ObjectiveTo investigate and compare the efficacy, safety, and cost effectiveness in the treatment of painful osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures ( OVCFs ) with percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and kyphoplasty(PKP). MethodsSeventy-two patients (96 vertebrae) with painful OVCFs were treated by PVP (n ＝34) or PKP (n ＝38) under radiological monitoring. After bone biopsy needle into the compressed vertebra, bone cement (polymethylmethacrylate) was injected in PVP group, and that was inserted followed by the inflation of vertebra to create cavities in PKP group. The fluoroscopy time, total amount of bone cement injected, and cost were recollected respectively. The score of visual analogue scale point( VAS, 10-point scale)was determined at before the procedures, and 24 hours, one week, and one month after the procedures.Pain relief and complications were observed.The Cobb angle and vertebral heights of the anterior, middle, and posterior border were measured pre-and post-operative. ResultsThe two procedures were technically successful in all patients. The follow-up ranged from 1. 0 to 34. 0 months [mean time, (8. 9 ±3.2) months]. The Mean fluoroscopy time of treating per vertebra in PVP group was ( 11. 1 ± 10. 6 ) min, which was significant shorter than that ( 23.5 ± 13. 0) min in PKP group( P ＜0. 05 ).The mean total cost per patient was (5127. 2 ± 502.3 ) yuan in PVP group, which were strikingly lower than that(32 301.4 ±3204. 6) yuan in PKP group (P ＜0. 05).(3)There was no significant difference( P ＞0. 05 ) in average cement volumes in PVP group [ (4. 9 ± 1.1 ) ml]and PKP group [ (5.4 ± 1.7 ) ml]. Pain relief of was observed in 94. 1％ (32/34) of PVP group and in 92. 1％ (35/38) of PKP group. The score of VAS at pre-operation was (8. 3 ±0. 4 vs 7.9 ±0. 8) ,and at post-operative 24 h (2. 9 ±0. 9 vs 2. 8 ± 1. 2),1 week (2.6 ± 0. 9 vs 2.6 ± 1. 1 ), and 1 month (2.6 ± 0. 9 vs 2. 5 ± 1.3 ) were no difference at PKP and PVP group(P ＜0.05). There was significant difference between pre- and post-operative time point in each group. The Cobb angle, anterior and middle height of vertebra was corrected in both PVP and PKP group. In PVP group, the preoperative Cobb angle, anterior and middle height of vertebra was (24. 2 ± 3.8 )°,( 19. 1 ± 1.4) mm, (25. 2 ± 1.0) mm, which was significant different ( P ＜ 0. 05 ) from that of ( 19.4 ±3.9)°, (21.0 ± 1.5) mm, (27.0 ± 1.2) mm at pre-operation.In PKP group,there was significant difference (P ＜ 0. 05 ) in the preoperative Cobb angle, anterior and middle height of vertebra [(25. 1 ±5.0)°vs(10.7 ±2.8)°, (19.5 ± 1.5) mm vs (24.3 ± 1.9) mm, (25.4 ± 1.1) mm vs (29.7 ±1.3) mm, respectively]. As to the above index, the overall correcting effect in PKP was much better than that in PVP( P ＜0. 05 ). Cement leakage occurred in 9 cases in PVP group and 3 cases in PKP group ( P ＜0. 05 ) but no symptoms. There were no major complications during operation in the two groups. Conclusion PVP and PKP are effective and safe in the treatment of painful OVCFs but PVP is more cost effective than PKP.

BACKGROUND: As a blood concentrate rich in growth factors and fibrin, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is able to significantly promote bone regeneration. PRF mixed with bone substitutes is commonly used to repair bone defects in oral maxillofacial region. But it remains controversial whether PRF as a sole material in sinus floor elevation can produce enough new bone tissues.OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the osteogenic potential of PRF as a sole grafting material in sinus floor elevation by means of an animal model.METHODS: Twelve healthy adult mongrel dogs aged 12-18 months were selected and randomized into three groups (groups A, B and C), with four dogs in each group. Upper first molars on both side of each dog were extracted 12 weeks prior to sinus floor elevation and simultaneous implants placement. Different materials were used to fill in the space between the sinus membrane and implant. Groups A, B and C were filled with PRF, autologus bone particles and autologus blood clot respectively. After 12 weeks, specimens were harvested to analyze the new bone formation by gross observation, X-ray examination and histological evaluation.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: New bone formation was found to embrace all the implants close to the bony sinus floor, and the tips of all implants were free from bone coverage. The new bone height of groups A, B and C were (3.135±0.288),(3.218±0.345), and (1.898±0.157) mm, respectively. The new bone density of groups A, B and C were (65.06±5.88),(75.34±8.18), and (56.92±4.95) g/cm3, respectively. There were significant differences between the new bone height in groups A and C as well as in groups B and C (P < 0.05). Also, significant differences were found between the new bone density in groups A and B, B and C, A and C (P < 0.05). Within the confine of this experiment, it is feasible to use PRF as a sole grafting material in the sinus floor elevation to generate new bone, but the new bone volume is limited.

Aflatoxins produced primarily by two closely related fungi, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, are mutagenic and carcinogenic in animals and humans. Of many approaches investigated to manage aflatoxin contamination, biological control method has shown great promise. Numerous organisms, including bacteria, yeasts and nontoxigenic fungal strains of A. flavus and A. parasiticus, have been tested for their ability in controlling aflatoxin contamination. Great successes in reducing aflatoxin contamination have been achieved by application of nontoxigenic strains of A. flavus and A. parasiticus in fields of cotton, peanut, maize and pistachio. The nontoxigenic strains applied to soil occupy the same niches as the natural occurring toxigenic strains. They, therefore, are capable of competing and displacing toxigenic strains. In this paper, we review recent development in biological control of aflatoxin contamination.
Aflatoxins ; biosynthesis ; toxicity ; Animals ; Aspergillus ; growth & development ; pathogenicity ; physiology ; Aspergillus flavus ; growth & development ; pathogenicity ; physiology ; Food Contamination ; prevention & control ; Herbicides ; Humans ; Pest Control, Biological ; methods ; Soil Microbiology ; Species Specificity

The effect of interventional therapy combined with multifactorial intervention on critical limb ischemia in patients with diabetes mellitus was investigated. The patency rate and limb salvage rate were followed up. Interventional therapy is effective in treating diabetic foot with critical limb ischemia. Multifactorial intervention was helpful for reducing amputation.

OBJECTIVESTo develop a new method for amplifying and sequencing the full-length of HBV genome.

METHODSA pair of primers located at the nick region of HBV molecule and a thermostable polymerase with high fidelity and sensitivity were used. After cloning the PCR products into a plasmid, the sequences of HBV genome were analyzed.

RESULTSThe full-length of HBV genome were acquired using this method. The sensitivity and fidelity of the new method were also analyzed. The least quantity of initial templates was 10(2) and the artificial mutation rate was 1.2 bp/kb.

CONCLUSIONThis method can be used in amplification and sequence analysis of the full-length of HBV genome on a large scale.

DNA Primers ; genetics ; Gene Amplification ; Genome, Viral ; Hepatitis B virus ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; virology ; Humans ; Point Mutation ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Virion ; genetics ; immunology ; isolation & purification

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of PDGF receptor-beta and its correlation with extracellular matrix in hepatic tissue during hepatic fibrosis.

METHODSThe model of hepatic fibrosis in rats was induced by carbon tetrachloride. PDGF receptor-beta subunit, collagen I, collagen III and a-SMA in hepatic tissues of these rats were examined using immunohistochemistry. The correlation between PDGF receptor-beta subunit and collagen I, III was analyzed using SAS software after the results of immunohistochemistry were semi-quantified.

RESULTSPDGF receptor-beta subunit and a-SMA were not detected in normal controls. Collagen I and III were distributed in the portal tracts and beneath the endothelia of the central veins and of the Disse spaces. Two weeks after CCl4 injection, the PDGF receptor-beta and a-SMA were detected, and the expression of collagen I and III increased. At the end of 4 and 6 weeks, the above four proteins were further increased. Two weeks after CCl4 injection, PDGF receptor-beta had no apparent correlation with collagen I and III. However, PDGF receptor-beta had a significant correlation with collagen I and III 2 weeks later, and the correlation coefficient was 0.74 and 0.60 respectively at 4 weeks, and 0.83 and 0.67 respectively at 6 weeks. PDGF receptor-beta had a significant correlation with a-SMA during the whole process of hepatic fibrosis and the correlation coefficient was 0.62, 0.69 and 0.81, respectively at the time of 2, 4 and 6 weeks after CCl4 injection.

CONCLUSIONThe PDGF receptor-beta was overexpressed during the process of hepatic fibrosis development, and it significantly correlated with collagen I and collagen III.

Animals ; Carbon Tetrachloride ; Carbon Tetrachloride Poisoning ; Collagen Type I ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Collagen Type III ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Extracellular Matrix ; metabolism ; Liver ; metabolism ; Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental ; chemically induced ; metabolism ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor beta ; biosynthesis ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the diagnostic value and safety of flexible bronchoscopy in congenital great vessel diseases complicated with airway compression.

METHODThe medical records of patients with great vessels abnormalities who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) from October 2005 to June 2009 were retrospectively reviewed; 34 cases were diagnosed as airway compression by flexible bronchoscopy, 10 cases as vascular ring, 24 cases as aortal arch obstruction. The age of the patients was 6 d - 11 m, body weight 2.2 - 8.7 kg [(4.6 +/- 1.4) kg]. Recorded airway abnormalities detected by bronchoscopy and CT, cardiac vascular defects and airway compression were consistent with the findings on operation. The relation between the airway compression and cardiac vascular abnormalities, treatment of the airway compression and outcome were analysed.

RESULTBronchoscopic assessment was successfully performed in NICU or operating room for all the patients. (1) Initial presentation of the 34 cases were tachypnea, stridor, refractory lung infection and prolonged mechanical ventilation. (2) Extrinsic compression was found in all the 10 cases with vascular ring by bronchoscopy initially which indicated vascular ring, airway compression was mainly of lower part of trachea. Diagnosis of 9 cases was consistent with CT diagnosis and in 1 case the diagnosis was confirmed by surgery; among these cases, 7 had congenital tracheal stenosis. (3) In the 24 cases with aortic obstructive lesion, 5 were detected to have tracheal stenosis by CT before correction of vascular abnormality, among whom one case was indicated to have tracheal stenosis by bronchoscopy, the other 19 cases were found with airway compression by bronchoscopy during or after vascular correction. Among the 24 cases, 21 had left main bronchial stenosis, 2 had congenital tracheal stenosis. Airway compression diagnosed by bronchoscopy agreed with the findings of CT. Two cases developed transient decrease of oxygen saturation, 5 cases developed transient tachycardia.

CONCLUSIONFlexible bronchoscopy plays an important role in assessment of the airway compression complicated with great vessel abnormalities. Bronchoscopy is an accurate, convenient, safe and rapid way for airway assessment, but further examination of the peripheral structure and vascular malformation need combined examination with CT.

Airway Obstruction ; diagnosis ; etiology ; Bronchoscopy ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Vascular Malformations ; complications ; diagnosis

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of non-surgical periodontal therapy on serum inflammatory factors and metabolism levels in obese rats with experimental periodontitis.

METHODSSixteen obese rats with experimental periodontitis were randomly divided into treatment group and control group with non-surgical periodontal therapy and no treatment, respectively. Oral glucose tolerance test was performed before treatment and 2 weeks after the treatment. All the rats were sacrificed 2 weeks after treatment and the orbital vein blood was taken to detect fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, and serum level of C-reactive protein (CRP). Results Two weeks after periodontal treatment, fasting blood glucose (t=2.445, P=0.034) and beta cell function index (t=-2.543, P=0.027) were significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group. Compared with those in the control group, CRP level (t=2.388, P=0.028) and the area under the curve in the oral glucose tolerance test (t=12.053, P=0.000) decreased significantly in the treatment group.

CONCLUSIONNon-surgical periodontal treatment can reduce serum CRP level and improve glucose metabolism in obese rats.

OBJECTIVEThis research reported the experience of early surgical treatment for infants with large atrial septal defects (ASD) or ventricular septal defects (VSD) complicated by pneumonia.

METHODSBetween January 2003 and January 2008, 39 infants with large ASD or VSD complicated by pneumonia were admitted to the Second Xiangya Hospital. Thirty-six patients underwent surgical repair within 7-10 days after pneumonia had been controlled. Mean age was 5.4+/-3.4 months and mean weight was 4.7+/-1.6 kg in the 36 patients. Three patients received conservative treatment due to uncontrolled lung infections.

RESULTSOf the 36 patients, 33 had successful surgery and 3 (8.3%) died of serious low cardiac output (n=1) or respiratory failure due to congenital tracheostenosis (n=2). The 33 survivors showed normal growth and development in a 6 month-5 year follow-up. Of the 3 patients receiving conservative treatment, 1 died of cardiopulmonary failure and 2 were discharged after the symptoms had been improved.

CONCLUSIONSWith increasing medical experience and technique, early surgical operation may be performed with good outcomes in infants with large ASD or VSD complicated by pneumonia.

Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Heart Septal Defects, Atrial ; complications ; surgery ; Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular ; complications ; surgery ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Pneumonia ; etiology ; Postoperative Complications ; etiology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of periodontal therapy in controlling periodontitis and on insulin resistance and lipid metabolism in obese rats with periodontitis.

METHODSSprague-Dawley rats were randomized into normal group (group C), obese group (group O), periodontitis combined with obesity group (group P) and periodontal treatment group (group T). The obese rats in groups P and T were subjected to ligation of the maxillary second molar with silk thread to induce experimental periodontitis, and the rats in group T received periodontal therapy after the ligation. All the rats were sacrificed at the age of 24 weeks for measurement of blood lipids, insulin and blood glucose levels, and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was calculated. The expressions of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) and IRS-2 in the liver tissues were detected using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTSCompared with the obese rats in group O, the rats in group P showed significantly higher HOMA-IR and LDL-C and lower expressions of IRS-1 and IRS-2 mRNA expression and HDL-C level (P<0.05). Compared with those in group P, the mRNA expressions of IRS-1 and IRS-2 and HDL-C level were significantly increased and LDL-C level, TC level and HOMA-IR were all decreased in group T (P<0.05), but the level of TG was comparable between the two groups. Pathological examination revealed lessened inflammatory cell infiltration and tissue destruction in the upper jaw of the rats in group T; the rats in group P presented with the most obvious upper jaw destruction and steatosis and inflammatory cell infiltration in the liver.

CONCLUSIONPeriodontal inflammation can downregulate the expression of IRS-1 and IRS-2 and increase insulin resistance and dyslipidemia in obese rats. Periodontal therapy produces a beneficial effect in improving insulin resistance and reducing dyslipidemia in obese rats.