup of the age-related cataract group,the percentage of tail DNA and OTM in peripheral lymphocytes were (20.77 ±2.93) ％ and 6.13 ± 1.14,which were significantly reduced in comparison with (22.79 ± 3.67)％ and 6.95±1.91 of the ≥70years subgroup(TailDNA％:q=2.75,P=0.00; q=2.02,P=0.00;OTM:q=1.03,P =0.02 ; q =0.82,P =0.00).Conclusions The pathogenesis and development of age-related cataract probably is associated with DNA damage.

Objective To explore the regional parameters of triple screening model of Down syndrome in the second trimester in Jinhua City.Methods A total of 20 232 second trimester pregnant women with single fetus (gestational age at 15 -20 +6 weeks)was enrolled,and their serum samples were determined by American Perkin Elmer company Auto DELFIA automatic time -resolved fluorescence immunoassay analyzer for Down syndrome screening with triple markers, namely AFP,free β-hCG and uE3 .The risks of Down syndrome were evaluated by Lifecycle 3.2 software.And the risks of Down syndrome were re -calculated by local statistical median equations.Pregnant women were suggested to receive amniotic fluid fetal karyotype analysis if the risk of Down syndrome were equal or above 1 /270.Results Local median marker levels were significantly higher than the software built -in median levels (P <0.01).Both true -positive detection rates (sensitivity)were 87.50%.The false positive rate of local median equations was 4.24%,while the built -in median equations was 4.74%.Conclusion There are significant differences on the race and region by using the LifeCycle 3.2 median equations.The local equations may lower the false positive rate.

AIMTo determine the protective effect and influence on NOS expression of Montelukast sodium--a leukotriene antagonist on myocardial necrosis in rats.

METHODSMyocardial ischemia and necrosis were induced in rats by isoproterenol (2 mg.kg-1, s.c., qd for 2 d). Serum activity of LDH, CK, MDA, NO content in myocardium and scope of myocardial necrosis were measured. nNOS, iNOS and eNOS were investigated by immunohistochemical evaluation.

RESULTSDecreased serum level of LDH, CK, MDA and attenuated myocardial necrosis area were found in rats pretreated with Montelukast sodium 10 and 30 mg.kg-1. Montelukast sodium 30 mg.kg-1 also enhanced NO content in myocardium. Montelukast sodium activated the eNOS expression and reduced the iNOS expression.

CONCLUSIONMontelukast sodium is cardioprotective during myocardial injury in rats by halting the leukotrienes-induced inflammatory response and upregulating the eNOS expression as well as downregulating the iNOS expression. This may represent an approach to the treatment of myocardial ischemia with leukotriene antagonists.

Acetates ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Cardiotonic Agents ; pharmacology ; Female ; Isoproterenol ; Leukotriene Antagonists ; pharmacology ; Male ; Myocardial Ischemia ; chemically induced ; enzymology ; pathology ; Myocardium ; metabolism ; pathology ; Necrosis ; Nitric Oxide Synthase ; metabolism ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III ; Quinolines ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase induced (EMMPRIN) in the interface tissue, and explore the role of EMMPRIN in the aseptic loosening of prostheses.

METHODSImmunohistochemistry was performed to characterize the EMMPRIN-expressing cells at sites of interface tissue around aseptic loosened hip prostheses in 16 cases. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to study the existence of EMMPRIN mRNA in interface tissue samples. And it was followed up by computer assisted image analysis in order to detect the A values of their expression. Synovium of hip joint of 8 femoral neck fracture were in control group.

RESULTSStrong immunostaining of EMMPRIN was found in the macrophages and fibroblasts of lining-like layers and vascular endothelium of synovial membrane-like interface tissue around loosened prostheses. Expression of EMMPRIN was significantly higher in interface tissue than the control synovium (z=-3.252, P=0.001). RT-PCR of interface tissue samples disclosed the presence of EMMPRIN mRNA of 14 cases. In interface tissue, the A value of EMMPRIN increased significantly compared to control synovium (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONOver-expression of EMMPRIN up-regulates the production of matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) in the interface tissue. And it can promote the bone destruction around prostheses. Thereby it may be one of methods to prevent and treat aseptic loosening of prostheses by repression the biology activity of EMMPRIN.

Adult ; Aged ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip ; Basigin ; genetics ; physiology ; Female ; Hip Prosthesis ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Matrix Metalloproteinases ; metabolism ; Middle Aged ; Osteolysis ; physiopathology ; Prosthesis Failure ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Synovial Membrane ; metabolism

X-linked sideroblastic anemia (XLSA) is caused by mutations of erythroid-specific 5-aminolevulinate synthetase (ALAS2) gene. In this study a eukaryotic expression vector of ALAS2 was constructed and transfected into eukaryotic cells to observe the expression of ALAS2 gene. The full length cDNA of ALAS2 gene was inserted into plasmid pDs-red2-N1, named pDs-red2-N1/ALAS2. Then, the vector was transfected into K562 cells via electroporation. At 48 hours after transfection, total RNA from K562 cells was extracted, expressions of ALAS2 gene and protein with red fluorescence in the K562 cells were detected by RT-PCR and flow cytometry, respectively. The vector was also transfected into COS 7 cells via liposome. Both mRNA and protein expression in COS7 cells were detected by RT-PCR and fluorescence microscopy. The result showed that after the pDs-red2-N1/ALAS2 eukaryotic expression vector was digested by KpnI and BamHI, two fragments of 4 700 bp and 1 764 bp were displayed by electrophoresis on agarose gel. Sequence method confirmed that the sequence was correct. RT-PCR amplified the total RNA extracted from the transfected K562 and COS7 cells, and could find mRNA of ALAS2 gene that can't be found in K562 and COS7 cells usually. The expressions of both fluorescein and ALAS2 were significantly increased. The percentage of positive cells reached about 19.2% and 10.7%, respectively. ALAS2 expression lasted for 10 days in COS7 cells and the peak was at the third day. It is concluded that the eukaryotic expression vector of ALAS2 gene is successfully constructed; K562 and COS7 cells transfected with the vector via electroporation and liposome can express ALAS2 protein. So, the vector has the potential in gene replacement and can be used for patients with XLSA in future.
5-Aminolevulinate Synthetase ; genetics ; Anemia, Sideroblastic ; genetics ; therapy ; Animals ; COS Cells ; Chromosomes, Human, X ; Genetic Linkage ; Genetic Therapy ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; Microscopy, Fluorescence ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

To investigate the resources of medicinal plant, such as wild Apocynum, supervised classification based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and texture feature were used to monitor wild medicinal plants from image captured by ZY-3 and World-view-2 and compare which satellite Image are more appropriate to monitor the wild medicinal plants. The research results shows that: for more complex growth conditions wild medicinal plants Apocynum, high-resolution images Worldview-2 is more suitable for its remote identification, the low-resolution satellite ZY-3 can only recognizes the wild medicinal plants which distributed intensively. If the study target distribution is more intensive and larger scale, and cultivated type medicinal plants, the use of satellite ZY-3 in low resolution remote sensing data to identify the target can be a good choice, it is not necessary to buy high-resolution data, in order to avoid waste of expenditure, for the scattered distribution, the high-resolution satellite imagery data may be indispensable to identify targets.
Apocynum ; chemistry ; growth & development ; China ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Geographic Information Systems ; Plant Dispersal ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; growth & development ; Remote Sensing Technology ; methods