Objective To lessen the learning curve of percutaneous renal lithotripsy(PCNL),we introduced a novel ex-vivo learning and training model for PCNL under fluoroscopy and ultrasonography-guided access. Methods The model was set up nailing an adult porcine kidney with＞3 cm ureter (freshly removed from the slaughtering factory),with a full thickness flap of the thoracic wall or abdomen wall with two ribs,to a board.The porcine kidney was placed within the flap with the catheterized ureter outside.The kidney was enclosed by the flap so as to create a roodel for percutaneous renal surgery;with the ribs overlying the upper portion of the kidney.The model was fixed to the board by two nails.Artificial stone material was implanted in the renal pelvis.Fluoroscopy guidance access:Retrograde pyelography via injection of contrast medium into the ureteral catheter images the collecting system. After the long axis of the target calyx is identified,the C-arm is rotated 30 degrees toward the surgeon,placing the C-arm axis in the same posterior plane of the kidney.The needle is advanced in the plane of the fluoroscopic beam,and the appropriate needle placement is determined by obtaining a bull's-eye sign on the fluoroscope screen. Rotating the C-arm to a vertical position monitors the depth of the needle penetration. Ultrasonography guidance access:The renal pelvis can he filled with normal saline through a catheter to simulate hydronephrosis and the target calyx is identified under ultrasonography guidance.The tract dilation and stone disintegration were followed.After training,the kidney can be opened to examine the target calyx and the complication of dilation. Results Altogether,126 urologists attended a urologic endoscopic technique training course.Of the 126 trainees,104 (82.5%) successfully performed the whole percutaneous procedure.At the end of training,114 (90.5 %) of the 126 attendees rated the porcine kidney model for simulation of percutaneous renal surgery as very helpful or helpful.Conclusions This biological training model simulates realistically the clinical procedure of PCNL with respect to trainee experience in a low stress environment that provides an opportunity for repetitive performances in order to learn basic technical skills for the clinical procedure of PCNL in the future.

Objective To describe a new kind of Y-shaped metallic stent delivery system and evaluate its feasibility and preliminary effect for managing multiple airway stenoses involving the lower trachea and the tracheal carina.Methods The Y-shaped metallic stent delivery system consisted of three- tier structure.The inner-tier was composed of four parallel guiding tubes,which was used for two guidewires and two threads passing through,the middle-tier was delivery catheter,which contained the four guiding tubes,and the outer-tier was introducer sheath.Under the fluoroscopic guidance,15 patients with multiple stenoses involving the lower trachea and the tracheal carina were treated with the new covered self-expandable Y-shaped metallic stents.Results Stent placement in the tracheo-bronchial tree was technically successful in all patients with obliteration of the dyspnea immediately after stent placement,and SaO_2 was increased form preoperative 75%—89% to postoperative 96%—99%.During follow-up a period of 3—58 weeks (M 22 weeks),all stenosis were resolved without stent-related complications,and the general physical of all 15 patents was improved with no occurrence of obviously dyspnea and bleeding.Karnofsky performance status(KPS)was improved from preoperative 26%—45% to postoperative 72%—95%.Five patients died of the following causes unrelated to stent insertion:multiple organ failure(n=3),cachexia(n=1)and pulmonary infection caused by gastrobronchial fistula(n=1),and the remaining 10 patients were alive with no evidence.of dyspnea at the time of this report.Conclusion Deployment of the covered Y-shaped metallic stent with the use of Y metallic stent delivery system in the management of airway stenoses involving the lower trachea and the tracheal earina was a simple and safe procedure and with a good short-term clinical efficacy.

Objective To summarize the experiences in using Bio-Gide and Bio-Oss for guided bone regener- ation in dental implantation.Methods In 28 cases of bone deficiency,Bio-Gide membranes were applied to cover alveolar defects filled with the Bio-Oss bone powder.In postoperative periodic follow-.up,the bone regeneration effect was observed by successive clinical and X-ray examination.Results 38 implants were inserted in the 28 patients and Bio-Gide membranes were used in the sites of the 38 implants.Alveolar bone defects were filled with new bone in 27 patients,1 implant loosed because of inflammation.37 implants had ideal osseointegration at stageⅡsurgery and were prosthetic rcconstructed successfully.No implant loosed during the observed period of 15 months to 4 years. Conclusion Bio-Gide and Bio-Oss have ideal effect of guided bone regeneration in dental implantation.

Objective Toinvestigate the association between genetic susceptibility of gastric carcinoma and single nucleotide polymorphism of REG1a gene in Chinese Han population. Methods The genotype of REG1a gene were detected by PCR and DNA sequencing in 183 Chinese patients with gastric carcinoma and 204 controls.Results It was found 3 new SNPs in REG1a gene at site 929(T/C),1790(C/G) and 2751(A/T), respectively; and the different genotypes of site 929 and 1790 were significant between gastric carcinoma patients and controls(P<0.05). Conclusions Sequencing of REG1a gene from specific population is available for screening candidate SNPs. The study reveals that the initially gastric carcinoma may be associated with site 929 and 1790. It provides a basis for further screening suitable SNPs labeling forecasting risk for gastric carcinoma.

Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) is the pathogen of banana bunchy top disease (BBTD); it seriously disserves the banana production. This paper reviewed the separation and purification methods, classifying and taxonomy status of BBTV; the genome structure and function of each encode protein of the virus; and the present problems that should be further clarified.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate whether or not administration of folic acid and resveratrol have preventive effects on cleft palate formation as well as the comparison of the two drugs' s effects.

METHODSPregnant mice were randomly divided into 9 groups, with 8 mice in each group. The TCDD group mice were dosed with TCDD 28 microg/kg body weight on gestation day 10 (GD 10) animals in folic acid group were respectively dosed with folic acid 15, 10, 5 mg/kg and TCDD 28 microg/kg; resveratrol treated mice were divided into 3 groups: resveratrol 50 mg/kg were orally administered for 6 consecutive days, from gestational day GD 8 to GD13 in resveratrol (GD8-13 ) group; resveratrol 50 mg/kg were orally administered for 6 consecutive days, from gestational day GD 8 to GD13, followed hy an oral administered with TCDD on GD10 in resveratrol (GD8-13) + TCDD group; resveratrol 50mg/kg and TCDD 28 microg/kg were used by gavage administration at GD10 in resveratrol (GD10) + TCDD group. Control mice were treated with the same volume of water for 6 consecutive days from GD8 to GD13 and were given a single dose of corn oil on GD10. The pregnant mice weight and embryos, the number of live, cleft palate, dead and resorption fetal mice were recorded on GD 17.5. The coronal sections of the fetal mice heads were prepared at GD 17.5 and observed by microscopy.

RESULTSTotal frequency of clefts was 92.86% in TCDD group, 84.00% (15 mg), 73.08% (10 mg), 84.00% (5 mg) in folic acid + TCDD groups, 0% in resveratrol (GD10) group, 74.51% (GD10), 57.78% (GD8-13) in resveratrol + TCDD groups. The frequency of cleft was 0% in the control group. Compared with the control and the TCDD groups, there were significant differences in the number of live, dead and resorption fetal mice in TCCD + resveratrol (GD8-13) group (P < 0.05). No significant differences in embryonic weight, live fetuses weight, the number of live, dead and resorption fetal mice were found in the other groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONTest dose of folic acid and resveratrol both had certain antagonistic effect on cleft palate in mice induced by TCDD, with folic acid 10 mg/kg, resveratrol 50 mg/kg GD8-13 doses having stronger antagonistic action. Effects of both the two drugs have no significant difference, but resveratrol (50 mg/kg, GD8-13) significantly affects the fetal mice's growth and development under TCDD exposure in utero.

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced ; prevention & control ; Animals ; Cleft Palate ; chemically induced ; prevention & control ; Female ; Fetus ; Folic Acid ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Pregnancy ; Random Allocation ; Stilbenes ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Teratogens

The triterpenoids of Dichrocephala benthamii were investigated by means of silica gel, Sephadex LH-20 and semi-preparative HPLC. Nine triterpenoids were isolated from D. benthamii. By analysis of the EI-MS, NMR spectra and comparison to the data reported in literatures, the structures of these compounds were determined as β-amyrin formiate (1), β-amyrin acetate (2), β-amyrenol (3), β-amyrone (4), 3β-hydroxy-olean-11, 13 (18)-diene (5) , Δ12-oleanene (6) , friedelin (7), dammaradienyl acetate (8), epi-friedeband (9), respectively. Compounds 1-8 were isolated for the first time form this genus, compound 9 was isolated for the first time from this plant, whereas β-amyrin formiate (1) was a new natural product.
Asteraceae ; chemistry ; Triterpenes ; chemistry ; isolation & purification

OBJECTIVETo study the association of human epidermal growth factor receptor family molecules expression in gastric cancer tissues with the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer.

METHODSClinical data of 161 patients with gastric cancer undergoing gastrectomy in Jiangsu Cancer Hospital between January 2006 and January 2007 were analyzed retrospectively. The expression of HER1, HER2, HER3 and HER4 was detected by immunohistochemistry. Association of the expression of HER family with the prognosis of patients was examined. Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the survival.

RESULTSHigh expression rates of HER1, HER2, HER3 and HER4 were 46.0% (74/161), 10.6% (17/161),55.9% (90/161) and 68.3% (110/161) respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that high expression of HER3 was associated with tumor invasion depth, lymph node metastasis, stage, neurovascular invasion, and overall 4-year survival. High expression of HER4 was associated with tumor distant metastasis and stage. High co-expression of HER2 and HER3 was associated with overall 4-year survival (P=0.023). Multivariate analysis revealed that high expression of HER3 and stage were prognostic independent factors.

CONCLUSIONUp-regulated expression of HER3 is associated with the poor prognosis in gastric cancer patients.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor ; metabolism ; Receptor, ErbB-2 ; metabolism ; Receptor, ErbB-3 ; metabolism ; Receptor, ErbB-4 ; Retrospective Studies ; Stomach Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the marginal microleakage of porcelain-fused-to-metal crown using four different cements.

METHODSSixteen porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns were built and randomly divided into 4 group, luted onto standard prepared human forward molars using four different cements (glass ionomer cement, resin-modified glass ionomer cement, PanaviaF, Super-Bond C&B adhesive luting system). After temperature cycling test, all the crowns were then submerged in 2% fuchsin for 24 h. The marginal microleakage at tooth cement interfaces was observed using light stereomicroscopy and evaluated in classification index. The marginal microleakage grade of 4 groups were analyzed by SPSS 13.0.

RESULTSThe PanaviaF demonstrated the least marginal microleakage, Super-Bond C&B adhesive luting system, resin-modified glass ionomer cement showed an intermediate level of marginal microleakage, glass ionomer cement was associated with severe marginal microleakage (total, Chi2 = 157.60, P < 0.01; among the different groups, P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONAdhesive resin luting system which is the first selection in clinical is better than glass ionomer cement and is good at porcelain-fused-to-metal crown.

Boron Compounds ; Cementation ; Crowns ; Dental Cements ; Dental Leakage ; Dental Marginal Adaptation ; Dental Porcelain ; Glass Ionomer Cements ; Humans ; Metals ; Methacrylates ; Methylmethacrylates ; Resin Cements

BACKGROUNDDNA immunization is a promising novel type of immunotherapy against allergy. An estimated 79.2% patients with asthma, wheezing and/or rhinitis suffer from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus group 2 (Der p 2) allegen. The aim of the present study was to determine whether DNA vaccine encoding Der p 2 could generate immunologic protection in recombinant Der p 2 (rDer p 2) allergen-induced allergic airway inflammation mice model and to understand the role of DNA vaccination in specific-allergen immunotherapy for asthma.

METHODSAfter DNA vaccination, BALB/c mice were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection (i.p) and challenged by intranasal instillation of rDer p 2. The lung tissues were assessed using hematoxylin and eosin. Mucus-producing goblet cells were identifed using periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)/alcian blue. The total cell number and composition of bronchoalveolar lavage samples were determined. The levels of the cytokines IL-4 and IFN-gamma, as well as IgE and IgG2a in the serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Allergen-specific IL-4 and IFN-gamma production by spleen cells were also measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) in splenocytes were determined by Western blot.

RESULTSDNA vaccine encoding Der p 2 allergen inhibited extensive infiltration of inflammatory cells and production of mucin induced by allergen. The influx of eosinophils into the lung interstitium was significantly reduced after administration of DNA vaccine. Significant reductions of IL-4 and increase in levels of IFN-gamma in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were observed. The allergen-specific IgE was markedly decreased in mice receiving DNA vaccination. Allergen could induce higher IFN-gamma, weaker IL-4 in cultured spleen cells from mice receiving DNA vaccine. DNA vaccination inhibited STAT6 expression of spleen cells induced by allergen.

CONCLUSIONThese results indicated that DNA vaccine encoding Der p 2 allergen generates immunologic protection in recombinant Der p 2 allergen-induced allergic airway inflammation mice model with regulating the immune response towards a Th1-type reaction.

Animals ; Antigens, Dermatophagoides ; genetics ; immunology ; Arthropod Proteins ; Asthma ; immunology ; therapy ; Eosinophilia ; prevention & control ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin E ; blood ; Immunoglobulin G ; blood ; Interferon-gamma ; biosynthesis ; Interleukin-4 ; biosynthesis ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; STAT6 Transcription Factor ; Th1 Cells ; immunology ; Trans-Activators ; analysis ; Vaccination ; Vaccines, DNA ; immunology