Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Leg ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Magnetic Field Therapy ; methods ; Male ; Myositis Ossificans ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; therapy ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Objective To study the proliferation of in vitro cultured mouse chondrocytes exposed to different doses of fluoride.Methods The third generation of primary cultured chondrocytes were exposed to the concentrations of 0,5,10,20,40 mg/L fluoride for 10 days to observe the morphological changes under light microscope and electron microscope to counter the numbers of ehondrocytes and proliferating rote with the growth curve and MTT.Results After exposed to fluoride for 10 days,the proliferation was present in the chondrocytes of the 5,10,20 mg/L groups,and shrinked chromatine and apoptosed ehondrocytes were seen in 40 mg/L group.The absorbance was not significantly different between all groups(F=2.313,P＞0.05);after exposed to fluoride for 48 and 72 hours,there was a significant difference of proliferating ability among 0 mg/L(the contr01)group[(23.5±4.6)%,(29.9±1.7)%],5 mg/L group[(34.6±4.7)%,(45.3±5.9)%],10 mg/L group[(39.9±4.8)%.(56.8±5.5)%],20 mg/L group[(31.8±4.1)%,(38.3±6.5)%]and 40 mg/L group[(28.3±4.3)%,(33.4±4.8)%](F=11.401,25.671,P＜0.05).There wss a significant difference compared with the control group(P＜0.05)with that of 5 and 10 mg/L groups higher than that of 40 mg/L groups(P＜0.05).Conclusions Lower doses of fluoride improve the proliferation of in vitro mouse chondrocyte in a short exposing time,higher doses result in the opposite.

Background Biomaterials for corneal tissue engineering must demonstrate several critical features for potentialutility invivo, includingtransparency, mechanicalintegrity, biocompatibilityand slow biodegradation. Silk film biomaterial had been characterized to meet these functional requirements. ObjectiveThis study was to investigate the feasibility of physico-crosslink regenerated silk fibroin film as tissue engineered corneal scaffold. MethodsHuman corneal epithelial cells(CECs) links were cultured by regular method and CECs in logarithmic phase were than incubated on physico-crosslink regenerated silk fibroin film membrane. The shape of cultured human CECs was observed after 24,48 and 72 hours under the inverted microscope and scanning electron microscope( SEM ) ,and the CECs were cultured on culture plates as controls. The growth state of CECs on regenerated silk fibroin film was observed daily for 7 days by MTT, and cell cycle analysis and the presence of apoptosis of human CECs were examined by flow cytometry after incubation on regenerated silk fibroin film. Regenerated silk fibroin filmCECs (4 mm×3 mm) were implanted into the corneal stroma of the right eyes of New Zealand white rabbits. At the end of 4 and 8 weeks after implantation, the appearance of the ocular surface was examined using slit lamp and corneal neovascular area was measured. Corneal histopathological examination was carried out to assess the degradation of graft materials and immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the expression of CD34 in the corneal tissue after operation. ResultsThe morphology and structure of CECs were identical using the two cultured Methods when observed under the inverted microscope and SEM after 24,48 and 72 hours. No significant difference was found in the A490 value 1,2,3,4,5,6 or 7 days after incubation on regenerated silk membrane and in culture plates ( Fmethod =0. 641 ,P＞0.05 ). The apoptosis rates of CECs on regenerated silk membrane or culture plates were 1.8％ and 2.0％ and the amount of cells in G2/G1 phase was 1. 956 and 1. 945, respectively. Histopathological examination showed that the regenerated silk membrane material degraded and was replaced by regular collagen tissue 2 months after implantation,and the presence of neovascular area and inflammatory cells were less prominent in 2 months than 1 month post-implantation. The expression level of CD34 in corneal tissue was evidently lower 1 and 2 months after operation than the Ad-VEGF165-induced positive control group (P＜0. 05), and no significant differences were seen when compared with normal CECs(P＞0.05). ConclusionsPhysico- crosslink regenerated silk fibroin film is an excellent biomaterial for tissue engineered corneal scaffold with good biocompatibility.

Objective To establish a druggability evaluation method for new targets of anti-tumor drugs by analyzing the mutation genes of common tumors in the digestive system. Methods We collected the mutant gene data of the five common tumors of the digestive system (esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer and pancreatic cancer) in the Integrative Onco Genomics database, and screened out the genes with higher mutation rates in each tumor. We evaluated the druggability of these genes or their encoded proteins, and discovered the potential targets for the new anti-tumor drugs. Results A total of five tumors, 35 cohorts and 5445 tumor samples were collected in this study. The top 10 mutation genes were selected for further analysis. The canSAR database was used to analyze the druggability of unpublished mutant genes or their encoded proteins, and a total of 17 potential therapeutic drug targets were screened out. Conclusion A method for evaluating druggability of targets based on mutant genes or their encoded protein is established in this study. The application of this method can provide a reference for discovering new anti-tumor therapeutic target, saving the cost and time of target screening in new drug development.

OBJECTIVETo study the role of cerebrovascular hemodynamic indexes (CVHI) changing in stroke and to provide reference for stroke prevention and risk factor study.

METHODSFrom 2003 to 2004, participants aged 40 years and above in two communities in Fengxian district were recruited by cluster sampling. Risk factors of stroke and CVHI were investigated and checked during baseline investigation. A total of 10 565 individuals completed the survey and met the inclusion criterion. After baseline investigation, the cohort was followed up for stroke occurrence. Relative risk (RR) of CVHI and common risk factors were estimated by cohort study design.

RESULTSAge of the cohort was (56.2 ± 11.4) years. 4444 (42.1%) were males and 6121 (57.9%) were females. Total follow-up duration was 67 885.7 person-years. A total of 195 stroke cases occurred and incidence density of stroke was 287.2 per 100 000 person-years. Stroke incidence in exposure groups of hypertension, heart disease and alcohol drinking was 3.47% (108/3118), 2.96% (21/710) and 2.50% (47/1882), respectively. The incidence in corresponding non-exposure group was 1.17% (87/7448), 1.77% (174/9855) and 1.70% (148/8683) respectively. There was significant difference between 2 groups (χ(2) value was 62.72, 4.56 and 4.94, respectively, P < 0.05). Stroke incidence in CVHI score < 25, 25 - 49, 50 - 74 and ≥ 75 groups was 9.12% (59/647), 5.68% (44/775), 2.52% (39/1545) and 0.72% (53/7403)(χ(2)trend = 273.57, P < 0.05), respectively. Incidence of stroke in 40 - 49, 50 - 59, 60 - 69, ≥ 70 years age group was 0.22% (8/3565), 1.28% (43/3357), 2.71% (50/1848) and 5.88% (94/1600) (χ(2)trend = 181.48, P < 0.05), respectively. Multiple Cox regression analysis indicated that RR (95%CI) value of hypertension and cigarette smoking was 1.40(1.02 - 1.92) and 1.59(1.19 - 2.12), respectively when comparing with non-exposure group. RR (95%CI) value in CVHI score < 25, 25 - 49 and 50 - 74 points group were 6.15 (4.08 - 9.26), 4.55 (2.98 - 6.96) and 2.68 (1.75 - 4.09), respectively when comparing with the score ≥ 75 points group. RR (95%CI) value in age 50 - 59, 60 - 69 and ≥ 70 years group was 4.61 (2.16 - 9.82), 7.81 (3.67 - 16.60) and 13.49(6.44 - 28.24), respectively when comparing with below 40 years group.

CONCLUSIONCVHI score is the strong independent predictive factor and hypertension, cigarette smoking and age are the independent risk factors of stroke.

Aged ; Brain ; physiopathology ; Cohort Studies ; Female ; Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Risk Factors ; Stroke ; epidemiology ; etiology ; physiopathology

BACKGROUNDSevere bilateral carotid stenosis caused by atherosclerosis has not been unusual in the elderly. Such patients have high stroke risk. Many studies show that carotid artery stenting (CAS) is an alternative to treat unilateral carotid stenosis. However, the optimal procedural strategy of bilateral carotid stenosis remains unclear. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the safety of simultaneous bilateral carotid artery stenting (SBCAS) compared with unilateral carotid artery stenting (UCAS).

METHODSIn this single-center retrospective study, we analyzed 234 consecutive patients who underwent carotid stenting from January 2005 to December 2009. Thirty-nine patients (16.7%) of them underwent SBCAS, and the others (n = 195) underwent UCAS. Indication for CAS was defined as carotid artery diameter reduction > 60% (symptomatic) or > 80% (asymptomatic). Six-month and 30-day hemodynamic depression (HD), hyperperfusion syndrome (HPS), stroke, death and myocardial infarction (MI) after carotid stenting were assessed.

RESULTSSBCAS group had no more HD and HPS compared with UCAS group at 30 days (HD: 28.2% vs. 20.0%, P = 0.396; HPS: 2.6% vs. 2.1%, P = 0.262). Moreover, there was no statistically significant difference between SBCAS group and UCAS group in major stroke, death, MI and their combinations within 30 days (major stroke: 0 vs. 3.6%, P = 0.604; death: 2.6% vs. 1.5%, P = 0.520; MI: 2.6% vs. 0.5%, P = 0.306; and their combinations: 5.1% vs. 4.6%, P = 1.000) and 6 months (major stroke: 0 vs. 3.6%, P = 0.604; death: 5.1% vs. 2.1%, P = 0.262; MI: 5.1% vs.1.0%, P = 0.130 and their combinations: 7.7% vs. 5.1%, P = 0.459).

CONCLUSIONSThe patients undergoing SBCAS had no more events than those undergoing UCAS in 30-day and 6-month follow-up. Our finding suggests that SBCAS appears to be as safe as UCAS.

Aged ; Angioplasty, Balloon ; adverse effects ; Carotid Stenosis ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Female ; Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications ; etiology ; Retrospective Studies ; Stents ; adverse effects ; Time Factors

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVEThe primary submucous type of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) or the recurrent NPC in the parapharyngeal space is difficult to be diagnosed histologically by conventional biopsy because of the obstruction of the surrounding structures. This study was performed to evaluate the needle biopsy approach through the madibular area into the parapharyngeal space under the guidance of computed tomography (CT) for NPC.

METHODSBetween July 6, 2005 and October 23, 2009, a total of 6 patients were enrolled into the study. Two patients with cervical lymph node metastasis were clinically suspicious of NPC according to their clinical manifestations. However, no cancer cell could be found by repeated nasopharyngeal biopsies followed by histologic examinations. The other 4 patients were diagnosed with recurrent NPCs by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or/and positron emission tomography (PET)-CT scan, showing tumors in the parapharyngeal spaces in 3 patients and enlarged retropharyngeal lymph node in 1 patient. The CT-guided puncture was performed through the mandibular skin and the cutting needle biopsy was taken at the parapharyngeal space focus.

RESULTSAll the cutting needle biopsies of projected locations have been performed safely. Finally, all the 7 specimens met the requirement of pathologic diagnosis and the cases were all confirmed histologically to be NPCs. The main complication was mild ache at the puncture point. No blood vessel or nerve was injured and no patient needed special treatment.

CONCLUSIONSThe CT-guided puncture biopsy of the parapharyngeal space through the mandibular area is simple and feasible. It can be an additional option for routine nasopharyngeal biopsy.

Adult ; Aged ; Biopsy, Needle ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; pathology ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Mandible ; Middle Aged ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Pharynx ; pathology ; Positron-Emission Tomography ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Anti-Bacterial Agents ; therapeutic use ; Anticoagulants ; therapeutic use ; Arcanobacterium ; isolation & purification ; Humans ; Lemierre Syndrome ; drug therapy ; microbiology ; Male ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the feasibility, toxicity and tumor control of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

METHODSFourty-nine patients (Karnofsky performance status (KPS) >or= 80) with local-regional recurrence in the nasopharynx were treated with full course IMRT. Three patients with cervical lymph node metastasis (N1 2 and N3 1) were further supplemented with 5 to 6 courses of chemotherapy (Cisplatin + 5-Fu) after IMRT.

RESULTSThe results of treatment plan showed that the mean dose of covering gross tumor volume (GTV) (D(95)) in the nasopharynx was 68.09 Gy and the mean volume of GTV (V(95)) receiving the 95% dose was 98.46%. The mean dose of GTV, clinical target volume CTV1 and CTV2 in the targets were 71.40 Gy, 63.63 Gy and 59.81 Gy. The median follow-up time was 9 months (range 3 to 16 months). The local-regional progression-free survival was 100% with local-regional residual disease in 3 (6.1%) cases but was complicated with nasopharyngeal mucosa necrosis in 14 (28.6%) cases after IMRT.

CONCLUSIONIntensity modulated radiation therapy, as a re-treatment option for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma, is able to improve the tumor target coverage and spare the adjacent critical structures. As high dose IMRT can result in radio-necrosis of nasopharyngeal mucosa, the prescription dose of GTV should be suitably decreased to 60 - 65 Gy.

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; radiotherapy ; Neoplasm Staging ; Radiation Injuries ; pathology ; Radiotherapy Dosage ; Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted ; Radiotherapy, Conformal ; methods

BACKGROUNDFor patients with end-stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (AE), in vivo resection of the involved parts of the liver is usually very difficult, therefore, allogenic liver transplantation is indicated. However, we hypothesize that for selected patents, ex vivo liver resection for thorough elimination of the involved tissues and liver autotransplantation may offer a chance for clinical cure.

METHODSWe presented a 24-year-old women with a giant hepatic AE lesion who was treated with hepatectomy, ex vivo resection of the involved tissue and hepatic autotransplantation. The patient had moderate jaundice and advanced hepatic AE lesion which involved segments I, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII and retrohepatic inferior vena cava. The lateral segments (II and III) of the left liver remained normal with over 1000 ml in its volume. No extrahepatic metastases (such as to the lung or brain) could be found. As the first step of treatment, X-ray guided percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage (PTCD) was performed twice for bile drainage in segment III and II separately until her serum total bilirubin decreased gradually from 236 to 88 µmol/L. Total liver resection was then performed, followed by extended right hepatic trisegmentectomy and the entire retrohepatic vena cava was surgically removed en bloc while her hemodynamics parameters were stable. Neither veino-veinous bypass nor temporary intracorporeal cavo-caval or porto-caval shunt was used during the 5.7-hour anhepatic phase. The remained AE-free lateral segments of the left liver were re-implanted in situ. The left hepatic vein was directly anastomosed end-to-end to the suprahepatic inferior vena cava due to the lack of the retrohepatic inferior vena cava with AE total infiltration. Because compensatory retroperitoneal porto-caval collateral circulation developed, we enclosed remained infrahepatic inferior vena cava at renal vein level without any haemodynamics problems.

RESULTSDuring a 60-day following-up after operation, the patient had a good recovery except for a mildly elevated serum total bilirubin.

CONCLUSIONSAs a radical approach, ex vivo liver resection and liver autotransplantation in a case has shown a optimal potential for treatment of the end-stage hepatic AE. Strict compliance with its indications, evaluation of vessels of patients pre-operatively, and precise surgical techniques are the keys to improve the prognosis of patients.

Adult ; Albendazole ; therapeutic use ; Bilirubin ; blood ; Echinococcosis, Hepatic ; blood ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Female ; Hepatectomy ; Humans ; Liver Transplantation ; Radiography ; Young Adult