Objective To investigate the relationship between the expression of eonnexin 43 (Cx43) and clinicopathologieal characteristics of gastric cancer, and to study the role of Cx43 in peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer. Methods Thirty-two patients who had gastric cancer and with peritoneal metastasis had been admitted to Southwest Hospital from January 2000 to December 2008. Gastric cancer tissues, adjacent tissues and metastatic peritoneal tissues were obtained postoperatively, and the expression of Cx43 was detected by immunohistochemistry. The relationship between Cx43 expression and clinicopathological characteristics of gastric cancer was analyzed. All data were analyzed via Spearman rank correlation coefficient, Fisher exact probability and chi-square test. Results The expression of Cx43 was mainly detected in the cell membrane and cytoplasm. The positive expres-sion rates of Cx43 in gastric cancer tissues, adjacent tissues and metastatic peritoneal tissues were 34% (11/32), 100% (32/32) and 94% (30/32), respectively. There were significant differences in the Cx43 expression between gastric cancer tissues and adjacent tissues (X~2=28.350, P < 0.01), and between gastric cancer tissues and metastatic peritoneal tissues (X~2 = 21.989, P < 0.01). The expression of Cx43 did not correlate with age and sex of patients (r = -0.030, - 0.169, P > 0.05), but with tumor differentiation, histological type and lymph node metastasis (r = 0.750, 0.642, - 0.357, P < 0.05). Conclusions There is a decreased expression of Cx43 in gastric cancer tissues and a up-regulated expression of Cx43 in metastatic peritoneal tissues. Cx43 may play a positive role in the peritoneal metastasis.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of cyclin A protein in childhood acute leukemia (AL) and its significance.

METHODSBy using Western blotting analysis, cyclin A protein in bone marrow mononuclear cells from 47 newly diagnosed AL children and 33 non-hematological malignancy children was detected.

RESULTSThe expression of cyclin A in AL group (0.38 +/- 0.20) was higher than that in control group (0.03 +/- 0.15) (P < 0.01). The expression of cyclin A in high risk acute lymphocyte leukemia (ALL) group (HR-ALL) (0.62 +/- 0.38) was higher than that in standard risk ALL group (SR-ALL) (0.33 +/- 0.33) (P < 0.05). The expression of cyclin A in WBC > or = 50 x 10(9)/L group and in WBC < 50 x 10(9)/L group was (0.64 +/- 0.36) and (0.39 +/- 0.38), respectively (P < 0.05). Eight (44.4%) out of 18 patients with positive cyclin A expression achieved complete remission (CR). The CR rate was lower than that of patients with negative cyclin A expression (100%) (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSThe higher expression of cyclin A may predict a poor prognosis for childhood ALL.

Acute Disease ; Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cyclin A ; genetics ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Leukemia ; metabolism ; Male

In this study, Actin, 18S rRNA, PAL, GAPDH and CPR of Artemisia annua were selected as candidate reference genes, and their gene-specific primers for real-time PCR were designed, then geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, Delta CT and RefFinder were used to evaluate their expression stability in the leaves of A. annua under treatment of different concentrations of Cd, with the purpose of finding a reliable reference gene to ensure the reliability of gene-expression analysis. The results showed that there were some significant differences among the candidate reference genes under different treatments and the order of expression stability of candidate reference gene was Actin > 18S rRNA > PAL > GAPDH > CPR. These results suggested that Actin, 18S rRNA and PAL could be used as ideal reference genes of gene expression analysis in A. annua and multiple internal control genes were adopted for results calibration. In addition, differences in expression stability of candidate reference genes in the leaves of A. annua under the same concentrations of Cd were observed, which suggested that the screening of candidate reference genes was needed even under the same treatment. To our best knowledge, this study for the first time provided the ideal reference genes under Cd treatment in the leaves of A. annua and offered reference for the gene expression analysis of A. annua under other conditions.
Artemisia annua ; drug effects ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cadmium ; pharmacology ; Plant Leaves ; drug effects ; genetics ; metabolism ; Plant Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; standards ; Reference Standards

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the indications, surgical techniques and clinical effects of the fixation of posterior malleolus in complicated external rotation ankle fractures and illuminate the importance of anatomical reduction and rigid internal fixation of posterior malleolar fracture.

METHODSFrom July 2007 to June 2009, 32 patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation,involving 21 males and 11 females with an average age of 36 years old (ranged from 19 to 68 years old). According to Lauge-Hansen classification: 13 cases of pronation-external rotation type (IV), 7 and 12 cases of supination-external rotation type (III and IV). Postoperative functional exercise and regular follow-up were done and outcomes were assessed.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up,and the duration ranged from 7 to 20 months,with an average of 14.5 months. According to Ankle Hindfoot Clinical Rating System of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS), 23 patients got an excellent result, 7 good, 2 fair, 0 poor.

CONCLUSIONAnatomical reduction and rigid internal fixation of posterior malleolar fracture as well as early functional exercise have significance in restoring ankle joint function and reducing the incidence of traumatic arthritis.

Adult ; Aged ; Ankle Injuries ; surgery ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Fractures, Bone ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Rotation

OBJECTIVETo explore operative method in the treatment of syndesmosis injury of ankle fractures.

METHODSTwenty-four patients with ankle fractures and syndesmosis diastasis were treated with shape memory fracture staples, including 10 males and 14 females ranging in age from 19 to 71 years, with an average of 43 years. All patients were diagnosised with history, body examination and image data and were operated according to classification of Lauge-Hansen.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up from 6 to 28 months with an average of 16 months, and all fractures healed, with a mean time 9.2 (8 to 14) weeks. Only one case had radiological and clinical manifestations of traumatic arthritis, but no breakage of shape memory fracture staple in all cases. Sixteen patients got excellent results, good in 5, fair in 2, poor in 1.

CONCLUSIONShape memory staple fixation for the treatment of syndesmosis diastasis in ankle fractures not only can perseve the physical motion of ankles, but also be remove earlier before weight bearing.

Adult ; Aged ; Ankle Fractures ; Ankle Injuries ; complications ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Ankle Joint ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; instrumentation ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radiography ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

Objective: To summarize the mid-term effect of modified extended Morrow procedure in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) combining sub aortic valve obstruction and mid left ventricular obstruction. Methods: We studied 34 consecutive HOCM patients with sub aortic and midventricular obstruction who received modiifed extended Morrow procedure with extracorporeal circulation in our hospital from 1996-11 to 2015-01. Transthoracic echocardiography was conducted at pre-, post-operation and follow-up period to evaluate the changes of mid-ventricular gradient, subarctic gradient and each heart valve function. Results: The average follow-up time was (25.7 ± 14.9) months, 2 patients lost contact and no death occurred. In rest 32 patients, the mid ventricular gradient decreased from (60.3 ± 29.4) mmHg to (21.0 ± 19.8) mmHg, subaortic valve gradient decreased from (77.9 ± 26.2) mmHg to (11.6 ± 6.5) mmHg, the maximum ventricular septal thickness dropped from (25.2 ± 4.9) mm to (17.9 ± 7.2) mm, left atrial diameter reduced from (41.1 ± 7.8) mm to (37.6 ± 6.4) mm, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter increased from (39.8 ± 5.1) mm to (42.2 ± 4.3) mm, allP<0.05; there were 5 patients without obviously improved mid ventricular gradient because of insufifcient resection of septal myocardium in mid-ventricle. The post-operative NYHA classiifcation was improved,P<0.01, mitral valve regurgitation degree was decreased,P<0.01 and SAM phenomenon was disappeared. Complications included 3 (8.8%) patients of III atrio-ventricular block, 1 (2.9%) patient of re-admission due to poorly healed sternum combining pneumonia Conclusion: Modified extended Morrow procedure may relieve sub aortic valve and mid ventricular obstruction, therefore improve left ventricular diastolic function and prognosis in relevant patients.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the surgical techniques and clinical effect of Ni-Ti patellar concentrator combined with Herbert screw and wirerope in treating comminuted patellar inferior pole fractures.

METHODSFrom March 2008 to June 2010,34 patients with comminuted patellar inferior pole fracture were treated with Ni-Ti patellar concentrator combined with Herbert screw and wirerope. Of them, there were 19 males and 15 females with an average age of 38.6 years old(ranged from 22 to 75). Early functional exercise was guided postoperatively and the patients were regularly followed up and their outcomes were assessed.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up with an average of 13.5 months (ranged,7 to 20). All fractures healed. According to Böstman Clinical Rating System, the average score was 28.43 +/- 2.34,and excellent results in 21 cases,good in 13 cases and no poor case.

CONCLUSIONNi Ti patellar concentrator combined with Herbert screw and wirerope for the treatment of comminuted patellar inferior pole fracture is an effective method and of great value to clinical application.

Adult ; Aged ; Bone Screws ; Bone Wires ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; instrumentation ; Fractures, Bone ; surgery ; Fractures, Comminuted ; surgery ; Humans ; Knee Injuries ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nickel ; Patella ; injuries ; surgery ; Titanium ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the relationship between the testis volume and types of spermatogenic cells derived from testicular biopsy in patients with azoospermia or cryptozoospermia.

METHODSWe collected testicular pathological biopsies from 492 infertile patients with azoospermia or cryptozoospermia reported in our hospital, classified them according to the testicular histological classification methods in WHO Manual for Standardized Investigation, Diagnosis and Management of the Infertile Male, and analyzed the relationship of the testis volume with the results of semen analyses and testicular histology.

RESULTSOf the 492 cases, 90.5% (445/492) were azoospermia and 9.5% (47/492) cryptozoospermia; mature spermatozoa were present in the seminiferous tubules in 17.9% (88/492) but absent in 42.9% (211/492), and Sertoli cell-only syndrome indicated in 39.2% (193/492); the testis volume was < or = 10 ml in 38.6% (190/492) and < or = 5 ml in 7.9% (39/492). Cryptozoospermia was detected in 14.8% (13/88) of those with mature spermatozoa in the seminiferous tubules, in 11.4% (24/211) of those without, and in 5.2% (10/193) of those with Sertoli cell-only syndrome, with a significantly lower rate in the latter group than in the former two (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSpermatogenesis of the testis may be focal and difficult to be completely reflected by a single testicular biopsy, and it may exist even if the testis volume is significantly below the reference value. The indications for testicular biopsy should not be improperly expanded. The WHO testicular histological classification methods have provided a convenient and effective guidance for further clinical examinations and establishment of a protocol.

Adult ; Azoospermia ; pathology ; Biopsy ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Semen Analysis ; Spermatogenesis ; Spermatozoa ; pathology ; Testis ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo study the incidence of the chromosome abnormalities and Y chromosome microdeletions in Chinese patients with azoospermia and cryptozoospermia.

METHODSConventional chromosomal karyotyping was used to analyze the chromosome abnormalities. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples and multiplex polymerase chain reactions (PCR) analyses were performed using specific primers to confirm the presence or absence of Y chromosome microdeletions. A total of 997 patients with azoospermia and cryptozoospermia were enrolled in the study.

RESULTSThe incidence of chromosome abnormalities in the patient with azoospermia and cryptozoospermia was 28.4%. The major abnormal karyotypes included 47,XXY, 46,XY (Y>G), 46,XX, chimera and translocations. The incidence of the Y chromosome microdeletions was 17.4%. They were mainly found in the karyotypes of 46,XY and 46,XY (Y>G).

CONCLUSIONChromosome abnormalities were the most common hereditary causes of the patients with azoospermia and cryptozoospermia. The incidence of Y chromosome microdeletion was higher in the patients with karyotype of 46,XY and 46,XY (Y>G). Therefore, detection of the AZF microdeletion in these patients is helpful to determine the etiology and avoid the unnecessary treatment and vertical transmission of the genetic defects.

Azoospermia ; genetics ; Chromosome Deletion ; Chromosomes, Human, Y ; genetics ; Female ; Genetic Testing ; Humans ; Infertility, Male ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Oligospermia ; genetics ; Seminal Plasma Proteins ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical application of high-frequency ultrasound in the diagnosis and treatment of epididymal stasis after vasectomy.

METHODSWe retrospectively studied the sonographic characteristics of 23 cases of epididymal stasis treated by vasectomy, which were divided into a mild (n = 5), a moderate (n = 11) and a severe group (n = 7) according to the results of color Doppler flow imaging. We analyzed the significance of high-frequency ultrasonography in the treatment of epididymal stasis after vasectomy.

RESULTSHigh-frequency ultrasonography revealed 14 cases of increased bilateral epididymal volume, 6 cases of left epididymal thickening and 3 cases of right epididymal thickening, mainly the thickening of the epididymal body and tail. After conservative treatment, 18 of the epididymal stasis cases (5 mild, 11 moderate and 2 severe) were improved, and the other 5 severe cases significantly relieved and discharged from hospital following conservative treatment combined with vasectomy reversal.

CONCLUSIONPost-vasectomy epididymal stasis has typical sonographic characteristics, and high-frequency ultrasonography has an extremely important application value in the clinical classification, diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Adult ; Aged ; Epididymis ; diagnostic imaging ; Genital Diseases, Male ; diagnostic imaging ; etiology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Ultrasonography ; methods ; Vasectomy ; adverse effects