Objective To investigate the methylation status in the promoter region of Dickkopf-3 (Dkk3) gene in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS),and to initially explore the relationship between the methylation of this gene and survival time.Methods Methylation-specific PCR (MSP) was applied to measure the promoter methylation of Dkk3 gene in 43 bone marrow or peripheral blood samples of MDS patients.As controls,70 normal peripheral blood samples from general outpatients were examined.Results In 43 patients with MDS,7 patients (16.3 ％) showed Dkk3 gene methylation.And 5 of them were semi-methylation status,2 of them were exhaustive methylation status.In 70 controls,1 showed Dkk3 gene semi-methylation.The frequency of methylation in MDS patients was significantly higher than that of controls (x2 =8.93,P =0.005).In the Dkk3 methylation group,2/7 were from bone marrow and 5/7 were from peripheral blood.Meanwhile,2 patients were RA,1 patient was RCMD,4 patients were RAEB.There was no significant difference between the different sample source (bone marrow or peripheral blood) for the results of the methylation status (x2 =0.051,P =0.821).Either between the different sex,age,type,chromosome and WPSS score (P ＞ 0.05).The progress of disease didn't influence the methylation frequency (P ＞ 0.05).The smvival analysis showed no relationship between the methylation of this gene and smvival time.Conclusions In this MDS group,there is high level of methyl-modification in Dkk3 gene.The methylation of Dkk3 might be one of the molecular mechanisms that contribute to the progress of patients with MDS.The peripheral blood sample maybe a better substitute in detective of Dkk3 with MDS.

OBJECTIVETo assess the role of small ubiquitin-like modifier 4 (SUMO4) gene polymorphisms (rs237025, rs237024 and rs600739) in the susceptibility to coronary artery disease (CAD) with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Chinese Han ethnic population in Beijing.

METHODSIn this case-control study, 558 subjects with angiography-proven CAD were divided into two groups according to the WHO 1999 criteria: 369 with normal glucose tolerance (CAD group) and 189 with T2DM (T2DM+ CAD group). Meanwhile 500 healthy subjects free of T2DM and CAD were selected as normal controls (control group). Allelic and genotypic distributions of the three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were determined with polymerase chain reaction-high resolution melting curve (PCR-HRM) and gene sequencing. Clinical and biochemical data were compared among carriers of different genotypes through a stratified analysis.

RESULTSNo significant difference was found in the distribution of genotypes and alleles of each SNP between different groups (P> 0.05). Nevertheless, stratified analysis indicated a significant difference in plasma triglycerides (rs237025) and body mass index (rs600739) among individuals of different genotypes from the T2DM+ CAD group (P= 0.020 and P= 0.049, respectively). Multiple comparison also indicated that GG genotype of rs237025 had a higher level of plasma triglycerides than AA genotype (P< 0.01).

CONCLUSIONNo association between SUMO4 gene polymorphisms and CAD with and without T2DM was detected. Such polymorphisms may not be a risk factor for Chinese Han ethnic patients in Beijing.

Aged ; Case-Control Studies ; Coronary Artery Disease ; genetics ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; genetics ; Female ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Small Ubiquitin-Related Modifier Proteins ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo study the epileptiform discharges and sleep structure in children with nocturnal epilepsy.

METHODSA total of 54 children with nocturnal epilepsy (NE group) between December 2009 and June 2011 were enrolled in this study using a cluster sampling method. Their epileptiform discharges and sleep structure were monitored using nocturnal 12 h-video-echoencephalography (EEG) and polysomnography. Meanwhile, 40 age- and gender-matched normal children were enrolled as the control group.

RESULTSAll the 54 children in the NE group suffered from epileptiform discharges and a varied number of clinical seizures, especially at S1 and S2 states. Compared with the control group, S1 and S2 states had significantly higher proportions in the NE group, and S3 and S4 states and REM state had significantly lower proportions (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSEpileptiform discharges and clinical seizures are more common in children with nocturnal epilepsy, especially during the non-rapid eye movement sleep. Meanwhile, remarkably disordered sleep structure also exists.

Child ; Child, Preschool ; Electroencephalography ; Epilepsy ; physiopathology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Polysomnography ; Sleep ; physiology

ObjectiveTo investigate the methylation status in the promoter region of secreting frizzled related protein 2 (SFRP2) gene in patients with myelodyplastic sydrome (MDS) and to initially explore the relationship between the methylation of this gene and prognosis/survival time.MethodsMSP method was applied to examine the promoter methylation of SFRP2 gene in 43 bone marrow or peripheral blood samples of MDS patients.As controls,70 normal peripheral blood samples from volunteers of general outpatients were examined.Then some of the patients were followed up.ResultsIn 43 patients of MDS,10 samples (23.3 ％)showed SFRP2 gene methylation,and all of them were semi-methylation status.In 70 controls,no sample showed SFRP2 gene methylation.The frequency of SFRP2 gene methylation in MDS patients was significantly higher than that in controls (x2 =17.86,P ＜0.0001).Of the 10 SFRP2 gene methylation samples,5 were bone marrow samples and 5 were peripheral blood samples.In this group of patients,3 patients were diagnosed as RA,1 patient was diagnosed as RAS,2 patients were diagnosed as RCMD,3 patients were diagnosed as RAEB and 1 patient was diagnosed as MDS-U.There was no significant difference between the different sample source (bone marrow or peripheral blood) for the results of the methylation status (x2 =0.912,P ＞0.05).Either no significant difference between the different sex,age,type,chromosome and WPSS score (all P ＞0.05).The progress of disease didn' t influence the methylation rate (P ＞0.05).16 patients accepted follow-up and 11patients died,3 patients went to AML.2 died patients showed SFRP2 gene methylation.The survival analyses showed no relationship between the methylation of this gene and survival time(x2 =0.022, P ＞0.05).ConclusionIn this MDS group,there is a high level of methyl-modification in SFRP2 gene.The methylation of SFRP2 may be one of the molecular mechanisms that contribute to the progress of patients with MDS.The peripheral blood sample maybe a better substitute in detection of SFRP2 with MDS.

OBJECTIVETo validate the previous anatomic study result about angle nerve of facial nerve through 3-dimensional (3-D) visualization technique, so as to provide theory basis for clinic treatment of nerve loss.

METHODThe full-thickness soft tissue at internal side of inner canthus was harvested from adult cadaveric head. The skin was 3 cm in length and 1 cm in width, with 2 parallel cut lines as location markers. The specimen was sliced continuously into 120 slices, with 10 microm in thickness for every slice, 0.25 mm apart. The slices underwent HE staining and 2-D digital image was gained by high resolution scanner. Then 3-D reconstruction was performed.

RESULTS(1) It showed the 3-D structures and routes of angle nerve, as well as the relationship between angle nerve and angle arteriovenous. All the reconstructed structures can be displayed together or separately, also from any angles. (2) It confirmed the accuracy of microscopic anatomy study about angle nerve. (3) The 3-D reconstruction of angle nerve, as well as the surrounding structure could be very useful for clinical application.

CONCLUSIONBased on the histologic study and computer technology, the 3-D reconstruction of angle nerve could provide accurate basis for the feasibility of clinic treatment of angle nerve loss.

Adult ; Facial Nerve ; anatomy & histology ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Visible Human Projects

OBJECTIVETo discuss the midface aging mechanism through anatomic study of malar fat pad.

METHODS10 fresh adult cadaveric heads (20 sides) fixed by vascular perfusion of formalin were used for anatomic study with microsurgery technique under microscope. The midfacial ligament and connective tissue between skin and subcutaneous fat were observed carefully in different parts of midface. The location, shape and extent of malar fat pad was also recorded and photographed.

RESULTSThe malar fat pad has a triangle shape. The bottom is a curve along the orbicularis retaining ligament at the lower eyelid. The fat pad is extended internally to the nasolabial fold and labiomandibular fold, externally from the major zygomatic muscle end point at the malar surface to the angulus oris and submandibular edge. (2) The malar fat pad is composed of meshed fibrous tissue, with big fat particles in it. It becomes tight when being stretched in horizontal direction along nasolabial fold and loosen when being stretched in vertical direction. (3) There is tight connection between skin and fat pad, which is divided into four areas as I, II, III, IV. The areas I, II, III are strip-shaped parelled to the nasolabial fold. The area IV is a irregular quadrilateral. (4) There are six fixation ligaments between malar fat pad and deep tissue: orbicularis retaining ligament upper layer of lower eyelid, orbicularis retaining ligament substratum of lower eyelid, zygomaticus ligament, zygomatic cutaneous ligament, zygomatic cutaneous ligament substratum, platysma There are four closely connected areas cutaneous forward ligament, cheek maxilla ligament.

CONCLUSIONSbetween the facial skin and malar fat pad which makes malar fat pad and skin keep relatively consistent. The malar fat pad moving down mainly resulted from slack of ligaments support which is one of the reasons for aging face.

Adipose Tissue ; anatomy & histology ; physiology ; Cadaver ; Cheek ; Eyelids ; anatomy & histology ; physiology ; Face ; anatomy & histology ; physiology ; Facial Muscles ; anatomy & histology ; physiology ; Head ; Humans ; Ligaments ; anatomy & histology ; physiology ; Lip ; anatomy & histology ; physiology ; Skin ; anatomy & histology ; Skin Aging ; pathology ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo study the anatomy of angular nerve (AN), so as to provide safe approach for the denervation surgery of corrugator supercilii, depressor supercilii and procerus.

METHODS10 fresh cadaver (20 sides)were perfused and fixed with formalin. Dissection was performed in the 10 x operating microscope. The plexus of the zygomatic branch and the buccal branch were detected to confirm the AN. The relationship of AN with the surrounding blood vessels was observed. We tracked AN until it entered corrugator supercilii, depressor supercilii and procerus.

RESULTS(1) AN was classified into I, II, III type according to its formation pattern. Type I (20%, 4/20 sides) AN is single, which is mainly from the plexus of buccal branch plus the zygomatic branch from the orbicularis oculi muscle. In type II (20%, 4/20 sides), the single AN was formed by buccal branch plexus and zygomatic branch plexus in the "Four Muscle Gap". In type III (60%, 12/20 sides), the AN had two branches in the "Four Muscle Gap". (2) The three types AN passed inferior to the support ligament at the suborbital part, and then transversed medial to the support ligament at the medial canthus, along the vessels of medial canthus. (3) The branch of AN enters the depressor supercilii or procerus 2.19 to 4.28 mm above the medial canthus ligament. The backward branch enters the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi 6.89 to 9.38 mm below the medial canthus ligament.

CONCLUSIONSThe approach of denervation surgery for AN should be performed medial to the support ligation, between 2.19 mm above the medial canthus and 6.89 mm below the medial canthus.

Adult ; Cadaver ; Denervation ; Facial Muscles ; innervation ; Facial Nerve ; anatomy & histology ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male

OBJECTIVETo explore a method to repair larger cleft palate and lengthen soft palate without oral palate raw surface and scar formation, reduce the effect on maxilla and dental arch development.

METHODSA modified double opposing Z-plasty was used to lengthen soft palate and the nasal palate was closed by using large turn-over mucoperiosteal flaps on the oral surface of the junction of the hard palate and soft palate, oral raw surface on the palate was closed by a buccal myomucosal island flap.

RESULTSThirty-six palates have been repaired by this procedure, all of which had satisfactory results without flap necrosis, infection, difficulties in opening mouth and facial nerve injury except two post-operative fistulas. Eight patients were followed up and all display complete velopharyngeal closure.

CONCLUSIONSUsing unilateral buccinator myomucosal island flap with double opposing Z-plasty to repair wider palatal cleft can get a satisfactory soft palate lengthening. At the same time it can avoid bone surface exposing and scar formation; it is a safe and reliable procedure.

Adolescent ; Cheek ; surgery ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cleft Palate ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mouth Mucosa ; transplantation ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Surgical Flaps ; Young Adult

BACKGROUNDMany studies on periostin have focused on its role in tumors and vascular reconstruction. However, the effect of periostin on stem cell function remains unclear. The aim of this study was to enhance vitality in adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), the effect of periostin on the function of ADSCs was observed.

METHODSHuman ADSCs (hADSCs) were isolated from human adipose tissue by collagenase I digestion and collected in multi-periods for in vitro culture. CD29, CD34, CD44, CD45 and CD105 were detected by flow cytometry. In addition, directed differentiation of hADSCs was induced using adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic induction mediums. The induced morphological changes were observed using oil red O, Alizarin red and alcian blue staining. Periostin was administered to hADSCs in an acidic environment. The treatments of cells were divided into three groups: a periostin group (P); an acidic control group (A); a normal group (N). Then the resulting cell proliferation and migration were detected using a Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and a transwell chamber assay, respectively.

RESULTSThe detection rates of CD29, CD44, CD105, CD34 and CD45 were 98.89%, 93.73%, 86.99%, 0.19% and 0.16%. The specific staining of cells was positive after induction culture. The mean absorbance of the cells in group P and A at 12 hours were 16.67% and 22.22% greater than group N, respectively (P < 0.01). The mean absorbance of cells from group P was 20.00% greater than that of group A at 48 hours (P < 0.05). The mean number of migratory cells per visual field in group A was 50.38% lower than that in group N (P < 0.05). The migratory cell number in group P was 119.98% greater than that in group A (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe acidic environment impacted hADSC proliferation and inhibited cell migration. However, periostin was able to promote the proliferation and migration of hADSCs despite the acidic environment.

Adipose Tissue ; cytology ; Adult ; Antigens, Surface ; analysis ; Cell Adhesion Molecules ; pharmacology ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Cell Movement ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Female ; Humans ; Stem Cells ; drug effects ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo explore the best program for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) of constipation type.

METHODSNinety-five cases of IBS were randomly divided into 3 groups. Group A (n = 30) were treated by acupuncture combined with microorganism pharmaceutical preparations, group B (n = 35) by oral administration of medicine for loosening the bowel to relieve constipation plus microorganism pharmaceutical preparations, and group C (n = 30) by simple acupuncture.

RESULTSThe total effective rates were 90.0%, 77.2% and 66.7%, in the group A, B and C, respectively, with a very significant differences as the group A compared with those in the groups B, C (P < 0.01), and with no significant difference as the group B compared with that of the group C (P > 0. 05). The intestinal available bacteria, bilidobacteria and lactobacillus, increased and enteric bacilli decreased in varying degrees in the 3 groups.

CONCLUSIONAcupuncture combined with microorganism pharmaceutical preparations has a better therapeutic effect on irritable bowel syndrome of constipation type.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Constipation ; therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Intestines ; microbiology ; Irritable Bowel Syndrome ; microbiology ; therapy ; Male ; Probiotics ; therapeutic use