Objective:To evaluate the effect of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) -related molecules in human malignant melanoma A375 cells.Methods:Cultured A375 cells were divided into 4 groups: control-1 and -2 groups treated with Dulbecco′s modified Eagle medium (DMEM) for 24 and 48 hours respectively, and ATRA-1 and ATRA-2 groups treated with DMEM containing 10 μmol/L ATRA for 24 and 48 hours respectively. After the treatment, real-time quantitative PCR was performed to determine the mRNA expression of EMT-related genes E-cadherin, N-cadherin, vimentin and β-catenin in the above 4 groups, Western blot analysis to determine the relative expression of the above proteins, and direct immunofluorescence study to assess the fluorescence intensity of E-cadherin and vimentin in the ATRA-1, ATRA-2 and control-1 groups. Statistical analysis was carried out by using two-way analysis of variance, one-way analysis of variance and least significant difference- t test. Results:Real-time quantitative PCR showed that the E-cadherin mRNA expression was significantly higher in the ATRA-1 group than in the control -1 group ( F = 13.148, P < 0.05) , and higher in the ATRA-2 group than in the control-2 group ( F = 31.529, P < 0.05) ; the mRNA expression of N-cadherin, vimentin and β-catenin was significantly lower in the ATRA-1 group than in the control-1 group ( P < 0.05) , and lower in the ATRA-2 group than in the control-2 group ( P < 0.05) ; the ATRA-2 group showed significantly increased mRNA expression of E-cadherin ( F = 13.148, P < 0.05) , but significantly decreased mRNA expression of the other 3 proteins compared with the ATRA-1 group (all P < 0.05) ; there was no significant difference in the mRNA expression of the above molecules between the control-1 and -2 groups (all P > 0.05) . Western blot analysis showed that the protein expression of E-cadherin significantly increased, but the protein expression of N-cadherin, vimentin and β-catenin significantly decreased in the ATRA-1 and ATRA-2 groups compared with the control-1 group (all P < 0.05) ; compared with the ATRA-1 group, the ATRA-2 group showed significantly increased protein expression of E-cadherin ( P < 0.05) , but significantly decreased protein expression of N-cadherin, vimentin and β-catenin (all P < 0.05) . Direct immunofluorescence study showed that the fluorescence intensity of E-cadherin was significantly higher in the ATRA-1 group and ATRA-2 group (6.23 ± 0.08, 10.37 ± 0.13, respectively) than in the control-1 group (2.37 ± 0.14, both P < 0.05) , while the fluorescence intensity of vimentin was significantly lower in the ATRA-1 group and ATRA-2 group (15.17 ± 0.18, 10.29 ± 0.03, respectively) than in the control-1 group (50.16 ± 0.26, both P < 0.05) , and the cells in the ATRA-1 group and ATRA-2 group transformed from spindle- to cobble-stone-like in shape. Conclusion:ATRA can up-regulate the expression of E-cadherin, down-regulate the expression of N-cadherin, vimentin and β-catenin in A375 cells, and may inhibit the EMT of A375 cells.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of rukangyin (RKY) on the lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis of breast cancer transplantation tumor mice, thus exploring its anti-tumor metastasis mechanisms.

METHODSHuman breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-435S were in situ implanted into the mammary fat pad of 30 female nude mice to establish breast cancer transplantation tumor spontaneous metastasis model. They were randomly divided into six groups, i.e., the model control group, the 5-FU control group, the small, medium, large dose RKY groups, and the medium dose RKY +5-FU group, 5 in each. Normal saline was given to mice in the model control group at the daily dose of 0.4 mL/kg by gastrogavage. 5-FU was given to mice in the 5-FU control group at the daily dose of 30 mg/kg by peritoneal injection. RKY was given to mice in the small, medium, large dose RKY groups at the daily dose of 18, 45, and 90 g/kg by gastrogavage. 5-FU 30 mg/kg (by peritoneal injection) + RKY 45 g/( kg x d) (by gastrogavage) was given to mice in the medium dose RKY +5-FU group. All medication was carried out once daily for 6 successive weeks. The tumor volume, the tumor inhibition ratio, and the inhibition ratio of axillary lymph node metastasis were detected after medication. The lymphatic microvessel density (LMVD) and expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 (VEGFR-3) of the breast cancer tissues were detected using immunohistochemical assay.

RESULTSCompared with the model control group, the tumor volume was markedly reduced in the small, medium, large dose RKY groups, and the medium dose RKY +5-FU group, the expressions of VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 were significantly down-regulated and LMVD were obviously lowered, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The inhibition rates of tumor and axillary lymph node metastasis were highest and the LMVD was the lowest in the medium dose RKY +5-FU group, showing statistical difference when compared with other medication groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONRKY might inhibit the lymph node metastasis of breast cancer possibly through intervening the expressions of VEGF-C and VEGFR-3, and suppressing lymphangiogenesis.

Animals ; Breast Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Down-Regulation ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphangiogenesis ; drug effects ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Lymphatic Vessels ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C ; metabolism ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-3 ; metabolism

Objective To design a new type of external fixator for bone fracture and verify its rationality and feasibility. Methods The frame and screw of stainless steel achieved fracture fixation in vitro with a threaded locking structure.At the same time the increasing thickness of body frame, the inclined nail holes and the raised bottoms were designed to greatly enhance the strength and overall stability of body frame.FEM (finite element method),measuring the relative displacement and stress distribution after axial load,was used to verify the rationality of the design.An animal experiment with sheep was used to verify the feasibility of fracture treatment. Results Simulated result of FEM indicated that the biggest relative displacement between the separated bones was 0.04 mm,which was much less than the minimum value 1 mm required for fracture healing.The maximum stresses applied on the frame of the fixator,fixator screw,and bone were 35,26,and 6 MPa, respectively, which was much less than the allowable stress. In the animal experiment, fracture site was fixed firmly after operation and was well cured 3 months later.Conclusion The design of this new device is feasible and it can be used as a new method of fracture treatment.

The advantages and disadvantages of different treatment methods of traditional tibial fracture were summarized. The research progress on the treatment of tibial fracture with internal fixation plates as external fixators was introduced from two aspects of biomechanics and clinical application. It was proved that internal fixation plates as external fixators could reduce the structural stability, but this technique was still controversial to meet the mechanical requirements of fracture healing on biomechanics.Internal fixation plates as external fixators,it had the advantages of minimal invasion,high healing rate, less complications and favorable activities. It's pointed out clinical trials on its feasibility and availability as well as simulating body mechanics environment should be carried out to provide basis for relevant biomechanics researches.

OBJECTIVETo observe amplitude changes of low frequency fluctuation in brain spontaneous nervous activities induced by needling at Hand Taiyin Lung Channel, and to preliminarily explore the possible brain function network of Hand Taiyin Lung Channel.

METHODSBy using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), 16 healthy volunteers underwent resting-state scanning (R1) and scanning with retained acupuncture at Hand Taiyin Lung Channel (acupuncture, AP). Data of fMRI collected were statistically calculated using amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (ALFF).

RESULTSUnder R1 significantly enhanced ALFF occurred in right precuneus, left inferior parietal lobule, bilateral superior temporal gyrus, bilateral middle frontal gyrus, left superior frontal gyrus, left inferior frontal gyrus, left medial frontal gyrus. Under AP significantly enhanced ALFF occurred in right precuneus, bilateral superior frontal gyrus, cerebellum, bilateral middle frontal gyrus, right medial frontal gyrus, and so on. Compared with R1, needing at Hand Taiyin Lung Channel could significantly enhance ALFF in right gyrus subcallosum and right inferior frontal gyrus. Significant decreased ALFF appeared in right postcentral gyrus, left precuneus, left superior temporal gyrus, left middle temporal gyrus, and so on.

CONCLUSIONNeeding at Hand Taiyin Lung Channel could significantly change fixed activities of cerebral cortex, especially in right subcallosal gyrus, right inferior frontal gyrus, and so on.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Brain ; physiology ; Brain Mapping ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging

OBJECTIVE: To determine the cellular compatibility of combined deproteinized bone(DPB) coated with hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and to observe the adherent effect of osteoblasts in response to HGF. METHODS: Osteoblasts were isolated from fetal rabbits. Osteoblasts were cultured with DPB coated with HGF and deproteinized bone as experimental group and contral group, respectively. The proliferation and alkalinephosphatase activity were tested. Their growth was examined by inverted phase contrast microscope and scanning electronmicroscope. RESULTS: The osteoblasts were attached to the outside and inside surfaces and grew well. HGF/DPB could stimulate the alkalinephosphatase activity of the osteoblasts and improve the proliferation of the osteoblasts. CONCLUSION HGF/DPB has good biocompatibility and bone induction. HGF could improve the adherent effect of DPB on osteoblasts, and it could be used as scaffold material for the bone tissue engineering.
Animals ; Biocompatible Materials ; pharmacology ; Bone Substitutes ; metabolism ; Bone and Bones ; cytology ; Cell Proliferation ; Cells, Cultured ; Female ; Fetus ; Hepatocyte Growth Factor ; pharmacology ; Osteoblasts ; cytology ; Osteogenesis ; Pregnancy ; Rabbits ; Tissue Engineering ; methods ; Tissue Scaffolds

Objective To investigate the related factors of lymph node detection number in rectal cancer patients underwent laparoscopic surgery. Methods 98 patients with rectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic surgery were selected from January 2014 to January 2010. All the patients general information [gender, age, body mass index (BMI)], preoperative imaging findings and pathological data (tumor size, gross type, TNM stage, distant metastasis, histological differentiation and depth of invasion, et al), surgery related data (experience of surgeon, operation time) and preoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy were collected. Results The age, BMI, tumor size, length of specimen, invasive depth, surgeon and preoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy was correlated with the number of lymph nodes in patients with laparoscopic surgery (P < 0.05), but gender, TNM staging, general type, histological differentiation, operation time were not associated with the number of lymph nodes detected in minimally invasive surgery for rectal cancer (P > 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that BMI, tumor size, length of specimen, invasive depth, surgeon and preoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy were the independent influencing factors of lymph node detection in patients with minimally invasive rectal cancer (P < 0.05). Conclusion The factors of patients, tumor status, surgical factors and preoperative chemoradiotherapy are related to the number of lymph nodes in patients with rectal cancer.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effects of tibial shaft fractures treatment with plate-screw or intramedullary interlocking nail.

METHODSThirty-five fractures were treated with intramedullary interlocking nail. Tape A, B and C were 11, 18 and 6 cases respectively according to AO classification. Forty-five fractures were treated with plate-screw system. Type A,B and C were 10,22 and 13 cases respectively. The mean time between injury and operation was 3 days and 3.5 days respectively. The patients were evaluated with operation time,range of motion,time of bone union,and complications after a mean followup of 13 months(range 8 to 26 months).

RESULTSThe mean operation time and the mean range of motion of the ankle and knee were found similar in both groups. The average dorsiflexion angle of ankle was 13 Degrees (0 degrees to 20 degrees) in locked intramedullary nailing group and 11 degrees (0 degree to 20 degrees) in plate group. The average plantar flextion angle of ankle was 41 degrees (30 degrees to 50 degrees) in locked intramedullary nailing group and 47 degrees (30 degrees to 50 degrees) in plate-screw group. The mean time of bone union was 3.3 months with intramedullary nailing and 3.5 months with plate-screw fixation. Length discrepancy occurred in only two patients (2 and 2.5 cm) with intramedullary interlocking nail. One patient treated by intramedullary interlocking nail for a type III open fracture occured osteomyelitis. Plain radiographs showed rotation in two patients with intramedullary interlocking nail and angulation in 3 patients with plate-screw fixation, which were distal-third tibial fractures.

CONCLUSIONPlate-screw osteosynthesis could attain satisfactory results in uncomminuted tibia shaft fractures, and locked intramedullary nailing is more appropriate in comminuted fractures.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Bone Nails ; Bone Plates ; Bone Screws ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tibial Fractures ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo report the clinical outcome of the treatment of compound ankle fractures by vacuum sealing drainage and spanning external fixator.

METHODSFrom April 2005 to April 2009, 19 cases of Gustilo type III compound ankle fractures were treated, with type IIIA in 10 cases, Type IIIB in 7 and Type IIIC in 2. All cases underwent emergency debridement, and had the fractures fixed with spanning external fixator following indirect reduction, the wound closed with vacuum sealing drainage and repaired through direct suture, split-thickness skin graft or flap transposition.

RESULTSIn this series, following VSD of 5.0 to 18.0 d (mean 10.3 d), 2 cases had their wounds closed by direct suture, 12 by skin graft and 3 by flap transposition. The other 2 cases had repeated wound debridement and multiple use of VSD, and had their wounds repaired by flap transposition. All the 19 cases were followed up for 8 to 36 months with an average of 26 months. All the fractures united 3.0 to 10.0 (mean 3.8) months. At the final follow-up functional evaluation of the affected ankle joints was performed only to find excellent in 9 cases, good in 5, fair in 4 and poor in 1.

CONCLUSIONGustilo type III compound ankle fracture can effectively be treated with VSD and spanning external fixator.

Adult ; Aged ; Ankle Injuries ; surgery ; External Fixators ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fracture Fixation ; instrumentation ; methods ; Fractures, Open ; surgery ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

Objectives:To systemically review the safety and efficacy of bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) versus everolimus eluting stent (EES) for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods:The database searched includes PubMed, Medline, MEDILINE, EMBASE, Cochrane library, CNKI and Wanfang. Database retrieval time was between database establishment time to October 2017. During the same time, authors accessed the conference summary and related websites to collect published randomized controlled trials of published data. To evaluate the quality of the literature according to the modified Jadad scale and extracted the data. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3 software. Results:Nine trials were included; 6 721 patients were randomized to receive BVS (n=3 670) or EES (n=3 051). Time of follow-up was ranged from 6 to 36 months. Compared with metallic EES, risk of target lesion failure (RR=1.31, 95%CI:1.08-1.58; P=0.005) and in-stent thrombosis (RR=2.89, 95%CI:1.85-4.53; P＜0.0001), ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization (RR=1.44,95%CI:1.12-1.86, P=0.005)、target-vessel myocardial infarction (RR=1.74, 95%CI:1.33-2.27, P＜0.0001) and all myocardial infarction (RR=1.49, 95%CI:1.16-1.91, P=0.002) were all significantly higher in BVS group than in EES group. There were no significant differences in all-cause death (RR=0.87, 95 % CI:0.57-1.33, P=0.520), cardiovascular mortality (RR=0.78, 95%CI:0.54-1.11, P=0.160) and composite endpoints (RR=1.10, 95%CI:0.95-1.27, P=0.210) between the two groups. Conclusions:Compared with metallic EES, the BVS appears to be associated with both lower efficacy and higher thrombotic risk during the observation period.