OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of zinc finger E-box binding homebox 1 (ZEB1) in the prepuce of hypospadias children and its relationship to the incidence of hypospadias.

METHODSPrepuce tissues were collected from 37 children aged 6-15 months undergoing hypospadias repair and 11 age-matched controls receiving circumcision. Based on the position of the urethral meatus, the hypospadias cases were classified as severe (n = 13) and mild-moderate (n = 24). The mRNA and protein expressions of ZEB1 were determined by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR.

RESULTSThe expression of the ZEB1 protein was remarkably higher in the severe (100% [13/13]) and mild-moderate hypospadias patients (75.0% [18/24]) than in the controls (9.1% [1/11]), with statistically significant differences between any two groups (P < 0.05). RT-PCR showed the integrated density value (IDV) of the ZEB1 mRNA expression to be (0.67 ± 0.21), (0.81 ± 0.24), and (1.55 ± 0.29) in the control, mild-moderate, and severe hypospadias patients, respectively, significantly higher in the severe hypospadias than in the control and mild-moderate hypospadias groups (P < 0.05), but with no significant difference between the latter two (P = 0.64).

CONCLUSIONThe expression of ZEB1 is significantly increased in hypospadias patients, and its upregulation is positively correlated with the severity of hypospadias, which suggests that the overexpression of ZEB1 may contribute to the development of hypospadias.

Biomarkers ; metabolism ; Case-Control Studies ; Circumcision, Male ; Foreskin ; metabolism ; Homeodomain Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Hypospadias ; classification ; etiology ; metabolism ; Immunohistochemistry ; Infant ; Male ; Penis ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Transcription Factors ; genetics ; metabolism ; Up-Regulation ; Urethra ; Zinc Finger E-box-Binding Homeobox 1

Objective To study the effectiveness and safety of the side-branch (SB) balloon preimbedding technique on coronary bifurcation lesions (CBLs) in elderly patients.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 111 elderly patients with CBLs in our hospital from January 2011 to January 2013,of whom 59 patients received SB balloon pre-imbedding and 52 patients received SB wire protection.The immediate blood flow of the side-branch after treatment,the performance of the stent,and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) during hospitalization,6 and 12 months after treatment,and coronary angiography 6 months after treatment were compared between the two groups.Results There were no statistical differences between the two groups in clinical characteristics,lesion distribution,length and diameter of MB or SB,bifurcation angle,length and number of main branch(MB) stenting,or MACE during hospitalization and 6 months after treatment (each P＞0.05).There was no statistical difference in immediate postoperative angiography between patients with thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) grade 3,coronary stenosis more than 25％ in the MB (P＞0.05).The percentages of patients with coronary stenosis more than 50 ％ in SB and patients who needed SB stenting were lower in the balloon pre-imbedding group than in the wire protectiongroup[8.5％ (5/59) vs.23.1％ (12/52),42.4％ (25/59) vs.61.5％ (32/52),each P＜0.05].After 6 months of treatment,there was no statistical difference in coronary angiography in TIMI grade 3 of MB and coronary stenosis more than 25％ in MB between the two groups (P＞0.05)Also,the percentage of patients with TIMI grade 3 in SB was higher in the balloon pre-imbedding group than in the wire protection group (37/41 vs.24/34,P＜0.05);the percentage of patients with coronary stenosis more than 50％ in SB was lower in the balloon pre-imbedding group than in the wire protection group (3/41 vs.8/34,P＜0.05);and the degree of stenosis,the late lumen loss and the incidence of stem restenosis in SB were lower in the balloon pre-imbedding group than in the wire protection group (P＜0.01).The incidence of MACE 12 months after PCI was lower in the balloon pre-imbedding group than in the wire protection group (7/59 vs.14/52,P＜0.05).The pre-balloon imbedding group had a lower cost than the wire protection group,but with no statistical significance [(55 113±968) RMB vs.(61 023±1 311) RMB,P＞0.05].Conclusions SB balloon preimbedding is safe for the treatment of CBLs in elderly patients,and its effectiveness in both short-and long-term is better than that of wire protection.

Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Nevus, Pigmented ; congenital ; pathology ; Scalp ; pathology ; Skin Neoplasms ; congenital ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the efficacy and safety of adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) in treating hepatic cirrhosis complicated with hepatitis B virus associated glomerulonephritis.

METHODSSix hepatic cirrhosis (Child-Pugh A grade, liver function compensated) patients complicated with hepatitis B virus associated glomerulonephritis diagnosed by renal biopsy, real time PCR and urinary protein tests were treated with ADV for one year in addition to a routine treatment. The dosage of ADV was 100mg daily.

RESULTSAfter 3 and 6 months treatment the negative conversion rates of HBV-DNA were 33.3% and 83.3%; the negative conversion rates of HBeAg were 16.7% and 66.7%; the positive conversion rates of HBeAb were both 16.7%; the recovery rates of ALT were 83.3% and 100.0%; and the recovery rates of TBil were 66.7% and 83.3% respectively. Protein in the urine of two patients was decreased to 0.3 g/d and in three patients it was 50% of the original values. After 1 year treatment the disease subsided fully in 3 and partially in 2 patients.

CONCLUSIONTreating hepatic cirrhosis complicated with hepatitis B virus associated glomerulonephritis using adefovir dipivoxil is effective and safe.

Adenine ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Antiviral Agents ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Glomerulonephritis ; complications ; drug therapy ; virology ; Hepatitis B ; complications ; drug therapy ; Hepatitis B virus ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis ; complications ; drug therapy ; virology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Organophosphonates ; therapeutic use ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo analyze the application of vertebral pedicle screw fixation in the treatment of burst fracture of thoracolumbar vertebrae.

METHODSA total of 48 cases (31 males and 17 females, aged from 18-72 years, mean: 41.3 years) with thoracolumbar vertebrae burst fracture were treated by pedicle screw system since January 2004. According to the AO classification of thoracolumbar vertebrae fracture, there are 36 cases of Type A, 9 of Type B and 3 of Type C.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up for 6-25 months (average 12 months), no secondary nerve root injury, spinal cord injury, loosening or breakage of pedicle screw were observed. The nerve function of 29 patients with cauda equina nerve injury was restored to different degrees. The vertebral body height returned to normal level and posterior process angle was rectified after operation.

CONCLUSIONSThe vertebral pedicle screw internal fixation was technologically applicable, which can efficiently reposition and stabilize the bursting fractured vertebrae, indirectly decompress canalis spinalis, maintain spine stability, scatter stress of screw system, reduce the risk of loosening or breakage of screw and loss of vertebral height, and prevent the formation of posterior convex after operation.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Bone Screws ; Female ; Humans ; Internal Fixators ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; injuries ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Spinal Fractures ; surgery ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; injuries

Complete mannanase gene with two introns was cloned from Trichoderrna reesei by PCR. The two introns were then removed by overlap extension PCR. The gene encoding the mature mannanase protein was inserted into the expression vector pPIC9K, downstream of a alpha-factor signal peptide sequence. The resultant recombinant vector was named pM242. After linearized with Sac I , pM242 was transformed to Pichia pastoris GS115 by electroporation. After screening, the recombinant strain Gpmf25 that expresses the secretory protein at high level was obtained. The activity of the recombinant mannanase reached 12.5 IU/mL. Optimum pH and temperature for the recombinant enzyme were 5.0 and 80 degrees C, respectively. The enzyme was stable at pH 5.0-6.0 and maintained over 50% of original activity after incubation at 70 degrees C for 30 min.
Fungal Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Pichia ; genetics ; metabolism ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Temperature ; Trichoderma ; enzymology ; genetics ; beta-Mannosidase ; biosynthesis ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate clinicopathological features of DiGeorge syndrome (DGS).

METHODThe clinical features, histological and immunohistochemical findings were analyzed in 5 cases of DGS by autopsy.

RESULTSFive cases of DGS in male infants aged 4 days, 1 month, 7 months, 10 months, and 13 months respectively. Gross and microscopic observations revealed that thymic cortex was depleted of lymphocytes or showed few, dispersed lymphocytes. The thymic medulla showed predominantly epithelial cells with calcified Hassall bodies as well as lymphocyte depletion. T lymphocytes were also scarce in the tonsils, lymph nodes, spleen, and mucosa-associated lymphatic tissue of ileum. In addition, 3 of the 5 patients also showed parathyroid aplasia or dysplasia, and congenital hypertrophy of the ventricular septum.

CONCLUSIONSThe pathological changes indicate that clinicians should be aware of defects of immune system if the infants suffer from severe infections. Pathologists should recognize the importance of abnormalities of lymphohematopoietic tissues in the diagnosis of primary immunodeficiency diseases such as DGS.

Autopsy ; DiGeorge Syndrome ; immunology ; pathology ; virology ; Hepatitis, Viral, Human ; pathology ; Humans ; Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular ; pathology ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Lymphocyte Count ; Male ; Parathyroid Glands ; pathology ; Pneumonia, Viral ; pathology ; T-Lymphocytes ; immunology ; pathology ; Thymus Gland ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the diagnostic potential of previously published enterovirus (EV) reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay in detection of EV in CSF samples from children with a diagnosis of aseptic meningitis and to investigate the clinical characteristics of the patients seen in Shandong.

METHODSEV RNA was detected in 187 CSF samples and serum and/or urine samples of a part of patients by RT-PCR and viral culture technique.

RESULTSRT-PCR was positive in all 62 CSF specimens which were positive by cell culture (100%). In addition, 93 of 125 (74.4%) CSF samples negative by cell culture were RT-PCR positive. In 4 of these 93 (4.3%) patients, viral culture of specimens from other sites (serum or urine) was also positive. The sensitivity of CSF RT-PCR based on clinical diagnosis in patients with meningitis of negative bacterial culture results was 82.9% (155/187), which was considerably higher than the sensitivity of CSF virus culture 33.2% (62/187). The results of RT-PCR can be reported within 4 hours, whereas the viral culture of CSF requires 4.6 days for a cytopathic effect to develop. EV meningitis occurred in a sporadic form and in some areas there were outbreaks. The clinical characteristics of 155 patients with EV meningitis were different in different age groups.

CONCLUSIONEV was one of the most common causes of aseptic meningitis in Shandong area. The RT-PCR assay was rapid, sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of EV meningitis and may be a potential tests to shorten hospital stay and reduce the use of antibiotics.

Central Nervous System Infections ; blood ; diagnosis ; urine ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; Enterovirus ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Enterovirus Infections ; cerebrospinal fluid ; diagnosis ; Female ; HeLa Cells ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; RNA, Viral ; genetics ; metabolism ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

OBJECTIVETo investigate the correlation of pathology, bone morphogentic protein (BMP) expression, CT value with the ossification of thoracic ligamentum flavum (TOLF) to afford the evidence to choose appropriate treatment methods.

METHODSTwenty-three patients aged 35 - 65 years old had TOLF in my hospital as case. Their courses of disease were 2 months to 9 years. The values of blood calcium, blood phosphorus and AKP in them were normal. The 5 peoples aged 21 - 35 years old who presented fracture of thoracic but not the ligamentum flavum ossification were selected as control. We excluded those who have DISH, ankylosing spondylitis, fluorosis and other disease related with TOLF. The lesion locus were scanned and mensurated by CT. The pathology characteristics were classified into immature ossification and mature ossification by general observation, histology examination. BMP were measured by the immunohistochemical (IHC) staining techniques.

RESULTSThe CT value was significantly higher in the case group (547.2 +/- 131.4) than controlled group (137.7 +/- 10.6) (t = 6.922, P = 0.000). Further, the CT value in the mature ossification (702.9 +/- 17.7) was significantly higher than the immature (480.5 +/- 180.2) (t = 5.623, P = 0.000). In addition, BMP both expressed negative in the mature ossification and the controlled group, but positive in the immature ossification. BMP expression was significantly different between the immature ossification and the mature (chi2 = 70.000, P = 0.000).

CONCLUSIONSThe CT values, pathological types and BMP expression results are similar to evaluate the ossification degrees of ligamentum flavum, and then could be indirectly judged the maturation degrees of TOLF by CT to confirm the treatment methods before operation.

Adult ; Bone Morphogenetic Proteins ; metabolism ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Ligamentum Flavum ; diagnostic imaging ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Ossification, Heterotopic ; diagnostic imaging ; metabolism ; pathology ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo assess the different causes of thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum (TOLF).

METHODSFrom July 1989 to November 2005, 142 cases were diagnosed the TOLF, in which 121 were operated. The lesions were classified into three types on the basis of the clinical result: (1) In such primary group (Group 1, 90 cases), without incorporation disease and Ca, P and AKP was all normal; (2) In systemic ossified TOLF group (Group 2, 30 cases), 6 cases ankylosing spondylitis, 3 cases DISH, 10 cases fluorosis, 11 cases OPLL; (3) In local spine disease group (Group 3, 22 cases), 5 cases fracture in spine, 4 cases spine TB, 13 cases posterior marginal intraosseous cartilaginous node. Such clinical feature was analysed, moreover surveyed the thoracic kyphosis angle, upper thoracic kyphosis angle, lower thoracic kyphosis angle and the vertebra body wedge change. The effect was assessed using Epstein Scale.

RESULTS(1) In Group 1, the mainly type was connected type (67/90, 74%). The ossified ligamentum flavum was mainly located at the lower thoracic and thoracic-lumber levels. The local type was less. In Group 2, the mainly type was connected type (21/30, 70%). The local type was none. The lesions figure was the most. In Group 3, the local type was the most (18/22, 82%). (2) In Group 1, the ossified ligamentum flavum was mainly located at the upper and lower thoracic levels (225/486, 47%). In Group 2, mainly located at the whole thoracic, some include cervix and lumber. In Group 3, mainly location was related with the location of primary disease. (3) In group 1, the curve was normal in 81% (73/90) of cases. In Group 2, the curve was abnormal in 87% (26/30) of cases. In Group 3, the curve was normal in the 82% (18/22) of cases.

CONCLUSIONSThe TOLF relates with systemic ossify disease, the change of load on the spine, aging and so on. It should be classified according to its causes.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Ligamentum Flavum ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Ossification, Heterotopic ; classification ; etiology ; pathology ; Retrospective Studies ; Thoracic Vertebrae