Objective To evaluate the safety,feasibility,and clinical outcome of anterior percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy (PECD).Methods The study involved 28 patients undergone PECD.Visual analogue scale (VAS) and MacNab scale were recorded before operation and at 3 days,1,3,6,12 and 18 months after operation.In addition,MRI examination was conducted at postoperative l month,3 months and 12 months.After data collection,single-factor T test with SAS software was performed.Results Follow-up (range,18-24 months,mean 19 months) was achieved in 25 patients.When compared to the preoperative score,VAS and MacNab scale presented improvement at postoperative 3 days (P ＞ 0.05) and great improvement at postoperative 1,3,6,12,18 and 24 months (P ＜ 0.01).VAS and MacNab scale at postoperative 3 days presented statistical differences as compared to those at postoperative 3,6,12 and 18 months (P ＜0.05),but the differences were not statistically insignificant at postoperative 3,6,12,and 18 months (P ＞ 0.05).Moreover,VAS and MacNab scale showed significant improvement at postoperative 24 months as compared to those before operation (P ＜0.01) and those at postoperative day 3 (P ＜ 0.01).Conclusion Anterior PECD is effective in treatment of cervical soft or partial hard disc herniation.

Objective To study the expression of plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase isoforms 1~3 (PMCA 1~3 )in the basilar membrane (BM)of the neonatal rat cochlea by Western blot.The PMCA2 content in single BM of the neonatal rat was also examined.Methods Four rats at postnatal 2 days (P2)and 8 days (P8)were respective-ly decapitated and their BMs were isolated.The total proteins of BMs were extracted.The 20μg total proteins were respectively loaded to the gel.The expression of PMCA1-3 was detected by Western blot.Likewise,3μg total proteins from P2 and P8 rat BM were loaded.The expression of PMCA2 was detected by Western blot.Four rats at P8 were decapitated and their BM was isolated.The 5μg,10μg and 20μg total proteins of P8 rat BM were added to the gel and 100 ng,400 ng and 800 ng bovine serum albumin (BSA)were also loaded as reference.After electro-phoresis,the gel was separated into two parts.One part was used for SYPRO staining and the other part was used for PMCA2 detection by Western blot.Results In the 20μg BM total proteins of P2 and P8 rats,the expression of PMCA1 was weak (0.126±0.024,0.131±0.012,respectively),PMCA2 was strong (4.16±0.528,4.25±0.319, respectively),and PMCA3 was barely expressed (0 ).There was a statistical difference among PMCA1 ,PMCA2 and PMCA3(P<0.05).In the 3μg BM total proteins of P2 and P8 rats,the expression of PMCA2 in P8 (4.571± 0.336)was higher than P2 (3.622±0.285).There was a statistical difference(P<0.05).The PMCA2 content in the BM of a P8 rat was about 2 .5 ng.Conclusion There was a different-level expression of PMCA1~3 in the neonatal rat BM with highest expression of PMCA2 ,which could be explained that cochlear hair cells had different requirements of Ca2+ turning for these PMCA isoforms.

Objective To study the expression of plasma membrane Ca2 + -ATPase isoforms 1 -4 and the splice variants at sites A and C in the neonatal rat vestibular organ.Methods Ten rats at postnatal 2 days (P2 ) were decapitated and their vestibular organs (macula utriculi and macula sacculi)were isolated.The total proteins of the vestibular organs were extracted.The expression of PMCA1-4 splice variants at sites A and C was detected by RT-PCR.Results The splice variants of PMCA1-4 at sites A and C in macula utriculi and macula sacculi of neo-natal rat vestibular organs were PMCA1x/b,PMCA2w/(a,b),PMCA3z/(a,b,c)and PMCA4 (x,z)/b.Conclusion The splice variants at sites A and C among PMCA1,PMCA2,PMCA3 and PMCA4 were different in the vestibu-lar organs of neonatal rats,which could be explained that macula utriculi and macula sacculi had different require-ments of Ca2 + turning for these PMCA isoforms.

AIM: To investigate the autophagy of breast cancer cells induced by baicalein and to explore its mechanism.METHODS: The effects of baicalein on the viability of MCF-7 cells and 4T1 cells were investigated by MTT assay, and the dosage of the drug was determined.The expression levels of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-II (LC3-II) and LC3-I in the MCF-7 cells and 4T1 cells treated with baicalein at doses of 25, 50 and 100 μmol/L, or combined with autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) were determined by Western blot.In order to confirm the role of baicalein in autophagy, the effect of 3-MA on the apoptosis of both MCF-7 cells and 4T1 cells induced by baicalein was analyzed by flow cytometry.The protein levels of p-mTOR, mTOR, p-AKT and AKT were examined by Western blot and the role of AKT-mTOR pathway in the induction of autophagy in breast cancer induced by baicalein was determined by the combination of activators.RESULTS: Baicalein at 50 μmol/L and above doses significantly inhibited the viability of breast cancer cells in a dose-and time-dependent manner.The expression of LC3-II/LC3-I in both MCF-7 cells and 4T1 cells was significantly enhanced after the action of baicalein, and the ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I was significantly decreased after 3-MA addition.The results of flow cytometry showed that, compared with baicalein group, the combination of baicalein and 3-MA promoted the levels of necrosis and apoptosis.Moreover, the protein levels of p-mTOR and p-AKT were significantly decreased and were rescued by EGF, while their total protein levels were not changed.CONCLUSION: Baicalein induces autophagy through AKT-mTOR pathway both in MCF-7 cells and 4T1 cells.

Objective To investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP)and expression levels ofα-adducin(ADD1)gene in coronary artery disease (CAD)patients.Methods Extracted DNA and RNA samples of peripher-al blood white cells from 114 CAD patients and 116 healthy individuals in Jan 2011 to Oct 2013 from the General Hospital of the PLA Rocket Force.SNPs of rs3775067 and rs1263359 mutations in the ADD1 gene were analyzed with allele-specific flu-orogenic oligonucleotide probes combining hybridization.The gene expression levels were analyzed with fluorescence labeled and capillary electrophoresis technology.Results The frequencies of the genotypes and alleles of the two SNPs in the ADD1 gene were not significantly different between the two groups (χ2=0.018~1.317,all P>0.05).The ADD1 gene expression levels of CAD group (0.226±0.284)were obviously higher than that of control group (0.153±0.144,P<0.05).The gene expression levels of TC genotype of rs3775067 were obviously higher in CAD group (0.250±0.319)than that of control group (0.154±0.156,P<0.05),but the levels of the other genotypes had no significant difference between the two groups (t=0.557~1.867,all P>0.05).Conclusion The elevated ADD1 gene expression level would be risk factor for CAD.The polymorphisms of rs3775067 and rs1263359 had no relevance with CAD susceptibility.

Purpose To investigate the clinical value of gated myocardial perfusion imaging (GMPI) quantitative analysis technique in evaluating left ventricular remodeling and its effects on left ventricular function in patients with myocardial infarction (MI). Materials and Methods Seventy-six cases of MI patients were retrospectively analyzed, including pure left anterior descending artery (LAD) disease in 21 cases , left circumlfex artery (LCX) or right coronary branch (RCA) disease in 23 patients and multivessel disease in 32 cases. Seventy-four healthy people were additionally selected as control group. GMPI was performed on all subjects. Reconstruction images were automatically analyzed by using cardiac software QGS 2009 to obtain left ventricular remodeling index, including diastolic sphericity index (SIED) and end-systolic sphericity index (SIES). Cardiac function parameters were also obtained, including left ventricular end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and peak iflling rate (PFR). Differences of the left ventricular remodeling index and cardiac function parameters between the MI group and the control group were compared to analyze the relationship between left ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction and coronary artery lesions. Results SIED, SIES and EDV, ESV in MI group were signiifcantly higher than those in the normal group (P<0.01). The cardiac function parameters of LVEF and PFR were significantly lower than those of the normal group (P<0.01). SIED and SIES in the group of LAD lesions and multi-vessel disease were signiifcantly higher than those in the LCX/RCA lesion group (P<0.05). The left ventricular remodeling was occurred more often in LAD lesion group and multi-vessel disease group than in the LCX/RCA lesion group (χ2=6.502 and 10.166, P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the LAD lesions group and multi-vessel disease group (χ2=0.105, P>0.05). Linear regression analysis showed that LVEF and PFR in group of left ventricular remodeling was signiifcantly lower with the increase of SIED (F=43.231 and 15.642, P<0.01). SIED and SIES analysis resulted in high correlation for both intra-observer and inter-observer (r=0.881-0.926, P<0.01). Conclusion Left ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction can be accurately evaluated by GMPI. Patients with myocardial infarction due to LAD or multi-vessel coronary artery diseases may have left ventricular remodeling easier and more severe. Left ventricular remodeling will seriously affect the myocardial contraction and diastolic function, resulting in the entire left ventricular dysfunction.

Objective To conduct an in vitro study of the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Staphylococcus aureus and Acin- etobacter spp.,and evaluate their response to various concentrations of tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-?,interleukin (IL)-1?, and IL-6.Methods To monitor the growth of bacteria incubated with the cytokines TNF?,IL-1?and IL-6 that were added to RPMI 1640 medium in various concentrations (10,50.100,500 pg,1 and 10 ng) at 2,4 to 6,8 and 16-18 h.The bacterial concentration was estimated when the mixtures of cytokines and specific neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) were in- cubated.Results We found that all three bacterial species showed concentration-dependent growth enhancement when incubated with one or more tested cytokines.Blockade by specific neutralizing cytokine significantly inhibited cytokine-induced growth. When compared with control,the 6 h growth response was maximal with IL-1?for Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter spp.,and with IL-6 for Pseudomonas aeruginosa.Conclusions In this study we provide additional evidence for a newly de- scribed mechanism for bacterial proliferation in the presence of exaggerated and protracted inflammation.The effect that cyto kine-induced growth enhancement inhibited by specific neutralizing cytokine MoAbs may be useful for antimicrobial therapy.

Objective To explore the effect of surgical treatment on primary gastrointestinal non-Hodgking lymphoma(NHL) in children.Methods Nine cases of clinical and follow-up data of primary gastrointestinal NHL were studied retrospectively to evaluate the effect of surgical treatment on primary gastrointestinal NHL in children.Results Seven cases were male and 2 cases were female.The mean age was(5.59?3.27)years old.The clinical manifestation included abdominal mass (7 cases),abdominal pain (5 cases),fever (2 cases),haematemesis and melena (2 cases),constipation (1 case) and paroxysmal abdominal pain with vomiting (1 case).Nine cases were diagnosed as primary gastrointestinal NHL,including 1 case of intussusception,1 case of acute appendicitis,2 cases of gastrointestinal obstruction,2 cases of gastrointestinal bleeding and 3 cases of abdominal mass.One case received the operation of intussusception reduction,tumor resection and intestinal anastomosis.One case received appendectomy.One case received the operation of tumor biopsy and transverse colon colostomy.Six cases received laparotomy.Six cases were diagnosed as Burkitt lymphoma.One case was anaplastic large cell lymphoma and 2 cases were diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.One case was at stage Ⅰ,1 case was at stage ⅠE,2 cases were at stage Ⅱ,3 cases were at stage ⅡE and 2 cases were at stage Ⅲ.Nine patients had received operation.One case died after operation and 8 cases had received combined chemotherapy.The 1 and 3 years survival rates were 75.0% and 37.5%,respectively.Conclusions Acute abdomen is often the first symptom of primary gastrointestinal NHL in children and comprehensive surgical treatment is an effective procedure for it.

Objective To investigate the effects of intravitreous injection of conbercept for macular edema secondary to retinalvein occlusion(RVO) during 6 months period.Methods A retrospective clinical study.34 patients (34 eyes) were included in this study,who were diagnosed with macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion by ophthalmologic examination,fundus photography,optical coherence tomography (OCT),fundus fluorescein angiography and other methods.The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was examined using the international standard visual acuity chart,and the results were converted to the logMAR visual acuity.The average logMAR BCVA was 0.90 ± 0.68,and the mean macular central retinal thickness (CMT) was (672.27±227.51) μm before treatment.All subjects received intravitreal injection of 0.5 mg conbercept (0.05 ml) at the first visit.Injections were repeated based on the visual acuity changes and the OCT findings.34 eyes received 69 times of injection,the average number of injections was 2.03 ± 1.03.BCVA,OCT were examined before and after treatment using the same method.BCVA and CMT changes,drugs and treatments associated cardiac and cerebral vascular accident,intraocular pressure elevation,retinal tears,retinal detachment,endophthalmitis and other complications after treatment were observed.Linear correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between prognosis BCVA and baseline BCVA,correlation between prognosis BCVA and baseline CMT,and also correlation between BCVA and CMT at different time points before and after treatment.Results At 1 week and 1,2,3,6 months after treatment,the average logMAR BCVA was 0.65±0.61,0.56±0.61,0.46±0.55,0.56±0.71,0.44±0.48 respectively.During 1,2,3,6 months after treatment,the mean logMAR BCVA were improved with statistically significant difference (Z=34.029,47.294,41.338,43.603;P＜0.05),while 1 week after treatment showed no obvious improvement (Z=21.941,P＞0.05).At 1 week and 1,2,3,6 months after treatment,the average CMT was (285.89 ± 96.69),(256.65 ± 143.39),(278.68 ± 156.92),(290.11 ± 188.17),(217.15 ± 48.04) μm respectively.At 1 week and 1,2,3,6 months after treatment,the mean CMT were all decreased with statistically significant difference (Z=68.500,98.735,93.235,91.132,109.162;P＜0.05).There was a positive correlation between the prognosis visual acuity and preoperative visual acuity (r=0.682,P＜0.05).However,there was no correlation between the prognosis vision and the degree of macular edema before treatment (r=0.078,P＞0.05).Before and 3,6 months after treatment,BCVA was negatively correlated with CMT (r=0.491,0.416,0.386;P＜0.05),while there was no correlation in other time points (r =0.145,0.217,0.177;P＞ 0.05).Systemic adverse reactions and persistent intraocular pressure elevation,iatrogenic cataract,retinal detachment,retinal tear,endophthalmitis and ocular complications were never found in the follow-up period.Conclusion Intravitreal conbercept is a safe and effective approach for RVO,which can significantly improve visual acuity and reduce CMT.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the fetal cardiac function in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) pregnancies under different maternal glycemic controls.

METHODSForty four GDM mothers received 78 fetal echocardiographic evaluations at three gestational periods (<28, 28-34 and >34 weeks) and were divided into poorly-(DM1) and well-(DM2) controlled groups according to their glycemic control at examination. Seventy uncomplicated mothers were selected as controls. Parameters of fetal cardiac anatomy and function were measured and analyzed.

RESULTSGDM fetuses' cardiac ventricular walls were thicker than controls', and the differences between DM1 and DM2 were not significant except for end-diastolic left ventricular walls. In both GDM groups, the aortic flow velocities increased earlier than pulmonary artery and DM1 fetuses changed earlier than DM2 ones. GDM fetuses' left atrial shortening fraction was smaller than the controls' in the period of ⩾34 weeks and negatively correlated with thicknesses of left ventricular walls and interventricular septum in DM1 fetuses (r=-0.438 and -0.506). The right ventricular diastolic function in DM1 and DM2 fetuses decreased after the period of 28-34 weeks and in the period of >34 weeks respectively. Tei index of both left and right ventricles increased in DM1 group after the period of <28 weeks and in DM2 group only in the period of ⩾34 weeks, with no significant differences between DM1 and DM2 groups in this period.

CONCLUSIONFetuses of GDM mothers showed cardiac function impairments. Good maternal glycemic control may delay the impairments, but cannot reduce the degree. Some cardiac changes in GDM fetuses were similar to those in pregestational diabetic pregnancies except for several parameters and their changing time.

Case-Control Studies ; Diabetes, Gestational ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Diastole ; Echocardiography ; Female ; Fetal Heart ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; Systole ; Ventricular Function