OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical effects of anterior decompression and fusion with a nano-hydroxyapatite/ polyamide 66 (n-HA/PA66) cage in treating lower cervical fracture and dislocation.

METHODSFrom January 2008 to December 2010, the clinical data of 42 patients with lower cervical fracture and dislocation were retrospectively analyzed. There were 29 males and 13 females aged from 20 to 65 years old. The mean age was 46.8 years. Five cases got injuried in C3, 14 cases in C4, 12 cases in C5, 7 cases in C6 and 4 cases in C7. According to Frankel grade, 4 cases were classified in grade A, 11 cases in grade B, 13 cases in grade C, 9 cases in grade D and 5 cases in grade F. Twenty-eight cases were treated with anterior corpectomy and fusion and 14 cases with anterior discectomy and fusion. Frankel grade was used to do neurologic assessment and visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the improvement of clinical symptoms. Segmental height and sagittal lordosis were measured by radiographs and cage location. Cage appearance and fusion status were assessed by 3D-CT images.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up for 3 to 5.2 years with an average of 4.1 years. Frankel grade had obviously improved than preoperative (Z = -4.845, P < 0.001). There were 2, 3, 11, 8, 11 cases classified in grade A, grade B, grade C, grade D and grade E respectively. At the third day after operation and latest follow-up,VAS was (2.6 +/- 1.8),(1.3 +/- 1.0) scores respectively. Both had improved than preoperative (P < 0.05). Up to the latest follow-up, there was only one patient (2.4%) with slight cage translocation (less than 2 mm), however, no cage prolapsed, or collapse, or breakage were found. Both segmental height and lordosis improved significantly after surgery (P < 0.001). And there was not significant difference in both parameters between each postoperative time points (P > 0.05). The mean distance of cage subsidence was 1.5 mm and the rate of cage subsidence (> 3 mm) was 4.8%.

CONCLUSIONThe n-HA/PA66 cage can not only restore and maintain the fusion segmental height and radian, but also promote the osseous fusion and profit the radiographic assessment after operation. Thus, it was an ideal material for prop graft.

Adult ; Aged ; Cervical Vertebrae ; injuries ; surgery ; Decompression, Surgical ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Joint Dislocations ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Fractures ; surgery ; Spinal Fusion ; methods

Biopsy ; methods ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; pathology ; surgery ; Esophagoscopy ; Esophagus ; pathology ; Humans ; Mucous Membrane ; pathology ; Precancerous Conditions ; pathology ; surgery

Animals ; Liver Cirrhosis ; metabolism ; prevention & control ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Inbred Strains ; Thiazolidinediones ; therapeutic use ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the feasibility of continuous intraspinal ceftazidime administration for treatment of purulent meningitis due to Achromobacter infection.

METHODSA patient with established diagnosis of purulent meningitis due to Achromobacter infection was admitted, who failed to respond favorably to a 3-day ceftazidime treatment administered intravenously. Continuous intraspinal ceftazidime administration at the dose of 0.2 g/d was then attempted through a catheter placed in the cisterna magna in addition to intravenous ceftazidime for 3 days, which resulted in obvious relief of the symptoms. The catheter was subsequently withdrawn, and the patient received further treatment with additional intravenous ceftazidime for a week.

RESULTSThe symptoms of purulent meningitis was significantly improved after a 3-day continuous intraspinal ceftazidime administration, and the patient was eventually cured after completion of the treatment course. Intrathecal ceftazidime was also attempted previously but failed due to intolerance of pains in the legs. No relapse was observed in this case 3 months after the discharge.

CONCLUSIONContinuous intraspinal ceftazidime administration can be effective and safe for treatment of purulent meningitis.

Achromobacter ; Adult ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; therapeutic use ; Catheters, Indwelling ; Ceftazidime ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Injections, Spinal ; Male ; Meningitis, Bacterial ; drug therapy ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo clarify the role of RhoC in the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and its molecular mechanism, so as to explore the molecular target of tumor cell growth.

METHODSsiRNA-RhoC plasmid was constructed and RhoC gene silencing the cell-line of hepatocellular carcinoma was setup. Cell growth was assessed by MTT assay. AgNORs staining was applied to determine cell proliferation. Plate cell clone test was conducted to examine the capacity of cell clone formation. FACS was adopted to measure the course of cell cycle and semi-quantitative RT-PCR was used to determine the expression of cell cycle proteins. In order to further determine the effect of RhoC expression on cell growth, a RhoC over-expression human hepatocellular cell line was setup by PcDNA3-RhoC plasmid transfection.

RESULTSThe inhibition rate of RhoC was 82.3%. From the fourth day of cell culture, the growth of cells in RNAi group was significantly slower than that in parental Bel7402 and negative control groups (0.41 ± 0.10 vs. 0.73 ± 0.11 and 0.71 ± 0.07 respectively, P < 0.05). AgNORs staining showed that average cell stained particles in RNAi group was significantly lower than that in parental Bel7402 and negative control(1.23 ± 0.35 vs. 3.47 ± 0.93 and 3.17 ± 0.78, P < 0.01). Plate clone formation test showed that clone formation efficiency in the RNAi group was notably lower than that in the control group [(20.33 ± 5.42)% vs. (70.58 ± 10.10)% and (69.83 ± 14.77)%, respectively, P < 0.01]. Cell cycle analysis by FACS showed that G(0)/G(1) cell percentage in the RNAi group was significantly higher than that in the control group [(73.14 ± 5.93)% vs. (57.05 ± 5.97)% and (52.99 ± 4.80)%, P < 0.05]. Compared with Bel7402 and negative control groups, the expression of following growth associated genes was significantly decreased: cyclin D1(0.45 ± 0.21 vs. 1.25 ± 0.24 and 1.12 ± 0.15, respectively, P < 0.05)and CDK4 (0.55 ± 0.08 vs. 1.18 ± 0.32 and 1.10 ± 0.29, respectively, P < 0.05); the following genes were notably increased: p16(1.07 ± 0.23 vs. 0.36 ± 0.12 and 0.35 ± 0.13, respectively, P < 0.01)and p21(0.42 ± 0.12 vs. 0.17 ± 0.06 and 0.19 ± 0.08, respectively, P < 0.05). RhoC was highly expressed in PcDNA3-RhoC transfected hepatocellular cell line. From the third day on of the cell culture, cell growth in PcDNA3-RhoC group was remarkably higher than that in the HL7702 and PcDNA3 groups (0.83 ± 0.10 vs. 0.54 ± 0.11 and 0.58 ± 0.55, respectively, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSRhoC is the key molecule in promoting hepatocellular cell growth, and is a promising target for tumor cell growth controlling.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Cycle ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Cyclin D1 ; metabolism ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4 ; metabolism ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16 ; metabolism ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21 ; metabolism ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Plasmids ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Transfection ; rho GTP-Binding Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; rhoC GTP-Binding Protein

OBJECTIVETo compare the difference of vasomotor functions in aortas segments from Wistar rats between 1-hour and 6-hours after exposure of water-soluble components of fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

METHODSAll 30 Wistar rats were assigned to five groups (n=6 for each group) at random: the blank control group, control group for 1-hour and 6-hours, exposure group for 1-hour and 6-hours. The rats were sacrificed 1-hour or 6-hours later and aorta ring segments were mounted on wire myographs.

RESULTS(1) There was no significant difference in vasomotor functions among three control groups (P>0.05). (2) 1-hour or 6-hours after exposure there was a decrease of contraction elicited by 60 mmol/L KCl in contrast to the control group (P<0.05), whereas no significant change between the exposure group for 1-hour and 6-hours (P>0.05). (3) On the level of 10(-5) or 10(-7) mol/L, 1-hour after exposure there was a decrease in endothelium-dependent acetylcholine (ACh) elicited relaxation precontracted by 10(-6) mol/L NE compared with the control group (P<0.01 or P<0.05), on the level from 10(-5) to 10(-7) mol/L there was a decrease compared with the exposure group for 6-hours (P<0.05), whereas no difference between the exposure group for 6-hours and the control group (P>0.05). On the level from 10(-5) to 10(-9) mol/L, 1-hour after exposure there was a decrease in endothelium-independent sodium nitroprusside (SNP) elicited relaxation precontracted by 10(-6) mol/L NE as compared with the control group (P<0.01 or P<0.05) and a decrease on the level of 10(-6) or 10(-9) mol/L compared with the exposure group for 6-hours (P<0.05), 6-hours after exposure a decrease was caused as compared with the control group on the level from 10(-5) to 10(-7) mol/L (P<0.01 or P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSInhibition of contraction and impairment of relaxation in aortas should be caused 1-hour after exposure to water-soluble components of PM2.5 in the air, which is weaken 6-hours after exposure.

Acetylcholine ; blood ; Air Pollutants ; toxicity ; Animals ; Aorta, Thoracic ; Male ; Particulate Matter ; toxicity ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Vasoconstriction ; drug effects ; Vasodilation ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo observe the correlation of plasma amino-terminal pro-A-, B- and C-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proANP, NT-proBNP and NT-proCNP) levels with New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class and echocardiographic derived parameters of cardiac function in heart failure patients.

METHODSData of NYHA grade, echocardiographic derived parameters of cardiac function, plasma levels of NT-proANP, NT-proBNP and NT-proCNP (measured by enzyme immunoassay method) were obtained in 112 heart failure patients and 44 normal control subjects. The correlation analysis was made between NT-proANP, NT-proBNP, NT-proCNP and NYHA functional class, left atrium diameter (LAD), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), respectively.

RESULTSThe plasma concentrations of NT-proANP, NT-proBNP and NT-proCNP in heart failure patients were significantly higher than in control group (all P<0.05). Correlation analysis revealed a strong correlation between NT-proANP and NT-proBNP (r = 0.790, P = 0.000) and a weak correlation between NT-proCNP and NT-proBNP (r = 0.278, P = 0.003) as well as between NT-proCNP and NT-proANP (r = 0.236, P = 0.012) in heart failure patients. Univariant analysis showed that NT-proANP and NT-proBNP were positively correlated to LAD, LVEDD and negatively correlated to LVEF (all P<0.05) while there was no significant correlation between NT-proCNP and echocardiographic derived parameters of cardiac function in heart failure patients. Multivariate stepwise regression analysis including age, gender, NYHA classification, LAD, LVEDD and LVEF revealed that NYHA classification, LVEF, LAD and age were independent predictors of NT-proANP; while NYHA classification, LVEF and age were independent predictors of NT-proBNP while there was no association among these factors and NT-proCNP.

CONCLUSIONIn heart failure patients, the plasma concentration of NT-proANP, NT-proBNP and NT-proCNP were significantly increased and NT-proANP, NT-proBNP but not NT-proCNP were significantly correlated to NYHA classification and echocardiographic derived parameters of cardiac function.

Adult ; Aged ; Atrial Natriuretic Factor ; blood ; Case-Control Studies ; Echocardiography ; Female ; Heart Failure ; blood ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain ; blood ; Natriuretic Peptide, C-Type ; blood ; Ventricular Function, Left

OBJECTIVETo initially evaluate the application of artificial vertebra of n-HA/PA66 in anterior reconstruction of lower cervical spine fracture and dislocation.

METHODSIn this study, 84 patients with lower cervical spine fracture and dislocation received anterior cervical discectomy, spinal canal decompression or subtotal corpectomy, spinal canal decompression and reconstruction by n-HA/PA66 composite artificial vertebral body combined with plate instrumentation. Neurological function was followed up by improvement rate of Frankel and situations of the supporting body was observed by X ray and 3D-CT in 3, 12, 24 months postoperatively. The intervertebral height, physical arc (reflected by Cobb angle) and the locations and fusion rate of the supporting body were assessed in order to evaluate the stability of the cervical spine and alignment improvements.

RESULTSAll the patients underwent operation successfully and were followed up for 6 to 24 months with an average of 12 months. The preoperative symptoms were improved to varying degrees. Imaging studies showed that in all cases graft fusion were achieved, and cervical alignments, intervertebral height, cervical spine stability and the locations of the artificial vertebral body were well maintained. No displacement and subsidence of the artificial vertebral body occurred. Postoperative immediate intervertebral height (2.4 ± 0.2) cm, preoperative intervertebral height (1.9 ± 0.1) cm, comparisons of the two groups was statistically significant (q = 2.48, P < 0.001). The immediate, 3 month, 1 year, 2 year period follow-up group intervertebral height was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Preoperative Cobb angle was 9.8° ± 1.2°, postoperative immediate Cobb angle was 16.6° ± 1.2°, comparisons of the two groups was statistically significant (q = 14.25, P < 0.001). The immediate, 3 month, 1 year, 2 year period follow-up group Cobb angle was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSn-HA/PA66 artificial vertebral body can provide early cervical spine support and stability and effectively maintain the biological alignment and cervical intervertebral height. It has high rate of graft fusion and is convenient to observe by X-ray. Therefore, n-HA/PA66 can be taken as an ideal graft for anterior lower cervical spine fracture and dislocation operation, but further follow-up study is still required to evaluate the long-term effects.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Bone Substitutes ; Cervical Vertebrae ; injuries ; surgery ; Decompression, Surgical ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; Humans ; Hydroxyapatites ; Joint Dislocations ; complications ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nanostructures ; Nylons ; Spinal Fractures ; complications ; surgery ; Spinal Fusion ; instrumentation ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo develope a tree analysis pattern of mass spectral urine profiles to discriminate bladder transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) from non-cancer lesions using surface-enhanced laser desorption and ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS) technology.

METHODSUrine samples from 61 bladder transitional cell carcinoma (TCCs) patients, 53 healthy volunteers and 42 patients with other urogenital diseases were analyzed using IMAC-Cu-3 ProteinChip. Proteomic spectra were generated by SELDI-TOF- MS. A preliminary "training" set of spectra derived from analysis of urine from 46 TCC patients, 32 patients with benign urogenital diseases (BUD), and 40 age-matched unaffected healthy men were used to train and develop a decision tree classification algorithm which identified a fine-protein mass pattern that discriminated cancers from non-cancers effectively. A blinded test set including 38 cases was used to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the classification system.

RESULTSThe algorithm identified a cluster pattern that, in the training set, segregated cancer from non-cancer with a sensitivity of 84.8% and specificity of 91.7%. The discriminatory pattern was correctly identified. A sensitivity of 93.3% and a specificity of 87% for the blinded test were obtained when compared the TCC versus non-cancers.

CONCLUSIONSELDI-TOF-MS technology is a rapid, convenient and high-throughput analyzing method. The urine tree analysis proteomic pattern as a screening tool is effective for differential diagnosis of bladder cancer. More detailed studies are needed to further evaluate the clinical value of this pattern.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Carcinoma, Transitional Cell ; diagnosis ; urine ; Cystitis ; diagnosis ; urine ; Decision Trees ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; diagnosis ; urine ; Protein Array Analysis ; Proteomics ; methods ; Reproducibility of Results ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization ; methods ; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; urine

OBJECTIVETo study the radiobiological characteristic of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines CNE1 and CNE2 and the changes in expression MRN (Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1) complex in the cell lines exposed to irradiation.

METHODSCNE1 and CNE2 were irradiated by a linear accelerator. Radiobiological characteristics were detected by colony assay and MTT assay. MRN complex expression were examined by Western blot.

RESULTSSurviving fraction at 2 Gy (SF2), quasi-threshold Dose (Dq), and mean lethal dose (Do) of CNE1 were 0.56, 1.449 Gy and 1.480 Gy; SF2, Dq, and Do of CNE2 were 0.44, 0.776 Gy and 1.685 Gy, respectively. Survival fraction of CNE1 at the day 6 after 4 Gy irradiation was 0.59 and that of CNE2 was 0.79 when compared with control, with the up-regulated expressions of Rad50 in CNE1 and Mre11, Rad50 and Nbs1 in CNE2 (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSCNE1 and CNE2 were sensitive to radiation, but there were radioresistance cells in CNE2. The expressions of some components of MRN complex were up-regulated to repair DNA lesions induced by radiation.

Carcinoma ; Cell Cycle Proteins ; metabolism ; Cell Line, Tumor ; radiation effects ; DNA Repair ; DNA Repair Enzymes ; metabolism ; DNA-Binding Proteins ; metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; MRE11 Homologue Protein ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; Nuclear Proteins ; metabolism ; Radiation Tolerance