Objective To investigate the effects of miR-34a on proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal stem cells.Methods Twenty healthy teeth that needed to be extracted for orthodontic treatment were collected.Human periodontal stem cells(hPDLSCs)were isolated and cultured in vitro,and miR-34a mimetics were constructed and transfected into hPDLSCs.The experimental groups were subsequently categorized into the mimics group(miR-34a overexpression group)and the mimics-NC group(control group without load).The transfection efficiency was assessed using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(qRT-PCR),while CCK-8 assays were used to evaluate the proliferation capacity of hPDLSCs post-transfection.Osteogenic differentiation of miR-34a-transfected hPDLSCs was induced,with samples being collected at day 0 and day 14 after the osteogenic induction.The expression level of Runx2-associated transcription factor 2(Runx2)was quantified via qRT-PCR,protein levels of Runx2-associated proteins were analyzed through Western blot,and mineralized nodule formation was examined using alizarin red staining.Results The expression level of miR-34a in the mimics group was significantly higher than that in the mimics-NC group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the value-added rate between the mimics group and the mimics-NC group on days 1～5(P>0.05),and the value-added rate between the mimics group and the mimics-NC group was significantly lower than that between the mimics-NC group and the mimics-NC group on days 5～11,and the difference was statistically significant.After the osteogenic induction,the mRNA expression level of Runx2 in the mimics group was higher than that in the mimics-NC group(P<0.05),and the expression level of Runx2 protein in the mimics group was also higher than that in the mimics-NC group(P<0.05),and there were more mineralized nodules in the mimics group than in the mimics-NC group after 14 days of osteogenic induction.Conclusion Under in vitro conditions,miR-34a inhibits the proliferative activity of hPDLSCs and promotes the osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells.

Objective:To investigate the effect of tumor deposit(TD) on the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer after radical surgery.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on gastric cancer patients who underwent radical surgery at the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital from Jan 2021 to Dec 2023. The relationship between the status of tumor deposit and clinicopathological features, as well as the impact on the overall postoperative survival of gastric cancer patients were evaluated.Results:Pathological examination revealed that among 212 patients with gastric cancer, 12 patients (5.1%) had tumor deposits (TD). The occurrence of TD was found to be associated with preoperative T stage, N stage, and extramural vascular invasion (EMVI) (all P<0.05). During the follow-up period, 31 patients experienced recurrence, metastasis, or death. The COX multivariate analysis indicated that N stage ( P=0.07), preoperative serum CEA level ( P<0.001), EMVI ( P=0.001), and TD ( P=0.011) were independent risk factors affecting the overall postoperative survival . Among patients who received neoadjuvant therapy and on pT4 stage, pN+ status, and EMVI status before surgery, the presence of TD was closely correlated with overall survival. Patients with TD had a worse prognosis and shorter overall survival( P<0.05). Conclusion:Tumor deposit is an important risk factor affecting the prognosis of patients after radical gastrectomy and may be a predictive biomarker of early peritoneal metastasis.

BACKGROUND: There is no report on the treatment of suppurative discitis with posterior microendoscopic discectomy, antibiotic artificial bone implantation and one-stage percutaneous pedicle screw fixation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of posterior microendoscopic debridement, antibiotic artificial bone implantation and one-stage percutaneous pedicle screw fixation for pyogenic spondylodiscitis. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with suppurative discitis admitted at the Department of Spinal Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from January 2014 to December 2017, including 17 males and 14 females, aged 28-78 years, were included. All the patients underwent posterior microendoscopic lesion clearance and antibiotic artificial bone grafting and one-stage percutaneous pedicle screw fixation. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels were detected at postoperative follow-up. The Visual Analog Scale and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores were used for detection. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) All the surgical operations of the 31 patients were successfully completed and all patients had immediate relief of low back pain and lower extremity radiation pain. They were able to move ground wearing a waistband at 1-4 days postoperatively. (2) Thirty-one patients were followed up for 9-18 months. All patients had a significant decrease in C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate at 1 week after surgery, and C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were in the normal range at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. (3) The Visual Analog Scale scores of all patients at 1 week of follow-up were significantly lower than those before surgery (P < 0.05) , and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores were significantly higher than those before surgery (P < 0.05) . (4) In the follow-up examination of CT and MRI, there was no recurrence, pseudoarticular formation or internal fixation loosening. (5) These results suggest that posterior microendoscopic discectomy, antibiotic artificial bone implantation combined with one-stage percutaneous pedicle screw fixation for treating suppurative discitis can result in little trauma, few bleeding and rapid pain relief, and patients can move to the ground early. The operation method has a good clinical effect.

BACKGROUNDFollicle stimulating hormone is necessary for normal reproduction in men. The biochemical actions of follicle stimulating hormone result from binding to the follicle stimulating hormone receptor in the plasma membrane of Sertoli cells. Here, we investigated the expression of the follicle stimulating hormone receptor in different testicular histological phenotypes of patients with idiopathic azoospermia.

METHODSFifty-seven cases of idiopathic azoospermia were classified into three groups according to the results of testicular biopsy: patients with hypospermatogenesis, patients with maturation arrest, and patients with Sertoli cell-only syndrome. Thirteen azoospermic patients identified by testicular biopsy as being capable of completing spermatogenesis acted as the control group. Immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction were performed in each case, and the serum hormone level was also measured in all patients.

RESULTSThe serum follicle stimulating hormone level in patients with Sertoli cell-only syndrome was significantly higher than in patients with hypospermatogenesis, maturation arrest, and complete spermatogenesis (P < 0.01). The serum follicle stimulating hormone level in patients with maturation arrest was significantly higher than in patients with hypospermatogenesis and complete spermatogenesis (P < 0.05). There was no difference in serum follicle stimulating hormone levels in patients with hypospermatogenesis and complete spermatogenesis. The follicle stimulating hormone receptor expression level of testicular samples with Sertoli cell-only syndrome was significantly higher than in those with hypospermatogenesis, maturation arrest, and complete spermatogenesis (P < 0.05), but no significant difference was observed among hypospermatogenesis, maturation arrest, and complete spermatogenesis testicular samples.

CONCLUSIONSDifferent serum follicle stimulating hormone levels and follicle stimulating hormone receptor expression were found in the different testicular histology phenotypes in azoospermic patients. Differential follicle stimulating hormone receptor expression in testicular tissue of patients with idiopathic azoospermia may be associated with the degree of spermatogenesis.

Adult ; Azoospermia ; blood ; metabolism ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone ; blood ; Humans ; Male ; Oligospermia ; blood ; metabolism ; Receptors, FSH ; genetics ; metabolism ; Spermatogenesis ; physiology ; Testis ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo establish a modified rat model of liver cancer with concurrent cirrhosis for the study of carcinogenesis characteristics and drug intervention of liver cancer.

METHODSFifty male Wistar rats weighing 100-120 g were randomly divided into normal control group (20 rats) and model group (30 rats). In the model group, the rats were subjected to intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg/kg DEN N-diethylnitrosamine (DEN) twice a week for 4 consecutive weeks, followed then by weekly injections for another 10 weeks. The control rats received injections of 0.1 ml saline in the same manner. At 2, 4, 8, 12, 14, and 18 weeks, 3 rats from each group were sacrificed for assessing tumor formation and liver cirrhosis.

RESULTSLiver cancer with concurrent cirrhosis was induced successfully after 14 weeks of DEN injections. At the 14th week, 3 out of the 5 rats were found to have cirrhosis and LC, and at the 18th week, all the 3 rats examined had cirrhosis and liver cancer. The total carcinogenesis rate in the rats was 75% at 18 weeks with an overall mortality of 33%.

CONCLUSIONThis approach to establishing rat models of liver cancer with concurrent cirrhosis requires simple operation, shortens the time of carcinogenesis, and ensures a high success rate of carcinogenesis and a low mortality rate. The carcinogenesis characteristics in this model are similar to those in human.

Animals ; Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental ; complications ; pathology ; Liver Neoplasms, Experimental ; etiology ; pathology ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

Objective To establish a modified rat model of liver cancer with concurrent cirrhosis for the study of carcinogenesis characteristics and drug intervention of liver cancer. Methods Fifty male Wistar rats weighing 100-120 g were randomly divided into normal control group (20 rats) and model group (30 rats). In the model group, the rats were subjected to intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg/kg DEN N-diethylnitrosamine (DEN) twice a week for 4 consecutive weeks, followed then by weekly injections for another 10 weeks. The control rats received injections of 0.1 ml saline in the same manner. At 2, 4, 8, 12, 14, and 18 weeks, 3 rats from each group were sacrificed for assessing tumor formation and liver cirrhosis. Results Liver cancer with concurrent cirrhosis was induced successfully after 14 weeks of DEN injections. At the 14th week, 3 out of the 5 rats were found to have cirrhosis and LC, and at the 18th week, all the 3 rats examined had cirrhosis and liver cancer. The total carcinogenesis rate in the rats was 75%at 18 weeks with an overall mortality of 33%. Conclusion This approach to establishing rat models of liver cancer with concurrent cirrhosis requires simple operation, shortens the time of carcinogenesis, and ensures a high success rate of carcinogenesis and a low mortality rate. The carcinogenesis characteristics in this model are similar to those in human.

Objective To establish a modified rat model of liver cancer with concurrent cirrhosis for the study of carcinogenesis characteristics and drug intervention of liver cancer. Methods Fifty male Wistar rats weighing 100-120 g were randomly divided into normal control group (20 rats) and model group (30 rats). In the model group, the rats were subjected to intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg/kg DEN N-diethylnitrosamine (DEN) twice a week for 4 consecutive weeks, followed then by weekly injections for another 10 weeks. The control rats received injections of 0.1 ml saline in the same manner. At 2, 4, 8, 12, 14, and 18 weeks, 3 rats from each group were sacrificed for assessing tumor formation and liver cirrhosis. Results Liver cancer with concurrent cirrhosis was induced successfully after 14 weeks of DEN injections. At the 14th week, 3 out of the 5 rats were found to have cirrhosis and LC, and at the 18th week, all the 3 rats examined had cirrhosis and liver cancer. The total carcinogenesis rate in the rats was 75%at 18 weeks with an overall mortality of 33%. Conclusion This approach to establishing rat models of liver cancer with concurrent cirrhosis requires simple operation, shortens the time of carcinogenesis, and ensures a high success rate of carcinogenesis and a low mortality rate. The carcinogenesis characteristics in this model are similar to those in human.

Objective To summarize our experience in the diagnosis and management of popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES). Methods This is a retrospective study on 10 patients (13 limbs)who were admitted for symptoms of claudication and the diagnosis of popliteal entrapment was established either with angiography,computed tomographic angiography,magnetic resonance angiogram or during the operation in recent 7 years (2002-2009).All patients were treated surgically. Results The mean age at the time of presentation was (25 ±7) years old (range,17-41 years).Claudication was the most frequent presenting symptom (12 limbs).The surgical procedures consisted of simple musculotendinous dissociation in 1 limb,thrombectomy with balloon angioplasty in 1 limb,musculotendinous dissociation plus thromboendarterectomy with autogenous saphenous vein (ASV)patch angioplasty in 2 limbs,ASV graft interposition or bypass in 6 limbs and graft interposition or bypass in 3 limbs.At a median follow-up of (35 ±27) months (range,2 months-7 years),there were no intraoperative or long-term postoperative complications and all the patients were cured. Conclusions PAES is an unusual but important cause of peripheral vascular insufficiency especially in young patients.A combined approach is necessary for diagnosis.Popliteal artery release alone or with vein bypass or reconstruction is the treatment of choice.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of adult prostatic sarcoma.

METHODSThe records of 7 patients with prostate sarcoma were reviewed in the light of clinical manifestation, laboratory examination, therapeutic methods and histological subtypes. Several clinicopathological variables were assessed for prognostic significance.

RESULTSOf the 7 cases, 3 were leiomyosarcoma, 3 rhabdomyosarcoma and the other malignant neurilemoma. Most patients presented urinary obstruction, and the diagnosis of prostate sarcoma was established with ultrasound guided biopsy. Histological subtypes were related to the rate of survival. Two patients received radical cystoprostatectomy and died 13 and 21 months respectively after operation. Two cases underwent total pelvic exenteration, followed by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy and still alive 15 months after operation. The other 3 received only chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy and died 7 months on average after diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONThe long-term survival rate for adults with prostate sarcoma is low. Early diagnosis and complete surgical resection offer patients the best chance for survival. Long-term surveillance is necessary for the early detection of recurrence.

Adult ; Aged ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; pathology ; therapy ; Retrospective Studies ; Sarcoma ; diagnosis ; pathology ; therapy

Objective To study the protective effects of taurine on liver and kidney injury induced by intestinal ischemia-reperfusion(I/R) in rats.Methods Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into Sham,I/R,and taurine groups.Thirty min before operation,2% taurine(200 mg/kg) was injected via dorsal vein of the rat′s penis.Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion was produced by occlusion of superior mesenteric artery for one hour later,then the blood flow was restored by removing the clamps.Blood samples were taken from rats in I/R and taurine groups at 1.5,3,6 and 12h after reperfusion,and the serum levels of ALT,AST,BUN and Cr were measured to evaluate the functions of liver and kidney.Tissues from livers and kidneys were cryostated and stained with hematoxylin and eosin to observe changes in histological pathology.TUNEL was also performed to examine apoptotic cells and the average light density levels were measured.Results The serum levels of ALT,AST,BUN and Cr in I/R group were significantly higher than those in Sham group(P