Objective:To evaluate the six-degree setup errors of tumors of cervical vertebra, thoracic vertebra and lumbar vertebra by image guided radiotherapy. Methods:From May 2013 to June 2014, 30 patients with spinal malignant tumors(10 patients of cervical vertebra, thoracic vertebra and lumbar verte-bra respectively) were treated with Elekata Synergy accelerator(Elekta company,Sweden). Six-degree set up errors were corrected using HexaPODTM evoRT bed under image of on board cone beam computed tomography ( CBCT) guided. All the patients received kilovoltage CBCT before receiving radiotherapy and after correction. The acquired images were co-registered with planning CT with bone window. The data of 838 CT images were analyzed and the errors of translational directions X ( lateral ) , Y ( lngitudi-nal),Z(vertical)and rotational directions RX(pitch), RY(roll), RZ(yaw) were recorded. The data were compared by t-test using SPSS 13. 0. Results:The absolute translational setup errors in X, Y and Z axes of cervical vertebra before correction were (1. 71 ± 0. 10) mm, (1. 81 ± 0. 11) mm and (1. 94 ± 0. 09) mm respectively:(3. 17 ± 0. 19) mm, (4. 26 ± 0. 28) mm and (2. 18 ± 0. 12) mm for thoracic vertebra, and (2. 69 ± 0. 24) mm, (3. 33 ± 0. 26) mm and (2. 86 ± 0. 21) mm for lumbar vertebra. The residual setup errors in X, Y and Z axes of cervical vertebra were (0. 5 ± 2. 4) mm,(0. 01 ± 2. 4) mm and (2. 4 ± 1. 4) mm, respectively after correction;(1. 17 ± 0. 11) mm,(0. 26 ± 0. 30) mm and (0. 08 ± 0. 12) mm for thoracic vertebra and (1. 09 ± 0. 24) mm,(2. 03 ± 1. 26) mm and (0. 06 ± 0. 51) mm for lumbar vertebra. The t-test of paired data of set up errors before and after CBCT showed significant difference in three translational directions of cervical vertebra and thoracic vertebra, only Z (t= -3. 518,P<0. 001) for lumbar vertebra. The absolute rotational setup errors in RX,RY and RZ axes of cervical vertebra before correction were 0 . 67 ° ± 0 . 04 ° ,1 . 06 ° ± 0 . 06 ° and 0 . 78 ° ± 0 . 05 ° respec-tively. 0. 62° ± 0. 05°, 0. 75° ± 0. 06°, and 0. 84° ± 0. 06° for thoracic vertebra, 0. 59° ± 0. 06°, 0. 80° ± 0. 07°, and 0. 73° ± 0. 06°for lumbar vertebra. The rotational directions RX, RY and RZ axes of cervical vertebra were 0 . 27 ° ± 0 . 14 ° , 1 . 20 ° ± 0 . 04 ° and 0 . 28 ° ± 0 . 05 ° respectively;0 . 02 ° ± 0 . 20 ° , 0. 05° ± 0. 26°and 0. 64° ± 0. 16°for thoracic vertebra and 0. 09° ± 0. 26°, 0. 50° ± 0. 05°,and 0. 03° ± 0. 16°for lumbar vertebra. The t-test of paired data of set up errors before and after CBCT showed signifi-cant difference in three rotational directions of cervical vertebra and lumbar vertebra, only RY(t=7. 106, P<0. 001)for thoracic vertebra. All the patients acquired pain relief and there was no radiation-induced toxicity detected clinically during a median follow-up of 6 months. Conclusion:Six-degree set up errors of spine tumors were corrected effectively with HexaPODTM evoRT bed under CBCT image guided and its feasibility in day-to-day clinical practice has been demonstrated.

OBJECTIVETo probe the implant-bone-interface stress distribution of zygomatic implant denture concerning different implant sites.

METHODSThree-dimensional finite element model for severe atrophy maxillary posterior-tooth area was established biomechanically in this study by computer technique and zygomatic implant was simulated into the model in the first-maxillary-premolar region, the second-maxillary-premolar region, the first-maxillary-molar region and the second-maxillary-molar region respectively. Vertical loading, buccal (30 degrees) loading and lingual (30 degrees) loading were preformed, 100 N. Then these load cases were calculated and analyzed.

RESULTS1) When the implant site was placed in the first-maxillary-premolar region, the buccal side of zygomatic implant exposed out of the bone and didn't meet the clinical request. 2) As far as the tensile stress peak value in the maxillary posterior-tooth area was concerned, the highest value was recorded when the implant was placed in the second-maxillary-molar region, and then the medium value was recorded when the implant was placed in the second-maxillary-premolar region, and the smallest was recorded when the implant in the first-maxillary-molar region. As far as the compressive stress peak value in the maxillary posterior-tooth area was concerned, the highest value was recorded when the implant was placed in the second-maxillary-molar region, and then the medium was recorded when the implant was in the first-maxillary-molar region, and the smallest value was presented when the implant was in the second-maxillary-premolar region. As far as the tensile and compressive stress peak values in the zygomatic area were concerned, the highest value was recorded when the implant was in the second-maxillary-premolar region, and then the medium value when the implant was in the first-maxillary-molar region, and the smallest when the implant was in the second-maxillary-molar region.

CONCLUSIONThe first-maxillary-molar region is the best implant site of zygomatic implant denture.

Bicuspid ; Dental Implants ; Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported ; Dentures ; Finite Element Analysis ; Humans ; Maxilla ; Molar ; Stress, Mechanical

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Bu-Shen-An-Tai recipe (BSATR) and its two components (Bushen recipe, and Huoxue recipe) on endometrial morphology during peri-implantation in superovulated mice. Mice were randomly divided into five groups, including the normal (N), model (M), Bushen (BS), Huoxue (HX) and Bu-Shen-An-Tai (BH) groups. The uteri were collected on day 4 of pregnancy, and the endometrium thickness, microvessel density (MVD) and number of pinopodes observed. Compared with the M group, the endometrial thickness in the BS, HX and BH groups was significantly increased and there was a significant difference in endometrial thickness between the BS and the BH groups. The mean MVD was significantly lower in the M group than in the N group, and there was a significant increase in MVD in the BS, HX and BH groups as compared with the M group. Compared with the M group, the pinopode scores in the endometrium were significantly increased in the HX and BH groups; and the BS group had significantly higher pinipode scores than the HX and BH groups. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrated that the recipes (Bushen, Huoxue and BSATR) could improve the endometrial environment by regulating the endometrial thickness, MVD and the number of pinopodes at the window of implantation. Moreover, the Huoxue recipe and the BSATR were more efficient than the Bushen recipe, with the BSATR tending to have the most beneficial effects.

AIMTo study the biochemistry of lanthanides, the cooperative action of inorganic and organic anti-tumor drugs.

METHODSA series of rare earth complexes were synthesized with Ln(NO3) 6H2O, Phen and 5-Fu. Their anti-tumor activity was measured by the improved MTT, SRB methods.

RESULTSThe formula of complex Ln[(Phen)2(5-Fu)3(NO3)](NO3)2(Ln = Y, La, Ce, Sm, Gd, Dy, Er; Phen = 1, 10-phenanthroline; 5-Fu = fluorouracil) was characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductivity, IR, TGA, and 13C NMR spectra. The preliminary biological activity studies indicated that Lanthanide complex has strong anti-tumor activity in vitro.

CONCLUSIONThe complex might have anti-tumor cooperation action.

Antineoplastic Agents ; chemical synthesis ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cerium ; chemistry ; Drug Synergism ; Dysprosium ; chemistry ; Erbium ; chemistry ; Fluorouracil ; chemistry ; Gadolinium ; chemistry ; Humans ; Lanthanoid Series Elements ; chemistry ; Lanthanum ; chemistry ; Phenanthrolines ; chemistry ; Samarium ; chemistry ; Structure-Activity Relationship ; Yttrium ; chemistry

AIM: To investigate the effect of tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor 6 (TRAF6) on proliferation, apoptosis and invasion of retinoblastoma Y79 cells. METHODS: The Y79 cells were divided into three groups:blank control group, negative control group and TRAF6 siRNA group. After TRAF6 siRNA transfection, the levels of TRAF6 mRNA and protein in Y79 cells were examined by RT-PCR and Western blotting. MTT assay was used to detect cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was employed to detect changes in cell cycle and apoptosis. Cell invasiveness was detected by the Transwell method. RESULTS: Expression of TRAF6 mRNA and protein in the TRAF6 siRNA group significantly decreased compared with the negative and blank control groups. Following the silencing of TRAF6,cell proliferation was inhibited and the apoptosis rate increased; the cell cycle was arrested at G0/G1 phase; the number of cells in S phase was reduced, while the invasion ability of cancer cells decreased. CONCLUSION: Silencing TRAF6 may inhibit the proliferation of Y79 cells, promote cell apoptosis, arrest the cell cycle at G0/G1 phase and decrease the invasive ability. Thus,TRAF6 may be a potential target in therapy for retinoblastoma.

OBJECTIVETo study the characteristics of occupational exposure of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in coke oven workers.

METHODSSamples were collected individually and PAHs concentration in the ambient air were assayed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and toxic equivalency factors (TEFs) were introduced to assess the carcinogenic potency.

RESULTSThe levels of PAHs occupational exposure in oven workers at topside was higher than at side oven and bottom oven (P < 0.05). Non-carcinogenic PAHs were more than 70% of total PAHs and benzo[a]pyrene accounted for 65.5% approximately 72.4% of total benzo[a]pyrene equivalents. Total occupational exposure level of PAHs in coke oven workers was positively related to the content of benzo[a]pyrene and pyrene, respectively (r(2) = 0.84, r(2) = 0.94, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONCoke oven workers were exposed to a high level of PAHs which possessed some extent of carcinogenic potency, and benzo[a]pyrene is the chief carcinogenic substance.

Benzo(a)pyrene ; analysis ; toxicity ; Carcinogens ; analysis ; toxicity ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Coke ; Humans ; Occupational Exposure ; Polycyclic Compounds ; analysis ; toxicity

BACKGROUNDInternet addition disorder (IAD) is currently becoming a serious mental health problem among Chinese adolescents. The pathogenesis of IAD, however, remains unclear. The purpose of this study applied regional homogeneity (ReHo) method to analyze encephalic functional characteristic of IAD college students under resting state.

METHODSFunctional magnetic resonanc image (fMRI) was performed in 19 IAD college students and 19 controls under resting state. ReHo method was used to analyze the differences between the average ReHo in two groups.

RESULTSThe following increased ReHo brain regions were found in IAD group compared with control group: cerebellum, brainstem, right cingulate gyrus, bilateral parahippocampus, right frontal lobe (rectal gyrus, inferior frontal gyrus and middle frontal gyrus), left superior frontal gyrus, left precuneus, right postcentral gyrus, right middle occipital gyrus, right inferior temporal gyrus, left superior temporal gyrus and middle temporal gyrus. The decreased ReHo brain regions were not found in the IAD group compared with the control group.

CONCLUSIONSThere are abnormalities in regional homogeneity in IAD college students compared with the controls and enhancement of synchronization in most encephalic regions can be found. The results reflect the functional change of brain in IAD college students. The connections between the enhancement of synchronization among cerebellum, brainstem, limbic lobe, frontal lobe and apical lobe may be relative to reward pathways.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Behavior, Addictive ; epidemiology ; physiopathology ; Brain ; physiopathology ; Female ; Humans ; Internet ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Young Adult

BACKGROUNDDespite low morbidity, acute or subacute spinal epidural hematoma may develop quickly with a high tendency to paralysis. The delay of diagnosis and therapy often leads to serious consequences. In this study we evaluated the effects of a series of methods for the diagnosis and treatment of the hematoma in 11 patients seen in our hospital.

METHODSOf the 11 patients (8 males and 3 females), 2 had the hematoma involving cervical segments, 2 cervico-thoracic, 4 thoracic, 1 thoraco-lumbar, and 2 lumbar. Three patients had quadriplegia, including one with central cord syndrome; another had Brown-Sequard's syndrome; and the other seven had paraplegia. Five patients were diagnosed at our hospitals within 3 - 48 hours after appearance of symptoms, and 6 patients were transferred from community hospitals within 21 - 106 hours after development of symptoms. Key dermal points, key muscles and the rectal sphincter were determined according to the American Spinal Injury Society Impairment Scales as scale A in two patients, B in 5 and C in 4. Emergency MRI in each patient confirmed that the dura mater was compressed in the spinal canal, with equal intensity or hyperintensity on T(1) weighted image and mixed hyperintensity on T(2) weighted image. Preventive and curative measures were taken preoperatively and emergency operation was performed in all patients. Open laminoplasty was done at the cervical and cervico-thoracic segments, laminectomy at the thoracic segments, laminectomy with pedicle screw fixation at the thoraco-lumbar and lumbar segments involving multiple levels, and double-sided laminectomy with the integrity of articular processes at the lumbar segments involving only a single level. During the operation, special attention was given to hematoma evacuation, hemostasis and drainage tube placement.

RESULTSNeither uncontrollable hemorrhage nor postoperative complications occurred. All patients were followed up for 1 - 6 years. A marked difference was noted between postoperative and preoperative scales (u = 3.66, P < 0.01). Most patients recovered after therapy, but the recovery of patients treated at our hospitals was superior to that of those transferred from community hospitals (t = 2.95, P < 0.05). Of the patients treated at our hospitals, 4 were cured and 1 was upgraded with scale from A to D, whereas none of those transferred from community hospitals recovered completely, even one remained scale C.

CONCLUSIONSPhysical examination plus MRI is essential to early diagnosis of acute or subacute spinal epidural hematoma. Preventive and curative measures including emergency operation are helpful to the recovery of patients' nerve function.

Acute Disease ; Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hematoma, Epidural, Spinal ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relation between changes in serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression, especially in relation to metastasis.

METHODSSerum VEGF expression level, measured by quatitative sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA, R&D system), was measured before, 3 days and 4 weeks after TACE in 30 patients with HCC. The development of metastasis was evaluated at the end of the third month after TACE.

RESULTS1. The serum VEGF level in 30 patients was 154.47 +/- 90.17 pg/ml, 2. Post-TACE total serum VEGF level increased as compared with their basal level in 30 patients (P < 0.05) and serum VEGF level had a tendency to increase in patients with heterogeneous uptake of iodized oil and portal vein thrombosis. During the follow-up of 1 - 2 years, metastatic foci were found in 74% (20) patients with SVEGF increase, while none of the patients showing SVEGF decrease developed metastasis.

CONCLUSIONSerum VEGF expression increase is associated with the development of metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma after TACE.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; blood ; pathology ; therapy ; Chemoembolization, Therapeutic ; Female ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; blood ; pathology ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; blood

OBJECTIVEThe prostate apoptosis response factor-4 (Par-4) gene was originally identified by differential screening for genes that are up-regulated when prostate cells are induced to undergo apoptosis. Par-4 was found to possess potent apoptotic activity in various cellular systems in response to numerous stimuli. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of small interfering RNA (siRNA) against Par-4 gene on the apoptosis of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) exposed to glutamate.

METHODSPrimary culture of hBMSCs was carried out and siRNAs targeted Par-4 gene (Par-4-SiRNA) were chemically synthesized. Eukaryocytic expression vector was built and were transfected into hBMSCs with liposome. After selecting with G418, the stable cell clones were treated with glutamate. The expression of Par-4 mRNA was determined by real-time PCR. The apoptosis of hBMSCs was quantified by flow cytometry. Western blotting was used to detect the protein levels of phosphorylated Akt1 (Thr308). Relative Caspase-3 activity was determined by colorimetric assay.

RESULTSThe Par-4-SiRNA-1 and Par-4-siRNA-2 could markedly down-regulate the mRNA levels of Par-4 gene in hBMSCs. With the transfections of Par-4-SiRNA-1 and Par-4-SiRNA-2, the levels of Par-4 mRNA were respectively decreased by 88% and 67%. Both Par-4-SiRNA-1 and Par-4-SiRNA-2 inhibited significantly the apoptosis of hBMSCs induced by glutamate, in which the percentages of apoptotic cells were respectively decreased to 38.80% +/- 3.97% (P < 0.01) and 45.49% +/- 4.32% (P < 0.01) from 60.30% +/- 6.82%. Western blot assays demonstrated that, glutamate down-regulated the expression of phosphorylated Akt1 proteins in hBMSCs (89.07 +/- 6.42 and 28.30 +/- 5.65, respectively, P < 0.01). However, Par-4-SiRNA-1 and Par-4-SiRNA-2 could markedly recover the down-regulation of Akt1 proteins induced by glutamate (63.56 +/- 6.75 and 45.59 +/- 4.88, respectively, P < 0.01). And the relative Caspase-3 activity which was enhanced by the treatment with glutamate (0.1428 +/- 0.0495 and 0.8616 +/- 0.1051, P < 0.01), was suppressed by Par-4-SiRNA-1 and Par-4-SiRNA-2 (0.8616 +/- 0.1051 and 0.6581 +/- 0.0555, respectively, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSiRNA against Par-4 gene could inhibit the apoptosis of hBMSCs induced by glutamate, and its inhibitory effects may be mediated by the up-regulation of phosphorylated Akt1 and the suppression of the relative Caspase-3 activity.

Apoptosis ; genetics ; Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins ; genetics ; Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Humans ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt ; metabolism ; RNA, Small Interfering