Auditory Cortex ; Auditory Perceptual Disorders ; diagnosis ; Hearing Tests ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Neonatal Screening

OBJECTIVETo compare the long-term anorectal manometry of patients with grade III hemorrhoids treated by procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids (PPH) or Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation (DGHAL).

METHODSA total of 114 patients with grade III hemorrhoids in our department in 2010 were prospectively enrolled, and divided into PPH group (63 cases) and DGHAL group (51 cases) according to patient preference. Patients received anorectal pressure examination 2, 6, 12, 18 months after operation, including rectal resting pressure, anal resting pressure, maximal anal contractive pressure and length of high-pressure band. Anorectal manometries between two procedure groups were compared.

RESULTSIn every time point of follow-up, as compared to PPH group, DGHAL group presented higher anal resting pressure[postoperative 2 months: (56.2±2.6) mmHg vs. (43.2±3.1) mmHg, postoperative 6 months: (55.2±2.1) mmHg vs. (45.1±2.5) mmHg, postoperative 12 months: (53.2±3.0) mmHg vs. (40.2±3.2) mmHg, postoperative 18 months: (55.3±2.6) mmHg vs. (43.2±2.5) mmHg, all P<0.01], and longer length of high-pressure band [postoperative 2 months: (3.45±0.14) cm vs. (2.95±0.22) cm, postoperative 6 months: (3.46±0.12) cm vs. (2.94±0.26) cm, postoperative 12 months: (3.45±0.12) cm vs. (3.01±0.21) cm, postoperative 18 months: (3.56±0.12) cm vs. (3.02±0.23) cm, all P<0.01]. While no significant differences of maximal anal contractive pressure and rectal resting pressure were found between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONBoth PPH and DGHAL are safe procedures and have similar efficacy in the treatment of grade III hemorrhoids, while DGHALpossesses better efficacy in the time of anal function recovery and the maintenance of anal function.

Anal Canal ; physiopathology ; Female ; Hemorrhoids ; surgery ; Humans ; Ligation ; Longitudinal Studies ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pressure ; Prospective Studies ; Rectal Prolapse ; surgery ; Rectum ; physiopathology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the inhibitory effects of OMT on TGF-β1-induced CFBs proliferation, and then explore the mechanism.

METHODThe experiment was randomly divided into 6 groups as following: control group (serum free DMEM), model group (20 μg x L(-1) TGF-β1), OMT low dose group (1.89 x 10(-4) mol x L(-1) + 20 μg x L(-1) TGF-β1), OMT medium dose group (3.78 x 10(-4) mol x L(-1) + 20 μg x L(-1) TGF-β1), OMT high dose group (7.56 x 10(-4) mol x L(-1) + 20 μg x L(-1) TGF-β1), SB203580 group (p38MAPK blocking agent, 1 x 10(-5) mol x L(-1) + 20 μg x L(-1) TGF-β1). Vimentin of CFBs was identified by immunocytochemical methods, α-SMA of myFBs as well. Inhibitory effects of OMT on CFBs proliferation was detected by the MTT assay. Picric acid Sirius red staining was analyzed collagen type I and collagen type III deposition. Western blot was determined the expression of p38MAPK, p-p38MAPK, collagen type I and collagen type III.

RESULTMTT results showed that OMT significantly inhibited CFBs proliferation induced by TGF-β1 (P < 0.01) α-SMA immunocytochemical experiments suggested that OMT could protect against the CFBs proliferation. OMT could significantly decrease the deposition of collagen type I and collagen type III by Western bloting and picric acid Sirius red staining. Western blot results showed that TGF-β1 enhanced p38MAPK phosphorylation, however OMT attenuated the phosphorylation of p38MAPK induced by TGF-β1 (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONOMT can inhibit the CFBs proliferation induced by TGF-β1, and its mechanism may be involved in inhibiting p38MAPK phosphorylation.

Alkaloids ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Collagen ; metabolism ; Down-Regulation ; Female ; Fibroblasts ; drug effects ; Heart ; drug effects ; In Vitro Techniques ; Male ; Phosphorylation ; Quinolizines ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; antagonists & inhibitors ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; antagonists & inhibitors ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the possibility to enhance the proliferation of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) in a delayed fat flap in rabbits.

METHODSA delayed fat flap was formed in one side of inguinal region of a rabbit. 21 days after operation, the fat tissues at the delayed flaps and at the unoperated side were harvested and digested with 0.25% collagenase and sieved. The cell suspensions were centrifuged. The cells were obtained from tissue precipitate after centrifugation. The expression rates of the surface marker (CD29, CD44, CD14 and CD45) were measured by FCM and compared between the experimental and control groups.

RESULTSExpression rates of CD29 and CD44 were higher in the delayed fat flap (74.06% and 90.74%) than in the contralateral fat tissue (62.88% and 77.54%, P < 0.05), while those of CD14 and CD45 were lower in the delayed fat flap (57.66% and 4.84%) than in the contralateral fat tissue (72.10% and 75.82%, P < 0.05 and P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSTissue hypoxic ischemia such as fat tissue in a delayed fat flap can promote proliferation of ASCs. It indicates that tissue in the delayed flap may be transplanted with better survival rate. The ischemia pretreatment of fat tissue may become a new method for fat transplantation.

Adipose Tissue ; cytology ; transplantation ; Animals ; Cell Proliferation ; Cells, Cultured ; Graft Survival ; Postoperative Period ; Rabbits ; Stem Cells ; cytology ; Surgical Flaps

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of the fat flap tissues after delay operation on free fat-graft survival rate and duration.

METHODSThe delay operation of fat flaps was performed in the inguinal region of a rabbit. Expression of VEGF was assayed using Elisa method after 12 hours of flap delay. The fat flaps were harvested and cut into pieces after 21 days. A subdermal pocket was created in each side of the dorsal midline of a rabbit, the fat pieces were grafted randomly into a pocket and the normal fat pieces into the other pocket as control. After 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of implantation, the grafted fats were harvested, gross observation, weight measurement and histology were carried out. Number of the vessels stained with anti-CD34 antibody was counted out.

RESULTSVEGF concentrations in flaps were significantly higher (P < 0.05). The density of vessels in experimental groups increased significantly compared with that in control groups at 1 and 3 months, respectively (P < 0.01), and no significant differences in the survival rate of fat tissues between experimental and control groups were observed at 1 and 3 months (P > 0.05). The fat cells from the flaps survived after 12 months of fat plantation, while those in control groups disappeared after 6 months.

CONCLUSIONSThe survival rate and duration of grafted fat could be increased implanting the fat tissues from delayed fat flap, which may provide researchers with a new method for fat graft.

Adipocytes ; transplantation ; Adipose Tissue ; transplantation ; Animals ; Graft Survival ; Male ; Rabbits ; Surgical Flaps

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of carbon disulfide (CS(2)) on the health of workers, and to provide the basis for the further preventive measures.

METHODSThe occupational health examination of 881 workers exposed to CS(2) in a chemical fiber factory was carried out according to the national technical standard of occupational health surveillance. The time weighted average concentrations (TWA) of CS(2) in the workshops of short silk and long silk exceeded the national standard, The workers in these two workshops served as the high exposure group. The workers of the other workshops were classified as low exposure group, in which TWA met the national standard. All exposed workers were also divided into long-term exposure group and short-term exposure group on the basis of average exposure years (16 years). The statistical analysis was used by t test, χ(2), and fisher exact test.

RESULTSThe symptom rates of numbness, fatigue, dizziness, insomnia and headache were 12.5%, 8.5%, 8.2%, 7.5%, and 7.2% respectively. The abnormal rates of superficial sensation, three fibrillation, achilles tendon reflex, patellar reflex, EMG, hypertension, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and apolipoprotein B were 33.0%, 26.1%, 20.8%, 18.6%, 10.8%, 33.4%, 24.5%, 17.0% and 9.3% respectively. Among the high exposure group, the abnormal detectable rates of dizziness, headache, fatigue, insomnia, numbness, achilles tendon reflex, superficial and deep sensation, EMG, hypertension, ECG, total cholesterol, triglyceride and low density lipoprotein in long-term exposure group were significantly higher than those in short-term exposure group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). However, among the low exposure group, the abnormal rates of the insomnia achilles tendon reflex and superficial sensation in long term exposure group were significantly higher than those of short term exposure group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The detected rates of hypertension, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, creatinine and uric acid were in males significantly greater than those in females (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONLong-term exposure to high concentrations of CS(2) could lead to the damage of nervous system, elevate blood pressure and promote the development and progression of hyperlipemia and atherosclerosis. Furthermore, CS(2) had greater effects on blood pressure and lipid in males than in females.

Adult ; Carbon Disulfide ; adverse effects ; Cardiovascular System ; Chemical Industry ; Female ; Health Status ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multiphasic Screening ; Nervous System Diseases ; epidemiology ; Occupational Exposure ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo identify the mutations in the gap junction protein alpha3/alpha8 gene (GJA3 or GJA8) in the Chinese family with autosomal dominant congenital cataract (ADCC).

METHODSAll subjects(5 family members and 100 unrelated control individuals)were undergone comprehensive ophthalmic examination, and genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood (5 mL). The exons and flanking introns of GJA3/GJA8 genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Purified PCR products were then sequenced directly for screening disease-causing mutations.

RESULTSUpon bidirectional sequence analysis, a G-->A transition at nucleotide 138 (c.138G>A)in exon 2 of GJA8 was found, resulting in synonymous mutation of glycine (GGG) to glycine (GGA). An additional G-->T transvertion at nucleotide 139 (c.139G>T) in exon 2 of GJA8, resulting in a missense mutation of asparagines (GAU) to tyrosine (UAU) at codon 47 (D47Y). These two alterations were not seen in all unaffected members and 100 unrelated control individuals. Bioinformatic analyses also showed that a highly conserved region was located at Asp47. Meanwhile no sequence variations for GJA3 were detected from the 3 affected members.

CONCLUSIONA novel disease-causing mutation (D47Y) of GJA8 gene in a Chinese family with ADCC is reported.

Amino Acid Sequence ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Base Sequence ; Case-Control Studies ; Cataract ; congenital ; genetics ; Child, Preschool ; Connexins ; chemistry ; genetics ; Conserved Sequence ; Exons ; genetics ; Eye Proteins ; chemistry ; genetics ; Family ; Female ; Genes, Dominant ; genetics ; Humans ; Male ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Mutation ; Pedigree

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of Bushen Zhuyun Decoction (BZD) on the reproductive capacity of mice.

METHODSTotally 60 female Kunming mice were randomly divided into the experimental group and the control group. BZD was perfused by gastric tube to mice in the experimental group, twice daily. Meanwhile, mice in the control group were administered with normal saline by gastrogavage. Mice were sacrificed on the 10th day and the 20th day of medication respectively, 15 mice each time in each group. The serum levels of estradiol and progesterone were detected by radioimmunoassay. The morphological changes of uterus and ovary were observed using HE staining. The expressions of leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and calcitionin (CT) were determined using immunohistochemical assay.

RESULTSCompared with the control group at the same time point, the weights of uterus and ovary increased, the serum levels of estradiol and progestogen increased, the expressions of LIF, CT, and EGF increased in the experimental group on the 10th day and the 20th day of medication (P <0.05, P <0.01). Better results were shown on the 20th day of medication (P <0.05). Histological results showed increased ovarian follicle numbers, increased endometrial gland numbers, endometrial hyperplasia (stratiform arranged), and increased stromal cells in the experimental group, especially on the 20th day of medication.

CONCLUSIONBZD could improve the reproductive capacity by advancing the development of generative organs, promoting the secretion of estradiol and progestogen and the follicular growth, and increasing the receptivity of endometrium.

Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Endometrium ; metabolism ; Estradiol ; metabolism ; Female ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred Strains ; Organ Size ; Ovary ; drug effects ; Progesterone ; metabolism ; Uterus ; drug effects

Adenocarcinoma ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; secondary ; Brain ; metabolism ; pathology ; Brain Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; secondary ; Carcinoembryonic Antigen ; metabolism ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Humans ; Keratin-7 ; metabolism ; Lung Neoplasms ; pathology ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Middle Aged ; Nuclear Proteins ; metabolism ; Thyroid Nuclear Factor 1 ; Transcription Factors ; metabolism

Virtual surgery provides important assistance in preoperative planning of brain surgeries. A virtual surgery system essentially consists of visualization and modeling of the medical data and deformation simulation of human organs (mainly soft tissues). We used the hybrid level set theory, threshold segmentation, and morphological methods to segment the human head MRI volumetric data into five parts, namely the outline of the head, gray matter, white matter, cerebrospinal fluid and ventricles. The iso2mesh toolkit based on Delaunay algorithm was then employed to generate the tetrahedral mesh and mark the five parts. We further studied the soft tissue deformation, and established a mechanic model based on Tensor-Mass system to simulate the point-touch and ball-touch models for soft tissue deformation. This approach can help to improve the positioning accuracy of a virtual brain surgery and represent the process of brain tissue deformation.
Algorithms ; Brain ; surgery ; Computer Simulation ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; methods ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Models, Biological ; Phantoms, Imaging ; Surgery, Computer-Assisted ; methods ; User-Computer Interface