ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between the degenerative mechanisms of lumbar intervertebral disc (LID) and apoptosis.MethodsThe total RNAs were isolated from human LID tissues. Both the mRNAs from the degeneration and normal LID were reversely transcribed to the cDNAs. The cDNAs were labeled with the incorporations of fluorescent dUTP, for preparing the hybridization probes. The mixed probes were then hybridized to the cDNA microarray. After high-stringent washing, the cDNA microarray was scanned for the fluorescent signals and analyzed by computer image analysis. The apoptotic status and the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in 12 cases of degenerative LID and 10 cases of normal LID were detected with TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) and immunohistochemistry methods.ResultsAmong the 4096 targets, there were 10 genes related to apoptosis. The expression related to Bax protein gene was up-regulated and it was down-regulated for Bcl-2 protein. In group of normal LID, the average apoptotic index (AI) was (24.897±3.620); percentage of Bcl-2 positive cells was (31.440±4.150)%; percentage of Bax positive cells was (29.372±2.588)%, average optical density (OD) values of positive particles were (0.183± 0.010 ), ( 0.203 ±0.012) and (0.169±0.005) respectively. In group of degenerative LID, the average AI was (49.232±3.440); percentage of Bcl-2 positive cells was (18.239±2.470)%; percentage of Bax positive cells was (52.349±3.764)%; average OD values of positive particles were (0.152±0.003), (0.310±0.008) and (0.262±0.014) respectively. There were significantly differences in AI and expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins between normal LID and degenerative LID (P<0.05).ConclusionCell apoptosis plays an important role in the process of LID degeneration. Both Bcl-2 and Bax take part in the occurrence and progression of LID.

Objective　To construct the eukaryotic expression recombinant plasmid, pcIFN-γ, as a genetic adjuvant and observe the immune responses elicited by pcDNA3-rhoptry protein 1 （pc-ROP1） combined with pcIFN-γ against Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection in mice. Methods　A fragment of the IFN-γ gene was directly inserted into the pcDNA3 plasmid and identified by two restriction endonucleases digestion. pcIFN and pcROP1 DNA was injected into the left leg muscle of mice at a dosage of 100*!μg, and a booster vaccination was given at the same dosage after two weeks. Control groups were injected with pcDNA3 blank plasmid or normal saline. At 30, 50 and 70 days after booster injection, kinetic tests were carried out: MTT assay for the proliferation response of T lymphocyte cells and the activity of NK cells, sandwich ABC-ELISA for the determination of IFN-γ, IL-2 and IL-10; a serum enzymetic aassay for nitric oxide (NO) in sera and ELISA for the titer of IgG antibody in sera. Results　The recombinant plasmid, pcIFN-γ was constructed. The proliferation response of spleen T lymph cells, NK cell killing activity, and serum levels of IFN-γ, IL-2 and NO in mice injected with pcROP1 and pcIFN-γ were higher than in those injected with pcROP1 alone. There was no difference in IgG antibody levels between the two groups. Conclusion　The genetic adjuvant, pcIFN-γ, could enhance the cellular immune response induced by DNA vaccine of pcROP1 in mice against Toxoplasma gondii infection.

Objective : To investigate the clinical efficacy of prosthesis retained by metal clasp and flexible clasp in the repair of type Ⅴ maxillary defects after tumor resection. Methods: 23 maxillary tumor surgical patients were selected in this study and restored with maxillofacial prosthesis. Total 24 prosthesis combined with metal clasp and flexible dentures were followed up for half a year to 2 years. Results : After the application of prosthesis, better maxillofacial appearances are presented in all of the patients, Watian drinking water tests are improved to grade Ⅰ or Ⅱ from grade Ⅳ or Ⅴ in 21 patients, there was significant difference (P < 0.05); Soft diet can be masticated on affected side in 15 patients; The mean speech intelligibility score with and without prosthesis were (83.2 ± 7.3)% and (36.6 ± 5.6)%, there was significant difference (P < 0.05); Favorable hygienic situations of oral cavity and prosthesis are maintained in 18 patients. Conclusion Prosthesis combined with metal clasp and flexible denture performed favorable clinical efficacy and contributed to improve the living quality and mental health after tumor resection.

Objective To study the association between functional genetic polymorphisms of IL-1B(T-31C,C-511T),IL-1RN and the susceptibility to gastric cancers. Methods A case-control study was conducted in 180 gastric cancer cases and 308 age-and sex-matched cancer-free controls.Genotypes were detected by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP) assays,and association between genotypes,environmental factors and risk of gastric cancers were determined. Results IL-1B T-31C was in strong linkage disequilibrium with IL-1B C-511T(D'=0.862,R2= 0.721,P=0.000).Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the variant genotypes of IL-1B T-31C and C-511T were not significantly associated with risks for gastric cancers(adjusted OR,0.95 and 95% CI,0.62-1.47 for IL-1B T-31C;and adjusted OR,0.85 and 95% CI,0.55-1.31 for IL-1B C-511T).The variant genotypes(1/2,2/2) in IL-1RN were associated with a non-significantly increased risks for gastric cancers(adjusted OR,1.32 and 95% CI,0.71-2.36) in all subjects and with a significantly increased risks for gastric cancers in subjects with H.pylori infection(adjusted OR,2.03 and 95%CI,1.02-4.80).Conclusion The functional genetic polymorphisms of IL-1RN may contribute to the risks of gastric cancers in high-risk population,particularly in those with H.pylori infection.

Objective To evaluate the effect of double tractors swing microendoscopic discectomy technique in multi-segmental lumbar disc herniation. Methods From December 2006 to November 2009,153 patients with multi-segmental lumbar disc herniation were treated with double tractors swing microendoscopic discectomy. They included 85 cases of multi-segmental disc herniation, 53 cases of degenerative canal stenosis and 15 cases of lumbar instability. Among them, 2, 3, 4 and 5 fenestrations were performed in 105,33, 13 and 2 cases respectively and interbody fusion was done with "quanhe" inflation cage and screws in 15 cases. The results were evaluated with Macnab scale. Results All the 153 patients were followed from 3to 36 months, with an average of 16 months. The mean operative time was 45, 61, 83 and 110 min for 2,3,4 and 5 fenestrations respectively, with a mean blood loss of 150 ml. And it took extra 92 min to finish interbody fusion. Complications included dural sac tears in 1 case,canda equina slight lesion in 1, superficial incision infection in 1, the formation of deep venous thrombosis in 1, and revision for"quanhe"inflation cage in 1. The mean hospital stay was 10 days. Excellent results were obtained in 117 cases, good in 32 and fair in 4. One hundred and thirty-two patients returned to their work or normal activities in 3 weeks. One hundred and forty-nine cases were satisfied with the therapeutic effect. Conclusion This technique not only can reach adjacent intervertebral space easily but also disperse pressure on the nerve root effectively. This technique can provide thorough decompression and good results.

Objective To explore the CT findings of mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) of the tracheobronchial tree and improve the diagnostic accuracy. Methods The CT images, histopathological and clinical data in 24 patients with pathologically proved MEC of the tracheobroncbial tree were retrospectively analyzed. Results The clinical symptoms included cough, sputum, fever, wheezing, chest pain and hemoptysis. The patient was proved to be low-grade (n=19) and high-grade (n=5) MEC histopathologically. One lesion was located in trachea, 6 in main bronchus, 12 in lobar bronchus and 5 in segmental, subsegmental and distal bronchus. The tumor presented as no-invasive endotracheobronchial well-defined round-like nodule (n=13, locating in lobar and higher bronchus) and columnar sharp (n=3, locating in main bronchus), or intra-and-extraluminal well-defined round-like nodule or mass (n=6, locating in lobar and lower bronchus) and irregular mass with invasive pattern (n=2, high-grade type). The density of lesion was similar to the muscule and the calcification within lesion was showed in 4 patients on non-enhanced CT. The lesion had marked enhancement in 17 patients on enhanced CT. Obstructive changes were found in 20 patients. Conclusion MEC of the tracheobronchial tree is usually low-grade malignancy and locates in main and lobar bronchus with no-invasive well-defined airway mass, marked enhancement and calcification on CT.

This research studies the process of 3D reconstruction and dynamic concision based on 2D medical digital images using virtual reality modelling language (VRML) and JavaScript language, with a focus on how to realize the dynamic concision of 3D medical model with script node and sensor node in VRML. The 3D reconstruction and concision of body intemal organs can be built with such high quality that they are better than those obtained from the traditional methods. With the function of dynamic concision, the VRML browser can offer better windows for man-computer interaction in real-time environment than ever before.3D reconstruction and dynamic concision with VRML can be used to meet the requirement for the medical observation of 3D reconstruction and have a promising prospect in the fields of medical imaging.

OBJECTIVETo characterize the immune response induced by SAG1 encoding plasmid combined with IL-2 gene adjuvant in mice and to assess the protective effect of this vaccination against toxoplasmosis.

METHODSMice were co-injected intramuscularly with plasmid encoding Toxoplasma gondii SAG1 plus murine IL-2 expression vector at a dose of 100 microg. Booster immunizations were employed 2 more times at 3-week interval. As controls, mice were inoculated with PBS or empty plasmid pcDNA3. Humoral and cellular responses were assayed using ELISA for the determination of Ab, Ab isotype and IFN-gamma, as well as IL-4. To detect the integration and dissemination of DNA in the injected mice, PCR and in situ hybridization were performed. All mice were then infected with highly virulent RH tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii intraperitoneally.

RESULTSSignificant increases in specific IgG levels were observed in mice after immunization three times with SAG1 expression plasmid. With respect to the IgG isotype, co-inoculation of IL-2 expression plasmid enhanced the level of IgG2a and the production of IFN-gamma. Challenging mice by vaccinating with combined plasmids with RH tachyzoites resulted in prolonged survival.

CONCLUSIONHumoral and cytokine responses elicited by SAG1 DNA immunization can be modulated by co-inoculation with IL-2 expression plasmid. The use of DNA vaccine in combination with an appropriate cytokine gene to prevent T. gondii infection warrants further investigation.

Animals ; Antibodies, Protozoan ; blood ; Antigens, Protozoan ; Cytokines ; biosynthesis ; Female ; Immunization ; Immunoglobulin G ; blood ; classification ; Interleukin-2 ; genetics ; Mice ; Protozoan Proteins ; genetics ; Protozoan Vaccines ; immunology ; Toxoplasma ; immunology ; Toxoplasmosis, Animal ; prevention & control ; Vaccines, DNA ; immunology

OBJECTIVE: Tried to find the relationship between tinnitus and each testing method, provided information for objective diagnosis and treatment for tinnitus patients with sensorineural hearing loss. METHOD: The characteristics of audiology tests, including pure tone audiometric, acoustic immittance, middle ear muscle reflexes, matching test, distortion products otoacoustic emission(DPOAE) were compared in 79 ears of 69 tinnitus patients with sensorineural hearing loss. RESULT: The RI positive rate was higher in Convergence curve in tinnitus patients of sensorineural hearing loss, with the rate being 51.3%. The detection rates of DPOAE were 15.2% in patients of sensorineural hearing loss tinnitus groups, which were significant lower than those in control group. CONCLUSION Psychoacoustic techniques can produce a useful amount of clinical data regarding tinnitus in different aspects, these data can help clinicians design needed based managements. DPOAE test is helpful for the diagnosis of lesions in some tinnitus patients.
Audiometry, Pure-Tone ; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural ; complications ; physiopathology ; Hearing Tests ; methods ; Humans ; Otoacoustic Emissions, Spontaneous ; Psychoacoustics ; Tinnitus ; complications ; physiopathology

OBJECTIVE: To investigate hidden hearing loss in tinnitus patients with normal audiograms by means of auditory brainstem response (ABR) and explore the origin of tinnitus. METHOD: Pure tone thresholds, ABR thresholds, amplitude of wave I and wave V of ABR were analyzed in 40 tinnitus patients and 15 controls. RESULT: There was no significantly difference in pure tone thresholds and ABR thresholds between those tinnitus patients and controls while a reduced amplitude of wave I and normal amplitude of wave V of ABR in the tinnitus patients became evident. CONCLUSION Tinnitus patients with normal audiograms have hidden hearing loss at the level of primary auditory nerve and the generation of tinnitus is likely attributed to a homeostatic response of neurons in brainstem.
Acoustic Stimulation ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Audiometry, Pure-Tone ; Auditory Threshold ; Case-Control Studies ; Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem ; Female ; Hearing Loss ; diagnosis ; physiopathology ; Hearing Tests ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tinnitus ; etiology ; physiopathology ; Young Adult