BACKGROUND: The association of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) gene polymorphisms with the onset and development of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) has been the focus of studies on AS in the field of genetics.OBJECTIVE: To explore the association of the polymophisms of TNF-α promoter gene at positions-308 and -238 with AS susceptibility and clinical pathological changes.DESIGN: A case-control study.SETTING:The Rheumatic Immunology Department of Changhai Hospital of the Second Military Medical University of Chinese PLA.PARTICIPANTS: Totally, 108 AS patients were recruited from Rheumatic Immunology Department of Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University of Chinese PLA from January 1999 to December 2003 ,they had no kinship. The ratio of men to women was 5.3: 1. They aged from 13 to 71 (30-± 12) years old, and AS was divided into Ⅰ- Ⅳ radiographic stages according to the sacro-iliac joint damage. A total of 100 healthy controls were randomly selected from the blood donators(Shanghai Hospital) who were aged from 19 -56 (33 ±9) years old, and the ratio of men to women was 4.9: 1. Informed consent was obtained from all the subjects.ti-coagulated with EDTA. Polymerase chain reaction amplification and purification of the TNF-α promoter region was made and the sequence of polymerase chain reaction products was examined and displayed by Chromas 1.62 softcorresponding radiographic stage of sacro-iliac joint damage was assessed to investigate the influence of gene polymorphisms on AS.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: DNA direct sequencing method was used to detect -238 and -308 allele phenotypes for investigating the association with clinical presentations.G and -238G/A allele was 98.1% (106 cases) and1. 9% (2 cases) respectively in AS group and 95.0% (95 cases) and 5.0% (5 cases) respecquency of TNF-α promoter gene at positions -308. 1.1(G/G) and - 308.1.2(G/A) alleles was 82.4% (89 cases) and 17.6% (192 cases) respectively in AS group, which was not significantly different compared respectively with 85.0% (85 cases) and 14.0% (14 cases) of the control of sacro-iliac joint damage and the frequency of TNF-α promoter gene at the position of - 308 (G/G) and (G/A): AS patients with(G/G) phenotype who were confirmed of radiographic stage Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, and Ⅳ were observed in 3/35/40/11cases,compared with (G/A) phenotype of 1/12/6/0 cases.The difference was statistically significant (χ2GMH = 4.77, P ＜ 0.05 ).CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the polymorphisms of TNF-α promoter gene at positions of - 238 and - 308 allele has no association with AS susceptibility, but the polymorphisms of TNF - α promoter gene at the position of -308 might exert great influence on AS according to the radiographic stage of sacro-iliac joint damage.

OBJECTIVETo analyze the relationship between Chinese medical constitutions and chemotherapy-induced leucopenia (CIL) of primary breast cancer patients.

METHODSTotally 306 breast cancer patients undergoing adjunctive chemotherapy for the 1st time, and effective 291 breast cancer patients were recruited in this study.Nine Basic Constitutional Scale was used before first chemotherapy. Chinese medical constitutions were classified and quantitatively scored. The highest grading for any item of adverse reactions in each case during the whole chemotherapy course was recorded after chemotherapy. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS16.0.

RESULTSThere was no significant difference in CIL between different chemotherapy regimens and various Chinese medical constitutions of breast cancer patients (P > 0.05). Yang deficiency constitution is one risk factor for CIL. The higher the score of yang deficiency constitution, the more severe the CIL.

CONCLUSIONSYang deficiency constitution was correlated with the degree of CIL. The higher the score of yang deficiency constitution, the greater the risk of III-IV grade CIL in breast cancer patients.

Breast Neoplasms ; complications ; drug therapy ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Leukopenia ; chemically induced ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Yang Deficiency

Objective To evaluate the storage performance of storage bags for apheresis platelets produced by Shandong Weigao Group Medical Polymer Co .,Ltd ( experimental bags ) with Trima set platelet storage bags produced by the U .S. Gambro BCT as the control .Method One unit of apheresis platelets was divided into two equal parts , added to control blood bags and experimental blood bags respectively .All samples were stored at ( 22 ±2 )℃ with consecutive oscillation . The platelets′count, mean volume, aggregate activity (ADP, THR), pH, glucose, lactate concentration, lactate dehydro-genase concentration , hypotonic shock reaction , expression of CD62P and phosphatidyl serine on surface of cell membrane were detected at 0,3,5 and 7 d respectively.Results There was no significant difference in platelet quality after five days of storage between the experimental group and the control group (t-test, P>0.05).Conclusion Two types of platelet stor-age blood bags have similar storage performance for apheresis platelets .

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic role of multi-slice CT(MSCT)angiography for tumors of intra-abdominal testes.Methods MSCT angiography of 5 cases with seminoma of intra-abdominal testes proved by surgery and pathology was analyzed.All patients were male,and the age ranged from 33 to 59 years with the mean of 43.6 years.Results(1)The arterial-supply of tumors completely came from the testicular artery of the same side.The arteries went into tumors from the posterior side.(2)The tumors had comparatively large volume with complete or incomplete amicula.The tumor density of 3 cases was inhomogeneous.The degree of entity augmentation of 5 patients was about 14—25 HU.Conclusion MSCT angiography can reveal the tumor vessel and is essential for the diagnosis of tumors of intra-abdominal testes.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of formaldehyde inhalation on the morphological damage, and Glu, GABA and NOS contents in olfactory bulb and hippocampus of rats.

METHODSTwenty SD rats were equally divided into two groups: rats in the control group inhaled fresh air, while the animals in experimental group were exposed to the air containing formaldehyde (12.5 mg/m(3), 4 h/d) for 7 days. Then rats were sacrificed and frozen sections of olfactory bulb and hippocampus were prepared. The morphological changes were examined and the Glu, GABA and NOS contents were detected using Nissl-staining, immunohistochemistry and Western blot, respectively.

RESULTCompared with the control group, there was a significant confusion and shrink of neuron morphology in experimental group, the number and staining intensity of Glu and NOS positive cells and protein contents were reduced. The protein expression of GABA was also decreased in the formaldehyde group.

CONCLUSIONFormaldehyde inhalation can cause a severe morphological damage of olfactory bulb and hippocampus in SD rats,which may further impair memory and learning ability through the reduction of Glu, GABA and NOS expression.

Animals ; Formaldehyde ; toxicity ; Glutamic Acid ; metabolism ; Hippocampus ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Inhalation Exposure ; Learning ; drug effects ; Neurons ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Nitric Oxide Synthase ; metabolism ; Olfactory Bulb ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), human mut-l homologue 1 (hMLH1) and human mut-s homologue 2 (hMSH2) proteins in human paired gastric carcinoma (GC) and adjacent normal mucosa, and analyze their relationship with microsatellite instability (MSI).

METHODSThe protein expressions were examined by western blotting. Five MSI loci were assessed by PCR.

RESULTSIn 30 surgically excised GC tissues, the overexpression rate of COX-2, the low expression rate of hMLH1 and hMSH2 were 66.7%, 40% and 33.3%, respectively. Significant differences were found when compared with those of adjacent normal mucosa (P < 0.05). MSI was detected in 13 GC. The number of MSI-H (MSI-High, > or = 2 loci), MSI-L (MSI-Low, only one locus), and MSS (microsatellite stable) were 9, 4 and 17, respectively. The number of low expression rates of COX-2, hMLH1 and hMSH2 in MSI-H were 6, 8 and 5, respectively. There were significant differences compared to that of MSS (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe results suggest that microsatellite instability pathway is probably involved in the carcinogenesis of gastric carcinoma, which is frequently accompanied by low expression of hMLH1 and hMSH2, and may be also by low expression of COX-2.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Cyclooxygenase 2 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Humans ; Microsatellite Repeats ; genetics ; MutL Protein Homolog 1 ; MutL Proteins ; Neoplasm Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Nuclear Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Stomach Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the feasibility of utilizing self-designed score system for lower lumbar vertebral burst fractures to select surgical approach.

METHODSFrom January 2006 to December 2011, the clinical data of 56 patients with lower lumbar vertebra burst fractures who underwent surgical treatment were retrospectively analyzed. There were 42 males and 14 females with an average age of 43.1 years old (ranged, 19 to 65). Causes of injury included falling down (40 cases), traffic accidents (12 cases), and crashing injury by heavy objects(4 cases). Injury site was L3 in 37 cases, L4 in 16 cases, and L5 in 3 cases. According to the AO classification, 17 cases were type A3.1, 14 cases were type A3.2, 25 cases were type A3.3. According to Frankel grade of nerous function, 2 cases were grade B, 5 cases were grade C, 9 cases were grade D and 40 cases were grade E. Surgical methods and approaches were chosen based on the comprehensive evaluation of AO classification, condition of posterior column injury and spinal canal encroachment. Surgical methods and approaches included trans-vertebra fixation (15 cases), intra-vertebra pedicle screw fixation (21 cases), combination of anterior and posterior approaches (11 cases), one-stage posterior approaches (9 cases). Cobb angles, restorations of the affected vertebral anterior border height, and conditions of spinal canal encroachment were compared before and after surgery. Conditions of bone graft fusion and internal fixation (if bending, loosening or breakage existed) were observed. Spinal cord functions were assessed according to Frankel grade. Localized pain and working status of patients were also assessed at the last follow-up.

RESULTSNo incision infection was found and no spinal nerve symptoms improved in all of 56 patients. All patients were followed up for 12 to 60 months with a mean of 28.5 months, without internal fixation loosening or breakage. There was significant differences in Cobb angle, vertebral anterior border height and recovery of spinal canal encroachment between preoperative and postoperative instantly (P < 0.05), however, there was no significant difference between postoperative instantly and final follow-up (P > 0.05). Thirteen cases obtained fusion by trans-vertebra fixation, 20 cases obtained fusion by intra-vertebra fixation, and 20 cases were treated by the combination of anterior and posterior approaches or one-stage posterior approaches all of patients obtained fusion. Spinal nervous function recovered I to II grade, 1 case was grade C, 3 cases were grade D, 52 cases were grade E. Localized pain was assessed as P1 in 52 cases, P2 in 3 cases, and P3 in 1 case. Working status was classified into W1 in 12 cases, W2 in 39 cases, and W3 in 5 cases.

CONCLUSIONThe lower lumbar vertebra and thoracolumbar junction exhibit different injury characteristics due to variations in anatomy and biomechanics. A comprehensive score of the AO classification, posterior column injury and degree of spinal canal encroachment will guide the selection of surgical method and approach for the treatment of lower lumbar vertebra burst fractures.

Adult ; Aged ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; injuries ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Fractures ; surgery ; Spinal Fusion ; methods

OBJECTIVETo study the antibacterial effect against Candida albicans of the A-2186 silicone elastomer containing nano-TiO2 in vitro.

METHODSAntibacterial agent of nano-TiO2 was added into A-2186 silicone elastomer with incorporating percentages of 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0% (W/W). There was no nano-TiO2 in the control group. The antibacterial effect of the A-2186 silicone elastomer was determined using the film contact method with lighting and without lighting.

RESULTSEither with lighting or without lighting, there were significances between the experiment groups and the control group (P < 0.05). When the incorporating percent was 2.0%, the inhibitory effect was the best among the experiment groups. Without lighting, the inhibitory rate was 53.7% and with lighting, the inhibitory rate was 85.9%.

CONCLUSIONSThe A-2186 silicone elastomer containing nano-TiO2 has antibacterial properties against Candida albicans, which enhances with increases of nano-TiO2 percent in the material. With the same incorporating percentage, the antibacterial effect with lighting is better than that without lighting.

Antifungal Agents ; pharmacology ; Candida albicans ; drug effects ; Nanostructures ; Silicone Elastomers ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Titanium ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the distribution of GAD67 and the co-localization with bNOS in the main olfactory bulb of GAD67-GFP knock-in mouse.

METHODSPolymerase chain reaction was applied to identify the genotype of GAD67-GFP knock-in mouse, the animals were sacrificed and frozen sections of olfactory bulb were prepared. The Nissl-staining was performed to show an framework of the neuron in the olfactory bulb. The distribution of GAD67 and co-localization with bNOS were detected by immunofluorescence technique.

RESULTSThe proportion of GAD67-positive cells among DAPI-positive cells were (42.98 ± 0.92)% in glomerular layer, (23.64 ± 0.84)% in mitral cell layer and (77.75 ± 0.84)% in granule cell layer; the bNOS-positive cells mainly existed in glomerular layer and mitral cell layer, very few in granule cell layer. No co-localization of GAD67 and bNOS in granule cell layer and mitral cell layer was found, but there was dispersed distribution in glomerular layer.

CONCLUSIONGAD67-positive neurons mainly appear in glomerular layer and granule cell layer, and the bNOS is mostly expressed in glomerular layer and mitral cell layer; while the co-localization of GAD67 and bNOS only occurs in glomerular layer of olfactory bulb.

Animals ; Gene Knock-In Techniques ; Glutamate Decarboxylase ; genetics ; metabolism ; Green Fluorescent Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mice, Transgenic ; Neurons ; metabolism ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I ; metabolism ; Olfactory Bulb ; metabolism ; Tissue Distribution

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of recombination activating gene-1 (RAG-1) and its localization in the mouse brain during the embryonic development.

METHODSThe brain tissues of E (embryonic day) 11, E13, E15, E17, E19, P0 (the birth day) and adult mice were taken, the total RNA of brains were extracted and the changes of RAG-1 expression were detected with the method of RT-PCR. The freeze sections of brain tissues from each group were stained with immunohistochemistry method.

RESULTThe expression of RAG-1 persisted from E11 to P0 brain and was steadily increased from E11 to E19; the results of RT-PCR were similar to that of immunohistochemistry. The positive-cells mainly appeared in the nucleus amygdalae, hypothalamus, thalamus and hippocampus at developmental stage. The expression began to appear in ventricular zone (VZ) and intermediate zone (IZ) of telecephalic vesicle, then gradually increased in subventricular zone (SVZ), corticle plate (CP) and subcorticle plate (SP).

CONCLUSIONThe expression of RAG-1 in mouse embryonic brain tissue is higher than that in the adult mouse, which may be related to the process of neuron development.

Animals ; Brain ; cytology ; embryology ; metabolism ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental ; Homeodomain Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Immunohistochemistry ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Neurons ; cytology ; metabolism ; Pregnancy ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Time Factors