Objective To explore the effect of pedicle fixation for treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures in patients with osteoporosis,and to provide more evidence for the treatment.Methods Retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 121 patients with osteoporotic vertebral burst fracture from June 2012 to October 2015.And these patients were divided into two groups according to different operation methods, namely the control group (n=56) who were given short segment fixation and the observation group (n=65) who were given single segment fixation.The visual analogue scale(VAS),Oswestry disability index(ODI),vertebral height,kyphotic angle and bone mineral density of the two groups were analyzed before surgery and 3 days,1 month,3 months and 12 months after surgery.Results The VAS score,ODI score,vertebral height,and Cobb angle of the injured vertebra were significantly improved in both of the two groups,and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05).The VAS score of the observation group was better than that of the control group 3 days after surgery with statistically significant difference (P<0.05).But there was no significant difference 3 months,6 months and 12 months after surgery(P>0.05).The ODI score of the observation group was better than that of the control group 3 days and 3 months after surgery with statistically significant difference (P<0.05),and there was no significant difference between the two groups till the end of follow-up.Pedicle fixation at the injured vertebra significantly improved the vertebral height and Cobb angle with statistically significant difference (P<0.05).And the anti-osteoporosis treatment significantly increased the bone mineral density (P<0.05).Conclusion Pedicle fixation at the injured vertebra is useful in pain relief as well as function and anatomical structure restoring.And anti-osteoporosis treatment is necessary for the bone mineral density increase.

OBJECTIVETo explore the molecular biological mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion (A&M) in reducing chemotherapy-related toxicity, relieving myelosuppression and increasing peripheral white blood cells (WBC).

METHODSTwo hundred and twenty-four male Kunming mice of clean grade were randomized equally into 4 groups, the blank control group (A), the model group (B), the acupuncture group (C), and the moxibustion group (D). Except those in Group A, mice were duplicated into myelosuppression model with cyclophosphamide (CTX) using the accepted method. After being modeled, mice in Group C and D were treated with acupuncture and moxibustion respectively, once a day for 7 successive days, while those in Group A and B were dealt with the same actions (seizing and fixing) every day but no therapy was given. From day 2 to day 7 of the treatment, 8 mice were taken from every group per day and killed in batches. Their peripheral WBC was counted and bone marrow for detecting Cyclin D1 expression and percentages of bone marrow cells in different cycle stages using immunohistochemistry and flow cytometer respectively.

RESULTSWBC count restored to exceed the baseline in group C and D at day 5 of the treatment, being one day earlier than that in group B. Cyclin D1 expression in the bone marrow raised in Group C and D, and reached the peak at day 4, showing significant difference as compared with that in Group B (P < 0.01). The phase G1 marrow cell percentages in Group C and D was lower than that in Group B at all days of detection, showing statistical significance at day 2-4 (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01); while the percentages of phase S and G2-M cells in the two treated groups was higher than that in group B all the times.

CONCLUSIONSWhile CTX damaged marrow cells, it intervened the cell cycle regularity and reduced the DNA content to cause myelosuppression and leucocytopenia. A&M therapy could improve the Cyclin D1 expression, speed up the cell transition from phase G1 to phase S and increase the synthesis of DNA. At the mean time, taking advantage of the block at phase G2, it can repair the injured DNA, speed up cell mitosis for turning into multiplication, improve the anti-injury and repairing ability of cells to protect bone marrow cells, and relieve the myelosuppression.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; Cyclin D1 ; metabolism ; Cyclophosphamide ; adverse effects ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; adverse effects ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred Strains ; Moxibustion

OBJECTIVETo explore the incidence of dementia among elderly people in Xi'an and its related risk factors.

METHODSSubjects that had been studied on the prevalence of dementia were follow-up, and the incidence of dementia, Alzheimer disease (AD) , and vascular dementia (VD) were counted by person-years. The clinical diagnosis on dementia,AD and VD were based upon the 3rd Edition of Diagnostic and Statistical of Manual of Mental Disorder, Revised version (DSM-III-R) and NINCDS-ADRDA criteria.

RESULTS2197 subjects of non-dementia being identified in 1998, were re-surveyed in 2001. Out of them, 47 new cases of dementia including 37 cases of AD and 8 cases of VD were identified, with an annual incidence rates of dementia, AD and VD as 0.68%, 0.54% and 0.12% among those of 55 years and over and 0.89%, 0.69% and 0.17% in 65 years and over, respectively. Analysis from single factor logistic regression showed that age and education but not gender were closely related to the occurrence of AD. On the contrary, age, hypertension and stroke were closely related to the occurrence of VD.

CONCLUSIONThe incidence of dementia in the "Xi' an cohort" was similar to that being reported from other countries. AD and VD were an age-related diseases but education seemed to have had great protective effect while lack of formal education served as risk factor to AD.

Age Distribution ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; China ; epidemiology ; Dementia ; classification ; epidemiology ; Educational Status ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; Risk Factors ; Sex Distribution

OBJECTIVERett syndrome (RTT, MIM 312750) is a progressive neurodevelopmental disorder that affects females almost exclusively, caused by mutations in MECP2 gene on chromosome Xq28, with symptoms such as autism, severe mental deficiency, deceleration of head growth, ataxia, loss of purposeful hand function and characteristic stereotypic hand movements. Over 80% MECP2 mutations located in the exon 3 and exon 4 were confirmed by our work and large-scale studies. RTT is defined based on clinical presentation. It is difficult to diagnose in the early life without definite biochemical abnormality, but genetic test is helpful for this. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and clinical significance of applying long range polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to RTT diagnosis and establish a simple, economic, efficient method of genetic diagnosis.

METHODGenomic DNA was extracted using standard procedures from the peripheral blood leukocytes of each patient. Long range polymerase chain reaction(PCR)and DNA direct sequencing were employed to analyze the exon 3 and 4 of MECP2 gene simultaneity in 40 patients with RTT. The PCR products were checked by using 1.5% agarose gel.

RESULTIn total, 18 different MECP2 mutations were identified in 33 of the 40 diagnosed sporadic female patients with RTT. Missense mutations were 16, followed by 14 nonsense mutations and 3 deletions. The 314 base pairs large deletion was identified. The p. T158M mutation (21%, 7/33) was the most common, followed in order of frequency by p. R255X (12%, 4/33), p. R168X and p. R106W (9%, 3/33) respectively, p. R270X and p. Y141X (6%, 2/33) respectively, p. R133C, p. D156H, p. P157L, p. P225R, p. Q244X, p. Q262X, p. R294X, p. R306C, P322L, c. 1005del G, c.1005-1318del 314 bp and c.1127-1179del 53 bp (3%, 1/33), respectively.

CONCLUSIONLong range PCR is a simple, economic, quick, precise method of genetic diagnosis and was able to find 83% MECP2 gene mutations in RTT patients in this study. It is helpful for RTT clinical diagnosis in early stage. On the other hand, it may detect recurrent mutations and large deletions at the same time.

Child ; Child, Preschool ; DNA ; analysis ; Exons ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2 ; genetics ; Mutation ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Rett Syndrome ; diagnosis ; genetics

In order to find a method suitable for purifying large amount of CD34(+) cells, from 5 cases who accepted autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation, CD34(+) cells were collected and enriched by using Isolex 300i (Nexell). Phenotypes were detected by flow cytometry and the biological viability were assayed by the colony-forming experiments and cell expansion experiment in vitro. The results showed that the number of mononuclear cells first collected was about (3.5 - 6.0) x 10(10) and (0.55 - 1.2)% of cells were CD34 positive. The number of positive production was about (2.0 - 3.0) x 10(8); the CD34(+) cells purity was (75 - 85)% and the yield was (40 - 65)%. The CD34(+) cells of positive production could expand up to 2 - 3 times when cultured with SCF + IL3 + FL + TPO + EPO in vitro. The results of colony-forming experiments demonstrated that the CD34(+) cells collected has enough colony-forming ability. All results showed the enriched CD34(+) cells with biological viability. In conclusion, the CD34(+) immunomagnetic isolation apparatus Isolex300i is suitable to clinical application for a large amount of CD34(+) cell enrichment.
Antigens, CD34 ; immunology ; Colony-Forming Units Assay ; Flow Cytometry ; Hematopoietic Stem Cells ; cytology ; immunology ; Humans ; Immunomagnetic Separation ; instrumentation ; methods ; standards ; Neoplasms ; blood

To investigate the hematological abnormality and clinical characteristics in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the hematological data of 58 SLE and the curative effects of corticosteroid and immunosuppressive agents on SLE were retrospectively analysed by using SPSS/PC software. The results showed that the incidence of hematological abnormalities in 58 cases was as follows: 50 cases of hemogram abnormality (86.2%), 41 of anemia (70.7%), 34 of thrombocytopenia (58.7%), 37 of leukopenia (63.8%). Peripheral cytopenia of every cell lineage was common in SLE. The cell abnormalities of two or three lineages were seen in 41 cases (70.7%). The initial symptoms with hematological abnormality were found in 12 cases (20.7%), 7 out of 12 cases were erroneously diagnosed as hematology diseases (12.1%). In 30 out of 58 patients, the results of bone marrow examination showed that 23 had hyperplasia (76.7%) and 7 were hypoplasia. In 25 out of 38 cases, splenomegaly (65.8%) was found by B ultrasonography. In 25 patients with SLE receiving Coombs test, 3 were positive (12.0%). PAIg increased in 16 out of 22 cases of thrombocytopenia (72.7%). 26 cases of SLE with two or three lineage cytopenia in peripheral blood were treated by corticosteroid and immunosuppressive agent. The hemogram improved in all patients including 6 cases of bone marrow hypoplasia. It is concluded that the hematological abnormalities are frequent in SLE patients, which are short of specialty. The cytopenia of two or more lineage in peripheral blood is most common when bone marrow shows hyperplastic. The therapy with corticosteroid and immunosuppressive agents is efficacious.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Bone Marrow Examination ; Child ; Female ; Hematologic Diseases ; etiology ; Humans ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic ; blood ; complications ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged

Objective To study the protective effect of Shenmai injection on myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury in patients underwent thoracoscopic cardiac surgery during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Methods 18 patients with congenital heart disease with CPB thoracoscopic cardiac surgery were randomly divided into two groups (9 cases in each group): controlled group and experimental group. The controlled group did not give any intervened drugs, and the experimental group gave the injection of Shenmai that were added into heart cold cardioplegia (2 ml/kg). The levels of the following indexes in the serum were respectively measured just after the time of induction of anesthesia (T1) and heart resuscitation (T2): Troponin T (cTnT), Creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB) quality, myoglobin (Mb). And at the same time, the left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) was measured. Results The concentrations of cTnT, CK-MB and mb in the serum of both groups just after the time of heart resuscitation (T2) were significantly increased more than just after the time of induction of anesthesia (T1) (P < 0.05). But the concentrations of cTnT, CK-MB and Mb in the experimental group were significantly lower than that in the controlled group just after the time of cardiac resuscitation. And EF was significantly higher than the controlled group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Shenmai injection can protect the myocardium from ischemia-reperfusion injury in patients underwent thoracoscopic cardiac surgery during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

This study was aimed to investigate the specific anti-leukemia cell effect of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) induced by HL-60 or K562 cell-sensitized dendritic cells (DCs) from umbilical cord blood. 12 units of human umbilical cord blood (UCB) were collected and the mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated from UCB, then cultured with granulocyte monocyte colony- stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin 3 (IL-3), recombinant human stem cell factor (SCF) and EPO for 3 - 4 weeks. Flow cytometry was used to determine the number of DCs and cell surface antigens before and after culture with monoclonal antibodies including CD83, CD1a, CD11c and CDw123. HL-60 and K562 were frozen-thawed, and released their tumor antigen peptides (TAP). The CTLs were produced by sensitizing T lymphocytes with DC-loaded HL-60 and K562 cell antigens. The test of (3)H-TdR incorporation was used to detect the immunostimulation activity of DCs. MTT assay was applied to evaluate specific cytotoxicity of CTL on leukaemia cells. The results indicated that the MNCs of UCBs cultured with GM-CSF, IL-3, EPO and SCF were shown to differentiate into CD1a(+) CD11c(+) CD83(+) CDw123(+) DCs. Numbers of DCs from UCBs remarkably increased in 2 - 4 weeks and then decreased. After culture with cytokines DCs increased (10.6 - 28.2) x 10(5)/ml in actual numbers. The CTL induced by DC pulsed with HL-60, K562 frozen-thawed lysates were effective to kill HL-60 and K562. Cytotoxicity of CTL to HL60 and K562 were (42.04 +/- 8.46)% and (31.25 +/- 11.07)% respectively. It is concluded that the MNCs of UCBs cultured with cytokines of GM-CSF, SCF, EPO and IL-3 can differentiate into CD1a(+), CD83(+), CD11c(+) and CDw123(+) DCs. The CTL induced by DCs pulsed with HL-60, K562 frozen-thawed lysates can effectively kill HL-60 and K562. These DCs as antigen presenting cells play an important role in cancer immunotherapy.
Dendritic Cells ; cytology ; immunology ; Fetal Blood ; cytology ; immunology ; HL-60 Cells ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) on inflammatory mediators in children with severe hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), and to investigate its clinical efficacy.

METHODSA total of 36 children with stage IV HFMD were enrolled and randomly divided into conventional treatment group and CVVH group (n=18 each). The children in the CVVH group were given CVVH for 48 hours in addition to the conventional treatment. The levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and lactic acid in peripheral venous blood, heart rate, blood pressure, and left ventricular ejection fraction were measured before treatment and after 24 and 48 hours of treatment.

RESULTSAfter 24 hours of treatment, the conventional treatment group had a significantly reduced serum IL-2 level (P<0.01), and the CVVH treatment group had significantly reduced serum levels of IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α (P<0.05). After 48 hours of treatment, both groups had significantly reduced serum levels of IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α (P<0.01), and the CVVH group had significantly lower levels of these inflammatory factors than the conventional treatment group (P<0.01). After 48 hours of treatment, heart rate, systolic pressure, and blood lactic acid level were significantly reduced, and left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly increased in both groups, and the CVVH group had significantly greater changes in these indices except systolic pressure than the conventional treatment group (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSCVVH can effectively eliminate inflammatory factors, reduce heart rate and venous blood lactic acid, and improve heart function in children with severe HFMD.

Child, Preschool ; Cytokines ; blood ; Female ; Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease ; immunology ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Hemodynamics ; Hemofiltration ; Humans ; Infant ; Inflammation Mediators ; blood ; Male ; Ventricular Function, Left

OBJECTIVESTo observe the role of PPARgamma during the activation process of hepatic stellate cells (HSC).

METHODSBy morphology and RT-PCR, we study the changes of expression of PPARgamma in culture-activated HSC or in vivo activated HSC induced by dimethylnitrosamine (DMN).

RESULTSIn vitro, the expression level of PPARgamma in freshly isolated HSC (0.72+/-0.01) significantly reduced to 0.48+/-0.03 on the third day of culture (t = 19.8372, P<0.01), and reduced 70% on the seventh culture-day and could not be detected after the second passage. In vivo, HSC freshly isolated from normal control rats expressed PPARgamma (0.76+/-0.01). During the development of rat liver fibrosis induced by DMN, the expression level significantly reduced to 0.46+/-0.02 after the third injection of DMN (t = 29.5318, P<0.01), and reduced 66% on the end of first week and could not be detected on the end of second and third week.

CONCLUSIONThe expression of PPARgamma might play an important role on the maintenance of resting-form of HSC, and the reduction of expression of PPARgamma might be an early event during the activation process of HSC.

Animals ; Liver ; cytology ; Liver Cirrhosis ; etiology ; pathology ; Male ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear ; physiology ; Transcription Factors ; physiology