Animals ; Humans ; Iron ; adverse effects ; metabolism ; Iron Overload

Objective To investigate the histopathological and ultrastructural changes of corneal epithelium induced by erlotinib in mice.Methods Totally 30 6-8 weeks old male BALB/c mice were divided into three groups:Control group (n =12),experimental group (n =12),another 6 mice did nothing as the blank control.Experimental group used erlotinib eye drops and control group used PBS in both eyes,four times per day.At 1 day,7 days and 14 days after the intervention,corneal fluorescence staining (FL) was observed by slit lamp and graded.On the fourteenth day after the intervention,the eye balls of mice were taken,and the histopathological and ultrastructural changes of corneal epithelium and epithelial cells were observed by optical microscope and electron microscope,respectively.And protein of cornea was measured by Western Blot.Results Before the intervention,there was no significant difference in FL scores between the experimental group and control group (P ＞ 0.05).At 1 day,7 days and 14 days,FL score of experimental group was significantly higher than the groups of non-intervention,the difference was statistically significant (all P ＜ 0.05).While FL score of control group was not statistically significant before and after intervention (all P ＞ 0.05);Compared between two groups,there were statistical differences at 7 days,14 days in FL score (all P ＜ 0.05).In the experimental group,the histopathological changes of murine corneal epithelial cells had disorderly arrangement,increased layers of cells,and the inflammatory cells.Under electron microscope,the morphology of corneal epithelial surface cells was irregular and partially detached.The number of microvilli,desmosomes and hemidesmosomes were significantly decreased when compared to the control group.The expression of p-EGFR in experimental group was significantly less than that in control group,the difference was statistically significant (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Erlotinib can damage the tissue structure of corneal epithelium and ultrastructure of corneal epithelial cells in mice.And the mechanism is probably that erlotinib influence the corneal epithelium by inhibiting the EGFR activation.

Objective To know the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS) in Kunming Yunnan Province, and the clinical symptom of OS.Methods Retrospective study of 4 636 cases of patients with snoring, excluding COPD in addition to chronic respiratory disease and assess the patient`s condition.The test included AHI, BMI, Epworth sleepiness scale, lung function.The index of OS was confirmed by AHI>5 times/h and FEV1/FVC<70%.Results During the period of 2006 to 2012, he prevalence of COPD in patients with OSAHS was 10.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) 9.1%-11.1%] in Kunming Yunnan Province.And male`s OS prevalence rate is higher than the female(male 10.2%;female 9.7%).The OS patients` average age was 56.9±14.1, the mean AHI was (47.46±26.79) times/h, and the average FEV1/FVC was 60.09%±23.57%.Polysomnographyresults show that patients suffered obvious hypoxiaat night in both OSAHS group and OS group, but it was more significant in OS group.Pulmonary function test showed that OS patients have more serious chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Conclusions The prevalence of COPD in OSAHS patients was high in Kunming, Yunnan Province, and the prevalence rate in old group reached more than 24%.In addition, the sympotms of patients with OS were more severe than those with only OSAHS or COPD in lung function and hyoxemia.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the mRNA expressions of RASSF1A, Galectin-3 and TPO in papillary thyroid carcinoma and some other thyroid benign lesions, and evaluate their diagnostic significance.

METHODSReverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of RASSF1A, galectin-3 and TPO in the samples from 73 cases, including 23 cases with papillary thyroid cancer, 16 with nodular goiter, 29 with thyroid adenoma and 5 with Hashimoto's disease.

RESULTSA statistically significant difference in the mRNA expression of RASSF1A, Galectin-3 and TPO was observed between papillary thyroid carcinoma and follicular benign lesions (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference among various kinds of benign lesions (P>0.05). A negative correlation of the expression of RASSF1A and Galectin-3 mRNA was found between thyroid benign lesions and malignant ones (P = 0.000). While the mRNA expression of RASSF1A and TPO was positively correlated between benign and malignant lesions (P = 0.028).

CONCLUSIONLoss of expression of RASSF1A and TPO mRNA but high expression of Galectin-3 mRNA in papillary thyroid carcinoma are common. Therefore, the products of these three genes may be closely related to the development of thyroid papillary carcinoma, and may be used as useful markers in differential diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma from the benign lesions. The results are more reliable if this detection method is used in combination with other techniques.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Autoantigens ; genetics ; metabolism ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; metabolism ; Carcinoma, Papillary ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Galectin 3 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Goiter, Nodular ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Hashimoto Disease ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Humans ; Iodide Peroxidase ; genetics ; metabolism ; Iron-Binding Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Male ; Middle Aged ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Thyroid Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Tumor Suppressor Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo review the research progress on Type IV secretion system (T4SS) in Helicobacter pylori.

DATA SOURCESThe data used in this review were identified by searching of PUBMED (1995 - 2007) online resources using the key terms 'Type IV secretion system' and 'Helicobacter pylori'.

STUDY SELECTIONMainly original articles and critical reviews written by major pioneer investigators of this field were selected.

RESULTSThe research progress on T4SS in Helicobacter pylori was summarized. The structure and function was discussed.

CONCLUSIONST4SS is not only involved in toxin secretion and injection of virulence factors into eukaryotic host target cells, but also involved in horizontal DNA transfer to other bacteria and eukaryotic cells, through DNA uptake from or release into the extracellular milieu. It provides a new insight into the pathogenicity of Helicobacter pylori and a novel target for antimicrobials development. However, many challenges remain for us in understanding the biological role of T4SS in Helicobacter pylori.

Bacterial Proteins ; metabolism ; DNA-Binding Proteins ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Helicobacter pylori ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathogenicity ; Multigene Family

A Kinase Anchor Proteins ; metabolism ; Animals ; Cell Cycle Proteins ; metabolism ; Lipopolysaccharides ; pharmacology ; Liver ; metabolism ; pathology ; Protein Kinase C ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Signal Transduction

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as seed cells for the repair of tendon defect.

METHODSThe MSCs were isolated, amplified and identified by detection of surface protein CD44 mRNA. A 3 cm long defect was made in the Achilles tendon of the rabbit. The rabbits were divided into experimental (E) and control (C) groups. The autologous MSCs were implanted into a collagen-polyglycolic acid (PGA) scaffold to form a tissue-engineered tendon, which was then transplanted to bridge the defect in the E group, while only collagen-PGA was transplanted to bridge the defect in the C group. The transplanted tendon was observed grossly and microscopically at 4, 8, 12 weeks after operation.

RESULTSThe cultured MSCs exhibited positive staining of CD44 on 11 days after in vitro culture. A tendon-like tissue could be discerned at the operation site in the E group 4 weeks after operation. Tendon-like cells similar to normal tendon tissue, being axially arranged in collagen matching the mechanical direction, with uniform morphology could be seen in E group 12 weeks after operation. The newly regenerated tissue in C group adhered to the adjacent tissue and was smaller than that in E group. The collagen fibers in the regenerated tissue were loose with reticular and filiform structure, and the cells were arranged disorderly 12 weeks after the transplantation.

CONCLUSIONIt is feasible to repair the tendon defect with autologous MSCs as seed cells.

Achilles Tendon ; injuries ; Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; Cells, Cultured ; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation ; Rabbits ; Tendon Injuries ; surgery ; Tissue Engineering ; methods

OBJECTIVETo explore the repair and reconstruction of penial defect in patients inflicted by high-voltage electrical injury.

METHODSAmong one hundred and fifty three patients inflicted with high-voltage electrical injury, 6 suffered from penial injury (including 3 with necrosis of whole penis, 1 with partial necrosis of penis, 1 with partial necrosis of penial shin and 1 with necrosis of entire skin of penis) were enrolled in the study. The penis was repaired by direct suture of the residual skin following excision of necrotic skin in one case, by skin grafting in two case, by scrotum skin flap transplantation in 3 cases.

RESULTSThe appearance and function of the penis in three cases were satisfactory, and the result was also satisfactory in one patient who underwent reconstructive operation at late post injury stage. The penis was totally lost in 2 patients.

CONCLUSIONThe skin necrosis of penis after high-voltage injury could be repaired with scrotum skin flap. Total necrosis of the penis could be reconstructed with abdominal skin flap.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Burns, Electric ; surgery ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Penis ; injuries ; surgery ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; Scrotum ; surgery ; Skin Transplantation ; Surgical Flaps ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo compare the potential incidence of nerve root (ventral and dorsal ramus) injury caused by cervical transarticular screws and Roy-Camille lateral mass screws.

METHODSInsertion techniques with Klekamp transarticular screws and Roy-Camille lateral mass screws were respectively performed in this study. Each technique involved four specimens and 40 screws, which were inserted from C(3) to C(7). And 20-mm-long screws were used to overpenetrate the ventral cortex. The anterolateral aspect of the cervical spine was carefully dissected to allow observation of the screw-ramus relationship.

RESULTSThe overall percentage of nerve invasion was significantly lower with Klekamp (45%) technique than with Roy-Camille (85%) technique (P less than 0.05). The largest percentage of nerve invasion for Klekamp transarticular screws was found at the dorsal ramus (25%), followed by the ventral ramus (15%) and the bifurcation of the ventral dorsal ramus (5%). The largest percentage of nerve invasion for Roy-Camille lateral mass screws was found at the ventral ramus (80%).

CONCLUSIONThe potential risk of nerve root invasion is lower with Klekamp transarticular screws than with Roy-Camille lateral mass screws.

Adult ; Bone Screws ; Cervical Vertebrae ; injuries ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; instrumentation ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Fractures ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo investigate the variation of bone marrow complement level in cytopenia patients with positive BMMNC-Coombs test (CBCPC), and probe the role of complement in destroying hematopoietic cells of CBCPC patients.

METHODSOne hundred and twenty-four patients with CBCPC and twenty-three healthy donors as controls were enrolled in this study. The levels of CH50, C3, C4, C5b-9 were tested with ELISA. The auto-antibodies on bone marrow hematopoietic cells (BMHC) were examined with flow cytometry.

RESULTSThe level of C5b-9 in bone marrow (BM) of untreated CBCPC patients [(119.8+/-54.0) microg/L] was significantly higher than that of recovered patients [(100.7+/-33.4) microg/L] or normal controls [(93.9+/-28.8) microg/L] (P<0.05). The levels of CH50 in BM of untreated or recovered CBCPC patients [(33.3+/-11.5) kU/L, (30.8+/-10.3) kU/L] were significantly higher than that of normal controls [(24.1+/-6.4) kU/L] (P<0.05). The level of C3 in BM of untreated or recovered CBCPC patients [(4.9+/-2.2) mg/L], (5.0+/-3.5) mg/L] was significantly lower than that of normal controls [(7.0+/-5.6) mg/L] (P<0.05). The level of complement in peripheral blood was consistent with that in BM. CH50 in BM of CBCPC patients was negatively correlated with their C3 (r=-0.303, P=.0007) and positively correlated with their C5b-9 (r=0.241, P=0.003) levels. The level of C5b-9 in BM of CBCPC patients was higher in the BMHC-IgM positive group [(117.6+/-55.7) microg/L] than in the BMHC- IgM negative group [(99.2+/-26.2) microg/L] (P<0.05). The positive rate of CD34(+)-IgG or CD34(+)-IgM of CBCPC patients was positively correlated with their C5b-9 level (r=0.593, P=0.000, r=0.326, P=0.049). The reticulocyte percentage (r=0.421, P=0.000) and serum indirect bilirubin level (r=0.230, P=0.032) of CBCPC patients were positively correlated with their CH50 level.

CONCLUSIONSThe hematocytopenia of CBCPC patients might be related to the hematopoietic cells destruction caused by auto-antibody activated complements.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Bone Marrow Cells ; immunology ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; Complement System Proteins ; metabolism ; Coombs Test ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pancytopenia ; immunology ; metabolism ; Young Adult