OBJECTIVETo investigate the temperature change of scrotum caused by varicocele(VC) and its significance.

METHODSOne hundred and sixty-six VC patients were examined by infrared ray imaging and colored ultrasonic scanning, and the results were analyzed. Comparisons of the infrared ray images and the routine semen analysis of 106 of the patients were made between before and after the operation.

RESULTSThe difference in the infrared ray images between before and after the operation on the VC patients was significant (P < 0.01), and so was the difference in the results of semen analysis(P < 0.01; some of the items P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe infrared ray imaging, together with the semen analysis and colored ultrasonic scanning, had a directive value for the diagnosis and treatment of VC patients.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Body Temperature ; Humans ; Infrared Rays ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Scrotum ; physiopathology ; Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color ; Varicocele ; diagnosis ; physiopathology

We established an ELISPOT for bovine interferon-gamma (BoIFN-γ), and applied it in the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis (bTB). Monoclonal antibodies that can bind with native BoIFN-γ were screened as the coating antibody and detecting antibody. After optimization of detecting conditions including coating antibody concentration, cell number, and detecting antibody concentration, the ELISPOT assay was established. Peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from 30 cows were co-cultured with PPD, and detected with the ELISPOT assay. The optimal conditions of ELISPOT assay were 2.5 μg/mL coating antibody 2G5, 2.5 x 10(5) cells/well, and 1 μg/mL detecting antibody Bio-5E11. In these 30 cows tested both with the ELISPOT assay and the BOVIGAM kit, 11 cows were proved to be positive in ELISOPT assay with the sensitivity of 78.6%, and 12 cows were proved to be negative in ELISOPT assay with the specificity of 75%. The ELISPOT assay for BoIFN-γ could be used to detect bTB efficiently and it might be an alternative method for the diagnosis of bTB.
Animals ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; Cattle ; Enzyme-Linked Immunospot Assay ; veterinary ; Female ; Interferon-gamma ; isolation & purification ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Tuberculosis, Bovine ; diagnosis

Objective To investigate the impact of CD4+ CD25+ FOXP3+ regulatory T(Treg) cells on tumor recurrence in liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Im-munohistochemistry and flow cytometry were used for analysis of the frequency of Treg. Meanwhile,it was compared with that of non-cancer liver transplantation patients. Results The frequency of CD4+CD25+ FOXP3+ regulatory T cells in the blood of HCC liver transplantation was (10. 15 ±1. 00) % , which was significantly higher than that in the normal control group (3. 20±1. 18) %. Cir-culating CD4+ CD25+ FOXP3+ Treg frequency was increased significantly and correlated with the tumor recurrence in the HCC patients. An abundant accumulation of Treg concurrent with significant-ly reduced infiltration of CD8+T cells was found in tumor regions. Conclusion Increased CD4+ D25+FoxP3+ Treg may impair the effectors function of CD8+ T cells, promote the tumor recurrence and re-present a therapeutic target for HCC liver transplantation.

Objective To study on the effects of Huaweishu granule on cisplatin-induced Beagle dog vomiting models and its mechanism.Methods Cisplatin-induced Beagle dog vomiting models were adopted as research object.The changes of vomiting frequency,latency,serum motilin content in the medulla oblongata and ileum,5-HT and substance P content of these models after using Hua weishu Granule were observed.Results ① Latent period of vomiting of the model group was (60.8±37.1)min; while this period was (137.3± 53.4)min,(122.8 ± 50.7) min,(l16.8±44.6)min,in the Huawei-shu low,medium and high dose group respectively,all showing a statistic difference than the model group (P＜0.05).②Frequency of vomiting in the model group was (270.3±51.8),while this frequence was (111.5±45.0) and (149.5±26.8) in Huawei-shu low and medium dose group respectively; ③ serum motilin in the model group was (0.354±0.098)ng/ml,while serum motilin in Huawei-shu low,medium and high dose group was (0.230±0.074) ng/ml,(0.235± 0.071) ng/ml,and (0.245± 0.062)ng/ml respectively,all lower than the model group (P＜ 0.05).④ Medulla oblongata 5-HT in the model group was (2.028 ±0.198)ng/ml,while medulla oblongata 5-HT in Huawei-shu low,medium and high dose group was (1.620±0.329)ng/ml,(1.194±0.386)ng/ml,and (1.269 ± 0.251) ng/ml respectively,all were lower than the model group (P＜0.05); ileum 5-HT in the model group was (1.634± 0.221)ng/ml,while ileum 5-HT in Huawei-shu low,medium and high dose group was (1.108±0.291)ng/ml,(1.194±0.386)ng/ml,and (1.269 ± 0.251) ng/ml respectively,all were lower than the model group(P＜0.05) ;⑤ ileal substance P content of the model group was (0.356±0.063)ng/ml,while ildeal P content in Huawei-shu low dose group was (0.274±0.064)ng/ml,lower than the model group than(P＜0.05).The medullary substance P content was (0.432±0.021)ng/ml in the model group,while medullary P content in Huawei-shu low,medium and high dose group was (0.370±0.040) ng/ml,(0.385±0.029) ng/ml,and (0.386± 0.041)ng/ml respectively,all were lower than the model group(P＜0.05).Conclusion Huawei-shu granule can prevent cisplatin-induced Beagle vomiting.

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of fixation of Kirschner needle and thread cancellous bone screw through the sinus tarsi interstice for the treatment of calcaneal fractures.

METHODSFrom January 2009 to December 2012,20 patients with calcaneal fracture were treated by minimally invasive Kirschner wire and threaded cancellous bone screw fixation and bone graft,including 12 males and 8 females with an average age of 39 years old ranging from 21 to 65. Among them, 8 cases were left foot, 12 were right foot. According to Sanders's classification, 8 cases were type II, 10 cases were type III, 2 cases were type IV.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up from 6 to 16 months with an average of 12 months. The incision were healed. Böhler angle were increased from preoperative (17.75 +/- 4.22) degrees to postoperative (26.85 +/- 7.37) degrees (t = 4.308, P = 0.000). Gissane angle were reduced from preoperative (137.05 +/- 24.91) degrees to postoperative (113.75 +/- 13.17) degrees (t = 7.083, P = 0.000). At 3 months after operation, the scores of AOFAS were 85.50 +/- 7.99; the results were excellent in 5 feet and good in 11 feet, fair in 3 feet, and poor in 1 foot.

CONCLUSIONMinimally invasive fixation of Kirschner needle and thread cancellous bone screw fixation is a simple operation, it can get reliable fixation, easy to remove, low cost, less postoperative complications, and it is a good treatment of calcaneal fracture.

Adult ; Aged ; Bone Screws ; Bone Wires ; Calcaneus ; injuries ; surgery ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVETo elucidate whether ZFP580 is involved in the cardioprotective effects of intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (IHH) against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury.

METHODSThirty two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 16): normoxia control group and IHH preconditioning group. Rats in IHH group were exposed in a hypobaric chamber (equivalent to an altitude of 5 000 m) for a 6 h period each day for 42 d. Plasma was collected and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) were measured after 2 h of myocardial I/R injury. ZFP580 protein expression in myocardial tissue was assayed by Western blot. Other 8 rats in each group were used to evaluate I/R-induced cardiac infarction by TTC staining. Lentivirus-mediated gene transfection was performed in H9c2 cells 72 h prior to simulated ischemia/reperfusion (SI/R) exposure. The degree of cell apoptosis was determined by annexin V/7-AAD staining and flow cytometry analysis.

RESULTSCompared with normoxia control group, adaptation to IHH attenuated infarct size and plasma leakage of LDH and CK-MB. In addition, ZFP580 expression in the myocardium was up-regulated by IHH. The results of gene transfection showed that ZFP580 overexpression significantly inhibited cells apoptosis induced by SI/R.

CONCLUSIONOur findings demonstrate that the cardioprotective effect of IHH against I/R injury is mediated via ZFP580, a novel transcription factor, with anti-apoptotic roles in myocardial cells.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; Cell Line ; Creatine Kinase, MB Form ; metabolism ; Hypoxia ; physiopathology ; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase ; metabolism ; Male ; Myocardial Reperfusion Injury ; physiopathology ; Myocardium ; metabolism ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; cytology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Transcription Factors ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the status of residual alveolar bone in aggressive periodontitis (AgP) nuclear families and to investigate the influence of teeth with root abnormity on residual alveolar bone and the heredity of root abnormity, the premolar cone-root and proportion of crown and root.

METHODSNineteen AgP probands (9 males and 10 females) at average age of 24.5 and 38 parents at average age 51.0 were included. A full set of periapical radiographs of all the subjects were taken. The residual alveolar bone of each tooth was measured by the ratio (shown as percentage) of the distance between apical and the alveolar bone crest to the whole root length. The abnormity of roots was detected on a full set of periapical radiographs. All the roots and crowns of teeth were measured. The relationship between the residual bone and the ratio was studied. The heredity grade of the premolar cone-root, proportion of crown and root, and root abnormity were computed.

RESULTSThe average residual alveolar bone of probands was less than that of their parents.In 11 families, the father's residual alveolar bone was less than that of the mother's. The average residual alveolar bone of the teeth with root abnormity was less than that of normal teeth. The average residual alveolar bone of the teeth with abnormity of roots and the normal teeth were (67.5 ± 22.2)% and (73.1 ± 18.7)% respectively, with statistical significance (P < 0.001). The heredity grade of the premolar cone-root was 40.1%, the heredity grade of proportion of crown and root was 46.8%, the heredity grade of root abnormity was 30.3%.

CONCLUSIONSThe residual alveolar bone of the teeth with root abnormity was less than that of normal teeth in nuclear families. The heritability of the root abnormity, the cone-root and proportion of crown and root in our sample was 0.3-0.5, which means that genetic factors accounted for about one third to half of the efficiency for AgP.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aggressive Periodontitis ; diagnostic imaging ; genetics ; pathology ; Alveolar Bone Loss ; diagnostic imaging ; genetics ; pathology ; Alveolar Process ; pathology ; Bicuspid ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Female ; Heredity ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nuclear Family ; Radiography ; Tooth Crown ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Tooth Root ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the role and significance of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway regulating GSK-3beta, STAT3, Smad3 and TERT in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODSThe HCC cell line HepG2 was transfected with small interfering RNA (siRNA) directed against beta-catenin. Proteins were extracted and the expressions of beta-catenin, GSK-3beta, p-GSK-3beta, STAT3, Smad3 and TERT were detected by Western blot at 72 h and 96 h respectively after transfection.

RESULTSbeta-catenin expression was inhibited at both time points and the expression at 96 h was higher than that at 72 h (t = 4.43, P < 0.05). Interestingly, GSK-3beta and p-GSK-3beta expressions increased gradually at 72 and 96 h (tGSK-3beta= 4.98, tp-GSK-3beta= 29.83, P < 0.05) respectively, and STAT3 expression showed no alteration after transfection (F = 0.49, P > 0.05). Smad3 expression was increased at 72 h (t = 10.67, P < 0.05) and decreased to normal at 96 h (t = 1.26, P < 0.05), while TERT expression decreased at 72 h (t = 4.18, P is less than 0.05) and increased to normal at 96 h (t = 1.26, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSWnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway is related to the expressions of GSK-3beta, Smad3 and TERT, but perhaps not related to STAT3 protein expression in HCC. It suggested that Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway might participate in HCC genesis and development through regulating the above three factors.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; metabolism ; pathology ; Hep G2 Cells ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; RNA, Small Interfering ; Signal Transduction ; Wnt Proteins ; metabolism ; beta Catenin ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo observe the effectiveness of percutaneous bone marrow grafting for treatment of fractures nonunion.

METHODSFrom June 2001 to December 2007, 29 consecutive cases of fractures nonunion were treated with percutaneous autologous bone marrow grafting included 20 males and 9 females, ranging in age from 20 to 71 years, with an average of 40 years. All the cases were traumatic fractures involving 13 of tibia, 10 of femur, 3 of humerus, 2 of ulna, 1 of radius, 11 cases of them were open fractures. All the cases were performed internal or external fixation before marrow grafting, intramedullary pin in 15 cases, plate in 12 cases, external fixator in 2 cases. The time from injury to therapy were from 6 to 12 months, with an average of 8.5 months. The type of nonunion included atrophic in 26 cases,hypertrophic in 3 cases. All the cases were performed 3 times injection, the interval was 1 month. According to the different fracture, the amount of bone marrow was from 6 to 15 ml.

RESULTSAll the 29 cases were followed-up for from 5 to 22 months with an average of 14 months. Four of them were not observed obvious callus after 3 months from the 3rd injection, judged unsuccessful therapy, changed to perform autologous bone grafting (3 of them re-internal fixation), the follow-up ended. The other 25 cases obtained bone union during 3 to 8 months with an average of 4.5 months, the follow-up ended at the time of internal fixation removal.

CONCLUSIONPercutaneous autologous bone marrow grafting is an effective, easy and economic therapy for fracture nonunion. But stable internal or external fixation is the premise. Excessive bone defect, the gap more than 5 mm and mal-align requiring rectification is not appropriate for this therapy.

Adult ; Aged ; Bone Marrow Transplantation ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fracture Healing ; Fractures, Bone ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Skin ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Transplantation, Autologous ; Young Adult

Objective To explore the effect of stromal cell-derived factor-1 α (SDF-1 α) on inducing recruitment of bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) to wound area. Methods BMDCs were isolated from bone marrow, cultured with routine method and identified by CXCR4 antibody. Cells cultured with CXCR4 antibody (100 ng,/mL) for 6 hours were labeled with CM-DiI and injected into the tail vein of full-thickness incisional wound model (set as anti-CXCR4 group). BMDCs labeled with CM-DiI without antibody treatment were injected to the rats in BMDCs group, and rats were injected with DMEM/F12 serum-free medium in the control group. The quantity of labeled BMDCs at the wound site and the percentage of wound closure were measured. Results (1) All BMDCs expressed CXCR4. (2) The percentages of wound closure at days 7 and 14 in BMDCs group (7 d: 41.3% ±4.6%; 14 d:92.3% ±2. 1%) were significantly higher than those of control group (7 d: 29.3% ±2. 3%; 14 d: 77.3% ±2.5%) and anti-CXCR4 group (7 d: 30.7% ±4.6% ;14 d: 85.7% ±1.5%) (P＜0.05). The percentage of wound closure of anti-CXCR4 group was significantly higher than that of control group at day 14(P ＜ 0.05). (3) The number of CM-DiI labeled BMDCs at wound site at days 7 and 14 in BMDCs group [7 d: (535 ±84) cells/hpf; 14 d: (769 ±124) cells/hpf) were greater than those of anti-CXCR4 group [7 d: (335 ±97) cells/hpf; 14 d: (521 ± 127) cells/hpf] (P＜0.05). Conclusions BMDCs participate in the cutaneous wound healing. SDF-1α plays an important role in recruiting BMDCs to wound area.