Efficacy and safety of a parylene-coated occluder for atrial septal defect: a prospective, multi-center, randomized controlled clinical trial / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Nitinol-containing devices are widely used in clinical practice. However, there are concerns about nickel release after nitinol-containing device implantation. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of a parylene-coated occluder vs. a traditional nitinol-containing device for atrial septal defect (ASD).@*METHODS@#One-hundred-and-eight patients with ASD were prospectively enrolled and randomly assigned to either the trial group to receive a parylene-coated occluder (n = 54) or the control group to receive a traditional occluder (n = 54). The plugging success rate at 6 months after device implantation and the pre- and post-implantation serum nickel levels were compared between the two groups. A non-inferiority design was used to prove that the therapeutic effect of the parylene-coated device was non-inferior to that of the traditional device. The Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel chi-squared test with adjustment for central effects was used for the comparison between groups.@*RESULTS@#At 6 months after implantation, successful ASD closure was achieved in 52 of 53 patients (98.11%) in both the trial and control groups (95% confidence interval (CI): [-4.90, 5.16]) based on per-protocol set analysis. The absolute value of the lower limit of the 95% CI was 4.90%, which was less than the specified non-inferiority margin of 8%. No deaths or severe complications occurred during 6 months of follow-up. The serum nickel levels were significantly increased at 2 weeks and reached the maximum value at 1 month after implantation in the control group (P  0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The efficacy of a parylene-coated ASD occluder is non-inferior to that of a traditional uncoated ASD occluder. The parylene-coated occluder prevents nickel release after device implantation and may be an alternative for ASD, especially in patients with a nickel allergy.

Investigation on Demodex infections among university students in Kunming City / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To investigate the prevalence of Demodex infection among students in Kunming Medical University, and identify the factors affecting Demodex infections, so as to provide the evidence for the development of the strategy for the prevention of Demodex infections. Methods A total of 1 463 students from Grade 2014 who studied Medical Parasitology in Kunming Medical University were included in the survey. Demodex was examined in students’facial skin using the cellophane tape method, and the species was identified using microscopy. The students’gender, ethnicity, place of origin and skin type were captured using a questionnaire survey. Results The overall prevalence of Demodex infections was 19.07% (279/1 463) on the facial skin among the university students, and a higher prevalence was seen in girls (21.16%, 183/865) than in boys (16.05%, 96/598) (χ2 =5.965,P <0.05).TheprevalenceofDemodex infectionswas18.33%(66/360)amongminorethnicstudents,andnoethnicity-specific prevalence was seen (P > 0.05). Demodex folliculorum was the predominant species, with a prevalence of 50.54% (141/279), and mild infections were predominant among all infections (96.77%, 270/279), without severe infections seen. Multivariate nonconditional logistic regression analysis revealed that gender and roommates with Demodex infections were risk factors of Demodex infections, and the infection was not associated with ethnicity, place of origin or skin type. There were only 2.53% (37/1 463) of the subjects understanding the knowledge pertaining to the prevention and control of Demodex infection. Conclusions A relatively low prevalence of Demodex infection is detected in the facial skin of students from Kunming Medical University, and Demodex infection is associated with gender and roommates with Demodex infections. Health education pertaining to the prevention of Demodex infections is suggested to be intensified among university students.

Recent advances in the neural regulation of feeding behavior in adult Drosophila / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

The ability to maintain metabolic homeostasis is a key capability critical for the survival and well-being of animals living in constantly changing environments. Metabolic homeostasis depends on neuromodulators, such as biogenic amines, neuropeptides, and hormones, to signal changes in animals' internal metabolic status and to orchestrate their behaviors accordingly. An important example is the regulation of feeding behavior by conserved molecular and cellular mechanisms across the animal kingdom. Its relatively simple brain coupled with well-characterized genetics and behavioral paradigms makes the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster an excellent model for investigating the neuromodulatory regulation of feeding behavior. In this review we discuss the neuromodulators and neural circuits that integrate the internal physiological status with external sensory cues and modulate feeding behavior in adult fruit flies. Studies show that various specific aspects of feeding behavior are subjected to unique neuromodulatory regulation, which permits fruit flies to maintain metabolic homeostasis effectively.

Ligustrazine regulates LPS-induced apoptosis and inflammatory response of osteoarthritis chondrocytes via inhibiting phosphorylation of NF-κB P65 / 中国免疫学杂志

Objective: To explore the effect of ligustrazine on the LPS-induced apoptosis and inflammatory response of osteoarthritis chondrocytes. Methods: Osteoarthritis model was induced by LPS. Chondrocytes were divided into four group: control group, ligustrazine ( 20 μmol/L) group, LPS ( 100 ng/ml) group and ligustrazine ( 20 μmol/L) +LPS ( 100 ng/ml) group. Apoptosis was measured by Hoechst33258 staining. The levels of nitric oxide ( NO), tumor necrosis factor α ( TNF-α) and interleukin ( IL) -6 were detected by ELISA. The protein levels of collagenⅡ, aggrecan, matrix metalloproteinase 13 ( MMP-13), NF-κB P65 and p-NF-κB P65 were tested by Western blot. Results: The LPS-induced abnormal cell morphology and decreased number of cells were ameliorated by ligustrazine ( 20 μmol/L). The apoptosis in LPS group was higher than control group ( P＜0. 05). The LPS-induced enhancive apoptosis was reduced by ligustrazine ( P＜0. 05). Compared with control group, the expression of collagenⅡ and aggrecan was alleviated with increased expression of MMP-13 ( P＜0. 05). The LPS-induced declined expression of collagenⅡ and aggrecan and elevated expression of MMP-13 was inhibited by ligustrazine ( P＜0. 05). The levels of NO, TNF-α and IL-6 in LPS group were higher than control group ( P＜0. 05). The levels of NO, TNF-α and IL-6 in LPS+ligustrazine group were lower than LPS group ( P＜0. 05). Compared with control group, the rate of pP65/P65 in LPPS group was enhanced ( P＜ 0. 05). The LPS-indiced increased rate of p-P65/P65 was decreased by ligustrazine ( P ＜0. 05). Conclusion: Ligustrazine alleviates the LPS-induced apoptosis and inflammatory response of osteoarthritis chondrocytes via inhibiting phosphorylation of NF-κB P65.

Strategy and progress of chemotherapy for cervical cancer / 中国实用妇科与产科杂志

As the treatment methods develop,the prognosis of cervical cancer has been significantly improved.Surgery and radiotherapy are still the main treatments for cervical cancer,accompanied by chemotherapy.For young patients with cervical cancer,radiotherapy can result in the ovarian failure and lead to a series of menopausal symptoms.Radiotherapy can also cause a lot of other complications and affect the quality of life.Chemotherapy,especially adjuvant chemotherapy before and after surgery,is drawing more and more attention recently.Therefore we made a summary of the latest progress in the strategies for postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy and preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy for cervical cancer.

Primary culture and identification of mouse renal proximal tubular epithelial cells / 生理学报

The present study was aimed to establish a modified method for culturing mouse renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (TECs). Renal cortex was isolated from mouse kidney and scissored into pieces. TECs were separated by digesting scissored renal cortex in type II collagenase combined with strainer filtration, and then cultured in DMEM. The morphology of TECs was observed under inverted microscopy. The cell proliferative ability was assessed by flow cytometry, and cell viability was analyzed by CCK-8 assay. The purity of TECs was identified by immunofluorescence. Immunofluorescence observation showed that more than 95% cells were epithelial marker CK18 positive and more than 90% cells expressed renal proximal TECs marker proteins, Villin, AQP1, and SGLT2. The cells could be subcultured for about 5 times. The cell proliferative ability declined following the repeated passage. This study introduced a modified efficient method for culturing highly purified mouse renal proximal TECs.

Isolation and identification of exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells / 基础医学与临床

Objective To develop a method of isolation and identification of exosomes of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.Methods The mesenchymal stem cells were cultured by whole bone marrow adherence method.A new reagent -exosomes extraction kit was used to isolate and collecte exosomes.The exosomes were identified by elec-tron microscopy,particle size detection,flow cytometry and Western blot.Results The expression of CD45 on the surface of the third generation bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells was negative,and CD73 and CD105 were posi-tive;exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were round or oval,the size is non-uniform,the diameter is 30~100 nm,have a complete membrane structure,and containing low-density substances;Particle size detection particle diameter of the main peak was 61.25 nm, in which the diameter of particles was about 20-200 nm accounted for 72.4%;exosome expressed CD63 and CD81;The expression of CD9 and CD63 from cell cul-ture supernatants was positive.Conclusions The exosomes can be collected in the medium of mesenchymal stem cells.The exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells can be identified by electron microscopy, particle size detection,flow cytometry and Western blot.

Precision evaluatation of personalized knee osteotomy instrument based on 3D printing technology for the total knee arthroplasty / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To construct a personalized knee osteotomy instrument(POI)based on 3D printing technology for the total knee arthroplasty(TKA)and to evaluate the precision of POI.Methods The full-length CT scanning and MRI scanning of the affected lower limbs were performed before operation respectively.The data fusion of CT scanning and MRI scanning were performed with the 3D anatomical data,and then the articular cartilage were reconstructed.The force lines were measured with virtual personalized osteotomy,and TKA prosthe-sis installation were calculated by CAD software.Based on CAD mimic,the registration surface of POI for femoral condyle and tibial plateau were designed by Boolean Subraction calculation technique.The shape and limit structure(LS)of POI were designed according to the regis-tration surface and the osteotomy surface.Finally,POI were fabricated by FDM 3D printing technology.Femoral condylar POI and tibial plat-eau POI were manufactured 15 cases in each group.The difference between design and actual values(DDA)of POI and LS size were meas-ured with the DDA of DML calculated.And the deviation of the TKA prosthesis angle from the design value was measured to verify the precision of the osteotomy of POI.Results There was no significant difference in the shape of POI and LS between design and actual values(P>0.05). Moreover,there was no significant difference of DMLs(P>0.05).Meanwhile,there was no significant difference of TKA prosthesis angle be-tween the design and postoperative values(P>0.05).Conclusion 3D printing technique can accurately construct the POI of TKA.POI can accurately register the articular surface and guide the osteotomy in TKA,which is conducive to the precision of TKA operation.

Application of iASSIST-assisted total knee arthroplasty in the treatment of genu varum or genu valgus / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Compared with conventional total knee arthroplasty (TKA), for patients with genu varum or genu valgus, indications, prosthesis choice, surgical accuracy and perioperative management during TKA should be paid more attention. OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical effectiveness of iASSIST-assisted TKA and traditional TKA in the treatment of genu varum or genu valgus. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with genu varum or genu valgus undergoing TKA were selected, and were then randomized into two groups: iASSIST-assisted TKA (group A) or traditional TKA (group B). The surgical accuracy was compared between two groups by measuring the knee valgus angle of patients, and the angle between prosthesis components on the coronal and sagittal planes. Besides, the intraoperative blood loss, operation time, postoperative drainage, restored alignment, postoperative complications, hospitalization time, as well as Visual Analogue Scale and American Knee Society scores were recorded to assess the clinical effectiveness. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The deviation of hip-knee-ankle angle, frontal femoral component angle, frontal tibial component angle, lateral femoral component angle and lateral femoral component angle in the two groups was less than 3°, and the group A exhibited better corrective efficacy. (2) The operation time in the group A was significantly longer than that in the group B; the hospitalization time in the group was significantly shorter than that in the group B; the restored alignment in the group A was significantly superior to that in the group B;the postoperative drainage, as well as Visual Analogue Scale and American Knee Society scores at 1 day and 1 week postoperatively in the group B were significantly superior to those in the group A (all P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the intraoperative blood loss, incidence of complications, as well as Visual Analogue Scale and American Knee Society scores at postoperative 2 weeks and 1 and 3 months between two groups (P > 0.05). (3) These results manifest that for the patients with genu varum or genu valgus, both iASSIST-assisted TKA and traditional TKA can obtain satisfactory surgical accuracy, and the former has advantage in restricting the alignment of lower limbs. However, the long-term efficacy needs to be explored in depth.

Accurate osteotomy assisted by individualized navigation templates for the treatment of children cubitus varus / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the feasibility and accuracy of a new navigation template for osteotomy in cubitus varus based on computer assistant design and 3D printing technology.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The preoperative CT images of 15 children with cubitus varus from June 2015 to June 2016 were collected. According to the above data, the individual osteotomy navigate template match the distal humerus was designed by the software and printed by the 3D printer. Accurate osteotomy was performed with the assistant of the navigate template in the operation. Internal fixation of the osteotomy site was performed with 2 Kirschner wires. After surgery, a long arm plaster was applied with 20° of elbow flexion. All the patients underwent radiographic and clinical evaluations before surgery and at the follow-up examination.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>During the operation, the navigate template with the individual design of 3D printing technology matched the bony markers of distal humerus. Accurate and simple osteotomy were performed along the resected surface of the navigation template. None of the cases required any kinds of revision surgery or had any complaint of cosmetic appearance. Average union time was 6.7 weeks(ranged, 6 to 8 weeks). Twelve patients got an excellent result and 2 got a good result according to the criteria described by Bellemore. There were no cases with complications of infection or ulnar nerve palsy or joint stiffness.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>With the help of 3D printing technology, the accurate osteotomy in cubitus varus assisted by individualized navigate template can be realized. This technology can restore normal anatomical structure of the elbow joint to the greatest extent. It is worthy of popularization and application.</p>

Glycemic Variation in Tumor Patients with Total Parenteral Nutrition / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Hyperglycemia is associated with poor clinical outcomes and mortality in several patients. However, studies evaluating hyperglycemia variation in tumor patients receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) are scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between glycemia and tumor kinds with TPN by monitoring glycemic variation in tumor patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This retrospective clinical trial selected 312 patients with various cancer types, whose unique nutrition treatment was TPN during the monitoring period. All patients had blood glucose (BG) values assessed at least six times daily during the TPN infusion. The glycemic variation before and after TPN was set as the indicator to evaluate the factors influencing BG.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The clinical trial lasted 7.5 ± 3.0 days adjusted for age, gender, family cancer history and blood types. There were six cancer types: Hepatic carcinoma (HC, 21.8%), rectal carcinoma (17.3%), colon carcinoma (CC, 14.7%), gastric carcinoma (29.8%), pancreatic carcinoma (11.5%), and duodenal carcinoma (DC, 4.8%). The patients were divided into diabetes and nondiabetes groups. No statistical differences in TPN glucose content between diabetes and nondiabetes groups were found; however, the tumor types affected by BG values were obvious. With increasing BG values, DC, HC and CC were more represented than other tumor types in this sequence in diabetic individuals, as well as in the nondiabetic group. BG was inclined to be more easily influenced in the nondiabetes group. Other factors did not impact BG values, including gender, body mass index, and TPN infusion duration time.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>When tumor patients are treated with TPN, BG levels should be monitored according to different types of tumors, besides differentiating diabetes or nondiabetes patients. Special BG control is needed for DC, HC and CC in both diabetic and nondiabetic patients. If BG overtly increases, positive measurements are needed to control BG values. The ClinicalTrials.gov ID is NCT02024321.</p>

Hepatocellular adenoma with malignant transformation in male patients with non-cirrhotic livers / 癌症

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs), with a risk of malignant transformation into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), classically develop in young women who are taking oral contraceptives. It is now clear that HCAs may also occur in men. However, it is rarely reported that HCAs with malignant transformation occur in male patients with non-cirrhotic livers. This study aimed to characterize the malignancy of HCAs occurring in male patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>All patients with HCAs with malignant transformation who underwent hepatectomy at the Cancer Institute and Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College between January 1, 1999 and December 31, 2011 were enrolled in the study. The clinical characteristics as well as radiologic and pathologic data were reviewed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>HCAs with malignant transformation were observed in 5 male patients with non-cirrhotic livers, but not in female patients. The alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels were higher in patients with HCAs with malignant transformation than in patients with HCAs without malignant transformation. The diameters of the tumors with malignant transformation were larger than 5 cm in 3 cases and smaller than 5 cm in 2 cases. The 5 patients were all alive without recurrence by the end of the study period. The disease-free survival times of the 5 patients were 26, 48, 69, 69, and 92 months.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Our results indicate that resection would be advised even if the presumptive diagnosis is adenoma smaller than 5 cm in diameter, especially in male patients.</p>

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection-Associated Mortality during Pulmonary Tuberculosis Treatment in Six Provinces of China / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the risk factors attributable to tuberculosis-related deaths in areas with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection epidemics.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A prospective cohort study of newly registered patients in tuberculosis (TB) dispensaries in six representative Chinese provinces was conducted from September 1, 2009 to August 31, 2011. Risk factors for TB-associated death were identified through logistic regression analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of 19,103 newly registered pulmonary TB patients, 925 (4.8%) were found to be HIV-positive. Miliary TB and acid-fast bacillus smear-negative TB were more common among these patients. Out of a total of 322 (1.7%) deaths that occurred during TB treatment, 85 (26%) of the patients were co-infected with HIV. Multivariate analysis revealed that HIV infection was the strongest predictor of death [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 7.86]. Other significant mortality risk factors included presentation with miliary TB (aOR 4.10; 95% confidence interval: 2.14-7.88), ⋝35 years of age (aOR 3.04), non-Han ethnicity (aOR 1.67), and farming as an occupation (aOR 1.59). For patients with TB/HIV co-infection, miliary TB was the strongest risk factor for death (aOR 5.48). A low CD4 count (⋜200 cells/µL) (aOR 3.27) at the time of TB treatment initiation and a lack of antiretroviral therapy (ART) administration (aOR 3.78) were also correlated with an increased risk of death.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Infection with HIV was independently associated with increased mortality during TB treatment. Offering HIV testing at the time of diagnosis with TB, early TB diagnosis among HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients, and the timely provision of ART were identified as the key approaches that could reduce the number of HIV-associated TB deaths.</p>

Current therapy status and research progress of cartilage defects of knees / 中国骨伤

To demonstrate the current strategies for treating cartilage defects of knees and the related research. Published papers about cartilage defects were searched and reviewed. The current strategies for the treatment were summarized. Based on the research of our study and others, the conclusion how to treat cartilage defects was made. The current ways for treating cartilage defects include micro-fractures, chondrocytes transplantation, mosaicplasty and tissue engineering; Research on functional magnetic resonance imaging in the early diagnosis of cartilage defects, cartilage degeneration is gradually increasing. There is still no effective treatment of cartilage defects and tissue engineering has brought new hopes for the treatment of cartilage defects , functional magnetic resonance imaging has some significance in early diagnosis of cartilage defects, cartilage degeneration.

Minimally invasive treatment for distal radial fracture and dislocation of type IV based on Fernandez classification / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of external fixation combined with minimally invasive internal fixation for the treatment of distal radial fracture and dislocation of type IV based on Fernandez classification.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From January 2007 to October 2012,19 patients with the distal radius fracture and dislocation of type IV according to Fernandez classification were reviewed. There were 14 males and 5 females,ranging in age from 22 to 42 years old,with an average of 36.5 years old. All the patients were treated with minimally invasive reduction, and external fixation with finite internal fixation. The K-wire was used to fix radiolunate articular surface for correcting the instability of dorsal and volar intercalated segment. The radiolunate angle, scapholunate angle, and the length of the radial shorting were measured by the standard X-ray. Gartland and Werley evaluation system was used to evaluate recovery of function.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>No complications such as injury of blood vessels and radial nerves and pin track infections occurred. After operation, the radiolunate angle, scapholunate angle and the length of the radial shorting time were (9.5 +/- 3.3) degrees, (51.3 +/- 11.2) degrees and (11.2 +/- 1.8) mm by the standard X-ray. On the 3rd month after operation, GW score was 3.02 +/- 3.05. There was no re-displacement and subluxation occurred during the follow-up period. Good functional recovery were improved wrist function significantly.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>External fixation combined with minimally invasive internal fixation can treat distal radial fracture and dislocation of type IV based on Fernandez classification. Wrist joint stability depends on the structure of the bone and ligament around wrist joint. Emphasis on the diagnosis and treatment of carpal instability, and postoperative functional rehabilitation can improve wrist function.</p>

Transplantation of collagen-chitosan nerve conduits filled with glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor gene-modified schwann cells for the repair of sciatic nerve defect / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effects of the transplantation of collagen-chitosan nerve scaffold containing glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor(GDNF)gene modified schwann cells on the recovery of long-distance sciatic nerve defect.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The rat models of 8 mm long-distance sciatic nerve defect were established and divided into three groups, with 6 rats in each group. In GDNF-Sch group, the defect was repaired by GDNF modified Schwann cells combined with collagen-chitosan nerve scaffold. In Sch group, the defect was repaired by Schwann cells combined with collagen-chitosan nerve scaffold. In the control group, the defect was repaired by autologous nerve graft. Sciatic function index(SFI)was detected 3, 6, and 12 weeks after surgery. After 12 weeks, the tibialis anterior muscle wet weight, electrophysiology, and regenerated nerve morphology were detected.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The SFI in the operated side significantly differed among these three groups after 6 and 12 weeks(P<0.05). Along with prolonged treatment, the GDNF-Sch group had similar SFI recovery with the control group but significantly better SFI recovery than Sch group. After 12 weeks, the sensory nerve conduction velocity in the GDNF-Sch and Sch group was not significantly different(P>0.05)but was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05). Both the GDNF-Sch group and Sch group had significantly lower sensory nerve amplitude comparing with the control group(P<0.05), whereas that in the GDNF-Sch group was significantly higher than that in the Sch group(P<0.05). GDNF-Sch group and the control group had significantly higher motor nerve conduction velocity and amplitude than Sch group(P<0.05), while no such statistically significant difference was seen between the two groups(P >0.05). After 12 weeks, the wet weight of the bridging side of the tibial muscle in the control group, Sch group, and GDNF-Sch group was(0.360±0.020), (0.250±0.018), and(0.310±0.025)g, which were significantly lower than the control side [(0.440±0.031), (0.420±0.024), and(0.430±0.027)g, respectively(P<0.05)]. Muscle wet weight in bridge side of GDNF-Sch group and the control group were significantly higher than in Sch group(P<0.05), but it was not significantly different between the GDNF-Sch group and the control group(P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Transplantation of collagen-chitosan nerve scaffold containing GDNF gene modified Schwann cells can remarkably facilitate sciatic nerve defect recovery, with a milimar effectiveness as autologous nerve grafting.</p>

DADLE suppresses the proliferation of human liver cancer HepG2 cells by activation of PKC pathway and elevates the sensitivity to cis-diammine dichloridoplatium / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of DADLE, a δ-opioid receptor agonist, on the proliferation of human liver cancer HepG2 cells and explore the mechanism involving PKC pathway.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>HepG2 cells were treated with DADLE at different doses (0.01, 0.1, 1.0 and 10 µmol/L). Cell viability was determined using methyl thiazolyl terazolium (MTT) assay. The expression of PKC mRNA and p-PKC protein were examined by RT-PCR and Western blot assay. After treated separately with DADLE plusing NAL or PMA, the cell cycle of HepG2 cells was analyzed by flow cytometer. MTT was used to detect their proliferation capacity and Western blot was used to examine the p-PKC expression. The growth inhibitory rate of HepG2 cells treated with DADLE and cis-diammine dichloridoplatinum (CDDP) was analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>DADLE at different concentrations showed an inhibitory effect on the proliferation of HepG2 cells though inhibiting the expression of PKC mRNA and p-PKC protein. The results of flow cytometry showed that compared with the control group, the percentage of S + G(2)/M cells in DADLE-treated group was lowered by 3.94% (P < 0.01). Meanwhile, after treated with NAL and PMA, the percentage was elevated by 3.22% and 3.63%, respectively (P < 0.01). The MTT and Western blot assays showed that compared with the control group, the values of A570 and p-PKC protein levels in the HepG2 cells of DADLE-treated group were significantly decreased (P < 0.01). After treatment with NAL and PMA, the values of A570 and p-PKC protein levels were elevated significantly (P < 0.01). The growth inhibitory rate of DADLE + CDDP group was 79.9%, significantly lower than 25.2% and 43.2% of the DADLE and CDDP groups, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Activation of δ-opioid receptor by DADLE inhibits the apoptosis of human liver cancer HepG2 cells. The underlying mechanism may be correlated with PKC pathway. DADLE can enhance the chemosensitivity of HepG2 cells to CDDP.</p>

Surgery for left ventricular aneurysm after myocardial infarction: techniques selection and results assessment / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The most appropriate surgical approach for patients with post-infarction left ventricular (LV) aneurysm remains undetermined. We compared the efficacy of the linear versus patch repair techniques, and investigated the mid-term changes of LV geometry and cardiac function, for repair of LV aneurysms.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We reviewed the records of 194 patients who had surgery for a post-infarction LV aneurysm between 1998 and 2010. Short-term and mid-term outcomes, including complications, cardiac function and mortality, were assessed. LV end-diastolic and systolic dimensions (LVEDD and LVESD), LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volume indexes (LVEDVI and LVESVI) and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) were measured on pre-operative and follow-up echocardiography.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Overall in-hospital mortality was 4.12%, and major morbidity showed no significant differences between the two groups. Multivariate analysis identified preoperative left ventricular end diastolic pressure > 20 mmHg, low cardiac output and aortic clamping time > 2 hours as risk factors for early mortality. Follow-up revealed that LVEF improved from 37% pre-operation to 45% 12 months post-operation in the patch group (P = 0.008), and from 44% pre-operation to 40% 12 months postoperation in the linear group (P = 0.032). In contrast, the LVEDVI and LVESVI in the linear group were significantly reduced immediately after the operation, and increased again at follow-up. However, in the patch group, the LVEDVI and LVESVI were significantly reduced at follow-up. And there were significant differences in the correct value changes of LVEF and left ventricular remodeling between linear repair and patch groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Persistent reduction of LV dimensions after the patch repair procedure seems to be a procedure-related problem. The choice of the technique should be tailored on an individual basis and surgeon's preference. The patch remodeling technique results in a better LVEF improvement, further significant reductions in LV dimensions and volumes than does the linear repair technique. The results suggest that LV patch remodeling is a better surgical choice for patients with post-infarction LV aneurysm.</p>

Calcium citrate: a new biomaterial that can enhance bone formation in situ / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of a new biomaterial combining calcium citrate and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) on bone regeneration in a bone defect rabbit model.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 30 male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly and equally divided into calcium citrate-rhBMP-2 (CC-rhBMP-2) group and rhBMP-2 only group. Two 10 mm-long and 5 mm-deep bone defects were respectively created in the left and right femoral condyles of the rabbits. Subsequently 5 pellets of calcium citrate (10 mg) combined with rhBMP-2 (2 mg) or rhBMP-2 alone were implanted into the bone defects and compressed with cotton swab. Bone granules were obtained at 2, 4 and 6 weeks after procedure and received histological analysis. LSD t-test and a subsequent t-test were adopted for statistical analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Histomorphometric analysis revealed newly formed bones, and calcium citrate has been absorbed in the treatment group. The percent of newly formed bone area in femoral condyle in control group and CC-rhBMP-2 group was respectively 31.73%+/-1.26% vs 48.21%+/-2.37% at 2 weeks; 43.40%+/-1.65% vs 57.32%+/-1.47% at 4 weeks, and 51.32%+/-7.80% vs 66.74%+/-4.05% at 6 weeks (P less than 0.05 for all). At 2 weeks, mature cancellous bone was observed to be already formed in the treatment group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>From this study, it can be concluded that calcium citrate combined with rhBMP-2 signifcantly enhances bone regeneration in bone defects. This synthetic gelatin matrix stimulates formation of new bone and bone marrow in the defect areas by releasing calcium ions.</p>

An improved risk of malignancy index in diagnosis of adnexal mass / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>With the advent of color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) and technological development of detection of serum tumor markers, new opportunities are presented to the improved risk of malignancy index (RMI) based on Jacobs' research for predicting ovarian malignancy in patients with adnexal masses.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and eighty women with an adnexal mass admitted for primary laparotomy were studied. Tumor specific growth factor (TSGF) adjusted ultrasound scores and the results of Doppler blood flow analysis were obtained before the operation. Based on the parameters which had been studied in Jacobs' research, TSGF levels and the findings of color Doppler flow imaging, the risk of malignancy model was redesigned using a binary Logistic regression model. The diagnostic efficacy of the improved risk of malignancy index (improved RMI) was compared with the Jacobs' model RMI by receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The ROC curve showed a higher sensitivity (Mcnamer's test, P < 0.05) in the discrimination between benign and malignant adnexal masses for the improved RMI than the RMI. Compared with the RMI, the improved RMI had an advantage in prediction of ovarian germ cell tumors and granular cell tumor (28.57% vs.71.43%, P < 0.05) and the early stage tumors and borderline tumors (33.33% vs. 66.67%, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The predictability of the improved RMI is better than the classic Jacobs' model, especially in diagnosis of the ovarian germ cell tumors and granular cell tumor and other early stage adnexal tumors.</p>