Objective To investigate surgical technique and clinical efficacy of Sky bone ex- pander kyphoplasty in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral body compression fractures.Methods Eighteen cases with osteoporotic vertebral body compression fractures were treated with Sky bone expander kyphoplasty from August 2004 to November 2005.Under the local anesthesia,3.5-5ml of bone cements were injected into each pathologic vertebral body through unipedicle approach after reduction procedure was done with Sky bone expander.Results The postoperative follow-up ranged from 3 to 11 months, with an average of 4.5 months.Back pain was effectively relieved after the operation in all cases.No complications occurred.Conclusion The Sky bone expander kyphoplasty has the advantages of safe- ty,easy operation,minimal invasion,effective restoration of the vertebral body height and fast relief of pain.

Obstructive nephropathy ultimately leads to end-stage renal failure. Renovascular lesions are involved in various nephropathies, and most renal diseases have an ischemic component that underlies the resulting renal fibrosis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether morphological changes occur in the renal vasculature in hydronephrosis and the possible mechanisms involved. A model of complete unilateral ureteral obstruction (CUUO) was used. Experimental animals were divided into five groups: a normal control group (N) and groups of animals at 1st week (O1), 2nd week (O2), 4th week (O4) and 8th week (O8) after CUUO. Blood pressure was measured, renal arterial trees and glomeruli were assessed quantitatively, and renovascular three-dimensional reconstruction was performed on all groups. Glomerular ultrastructural changes were examined by transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the systolic blood pressure was significantly increased in the obstructed groups (O1, O2, O4 and O8). Three-dimensional reconstruction showed sparse arterial trees in the O8 group, and a tortuous and sometimes ruptured glomerular basement membrane was found in the O4 and O8 groups. Furthermore, epithelial media thickness and media/lumen ratio were increased, lumen diameters were decreased, and the cross-sectional area of the media was unaltered in the segmental renal artery, interlobar artery and afferent arterioles, respectively. In conclusion, renal arterial trees and glomeruli were dramatically altered following CUUO and the changes may be partially ascribed to vascular remodeling. Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of renovascular morphological alterations will enable the development of potential therapeutic approaches for hydronephrosis.

Optically active form of alpha-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl (CPB) alcohol, building block of pyrethroid insecticides, was synthesized as its acetate by the combination of anion-exchange resin (D301)-catalyzed transcyanation between m-phenoxybenzaldehyde (m-PBA) and acetone cyanohydrin (AC), and lipase (from Alcaligenes sp.)-catalyzed enantioselective transesterification of the resulting cyanohydrin with vinyl acetate. Through optimizing technological conditions, the catalyzing efficiency was improved considerably compared to methods previously reported. Concentrations of CPB acetate were determined by gas chromatograph. The enantio excess (e.e.) values of CPB acetate were measured by NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) method. Effects of solvents and temperatures on this reaction were studied. Cyclohexane was shown to be the best solvent among the three tested solvents. 55 degrees C was the optimal temperature for higher degree of conversion. External diffusion limitation was excluded by raising the rotational speed to 220 r/min. However, internal diffusion could not be ignored, since the catalyst (lipase) was an immobilized enzyme and its particle dimension was not made small enough. The reaction rate was substantially accelerated when the reactant (m-PBA) concentration was as high as 249 mmol/L, but decreased when the initial concentration of m-PBA reached to 277 mmol/L. It was also found that the catalyzing capability of recovered lipase was high enough to use several batches. Study of the mole ratio of AC to m-PBA showed that 2:1 was the best choice. The strategy of adding base catalyst D301 was found to be an important factor in improving the degree of conversion of the reaction from 20% to 80%. The highest degree of conversion of the reaction has reached up to 80%.
Alcaligenes ; enzymology ; Benzaldehydes ; chemistry ; Combinatorial Chemistry Techniques ; methods ; Lipase ; chemistry ; Nitriles ; chemistry ; Organic Chemicals ; chemistry ; Phenyl Ethers ; chemical synthesis ; Technology, Pharmaceutical ; methods

OBJECTIVETo observe the clinical value of protoparaxotril saporlirs (PTS) combined with aspirin in the secondary prevention of cerebral infarction.

METHODSThe 140 patients with cerebral infarction were collected, among them the 120 patients during recovery stage were equally assigned to three groups by randomized, single blinded and open controlled principle, and they were treated respectively by PTS (A), aspirin (B), and PTS plus aspirin (C) for 6 months. The other 20, who couldn't or were unwilling to use aspirin, were arranged in group D for control. The platelet aggregation rate, incidence of stroke recurrence, gastrointestinal adverse reaction and the NIHSS scores of patients were observed during the six-month period of treatment.

RESULTSAs compared with group D, the lowering amplitude of platelet aggregation rate after treatment in the three treatment groups were significantly higher (P < 0.01). Comparison of platelet aggregation rate between group A and B showed significant difference after 3-month treatment (P < 0.05), but the difference became insignificant after 6-month treatment (P > 0.05). The incidence of stroke recurrence in the group A, B and C was 18.9%, 13.2% and 10.8% respectively, which showed no significant difference among them, but all were significantly lower than that in the group D (44.4%, P < 0.05). NIHSS scores in group A and C were significantly lower than in group B (P < 0.01); and the occurrence of gastrointestinal reaction was significantly lower in group A (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONLong-term application of PTS has the effects for preventing stroke recurrence, lowering gastrointestinal adverse reaction and improving patients' neural function in patients with stroke. As used in combination with aspirin, it shows potential practical importance in the clinical secondary prevention of stroke.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Aspirin ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Cerebral Infarction ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; prevention & control ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Platelet Aggregation ; drug effects ; Sapogenins ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Secondary Prevention

Obstructive nephropathy ultimately leads to end-stage renal failure. Renovascular lesions are involved in various nephropathies, and most renal diseases have an ischemic component that underlies the resulting renal fibrosis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether morphological changes occur in the renal vasculature in hydronephrosis and the possible mechanisms involved. A model of complete unilateral ureteral obstruction (CUUO) was used. Experimental animals were divided into five groups: a normal control group (N) and groups of animals at 1st week (O1), 2nd week (O2), 4th week (O4) and 8th week (O8) after CUUO. Blood pressure was measured, renal arterial trees and glomeruli were assessed quantitatively, and renovascular three-dimensional reconstruction was performed on all groups. Glomerular ultrastructural changes were examined by transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the systolic blood pressure was significantly increased in the obstructed groups (O1, O2, O4 and O8). Three-dimensional reconstruction showed sparse arterial trees in the O8 group, and a tortuous and sometimes ruptured glomerular basement membrane was found in the O4 and O8 groups. Furthermore, epithelial media thickness and media/lumen ratio were increased, lumen diameters were decreased, and the cross-sectional area of the media was unaltered in the segmental renal artery, interlobar artery and afferent arterioles, respectively. In conclusion, renal arterial trees and glomeruli were dramatically altered following CUUO and the changes may be partially ascribed to vascular remodeling. Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of renovascular morphological alterations will enable the development of potential therapeutic approaches for hydronephrosis.
Animals ; Blood Pressure ; Disease Models, Animal ; Glomerular Basement Membrane ; blood supply ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Hydronephrosis ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Male ; Rabbits ; Renal Artery ; pathology ; physiopathology

OBJECTIVETo assess the effect of oxidative stress in development of acute high altitude response (AHAR) during the process of strong physical work at high altitude and its change after return to lower altitude.

METHODSNinety-six officers and soldiers of rapid entering into high altitude (3 700 m) with strong physical work were analyzed, all subjects were male, aged 18-35 years. According to the symptomatic scores of AHAR were divided into 3 groups: severe AHAR (group A, n = 24), mild AHAR (group B, n = 47) and without AHAR (group C, n = 25). Levels in serum 8-iso prostaglandinF2alpha(8-iso-PGF2alpha), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malonaldehyde (MDA) were measured at higher altitude stayed 50 d and after return to lower altitude (1 500 m) 12 h and 15 d, and 50 healthy volunteers (group D) at 1 500 m altitude served as controll.

RESULTSLevels of serum 8-iso-PGF2alpha and MDA [(9.53 +/- 0.47) microg/L, (8.91 +/- 0.39) micromol/L] were significantly higher in group A than those in group B [(8.34 +/- 0.42) microg/L, (7.31 +/- 0.32) micromol/L] , group C [(7.02 +/- 0.48) microg/L, (6.41 +/- 0.23) micromol/L] and group D [(5.13 +/- 0.56) microg/L, (5.48 +/- 0.33) micromol/L], (all P < 0.01), and serum SOD [(52.08 +/- 3.44) micro/ml] was significantly lower in group A than that in group B [62.27 +/- 2.54) micro/ml], group C [(71.99 +/- 3.35) micro/ml] and group D [(80.78 +/- 3.44) micro/ ml] (all P < 0.01), there were significant differences between group B and C, C and D (all P < 0.01). At altitude 3 700 m 50 d, AHAR scores was positively correlated with serum 8-iso-PGF2alpha and MDA (all P < 0.01), negatively correlated with SOD (P < 0.01). Serum 8-iso-PGF2alpha and MDA were negatively correlated with SOD (all P < 0.01). Levels of serum 8-iso-PGF2alpha and MDA were significantly higher at altitude of 3 700 m 50 d than those at altitude of 1 500 m 12 h,15 d in group D (all P < 0.01), and serum SOD was significantly lower than that at 1 500 m 12 h,15 d in group D (all P < 0.01), there were significantly difference between at 1 500 m 12 h and 15 d (all P < 0.01), there were no difference between at 15 d in group D (all P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe more serious of oxidative stress and oxidative/antioxidative imbalance, the more serious of AHAR, oxidative stress and oxidative/antioxidative imbalance may be involved in the development of AHAR. The changes were obviously improved after return to lower altitude 12 h, and recovered to normal after 15 d.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Altitude ; Altitude Sickness ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Male ; Oxidative Stress ; physiology ; Physical Exertion ; physiology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the changes in serum cortisol levels in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and elevated depressive symptoms.

METHODSTwenty-eight adolescents with T1DM and 31 healthy peers were assessed for depressive symptoms using a depression self-rating scale developed by the Epidemiological Survey Center. Selected subjects were classified into four groups: T1DM with elevated depressive symptoms group (n=15), T1DM without elevated depressive symptoms group (n=13), elevated depressive symptoms without T1DM group (n=15), and normal control group (n=16). Fasting blood samples were collected in the morning, and the levels of serum cortisol were compared among the four groups. The correlations of serum levels of cortisol and glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) with the score of depression self-rating scale were evaluated by Pearson correlation analysis.

RESULTSThe fasting serum cortisol levels in the 28 T1DM patients were significantly higher than in the 31 healthy peers (P<0.01). The fasting cortisol levels in the T1DM with elevated depressive symptoms group were significantly higher compared with those in the elevated depressive symptoms without T1DM group and normal control group (P<0.01). In adolescents with T1DM, serum HbA1c level was positively correlated with the score of depression self-rating scale (r=0.481, P=0.010).

CONCLUSIONSThe fasting serum cortisol levels in adolescents with T1DM and elevated depressive symptoms are significantly increased, suggesting that the patients with comorbidity of T1DM and depression develop dysfunction of the corticotropin-releasing hormone-adrenocorticotropic hormone-cortisol axis. The elevated depressive symptoms may be associated with a poor control of glucose metabolism.

Adolescent ; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone ; physiology ; Child ; Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone ; physiology ; Depression ; blood ; etiology ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 ; blood ; Female ; Glucose ; metabolism ; Glycated Hemoglobin A ; analysis ; Humans ; Hydrocortisone ; blood ; Male

AIMTo investigate the influence and mechanisms of 17beta-estradiol on the CTP: phosphorylcholine cytidylyltransferase (CCT) activity from cultured lung explants without serum.

METHODSWe detected the amount of [M-14C] choline incorporation into phosphatidylcholine so as to reflect CCT activity by liquid scintillation.

RESULTS(1) 17beta-estradiol increased the CCT activity in dose-dependence and time-dependence. (2) Both the protein kinase C inhibitor H-7 and calmodulin antagonist W-7 abolished the stimulatory effect of 17beta-estradiol (3 x 10(-6) mol/L) on the CCT activity.

CONCLUSION17beta-estradiol can increase CCT activity in cultured lung explants, its mechanism is related to protein kinase C and calmodulin.

Animals ; Calmodulin ; metabolism ; Choline-Phosphate Cytidylyltransferase ; metabolism ; Culture Media, Serum-Free ; Estradiol ; pharmacology ; In Vitro Techniques ; Lung ; drug effects ; enzymology ; Male ; Protein Kinase C ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

PURPOSETo develop a novel injectable strontium-containing calcium phosphate cement with collagen.

METHODSA novel calcium phosphate bone cement (CPC) was prepared with the addition of strontium element, collagenl, and modified starch; the injectability, solidification time, microstructure, phase composition, compressive strength, anti-collapsibility and histological properties of material were evaluated.

RESULTSThe results showed that the material could be injected with an excellent performance; the modified starch significantly improved the anti-washout property of cement; with the liquid to solid ratio of 0.3, the largest compressive strength of cement was obtained (48.0 MPa ± 2.3 MPa); histological examination of repair tissue showed that the bone was repaired after 16 weeks; the degradation of cement was consistent with the new bone growth.

CONCLUSIONA novel injectable collagen-strontium-containing CPC with excellent compressive strength and suitable setting time was prepared, with addition of modified starch. The CPC showed a good anti-washout property and the degradation time of the cement met with the new bone growing. This material is supposed to be used in orthopedic and maxillofacial surgery for bone defects.

Animals ; Bone Cements ; chemistry ; therapeutic use ; Calcium Phosphates ; chemistry ; Collagen ; chemistry ; Compressive Strength ; Histocompatibility Testing ; Injections ; Rabbits ; Strontium ; chemistry

BACKGROUNDAcute renal failure (ARF) after liver transplantation is associated with high mortality and morbidity. Early therapeutic or preventive intervention is hampered by the lack of early effective prognostic factors. Recent studies indicated that serum levels of cystatin C and beta2-microglobulin (beta2 MG) as well as urinary beta2 MG and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) would increase in patients with early and mild renal impairment. In this study, these factors were detected during the different stages in patients who accepted orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), and their feasibilities to predict early ARF after OLT were also analyzed.

METHODSSixty patients with normal blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (SCr) who received modified piggyback liver transplantation without veno-venous bypass were prospectively studied. Blood samples were drawn from patients for the determination of serum beta2 MG (n = 60), SCr (n = 60) and serum Cystatin C (n = 39) at following 5 intervals: before operation (T0), 20 minutes before anhepatic phase (T1), 25 minutes in anhepatic (T2), 60 minutes after reperfusion (T3) and at the end of operation (T4). Urinary beta2 MG (n = 60) and NAG (n = 60) were also examined at following 3 intervals: before operation (T0), 60 minutes after reperfusion (T3) and at the end of operation (T4). According to the Rimola A criteria of ARF in 24 hours after operation, all the patients were divided into two groups: ARF group and non-ARF group. The data were statistically analyzed to evaluate the feasibiliy of regarding these factors as prognostic factors for early ARF after liver transplantation in patients with normal SCr and BUN before operation.

RESULTSTen of sixty cases showed ARF (16.7%). The Logistic regression analysis showed that the levels of serum and urinary beta2 MG as well as serum cystatin C before operation were correlated with early ARF after liver transplantation (P < 0.05), while only serum levels of cystatin C and Cr at the end of operation correlated with early ARF (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) after liver transplantation. The serum beta2 MG, Cystatin C, SCr and urinary beta2 MG levels in ARF group were much more higher than that in non-ARF group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). There were significant differences between the correct and false predictive positive ratios of serum cystatin C, serum and urinary beta2 MG levels before operation (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), while only SCr showed significant difference between these groups at the end of operation (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSThe results revealed that there was potential renal damage among those patients who demonstrated normal SCr and BUN before operation, and that liver transplantation could aggravate this damage and causing ARF. Here we provided the prognostic values of serum Cystatin C, beta2 MG, urinary beta2 MG and NAG in patients with early acute renal failure after liver transplantation.

Acetylglucosaminidase ; urine ; Acute Kidney Injury ; blood ; diagnosis ; urine ; Adult ; Blood Urea Nitrogen ; Cystatin C ; blood ; Female ; Humans ; Liver Transplantation ; adverse effects ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications ; blood ; diagnosis ; urine ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Prognosis ; beta 2-Microglobulin ; analysis ; blood ; urine