The effects of stelleta ganglion resection on heart failure in response to pressure overload / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To observe the impact and difference of resection of left stellate ganglion (LSG) or right stellate ganglion (RSG) on rats with heart failure. Methods: Thirty male SD rats were divided into 3 groups (n=10 each) by random number table method: control group, LSG group, RSG group. All three groups underwent TAC surgery to establish a pressure-overloaded heart failure model. Then, LSG and RSG were bluntly separated and removed in rats assigned to the LSG group or RSG group by surgery, while rats in the control group underwent sham operation. The changes in blood pressure and heart rate before operation, 30 minutes and 10 weeks after operation were recorded; echocardiography was performed before operation and 10 weeks after operation to detect the thickness of the ventricular septum, left ventricle posterior wall diameter, left ventricular end diastolic diameter, left ventricular end diastolic volume, and calculate the left ventricular fractional shortening and left ventricular ejection fraction. HE staining and Masson staining were performed to observe the degree of myocardial hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis, and to judge the ventricular remodeling. Results: The heart rates of the three groups of rats were (352.4±4.3), (320.3±4.0) and (297.9±5.9) beats/min, and the blood pressure was (142.8±2.3), (123.4±2.7) and (129.6±2.9) mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) at thirty minutes after surgery; the heart rates of the three groups of rats were (352.9±4.0), (321.6±3.4) and (301±4.1) beats/min, and the blood pressure was (145.6±1.9), (124.8±1.7) and (130.4±4.4) mmHg at 10 weeks after surgery. The heart rate and blood pressure in the LSG group and RSG group at 30 min and 10 weeks after surgery were significantly lower than those in the control group; at 10 weeks after surgery, the heart rate in the RSG group was significantly lower than that in the LSG group (P both<0.001). After 10 weeks, rats in the control group developed severe left ventricular dilatation. Degree of left ventricular hypertrophy was significantly reduced in the LSG group and RSG group than in the control group, the thickness of the ventricular septum was (3.2±0.3), (2.5±0.1) and (2.5±0.1) mm; the left ventricular end-diastolic diameters were (7.5±0.3), (5.5±0.3) and (5.7±0.2) mm; the left ventricular end-diastolic volume was (9.5±0.3), (4.5±0.2) and (4.8±0.2) ml; the left ventricular fractional shortening was (21.6±1.3)%, (49.1±3.9)% and (47.4±1.5)%; and the left ventricular ejection fraction was (50.9±2.5)%, (81.9±2.1)% and (80.0±2.3)%, respectively in the control group, LSG group and RSG group. Compared with the control group, the left ventricular posterior wall diameter, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and left ventricular end-diastolic volume were significantly lower and the left ventricular fractional shortening and left ventricular ejection fraction were significantly higher in the LSG group and RSG group (all P<0.001). 10 weeks after operation, the values of type Ⅰ collagen in the control group, LSG group, and RSG group were (0.354±0.013), (0.211±0.012) and (0.243±0.013), respectively. Ratio of type Ⅰ/Ⅲ collagen was (1.109±0.065), (0.737±0.055) and (0.839±0.075), respectively. Compared with the control group, the ratio of type Ⅰcollagen and ratio of type Ⅰ/Ⅲ collagen were significantly lower in the LSG group and RSG group (P<0.001). Conclusion: Both left and right stellate ganglion resection can similarly reduce ventricular remodeling caused by pressure overload and delay the progression of heart failure in tis TAC rat model.

Effects of ginseng-spikenard heart-nourishing capsule on inactivation of C-type Kv1.4 potassium channel

This research is to explore the effects of traditional Chinese medicine Ginseng-spikenard heart-nourishing capsule on the inactivation of c-type Kv1.4 channels [Kv1.4[DELTA]N] in Xenopus laevis oocytes with two-electrode voltageclamp technique. Defolliculated oocytes [stage V-VI] were injected with transcribed cRNAs of ferret Kv1.4[DELTA]N channels. During recording, oocytes were continuously perfused with ND96 solution [control group] and solution prepared from Ginseng-spikenard heart-nourishing capsule [experimental group]. Results found that, at the command potential of +50 mV, the current of experimental group was reduced to 48.33+/-4.0% of that in control group. The inactivation time constants in control and experimental groups were 2962.56+/-175.35 ms and 304.13+/-36.22ms, respectively [P<0.05, n= 7]. The recovery time of fKv1.4[DELTA]N channel after inactivation in control group and experimental groups was 987+/-68.39 ms and 1734.15+/-98.45 ms, respectively [P<0.05, n=5]. Ginseng-spikenard heart-nourishing capsule can inhibit the Kv1.4[DELTA]N channel, which may be one of the mechanisms of underlying antiarrhythmia

Clinical effect of Le Fort I osteotomy approach associated with endoscope for the resection of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the clinical effect of Le Fort I osteotomy approach associated with endoscope for the resection of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Three patients with juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma, stage II b, were retrospectively analyzed. All of them underwent Le Fort I osteotomy approach associated with endoscope between 2004 and 2009. All patients were followed up at first, third, sixth months and one year after surgery. Two years later, endoscopic examination and CT scan were performed, to analyze the clinical effect.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>All three patients had total removal of tumor and no postoperative complications. No tumor recurrence was found 2 years after operation, and no face deformity. The tooth articulation was recovered, these patients could eat hard diet, although one patient had lose a little teeth sensation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Le Fort I osteotomy had good clinical effect, if associated with endoscope, it could get a good surgical exposure, and can do well in the treatment on juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma, even intruded into pterygopalatine and infratemporal fossa.</p>

Pathologic changes of the palatopharyngeal muscles in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome of different degrees / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the pathologic changes of the palatopharyngeal muscles with transmission electronmicroscopy (TEM) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), the role of the above muscle in OSAHS pathogenesis was discussed.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-eight palatopharyngeal muscle from OSAHS patients receiving uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) were collected in in-patient department of Chinese Medical University and five palatal tumor patients receiving resection without snoring were chosen as the control. The palatopharyngeal muscle fiber and the feature of changes in mitochondrial morphology were observed by TEM.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The pathological changes were not observed in the normal control group. The muscle fibers were regularly arranged, and the mitochondrial between muscles were normal. The palatopharyngeal myofibrillar in mild OSAHS group was regularly arranged. The Z lines were straight, and most mitochondria structure were normal. In the moderate group, the myofibrillar was disorganized, and the Z lines were shortened or distorted. The myofibrillar in severe group was disorganized, similar to point-like or flake, and the Z lines and the structures of sarcomeres were disappeared. And organelle were disintegrated and mitochondria were disappeared similar to flocculent. There existed obvious fatty infiltration in the palatopharyngeal muscle. In the control, mild, moderate and severe group, pharyngeal muscle fiber disarrangement of the occurrence rate was 0, 2/10, 8/13, 14/15, the occurrence rate of mitochondrial degeneration was 0, 2/10, 8/13, 14/15, increased with the severity of the ultrastructural changes in the trend of increasing incidence.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The degree of OSAHS is correlated with the pathological changes of palatopharyngeal muscles. Incidence of myopathy is an important part of OSAHS secondary to chronic intermittent hypoxia in OSAHS and other pathological lesions, but also an important reason for increasing pharyngeal collapse.</p>

Rehabilitation by hollow obturator prosthesis immediately after total maxillectomy for malignant tumor / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The feasibility and clinical effects of hollow obturator prosthesis for the repair of maxillofacial defect immediately after maxillectomy for cancer were assessed.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirteen patients with T3-4aN0M0 maxillary neoplasm were treated by the prostheses immediately after maxillectomy. According to the 3D-CT reconstruction of nasal sinus, the 3D stereoscopic prototype was constructed before the surgery. Simulating surgery with Surgicare 5.0 software and then the prosthesis 3D stereoscopic model was shaped. The prosthesis was made quickly and precisely with methacrylate resins according to the model and the print mold before surgery, with supplementary tooth at the bottom of prosthesis. In the surgery, the prosthesis was installed instantly after maxillectomy. The patients were followed up at 1, 3 and 6 month after the surgery, respectively. The facial features and the pronunciation clarity were examined and the questionnaires were carried out in the patients, with comparation by paired t-test. The hollow obturator prosthesis would be replaced by permanent prosthesis made of methacrylate resins at 6 month after the surgery.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The hollow obturator prostheses were installed accurately and maxillofacial defects were repaired immediately after maxillectomy in the 13 patients. Postoperative follow-up showed there were significant differences in eyeball sagging (t = 4.67, P < 0.05), mid-facial region collapse (t = 5.67, P < 0.05), and pronunciation clarity (t = 16.38, P < 0.05) between patients with and without prostheses. Questionnaires showed that all the patients were satisfied with the retention of prostheses, the improvement of appearance, the improvement of the symptom of water choking and speech definition. Six months after the surgery, the hollow obturator prostheses were replaced smoothly by permanent prostheses in 11 of the 13 patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The precise and instant repair of maxillofacial defect by prosthesis after maxillectomy can improve survival quality of patient.</p>

Application of a method of improving the quality of sampling in review to determine the light areas of endemic fluorosis in quality control / 中国地方病学杂志

ObjectiveTo study an application of a method of improving the quality of sampling in review to determine the light areas of endemic fluorosis(referred to as endemic fluorosis) in quality control. Methods Of 15 light endemic fluorosis township(town), six were randomly sampled, and the prevalence of dental fluorosis in 22 village primary school children aged 8 to 12 were reviewed to determine the improved quality of sampling in Xuyong county Sichuan province. ResultsSix townships(towns) were selected by simple random sampling from 15 endemic fluorosis townships(towns) for review inspection in Xuyong country. A total of 22 villages were verified, accounting for 22.7％ of the total 97 villages verified. Of the 416 children for review inspection of dental fluorosis, 383 children were positive. The consistent rate of children' s dental fluorosis was 92.07％, and the verification to be slight villages was up to 21 endemic villages, accounting for 95.45％. ConclusionsThe application of a method of improving the quality of sampling can improve the efficiency of quality control, and improve the accuracy. It is a novel quality control method.

Gait instability in patients with small acoustic neuroma / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Small acoustic neuromas seldom result in typical vestibular symptoms, despite the tumor arising from the vestibular nerve. In this study, we have shown that abnormal gait in eleven patients with small acoustic neuroma could be detected in gait analysis by the use of tactile sensor. Patients displayed no oculomotor abnormality and had tumors less than 10 mm from the porus acoustics.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Gait related parameters including the coefficients of variations (CV) of stance, swing, double support, area ratio of trajectories of center of force (TCOF), in addition to the foot pressure difference between both feet, were used for assessment of gait.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The CV of swing and the area ratio of TCOF were greater in patients than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The values of these two parameters became greater under an eyes closed condition compared to eyes open (P < 0.05) in the patient group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>These results indicate that gait analysis may be helpful to assess vestibulospinal function of patients with small acoustic neuroma, the slight vestibular deficits of which can not be detected by visual observation.</p>

Effect of a novel injectable hydrogel implant on ventricular remodeling in rabbits with experimental myocardial infarction / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe whether injectable hydrogel implantation could prevent adverse cardiac remodeling and preserve cardiac function in rabbits with myocardial infarction (MI).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A novel injectable hydrogel, the copolymer MPM/alpha-CD, which self-assembled between alpha-cyclodextrin and methoxy polyethylene glycol-poly (caprolactone)-(dodecanedioic acid)-poly (caprolactone)-methoxypolyethylene glycol triblock polymer, was synthesized by chemical crosslinking and characterized by biocompatibility and biodegradability. Experimental MI was induced in male rabbits by coronary artery ligation. The MI rabbits were randomly divided into hydrogel group (200 microl MPM/alpha-CD were injected into the infarcted myocardium 7 days after MI) and control group (equal volume phosphate buffered saline myocardial injection, n = 8 each). Four weeks after MPM/alpha-CD implantation, echocardiography, histochemistry and immunohistochemistry were performed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Left ventricle ejection fraction was significantly improved in the hydrogel-treated group (56.1% +/- 8.4%) than that in the control group (37.3% +/- 6.4%, P < 0.05). Histological analysis indicated that hydrogel degraded 4 weeks after hydrogel injection, and prevented scar expansion and wall thinning [(3.08 +/- 0.32) mm vs. (2.18 +/- 0.46) mm in control group, P < 0.05]. Neovasculature formation was similar between the hydrogel group [(100.8 +/- 2.4)/mm(2)] and the control [(98.5 +/- 2.9)/mm(2), P > 0.05].</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>MPM/alpha-CD could serve as an excellent injectable biomaterial for improves cardiac function and attenuating scar expansion and left ventricular dilation in MI rabbits.</p>

Long-term follow-up study of 559 cases with laryngeal carcinoma / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the long-term follow-up result of partial laryngectomy and reservation of laryngeal function.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Five hundred and fifty-nine patients who underwent partial laryngectomy from 1996 to 2002 were summarized (male 435 cases, female 124 cases). Among them, 200 cases were supraglottic carcinomas (classified accordingly by UICC standard of years 2002 into: 15 cases of I, 81 cases of II, 72 cases of III, and 32 cases of IV), 354 cases were glottic carcinomas (141 cases of I, 124 cases of II, 88 cases of III, and 1 cases of IV), 5 cases were transglottic carcinomas (2 cases of II and 3 cases of III). In common 7 kinds of operations were performed: 66 cases underwent cordectomy, 119 vertical laryngectomy, 62 horizontal supraglottic laryngectomy, 113 horizontovertical (3/4) laryngectomy, 88 subtotal laryngectomy with cricoglossoepiglottic anastomosis, 26 near total laryngectomy with cricoglossal anastomosis (with reservation of unilateral arytenoid cartilage), 85 laser laryngectomy. Two hundred and sixty-one cases underwent concurrent neck dissection (174 unilateral, 87 bilateral). Safety margin of less than or equal to 5 mm was suspected of having residual lymph node metastasis, the postoperative radiation therapy to treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All cases restored their phonation and overcame aspiration with removing nasal feeding from 7 to 24 days after operations. Four hundred and sixty-six cases were decannulated from 9 days to 3 months after operations. Decannulation rate was 98.3%. Through periodic review of out-patient clinics or telephone follow-up, family members follow-up a variety of ways, three, five or ten years follow-up rate: 99.6% (557/559), 98.2% (549/559), 95.8% (183/191), dollars lost to death. The three years survival rates were 89.6% (501/559). Among them, the survival rates for supraglottic carcinoma patients of stage I and II was 90.6%, stage III and IV 81.7%, for glottic carcinoma patient of stage I and II was 95.2%, stage III and IV 82.4%. The five years survival rates were 75.0% (419/559). Among them, the survival rates for supraglottic carcinoma patients of stage I and II was 75.0%, stage III and IV 62.5%, for glottic carcinoma patient of stage I and II was 81.8%, stage III and IV 70.6%. The ten year survival rates were 71.2% (136/191). Among them, the survival rates for supraglottic carcinoma patients of stage I and II was 69.7%, stage III and IV 65.2%, for glottic carcinoma patient of stage I and II was 77.6%, stage III and IV 72.1%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Partial laryngectomy is a kind of radical operation with reservation of laryngeal function. Qualities of life and curative effect, were greatly improved.</p>

Expression and significance of galectin-3 and galectin-9 in mice nasal mucosa with allergic rhinitis / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the expression of galectin-3 and galectin-9 in mice nasal mucosa,and to explore the role of galectin-3 and galectin-9 in allergic rhinitis (AR).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty mice were randomly divided into AR group and control group, 10 mice in each group. Ten mice of BALB/c were sensitized intraperitoneally with 10 microg of ovalbumin(OVA) adsorbed onto 2 mg Al(OH)3 on day 1 and day 14. Mice was induced daily by intranasal daily administration of 10 microl of saline containing 100 microg of OVA from day 21 to day 28. OVA was replaced with saline in control group. Immunohistochemical staining was used to examine the expression of galectin-3 and galectin-9 in nasal mucosa. RT-PCR was performed to investigate the level of mRNA expression of complement galectin-3, galectin-9. The level of IL-4, IL-5 and IFN-gamma in peripheral blood were titrated by ELISA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Galectin-3 and galectin-9 were detected in both groups. Expression of galectin-3 and galectin-9 in group AR was higher than that in control group. Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated that the levels of galectin-3 and galectin-9 were positively correlated with the level of IL-4 and IL-5, but negatively correlated with the level of IFN-gamma.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Galectin-3 and galectin-9 might play an important role in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis.</p>

Cholesteatoma otitis media and supratubal recess / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the significance of supratubal recess and its aeration pathway to epitympanum in the pathogenesis of cholesteatoma otitis media.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty-two ears of cholesteatoma were selected as study group. Sixteen ears of traumatic facial palsy with pneumatic mastoid, which had no history of chronic otitis media were selected as control group. The status of supratubal recesses of all and their aeration pathways to epitympanum were observed in operations.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Sixteen ears from control group clearly presented supratubal recesses. Membrane closure was founded in four of them. The aeration pathways of fifty-two ears (100%) from study group were all completely closed. Comparing with control group, the difference was obviously significant (chi2 = 41.7144, P = 0.000). Among these cases, bony closure was observed in thirty-four ears (65.4%), while membrane closure in eighteen ears (34.6%). Their epitympanum space was very narrow and mastoid was sclerotic or poorly developed.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Blockage of the aeration pathway between supratubal recess and epitympanum was possible one of the origins of negative-pressure status of epitympanum and mastoid, which might lead to the formation of aural cholesteatoma. Anatomy variation of the aeration pathway from supratubal recess to epitympanum might be a pathogenesis factor of cholesteatoma otitis media. It suggested that opening the aeration pathway in tympanoplasty with intact canal wall up technique might be helpful to prevent recurrence of aural cholesteatoma.</p>

Electrically evoked stapedius reflex threshold and its clinical contribution of cochlear implantations / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate and measure the electrically evoked stapedius reflex threshold (ESRT) and the maximum comfortable level (MCL), the feasibility of using objective index of the fitting of speech processor was evaluated.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The relationship of ESRT and MCL was conducted by measuring the ESRT and MCL of 28 Medel Combi 40 + cochlear implant users from August 2003 to April 2006.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The incidence of ESRT of 10 patient during operation was 78.3% (94/120), and the incidence 3 months after the operation was 82.5% (99/120). The incidence of ESRT in 3 patients with Large vestibular aqueduct syndrome was 47.2% (17/36). The ESRT and MCL of each electrode of those 28 patients after operation were compared, the result was shown as following: (1) 247 electrodes' MCL were greater than ESRT; (2) 14 electrodes' MCL were equal to ESRT; (3) 46 electrodes' MCL were smaller than ESRT. The average of ESRT after operation was (677.1 +/- 109.8) cu, the average of MCL was (732.3 +/- 114.8) cu. ESRT was smaller than MCL (t = 11.37, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The cochlear implantations must be in normal working condition when ESR was positive. ESRT is a useful method to map the fitting of speech processor.</p>

Expression and localization of CKLFSF2 in human spermatogenesis / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>AIM</b>To investigate the expression and subcellular localization of chemokine-like factor superfamily 2 (CKLFSF2) in human testis and its potential role in spermatogenesis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A specific polyclonal antibody against CKLFSF2 was raised. The expression and cellular localization of CKLFSF2 in the seminiferous tubules was checked by immunohistochemistry method. Also, in situ hybridization was applied to localize the mRNA distribution. The EGFP-CKLFSF2 fusion protein was expressed in COS-7 cells to localize its subcellular location in vitro. In addition, the abnormal expression of CKLFSF2 in testes of patients with male infertility was assayed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry methods.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Having a close correlation with spermatogenesis defects, CKLFSF2 was specifically expressed in meiotic and post-meiotic germ cells, which were localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) near the Golgi apparatus.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>CKLFSF2 could play important roles in the process of meiosis and spermiogenesis, and might be involved in the vesicular transport or membrane apposition events in the endoplasmic reticulum.</p>

Construction and expression of ATP50 fluorescent protein in TM3 mouse Leydig cells / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the expression and localization of ATP50 by construction of ATP50-pEYFP-N1 in primary cultured mouse Leydig cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Primary cultured mouse Leydig cells were confirmed by 3B-HSD staining. ATP50 was cloned into pEYFP-N1 between Bam HI and Eco RI sites. Cell-transfection and living-cell fluorescence imaging microscopy were employed to investigate the sub-cellular localization of YFP-ATP50 in TM3 mouse Leydig cells.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>ATP50 green fluorescent protein was well co-localized with red fluorescence mitochondrion marker-Mitotracker in TM3 mouse Leydig cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>ATP50 was expressed in primary cultured mouse Leydig cells. The fluorescent expression vector of ATP50 was constructed successfully and YFP-ATP50 was located in mitochondria in TM3 mouse Leydig cells, which provided a useful clue for further research on the steroidogenesis dysfunction in aging males.</p>

Cox7a2 mediates steroidogenesis in TM3 mouse Leydig cells / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>AIM</b>To investigate the regulatory function of Cox7a2 on steroidogenesis and the mechanism involved in TM3 mouse Leydig cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The cDNA of Cox7a2 was cloned from TM3 mouse Leydig cells. It was subcloned to pDsRed-Express-N1 and transfected back into TM3 mouse Leydig cells for Cox7a2 overexpression by transient gene transfection. Steroidogenesis affected by overexpressed Cox7a2 was studied by ELISA. To elicit the mechanism of this effect, expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were examined by Western blot and fluorometer, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The cDNA of Cox7a2 (249 bp) was cloned from Leydig cells and confirmed by DNA sequencing. After constructed pDsRed-Express-N1-Cox7a2 was transfected back into TM3 mouse Leydig cells, Cox7a2 inhibited not only luteinizing hormone (LH)-induced secretion of testosterone but also the expression of StAR protein. At the same time, Cox7a2 increased the activity of ROS in TM3 mouse Leydig cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Cox7a2 inhibited LH-induced StAR protein expression, and consequent testosterone production, at least in part, by increasing ROS activity in TM3 mouse Leydig cells.</p>

Construction of pGEX4T-1-Cox7a2 and expression, purification and identification of the recombinant protein / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To clone and express Cox7a2, one mitochondrial respiratory chain related gene, and to identify its recombinant protein.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The coding region of Cox7a2 was amplified from primary cultured mouse Leydig cells by RT-PCR. The PCR product was cloned into pGEX4T-1 vector by BamH I and EcoR I sites, and confirmed by DNA sequencing. The recombinant fusion protein vector was transformed and expressed into BL21. The recombinant fusion protein was identified by Western blotting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The entire coding region of Cox7a2 was cloned and expressed. The fusion protein was identified by anti-GST monoclonal antibody using Western blotting.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The cloning of Cox7a2 and the expression of the recombinant protein would help to study the detailed function of Cox7a2, one respiratory chain related and highly differently expressed gene in the tissues of aging testes.</p>

Tympanoplasty for cholesteatoma in pediatric patients / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To discuss the best strategy in tympanoplasty for cholesteatoma in pediatric patient. Both intact canal wall mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty (ICW) and canal wall down mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty (CWD) were the basic technique for cholesteatoma in pediatric patient. The outcomes of ICW and CWD as comparisons of different surgical technique were assessed.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A retrospective analysis of all cases of pediatric primary acquired cholesteatoma aged 4-14 years old between April, 1997 and October, 2003 was conducted. The follow-up information was completed. Forty-two patients (45 ears) were treated and followed from 1 to 7 years [ the average is (3.6 +/- 2. 6) years].</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>ICW was the primary surgical treatment in 20 patients (20 ears) initially, the recidivism rate was 30% ( 6/20), the achieved rate of pure-tone threshold average (PTA) was 77% (13/17); Twenty-five (two) patients (45 ears) underwent CWD, the recidivism rate was 4% (1/25), the achieved rate of PTA was 72% (18/25).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>ICW had the advantage which could preserve the physical structure of the external acoustic meatus and had more profits for the treatment of cholesteatoma in pediatric patients, but it should be done for planned second stage surgery as a routine method that could get over the defect of recrudescence . If the function of eustachian tube was still not normal when planned second stage surgery operation was done, the CWD was suggested instead.</p>

Association between tumor necrosis factor-beta polymorphisms and coronary heart disease in a Chinese population / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the association between tumor necrosis factor-beta (TNF-beta) gene polymorphisms and coronary heart disease (CHD).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and sequence specific primer-PCR (PCR-SSP) were used for the detection of TNF-beta genotype in 210 patients with CHD and 186 healthy controls. The serum TNF-beta levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The frequencies of CC, CA and AA genotypes of C804A in patients and controls were 25.7% and 37.1%, 49.5% and 45.7%, 24.8% and 17.2%, respectively; there were statistically significant differences in the distributions of the genotypes (P<0.05) and the allele frequencies (P<0.05) between the two groups; the risk of suffering from CHD in those of AA and CA genotypes was 1.704 times that in those of CC genotype (OR=1.704, 95%CI: 1.109-2.617). However, there was no significant difference in the distribution of the genotype of G252A between the patients and controls, though significant difference was seen between the subgroups of the CHD group. The serum TNF-beta and high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels of the patients were significantly higher than those of the controls (P<0.05); however, there were no significant differences in regard to different TNF-beta genotypes among the patients and controls respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at position 804 in the exon 3 of TNF-beta gene is associated with CHD and the allele A may be a risk factor for CHD in Chinese. The polymorphism of G252A may not play an important role in the pathogenesis of CHD.</p>