Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of adjunctive treatment with Qiangzhu Recipe for ankylosing spondylitis(AS). Methods Forty-eight AS patients were evenly randomized into observation group and control group according to the admission order. The observation group was given Qiangzhu Recipe together with sulfasalazine and celecoxib orally, and the control group received oral use of sulfasalazine and celecoxib. Four weeks constituted one treatment course, and the treatment covered 3 courses. The main clinical outcomes of the patients included Bath AS functional index ( BASFI) , Bath AS disease activity index ( BASDAI) , pain visual analog scale ( VAS) scores, global VAS scores, spinal mobility indexes ( finger-to-floor distance, occiput -wall distance, thoracic mobility, Schober test, scoliolosis test) , and laboratory inflammatory indicators of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein. Moreover, the incidence of adverse reaction was also recorded. Results (1) After treatment for 4, 8, and 12 weeks, the percentage of the patients arriving at the degree of ASAS20 was 16.67%, 33.34%, and 70.83% respectively in the observation group, and was 8.33%, 29.17%, and 58.33% in the control group; the percentage of the patients arriving at the degree of ASAS40 was 4.17%, 20.83%, and 37.50% respectively in the observation group, and was 0.00%, 12.50%and 25.00% in the control group. The differences of the percentage of the patients arriving at the degree of ASAS20 and ASAS40 were insignificant between the two groups (P>0.05). (2) After treatment, symptoms were much relieved, spinal mobility was improved, and inflammatory indicators of ESR and CRP were alleviated in the two groups ( P<0.05 or P<0.01 compared with those before treatment) . The observation group had better effect on BASDAI than the control group ( P<0.01) , but only showed a trend on improving the other clinical outcomes ( P>0.05 compared with the control group). Conclusion Adjunctive treatment with Qiangzhu Recipe exerts certain synergistic action on sulfasalazine and celecoxib in treating ankylosing spondylitis.

Objective To screen 18 endophytes from Pseudolarix kaempferi Gord for molluscicidal effect and identify them by morphology. Methods Molluscicidal tests were performed according to the immersion test suggested by WHO and the strain screened was identified by the slide culture. Results The mortality rates of snails immersed by JJ18 broth salified (pH=7) were 26.7%, 76.7% and 100.0% for 24,48 h and 72 h, respectively, and 53.3% and 86.7% in 5% and 10% concentrations of JJ18 broth, respectively. The active components were extracellular moiety of the broth which had no acute toxicity to fish, and JJ18 strain belonged to Aspergillus. Conclusion Extracellular moiety of endophyte JJ18 from Pseudolarix kaempferi Gord is a new resource of molluscicide.

Objective The purpose of the study was to compare the P63 expression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) between Xuanwei and other regions, and to investigate the relationship of P63 expression and biological behavior. Methods Immunohistochemical method was used. Results The results indicated that the expression of P63 in lung squamous cell carcinoma was extraordinarily high. P63 was related to the TNM staging system,tissue differentiation degree and lymph node metastasis,but not related to gender. In NSCLC,there was no significant difference of the P63 positive expression rate in the same pathological types, staging, tissue differentiation degree, lymph node metastasis and gender between Xuanwei and other regions. It indicated that the expression of P63 was not the reason why it was high incidence of lung cancer in Xuanwei region.

ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility of Legacy pedicle screw system plus minimally invasive technique in treatment of Tile type C pelvic fracture and evaluate its therapeutic effects.MethodsFrom January 2008 to March 2010, 12 patients with closed Tile type C pelvic fractures were treated with Legacy pedicle screw system plus minimally invasive technique.There were seven males and five females, at age range of 21-60 years (average 39.6 years).All patients had sacrum fractures of the posterior pelvic rings.The anterior pelvic ring fractures included unilateral ischiadic ramus fractures in four patients and bilateral ischiadic ramus fractures in eight.Three patients were combined with shock.The anterior pelvic rings were fixed with minimally invasive reconstruction plates and the posterior pelvic rings fixed with minimally invasive technique plus Legacy pedicle screw system.ResultsThe operation lasted for average 90 minutes (range, 80-110 minutes) , with average intraoperative blood loss of 105 ml (range, 80-150 ml).All patients were followed up for average 18 months (range, 6-32 months), which showed that all patients got satisfactory reductions and that the fractures were healed at one stage, with average period of 11.5 weeks (range, 9-13 weeks).There occurred no infections, failures of internal fixations or nerve injuries.According to improved Lindahl standard of pelvic injury function assessment, the result was excellent in 10 patients and good in two, with average score of 78.6 points.Conclusions Under master of the surgical indications, Legacy pedicle screw system plus minimally invasive technique takes advantages of minor trauma, less intraoperative fluoroscopy, short operation time, good curative resuhs and few complications in treatment of Tile type C pelvic fractures by fixation of the posterior pelvic rings and reconstruction of the anterior pelvic rings.

Objective To investigate the relationship between the expressions of VEGF,ENS, MVD and arteriosclerosis (AS) plaque in atherosclerosis obliterans (ASO) patients. Methods Immunohistochemical staining was used to determine the expression of VEGF, ENS and MVD value in the atherosclerosis plaque of ASO patients hospitalized from October 2007 to August 2010 in our hospital (n =30),and the femoral arterials of control were collected from 22 amputation after traumatic injury. Results The expressions of VEGF (2. 24 ±0.31 vs. 1.87 ±0.27,t =3.58),ENS (1.84 ±0.41 vs. 1. 56 ±0. 38, t =2.09) and MVD value (8.79 ±2.46 slip/HP vs. 6. 05 ±1.68 slip/HP, t =3.64) were significantly higher in the AS plaque of ASO patient than control (P <0.01 or P < 0. 05). We found positive correlations between the expression of VEGF, VEGF/ENS with MVD (r = 0. 391, P < 0. 01; r =0. 583, P < 0. 05) , while negative correlation between the expression of ENS with MVD (r=-0. 328,P <0. 05). Conclusion VEGF promotes the angiogenesis in atherosclerosis plaque,while ENS shows opposite effect The comprehensive performance of them is promoting angiogenesis.

Background The mechanism of both selenite-induced cataract and age-related cataract is oxidative damage.N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is one of the effective antioxidants,but the literature is little about the preventive and treating effects of NAC on cataract. Objective This study attempted to investigate the preventive and therapeutical effects of NAC on the selenite-induced cataract,and to discuss the possible mechanism. Methods Sixty 10-day-old clean SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group-1,normal control group-2,selenite-induced cataract group,NAC preventive group,NAC+normal saline group and NAC treatment group.Selenite cataract models were induced by subcutaneous injection of 3.46 mg/kg sodium selenite once daily for three days.The rats of NAC preventive group received the intraperitoneal injection of 2 mmol/L NAC 30 minutes before the injection of sodium selenite once daily for 6 days.In NAC treating group,2 mmol/L NAC was intraperitoneally injected 1 day after the injection of sodium selenite for 30 days,and the normal saline solution was injected at the same method in the NAC+normal saline group.Lens opacification was graded according to LOCS Ⅲ criteria.Histopathological change of lens epithelium was examined under a light microscope after hemotoxylin and eosin staining,and the ultrastructure was observed under the scanning electron microscope.The expression of caspase-3 in lens was assayed using immunochemistry.The levels of superoxide dismutase ( SOD ),malonaldehyde ( MDA ) in rat lens were detected respectively in corresponding time points.The use of the experimental animals complied with the Regulation for the Administration of Affairs Concerning Experimental Animals by State Science and Technology Committee. Results In 7 days after experiment,lenses were completely clear in the normal control group.Lens opacification of Ⅴ grade was found in 11 eyes in selenite cataract model group,but no lens opacification of Ⅴ grade was seen in NAC preventive group,showing a significant difference(x2 =40.000,P＜0.05 ).In 30 days after experiment,Ⅳ- Ⅴ grades of cataracts were found in 20 eyes both in NAC + normal saline group and NAC treating group (x2=0.153,P＞ 0.05 ).Histopathological examination showed that lens structure was normal,and the separation between LECs and anterior capsule,the rupture of cellular membrane,deformation of cellular nuclei and the feature of lens fiber were seen in selenite cataract group,but the damage of lens was mild in the NAC preventive group.Ultrastructure of lens was obviously abnormal in selenite cataract group,NAC+normal saline group and NAC treating group.Expressions of caspase-3 and SOD in lens were significantly lower,but that of MDA was significantly higher in the selenite cataract group than the normal control group (P＜0.05) ;while those of the NAC preventive group were significantly different from selenite cataract group(P＜0.05).No significant difference was found in the expressions of caspase-3 and the levels of SOD and MDA between NAC+normal saline group and NAC treating group (P＞0.05 ). Conclusions Selenite can induce the apoptosis of LECs.NAC can evidently postpone formation of selenite cataract by increasing the activity of SOD,decreasing the level of MDA and the expression of caspase-3.However,NAC could not reverse selenite-induced lens damage.

Background The pathogenesis of primary open angle glaucoma(POAG) and high myopia are very complex.To construct the regulatory network of virulence genes and relevant genes that involved in pathogenicity are helpful for reveal of the pathogenesis.Objective The aim of this study was to investigate myocilin(Myoc),a gene that contributes to POAG and high myopia in eyes of BXD Recombinant Inbred(BXD RI)mice and construct the regulatory network of Myoc.Methods The affymetrix microarray system was used to detect the differential expression of Myoc in the eyes of C57BL/6J(B6),DBA/2J(D2) and BXD RI mice.Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) mapping was performed to construct the regulatory network of Myoc gene.Results The average expression level of the Myoc gene in the BXD strains was 10.83,and the gene exhibited expression levels ranging from 8.39 in BXD55 mice tol 1.43 in B6 mice.The eQTL mapping for the Myoc gene showed a significant likelihood ratio statistic (LRS) of 21.78.The QTL was mapped in chromosome 2,and Myoc was located on chromosome 1,indicating that the Myoc gene was a trans-acting QTL.Olfml2a was identified to be a candidate upstream gene of Myoc by analysis of bioinformatics.Genetic regulatory network analysis demonstrated that a series of genes associated with Myoc probably played roles in the pathogenesis and development of POAG and high myopia.Conclusions The genetical genomics approach provides a powerful tool for constructing pathways that contribute to complex traits,such as POAG and high myopia.

Objective: To examine expression patterns of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and its activated form, phosphorylated FAK (pFAK),in human osteosarcoma and to investigate the correlation of FAK expression with clinicopathological parameters and prognosis. Functional consequence of manipulating FAK protein levels was also investigated in human osteosarcoma cell lines. Methods: Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect FAK and pFAK levels in pathologically archived materials from 113 patients with primary osteosarcoma. Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate prognoses. The role of FAK in cytological behavior of MG63 and 143B human osteosarcoma cell lines was studied via the FAK protein knockdown with siRNA. Cell proliferation, migration, invasiveness, and apoptosis were assessed using cell counting kit-8, Transwell, and Annexin V/PI staining methods. Results: Both FAK and pFAK were overexpressed in osteosarcoma patients. Tumor cells exhibited cytoplasmicity and occasional membranous immunoreactivity for FAK. A total of 42 cases (37.17%) mainly showed expressed pFAK in cytoplasm of osteosarcoma cells. No overexpression staining of anti-FAK and anti-pFAK antibodies was observed in normal cancellous bone tissues or negative controls. Significant differences were observed in overall survival between FAK-/pFAK- and FAK+/pFAK- groups (P=0.016), FAK+/pFAK- and FAK+/pFAK+ groups (P=0.012), and FAK-/pFAK- and FAK+/pFAK+ groups (P<0.001). All groups showed similar metastasis-free survival. Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that FAK expression profile is an independent indicator of both overall andmetastasis-free survival. siRNA-based knockdown of FAK significantly reducedmigration and invasion of MG63 and 143B cells and affected proliferation and apoptosis in osteosarcoma cells. Conclusion: Osteosarcoma malignancies in vitro and in vivo were correlated with overexpression and phosphorylation of FAK. These findings suggest that FAK plays an important biological role in osteosarcoma carcinogenesis. This study provides a better understanding of diagnostic and prognostic relevance of FAK overexpression and phosphorylation in osteosarcoma patients. Therefore, FAK and pFAK can be used as independent predictors of overall and metastasis-free survival in osteosarcoma patients.

DNA Fingerprinting ; DNA, Mitochondrial ; Homicide ; Humans ; Mitochondria

Objective To explore the normal range of the fourth ventricle volume of Chinese adults of the Han nationality and provide morphological data for the construction of database for Chinese Standard Brain.Methods This is a clinical multi-center study.One thousand Chinese healthy volunteers (age range= 18 to 70) recruited from 15 hospitals were divided into 5 groups, i.e., Group A (age range = 18 to 30),B (age range =31 to 40), C (age range =41 to 50), D (age range =51 to 60), and E (age range =61 to 70).Each group contained 100 males and 100 females.All of the volunteers were scanned by MR using T1 weighted three-dimensional magnetization prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo sequence.After three dimension data reconstruction, the volumes of the fourth ventricle were measured at sagittal view by automatic trace of Midobl.2 combined with manual outlining.The difference of volumes of the fourth ventricle between male and female were analyzed by independent sample t test, and among age groups by ANOVA.Pearson's correlation coeffcient was used to characterize the relationship between volumes of the fourth ventricle and age.Results The fourth ventricle volumes of Group A-E were (2.1±0.9), (2.1±0.8), (2.2±0.8), (2.1±1.0) and (2.4±0.8) ml respectively for male; those for female were(2.0±0.7), (1.9±0.6), (18±0.6), (1.9±0.7) and (2.0±0.6) ml respectively.The fourth ventricle volumes of males were significantly larger than those of females ( t = 5.573, P =0.000 ) ; there were no significant differences among the female groups ( F = 1.788, P = 0.130 ) ; there were significant differences among the male groups ( F = 2.639, P = 0.033 ) and multiple comparison found that the 60 years old was the watershed with significant difference ( P < 0.05 ).Correlation between the change of males' volumes and the ages was not strong (r = 0.119, P = 0.008 ), and the females' volumes did not correlated with their ages ( r = 0.041,P = 0.360 ).Conclusion There are gender differences in the fourth ventricle volumes of normal Chinese adults, and changes of the fourth ventricle volume with aging are different between males and females.