BACKGROUND: Studies have demonstrated that exogenous basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) has intensive effects to promote proliferation of gingival fibroblasts (GFs) cultured in vitro and the heeling of gingival wounds. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of bFGF gene transfection on the biological performance of Beagle canine GFs. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: An observation and comparison in vitro experiment regarding cells was accomplished in Centre of Cell Biology and Development of Fujian Medical University and Department of Comparative Medicine in Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Area Command of Chinese PLA from April to September of 2008. MATERIALS: Four beagle dogs, male, 12 months old, weighing 10-13 kg were used in this experiment, plRES2-EGFP-bFGF plasmid containing full-length human bFGF gene cDNA was constructed and conserved by our institution. METHODS: Free gingiva of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th premolars were excised from left upper jaw of Beagle dogs, dnsed with aseptic phosphate buffer four times, then cut into pieces and digested with 2.5 g/L pancreetin for 2 hours at 37 ℃. After the cantrifugation and supernatant removal, DMEM containing 10% fetal bovine serum was added to incubate on 6-well plate with coverlips in 5% CO2 incubator at 37 ℃. Logadthrnically growing cells were digested and passaged. GFs were transfected with pIRES2-EGFP-bFGF plasmid using liposome mediated method, while vacant plasmid transfection and un-transfection group served as controls.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Proliferation and apoptosis feature of the GFs were evaluated by M'rE and AOEB, respectively. The activity of alkaline phosphatase was assayed by chemical coledmetry. RESULTS: All of three groups cells entered log phrase on three days after transfection. MTT results showed that the proliferation of GFs transfected with bFGF was greater than cells transfected with vacant vector and untransfected cells (P < 0.05). AO/EB dyeing showed the apoptosis rate of GFs transfected with bFGF was reduced compared with other two groups (P < 0.05). After bGFG gene transfection, the ALP activity remained unchanged and there was no significant difference compared with untransfected cells.CONCLUSION: The transfection of bFGF gene to GFs can promote the proliferation of GFs and depress the apoptosis. No promotion is present with regard to the GFs differentiation.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of combined anterior and posterior approaches in treatment of severely unstable lower lumbar burst fractures.Methods A retrospective case series study was made on clinical data of 14 patients with lower lumbar burst fractures collected from August 2009 to August 2014.There were 12 males and 2 females,with a mean age of 39 years.Seven fractures occurred at L3,five at L4,and two at L5.Nine patients were associated with injury to the posterior ligament complex (PLC).According to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) classification,the spinal injuries were rated as grade B in two patients,grade C in four,grade D in five and grade E in three.All patients underwent posterior pedicle screw fixation combined with anterior spinal canal decompression and titanium mesh or iliac bone grafting.Lumbar lordosis angle,vertebral height,spinal canal decompression,ASIA grade and complications were evaluated after operation.Results Two patients experienced cerebrospinal fluid leakage postoperatively,which were healed after 2 weeks' local pressure treatment.Three patients experienced recurrent lumbar pain postoperatively,which were relieved after the removal of internal fixation 18 months after operation.All patients were followed up for 12-36 months (mean,18 months).Compared to the detection before operation,final follow-up showed improved lumbar lordosis [(30.2 ± 7.3) ° vs.(41.3 ± 6.5) °],decreased loss of the anterior vertebral height [(62.3 ± 21.5) ％ vs.(11.8 ± 7.8) ％] and reduced canal compromise [(65.7 ± 30.5) ％ vs.(21.9 ± 12.7)％] (all P ＜ 0.05).ASIA grade was significantly improved at the final follow-up,including grade C in one patient,grade D in three and grade E in ten (P ＜ 0.05).Follow-up showed no apparent graft loosening,pseudarthrosis,implant breakage and severe kyphosis.Conclusion Combined anterior and posterior approaches to treat severely unstable lower lumbar burst fractures can effectively reconstruct the height and stability of the vertebral body,restore the spinal canal volume,and attain satisfactory clinical outcome.

Objective To investigate the use of the minimizing picture archiving and communication system (mini PACS) in practical work and to realize the advent of filmless radiology Methods A PC based ethernet was set up The medical imaging equipments including CT, MR, digital fluoroscopy, DSA, and a laser camera were combined with the ethernet, and the digital imaging network (DIN) was integrated with the medical diagnostic imaging system (MDIS) In this way, the radiology information system (RIS) was established Through one of the PC workstations with a double network card, this RIS was connected to the hospital information system (HIS) Results The mini PACS has been repeatedly used for more than 2 years The system in Radiology department has been established and improved With the present digital imaging system, such functions as the acquiring, storing, transmitting, printing, and browsing of digital images have been put into practice, all in accordance with the manners of the digital imaging communication in medicine 3 0 (DICOM 3 0) Digital imaging and diagnostic reports were managed through Microsoft Access database Images may be kept on line in different kinds of equipment for 3-6 months All images have been recorded on CD R disks, so as to be kept off line permanently So far, over 32 700 reports have been stored in the database From mini PACS HIS terminals images and diagnostic information may be acquired on a limited scale Conclusion mini PACS needs only a low cost of investment and operation Its maintenance is simple and its performance is efficient The main functions of the PACS can mostly be achieved There lies a bright prospect for its use in small and medium hospitals

AIM:To detect the expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and matrix metalloprotei-nase 9 (MMP9) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and its correlation with clinicopathological features and prognosis of the patients.METHODS:The expression of bFGF and MMP9 was detected by the method of SP immunohistochemical staining in biopsy tissues of NPC patients.The relationship between the expression and the clinical significance was analyzed as well.RESULTS:In 289 cases of NPC patients, the positive rates of bFGF and MMP9 were 71.3% and 61.6%, respectively.Correlation analysis demonstrated that the expression rates of bFGF and MMP9 were both positively associated with N stage and clinical stage in NPC patients.The high expression rates of both bFGF and MMP9 were associated with poor overall survival and progression-free survival of NPC patients.Furthermore, the positive rate of bFGF was positively correlated with that of MMP9, and over-expression of both bFGF and MMP9 was correlated with the poorest survival outcomes in NPC patients.CONCLUSION:bFGF and MMP9 are over-expressed in NPC tissues and significantly associated with NPC recurrence and poor outcome.The combined interpretation of bFGF and MMP9 expression levels leads to refinement of the risks for the NPC patients and could be chosen as the prognostic biomarkers.

Ergosta-4,6,8(14),22-tetraen-3-one (ergone) is one of main components in many medicinal fungi. Ergone has been reported to possess the activities of diuresis, cytotoxicity, antitumor, immunosuppression, as well as treatment of chronic kidney disease. According to reported literatures, an overview of spectroscopy characteristics, content determination, pharmacological activity and pharmacokinetics, etc. for ergone is presented in this review. Furthermore, the present review can provide a certain reference value for the further study and development of ergone.
Animals ; Cholestenones ; chemistry ; pharmacokinetics ; pharmacology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; pharmacokinetics ; pharmacology ; Humans

clues for interpretation of myocardial ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Intrapulmonary vascular abnormalities result in the right-to-left shunting and severe hypoxemia in liver transplantation candidates. Currently, a convenient, sensitive and effective method is absent to screen the intrapulmonary vascular dilatations.OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of contrast-enhanced echocardiography on clinical diagnosis of intrapulmonary shunting in liver transplantation candidates.DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: The experiment, prospective controlled observation based on cases, was performed at the Hepatology Unit of the 458 Hospital of PLA (Guangzhou, Guangdong, China) from February 2004 to February 2006.PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-four consecutive liver transplantation candidates were recruited from the Hepatology Unit of the 458Hospital of PLA.METHODS: Routine examination was conducted under the condition without any regimen of vascular dilatation drugs.Contrast-enhanced echocardiography was applied to detect the prevalence of right-to-left shunting in the patients with end-stage liver disease. The microvesicle of the left ventricle in patients was qualitatively assessed by a score from 1+ to 3+. Accordingly, all patients were divided into two groups: intrapulmonary shunting and non-intrapulmonary shunting.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The prevalence of right-to-left shunting and clinical characteristics of liver transplantation candidates were determined.RESULTS: Ten (41.7%) of 24 patients with positive contrast-enhanced echocardiography were proved to develop the intrapulmonary right-to-left shunting, including 6 for l+ and 4 for 2+ by left ventricle abnormality, which emerged after 6-10 cardiac cycles of right ventricle abnormality. There were no significant differences in age, gender, arterial blood gas analysis and liver function tests between the two groups (P > 0.05). Echocardiography results demonstrated that, the upper digestive tract hemorrhage,spleen thickness that indicated portal hypertension, pulmonary artery systolic pressure and Tei index were significandy higher in the patients of intrapulmonary shunting than in those of non-intrapulmonary shunting (P<0.05-0.01 ).CONCLUSION: Intrapulmonary vascular dilatation occurs frequently in liver transplantation candidates associated with intrapulmonary shunting but without hypoxemia. Contrast-enhanced echocardiography is a sensitive and non-invasive method for the early diagnosis of intrapulmonary vascular dilatation. The pathogenic cause is portal hypertension. Tel index can be used as an important parameter for evaluating right ventricular function in patients of intrapulmonary vascular dilatation.

Objective To analyze the clinical features of patients with open injuries combined with infections in Chinese Wenchuan earthquake and summarize the therapeutic experience. Methods An analysis was done on 54 patients with open injuries combined with infection transferred to our depart-ment from May 13, 2008 to June 10, 2008. Thorough debridement was performed based on general sup-porting management and anti-bacterial thempies done on the basis of results of bacteria culture and sus-ceptibility test. In the meantime, other managements including high-pressure oxygen therapy and external fixation were done for open fractures. Results Infection could be found in all open injuries, primarily combined infections with G+ coccus and G- bacillus or anaerobic. Moreover, most of the patients were infected by anaerobia. Of all, 1 patient with amputation received multiple debridement and repair because of severe infection of the amputation site and no death occurred. All patients recovered uneventfully, with sound wound healing, except for 2 patients. External fixation was stable and in good position. Conclu-sions The repeated and thorough debridement and the timely closure of wounds on the basis of energeti-cally anti-infection measures are key to diminishing the mortality rate and mutilation rate. Appropriate ad-junctive therapy can dramatically improve the curative effect.

Objective To assess the clinical effect of tumor-type prosthesis replacement for treatment of giant cell tumors of bone near the joints. Methods Thirty-seven patients with giant cell tumors of bone near the joints from January 1998 to January 2008 were reviewed. 18 were males and 19 were females. The ages ranged from 19 to 64 and the median age was 32 years old. The anatomic site of the lesions spreaded at distal femur(23 cases) , proximal tibia(10 cases),proximal humerus(3 cases) and proximal femur(1 case). According to Companacci's staging system: 9 patients were classified as grade II and 28 as grade Ⅲ. All patients had been treated with block excision and reconstruction with prosthesis. The functional outcomes were evaluated by MSTS 93 score. Results According to the follow-up for 2 -9 years,1 patient (4. 3% ) had local recurrence and underwent amputation of the diseased limb. As for the complications, periprosthesis infection occurred in 1 patient, prosthesis loosening in 2 patients. The average MSTS 93 score was 22. 49 ±5. 16 in 3 years after surgery. The evaluated functional result revealed excellent or good performance in 89. 2% of the patients. Conclusions Tumor-type prosthesis replacement is an effective procedure to reduce the local recurrence,and to restore joint function.

Objective To investigate the effect of minitype titanium plate fixation through transoral approach in the treatment of unstable atlas fractures.Methods A retrospective case series study was made on 21 patients with unstable atlas fractures treated by minitype titanium plate fixation through transoral approach from June 2008 to June 2014.There were 15 males and 6 females,at age of (40.9 ± 10.6)years (range,21 to 57 years).Anterior 1/2 Jefferson fractures were seen in 12 patients and 1/2 ring Jefferson fractures in 9 patients.Preoperative visual analogue score (VAS) was 4-9 points [(7.6 ± 1.3) points].Before operation,degree of mobility of the cervical vertebra was (15.4 ± 3.9) °in bending,(10.8 ± 2.5) °in extending,(18.3 ± 3.1) ° in left-bending,(18.9 ± 2.7) ° in right-bending,(21.8 ± 5.8) °in left-rotation and (22.4 ± 4.6) ° in right-rotation.Operation time,intraoperative blood loss,VAS,cervical mobility and bone healing were detected after operation.Results Operation time was (86.3 ±25.3)m in,and intraoperative blood loss was (120.5 ± 33.3)ml.VAS was improved to 0-2 points [(1.6 ± 0.4) points] at postoperative 3 days (P ＜ 0.05).All patients were followed up for 12 to 48 months[(23.7 ±5.9) months].VAS was improved to 0-2 points[(0.6 ± 0.1) points] at postoperative 3 months (P ＜ 0.05).Degree of mobility of the cervical vertebra was improved significantly at postoperative 3 months,with the bending of(38.6 ± 4.5) °,extending of (39.3 ± 4.0) °,left-bending of (39.2 ± 4.0) °,right-bending of (39.2 ± 2.9) °,left-rotation of (66.8 ± 8.8) ° and right-rotation of (66.3 ± 9.2) ° (P ＜ 0.05).Postoperatively,there were no surgical wound incision infections and vertebral artery or spinal injuries,Bone union was found in all patients,without the occurrence of implant loosening or breakage and the dysfunction of the cervical vertebra.Conclusion Minitype titanium plate fixation through transoral approach is associated with less trauma,high healing rate and preservation of the activity of cervical vertebra in the treatment of unstable atlas fractures.