A prospective study on vulvovaginal candidiasis: multicentre molecular epidemiology of pathogenic yeasts in China.

BACKGROUND: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is frequent in women of reproductive age, but very limited data are available on the epidemiology in cases of VVC in China. OBJECTIVES: The current study has been conducted to reveal the prevalence, species distribution of yeast causing VVC and molecular genetics of Candida albicans in China. METHODS: Vaginal swabs were collected from 543 VVC outpatients recruited in 12 hospitals in China between September 2017 and March 2018. They were preliminarily incubated on Sabouraud dextrose agar and then positive subjects of which were then transmitted to our institute for further identification. CHROMagar™ was used to isolate Candida species, and all isolates were finally identified by DNA sequencing. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was used to analyse phylogenetic relationships of the various C. albicans isolates. RESULTS: Eleven different yeast species were identified in 543 isolates, among which C. albicans (84.7%) was the most frequent, followed by C. glabrata (8.7%). We obtained 117 unique diploid sequence types from 451 clinical C. albicans isolates and 92 isolates (20.4%) belonged to a New Clade. All the strains appearing in the New Clade were from northern China and they were isolated from non-recurrent VVC. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that C. albicans are still the main cause of VVC in China and the majority of C. albicans isolates belongs to Clade 1 with DST 79 and DST 45 being two most common. Moreover, the New Clade revealed in our study seems to be specific to northern China.

Establishing peripheral PD-L1 as a prognostic marker in hepatocellular carcinoma patients: how long will it come true?

Background The prognostic role of intratumoral programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been investigated by several meta-analyses. However, the prognostic value of pretreatment peripheral PD-L1 (PPPD-L1) level in HCC remains undetermined. Thus, this systemic review aimed to establish PPPD-L1 as a new prognostic marker in HCC according to available evidence. Methods Case–control studies investigating the prognostic role of PPPD-L1 in HCC were systemically sought in the database of PubMed and Web of Science until March 25th, 2020. Our main concern is survival results, including overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and progression-free survival (PFS). The combined results were summarized in narrative form according to data extracted from each included study. Results Finally, nine studies published from 2011 to 2019, were incorporated into this systemic review. Among these, six studies evaluated the PD-L1 expression by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) from blood serum, and three studies evaluated the PD-L1 expression by flow cytometric analysis from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). According to the extracted evidence, high PPPD-L1 expression, measured in either blood serum or PBMC, is associated with poor OS, poor DFS, and poor PFS. Meanwhile, PPPD-L1 was also correlated with enlarged tumor size and more likely with advanced tumor stage as well as vascular invasion. Conclusion High PPPD-L1 level is associated with increased mortality rate and increased recurrence rate in HCC. As a convenient serum marker, PPPD-L1 could be a promising marker of prognosis in HCC patients (AU)

Establishing peripheral PD-L1 as a prognostic marker in hepatocellular carcinoma patients: how long will it come true?

BACKGROUND: The prognostic role of intratumoral programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been investigated by several meta-analyses. However, the prognostic value of pretreatment peripheral PD-L1 (PPPD-L1) level in HCC remains undetermined. Thus, this systemic review aimed to establish PPPD-L1 as a new prognostic marker in HCC according to available evidence. METHODS: Case-control studies investigating the prognostic role of PPPD-L1 in HCC were systemically sought in the database of PubMed and Web of Science until March 25th, 2020. Our main concern is survival results, including overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and progression-free survival (PFS). The combined results were summarized in narrative form according to data extracted from each included study. RESULTS: Finally, nine studies published from 2011 to 2019, were incorporated into this systemic review. Among these, six studies evaluated the PD-L1 expression by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) from blood serum, and three studies evaluated the PD-L1 expression by flow cytometric analysis from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). According to the extracted evidence, high PPPD-L1 expression, measured in either blood serum or PBMC, is associated with poor OS, poor DFS, and poor PFS. Meanwhile, PPPD-L1 was also correlated with enlarged tumor size and more likely with advanced tumor stage as well as vascular invasion. CONCLUSION: High PPPD-L1 level is associated with increased mortality rate and increased recurrence rate in HCC. As a convenient serum marker, PPPD-L1 could be a promising marker of prognosis in HCC patients.

Cholesterol 24S-Hydroxylase overexpression increases the lipid droplet formation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells but does not affect adipocyte differentiation.

Dysregulation of the adipo-osteogenic differentiation balance of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are common progenitor cells of adipocytes and osteoblasts, has been associated with many pathophysiologic diseases, such as obesity, osteopenia, and several neurodegenerative disorders. Growing evidence suggests that lipid metabolism is crucial for maintaining stem cell homeostasis and cell differentiation, however, the detailed underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that CYP46A1 genes are key determinants of MSC increasing lipid droplet formation. Brain cholesterol is synthesized in situ and cannot cross the blood-brain barrier: to be exported from the central nervous system into the blood circuit, excess cholesterol must be converted to 24S-hydroxycholesterol by the cholesterol 24-hydroxylase encoded by the CYP46A1 gene. To address this issue, we used an adenoassociated virus (AAV) gene transfer strategy to increase CYP46A1 expression in order to investigate the consequences on the human mesenchymal stem cell (hU-MSCs). CYP46A1 expression was assessed with Western blotting and quantitative reverse transcription PCR. We found that CYP46A1 expression was increased during adipogenesis, and treatment with exogenous CYP46A1 increased adipogenesis. Thus, we hypothesize that CYP46A1 overexpression in hU-MSCs would significantly enhance cholesterol turnover in the brain of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). CYP46A1 can potentially serve as a specific target to modify the therapeutic and biological effects of hU-MSCs on HIE patients.

In Vitro and In Vivo Efficacy of DNA Damage Repair Inhibitor Veliparib in Combination with Artesunate against Echinococcus granulosus.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by the cestode Echinococcus granulosus, is a worldwide chronic zoonosis. Albendazole (ABZ) and mebendazole are effective against CE, but a high dosage in a long-term period is usually required. In this study, we evaluate the effects of DNA damage repair inhibitor (i.e., Veliparib) in combination with artesunate (AS) on hydatid cysts. For the in vitro assay, protoscoleces of E. granulosus (E.g PSCs) were incubated with low AS (AS-L, 65 µM), moderate AS (AS-M, 130 µM), and high AS (AS-H, 325 µM), AS-L/M/H+Veliparib (10 µM), and ABZ (25 µM), respectively. The AS-H+Veliparib group showed the maximal protoscolicidal effects. Ultrastructural change revealed that germinal layer (GL) cells were reduced, and lipid droplets appeared. AS could induce DNA injuries in PSCs. The 8-OHdG was expressed in the PSCs and GL of the cysts in mice, especially in the presence of Veliparib. The most severe DNA damages were observed in the AS-H+Veliparib group. Meanwhile, the expression of ribosomal protein S9 (RPS9) gene in the AS-H+Veliparib group was significantly lower than that in the AS-H group. The in vivo chemotherapeutic effects of AS-L (50 mg/kg), AS-H (200 mg/kg), and AS-H+Veliparib (25 mg/kg) were assessed in experimentally infected mice. Upon 6 weeks of oral administration, ultrasonography was used to monitor the volume change of vesicles. Maximum potentiation was seen on day 15 with values (versus AS) of 34 (P < 0.05) for AS-H + Veliparib. It led to the reduction of cyst weight (55.40%) compared with the model group (P < 0.01), which was better than AS alone (52.84%) and ABZ-treated mice (55.35%). Analysis of cysts collected from AS-H+Veliparib-treated mice by transmission electron microscopy revealed a drug-induced structural destruction. The structural integrity of the germinal layer was lost, and the majority of the microtriches disappeared. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that AS or AS in combination with Veliparib is effective for treating CE, especially the combination group. On this basis, AS represented promising drug candidates in anti-CE chemotherapy.

[miR-455 Inhibits HepG2 Cell Proliferation and Promotes Apoptosis by Targeting RhoC].

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy worldwide with poor prognosis and high mortality. The aberrant expression or alteration of microRNAs (miRNAs) contributes to the development and progression of cancer. Studies have shown that miR-455 plays a regulatory role in the development of HCC. Therefore, in the present study, the role of miR-455 was analyzed in HepG2 cells proliferation and apoptosis using MTT and flow cytometry methods. Binding sites were predicted by bioinformatics and luciferase assay was used to verify the target relationship between miR-455 and RhoC-encoding gene RHOC. After that, the effects of miR-455 on RHOC and its product RhoC, were explored by qPCR and Western blotting. As PTEN is a key tumor suppressor gene in HCC, and Bcl-2 and Caspase 3 are important indication of apoptosis, expression levels of PTEN, Bcl2 and Caspase 3 proteins were determined in cells overexpressing RhoC. We show that miR-455 promotes HepG2 cells apoptosis and inhibits proliferation. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase assay indicate that specific recognition sites for miR-455 are within the RhoC 3'-UTR. Luciferase activity was significantly lower in the cells co-transfected with miR-455 mimics and RhoC-WT (p < 0.01) as compared to that in control cells, pointing that RHOC gene is, indeed, targeted by miR-455. RHOC mRNA was significantly reduced after miR-455 transfection in HepG2 cells. In addition, we show that RhoC could activate the HCC cells proliferation ability and inhibit apoptosis rate (p < 0.01), and decrease expression of PTEN and Caspase 3 (p < 0.01), while upregulating levels of Bcl2. In conclusion, our study indicates that miR-455 plays a suppressive role in HCC development by targeting RhoC-encoding mRNA.

Computer-generated photorealistic hologram using ray-wavefront conversion based on the additive compressive light field approach.

The conventional computer-generated hologram reconstructing photorealistic three-dimensional (3D) images based on ray-wavefront conversion has the disadvantage of spatio-angular resolution trade-off. In this Letter, we propose for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, a computer-generated photorealistic hologram without spatio-angular resolution trade-off based on the additive compressive light field (CLF) approach. The original light field is compressed into multiple layer images through numerical optimization based on the additive light field principle. Then, by independently calculating the wave propagation from each layer image to the hologram plane and adding them together, a CLF hologram is generated. Since the CLF information is presented through a holographic method, the advantage of high resolution in CLF is preserved while the limitation of the number of physically stacked layers (such as liquid crystal displays) is removed, leading to higher quality, larger depth of field, and higher brightness compared with a conventional CLF display. The proposed method is verified with a photorealistic optical experiment.

MicroRNA-572 targets CDH1 to promote metastasis of Wilms' tumor.

INTRODUCTION: Wilms' tumor (WT) is the most common childhood tumor, and recent studies have demonstrated that abnormal expression of microRNA (miRNA) plays an important role in the progression of WT. However, the effect of miR-572 on cell metastasis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in WT is unclear. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The alternation of miR-572 and cadherin 1 (CDH1) expression was assessed by quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Transwell assay was performed to explore the effects of miR-572 and CDH1 on the metastasis of WT cells. The EMT markers and CDH1 expressions were detected by Western blot. The relationship between miR-572 and CDH1 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS: Upregulation of miR-572 was identified in WT tissues. Increased miR-572 promoted cell metastasis and EMT progress in WT. Moreover, miR-572 directly targeted CDH1 and negatively regulated CDH1 expression in WT tissues. The knockdown of CDH1 showed a promoting effect on cell metastasis and EMT, while overexpression of CDH1 significantly weakened the effect of miR-572. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-572 targeted CDH1 to promote cell metastasis in WT by suppressing EMT.

Population structure and genetic diversity of four Henan pig populations.

To investigate the population structure and genetic diversity of Henan indigenous pig breeds, samples from a total of 78 pigs of 11 breeds were collected, including four pig populations from Henan Province, three Western commercial breeds, three Chinese native pig breeds from other provinces and one Asian wild boar. The genotyping datasets were obtained by genotyping-by-sequencing technology. We found a high degree of polymorphism and rapid linkage disequilibrium decay in Henan pigs. A neighbor-joining tree, principal component analysis and structure analysis revealed that the Huainan and Erhualian pigs were clustered together and that the Queshan black pigs were clearly grouped together but that the Nanyang and Yuxi pigs were extensively admixed with Western pigs. In addition, heterozygosity values might indicate that Henan indigenous pigs, especially the Queshan black and Huainan pigs, were subjected to little selection during domestication. The results presented here indicate that Henan pig breeds were admixed from Western breeds, especially Nanyang and Yuxi pigs. Therefore, establishment of purification and rejuvenation systems to implement conservation strategies is urgent. In addition, it is also necessary to accelerate genetic resources improvement and utilization using modern breeding technologies, such as genomic selection and genome-wide association studies.

Resolution priority holographic stereogram based on integral imaging with enhanced depth range.

Conventional holographic stereogram (HS) can be generated through fast Fourier transforming parallax images into hogels. Conventional HS uses multiple plane waves to reconstruct 3D images with low resolution and is similar to the principle of depth priority integral imaging (II). We proposed the concept of resolution priority HS for the first time, which is based on the principle of resolution priority II, by adding a quadratic phase term on the conventional Fourier transform. In the proposed resolution priority HS, the resolution of reconstructed 3D images is much better than conventional HS, but the depth range is limited. To enhance the depth range, a multi-plane technique was used to present multiple central depth planes simultaneously. The proposed resolution priority HS with high resolution and enhanced depth range was verified by both simulation and optical experiment.

Phylogeny of dermatophytes with genomic character evaluation of clinically distinct Trichophyton rubrum and T. violaceum.

Trichophyton rubrum and T. violaceum are prevalent agents of human dermatophyte infections, the former being found on glabrous skin and nail, while the latter is confined to the scalp. The two species are phenotypically different but are highly similar phylogenetically. The taxonomy of dermatophytes is currently being reconsidered on the basis of molecular phylogeny. Molecular species definitions do not always coincide with existing concepts which are guided by ecological and clinical principles. In this article, we aim to bring phylogenetic and ecological data together in an attempt to develop new species concepts for anthropophilic dermatophytes. Focus is on the T. rubrum complex with analysis of rDNA ITS supplemented with LSU, TUB2, TEF3 and ribosomal protein L10 gene sequences. In order to explore genomic differences between T. rubrum and T. violaceum, one representative for both species was whole genome sequenced. Draft sequences were compared with currently available dermatophyte genomes. Potential virulence factors of adhesins and secreted proteases were predicted and compared phylogenetically. General phylogeny showed clear gaps between geophilic species of Arthroderma, but multilocus distances between species were often very small in the derived anthropophilic and zoophilic genus Trichophyton. Significant genome conservation between T. rubrum and T. violaceum was observed, with a high similarity at the nucleic acid level of 99.38 % identity. Trichophyton violaceum contains more paralogs than T. rubrum. About 30 adhesion genes were predicted among dermatophytes. Seventeen adhesins were common between T. rubrum and T. violaceum, while four were specific for the former and eight for the latter. Phylogenetic analysis of secreted proteases reveals considerable expansion and conservation among the analyzed species. Multilocus phylogeny and genome comparison of T. rubrum and T. violaceum underlined their close affinity. The possibility that they represent a single species exhibiting different phenotypes due to different localizations on the human body is discussed.

Preoperative plasma fibrinogen is associated with poor prognosis in esophageal carcinoma: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate preoperative plasma fibrinogen (PPF) as a prognostic marker in esophageal carcinoma (EC) by meta-analysis. METHODS: Relevant studies were sought in the databases including Pubmed, Web of Science, Cochrane library, and Wanfang databases up to Oct 10th, 2017. Hazard ratios (HRs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used as effective value, and pooled HRs were synthesized by STATA 14.0 to assess the prognostic impact of PPF on EC patients. RESULTS: A total of 8 studies with 2827 patients were collected in this meta-analysis. Our results revealed that high PPF was significantly associated with poor OS (HR = 1.90, 95% CI 1.56-2.33, P = 0.000; HR = 1.76, 95% CI 1.28-2.42, P = 0.000) and poor DFS (HR = 1.91, 95% CI 1.50-2.43, P = 0.000; HR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.16-1.97, P = 0.000) in EC patients from univariate and multivariate analysis results, respectively, which suggested that EC patients with high PPF will suffer from high postoperative mortality and recurrence rate. CONCLUSION: High PPF was significantly associated with poor OS and DFS in EC patients. Fibrinogen can serve as a prognostic marker and even a future targeting molecule during the treatment of EC patients.

Effect of Shenqin biochemical extract on hypoxia-inducible factor-1α expression in ultraviolet B-irradiated HaCaT cells.

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is considered the main transcriptional regulator of the hypoxia-specific cellular and developmental response. This study was performed to investigate the effect of Shenqin biochemical extract (SQBE) on HIF-1α expression in ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated HaCaT cells and the possible action mechanisms of SQBE against UVB-induced skin cancer. HaCaT cells in logarithmic growth phase were seeded in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium with 10% fetal bovine serum, and conventionally cultured at 37°C with 5% CO2. Cells were divided into control group (administered the same amounts of dimethyl sulfoxide), SQBE1 group (12.5 µg/mL SQBE), SQBE2 group (25.0 µg/mL SQBE), and SQBE3 group (50.0 µg/mL SQBE). Four hours post administration, the control and treatment groups were irradiated with UVB (0, 20, 40, and 60 mJ/cm2). After 24 h, cell survival rate was detected by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Expression levels of HIF-1α mRNA and protein were detected by polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. SQBE-treated, UVB-irradiated cells had improved survival rates. This increase was most significant in SQBE3 group (P < 0.01), which also had effectively reduced expression of intracellular HIF-1α mRNA and protein. Hence, SQBE had a protective effect on UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells and inhibited the UVB irradiation-induced expression of HIF-1α. This indicates that SQBE could prevent the occurrence of UVB radiation-induced skin cancer.

Usefulness of diffusion-tensor MRI in the diagnosis of Parkinson variant of multiple system atrophy and Parkinson's disease: a valuable tool to differentiate between them?

AIM: To evaluate the differences between patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and Parkinson variant of multiple system atrophy (MSAp) at fractional anisotropy (FA) in the white matter when using the tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) algorithm to provide objective markers for a differential diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) data were acquired from 18 PD patients, 20 MSAp patients, and 24 healthy controls using a GE 3 T Signa HDx magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. The hypothesis-free whole-brain analysis (TBSS), focusing on global white matter microstructural deterioration, was adopted based on comparison among groups. Furthermore, regions of interest (ROIs) were drawn on the major fibre bundles showing abnormalities in TBSS. RESULTS: In the MSAp group, FA values significantly decreased in the middle cerebellar peduncle (MCP), pontine crossing tract, and corticospinal tract bilaterally. In the PD group, FA values significantly decreased in multiple supratentorial areas including the corpus callosum (CC), fornix, and left hippocampus. CONCLUSION: DTI may be an effective tool to discover pathological differences between MSAp and PD. To substantially assist the non-invasive differential diagnosis of MSAp and PD, FA measurements should not only be limited to the MCP but also the CC.

Detection of QTLs controlling fast kernel dehydration in maize (Zea mays L.).

In order to understand the effect of grain moisture of inbred lines at the silking and physiological maturity stages on kernel dehydration rate, 59 maize inbred lines from six subgroups were selected. Grain moisture was measured and QTLs associated with kernel dehydration were mapped. A rapid dehydration evaluation and association analysis revealed eight inbred lines with faster dehydration rate, including Yuanwu 02, K36, Zhonger/O2, Lo1125, Han 49, Qi 319, Hua 160, and PH4CV. A single sequence repeat analysis using 85 pairs detected five QTLs with phenotypic variation contribution ≥10% in the permanent F2 generation populations Zheng 58 x S1776 and Chang 7-2 x K1131, which had LOD threshold values ≥ 3 in both 2013 and 2014. The chromosome region of qFkdr7b had not previously been reported and is preliminarily identified as a new major QTL. A false positive field verification of grain dehydration rate of 53 inbred lines indicated that the screening result of the rapid dehydration inbred lines by specific amplification with marker Phi114 was most similar to the field assessment result, followed by markers Phi127 and Phi029. The rapid dehydration lines selected based on primer Phi114 amplification were also similar to the field dehydration rate and can thus be used for molecular marker-assisted selection. A significant effort is needed to improve stress resistance and shorten the growth period via fast kernel dehydration in intermediate materials of the inbred lines K36, Zhonger/ O2, Lo1125, Han 49, Hua 160, and PH4CV, and further using the selected lines for new combinations.

Development of hepatolithiasis due to a celery stalk retained within the bile ducts of the liver.

INTRODUCTION: Commonly encountered foreign bodies are remnants from surgical procedures and ingested materials. Rarely, the latter cause stone formation in the biliary tract. CASE HISTORY: We describe a 51-year-old female who underwent choledoduodenostomy and who presented with abdominal distension caused by multiple stones in the bile ducts within the liver (hepatolithiasis) and an intact celery stalk. Hepatolithiasis was demonstrated by ultrasonography and computed tomography of the abdomen. The celery stalk was not confirmed until exploration of the biliary duct. CONCLUSIONS: Here, we describe, for the first time, an intact, undigested celery stalk in the biliary tract which induced hepatolithiasis. We believe that choledochojejunostomy favoured reflux of the celery stalk from the duodenum into the biliary tract.

Salicylic acid-induced changes in physiological parameters and genes of the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway in Artemisia vulgaris and Dendranthema nankingense during aphid feeding.

Phloem-feeding aphids cause serious damage to plants. The mechanisms of plant-aphid interactions are only partially understood and involve multiple pathways, including phytohormones. In order to investigate whether salicylic acid (SA) is involved and how it plays a part in the defense response to the aphid Macrosiphoniella sanbourni, physiological changes and gene expression profiles in response to aphid inoculation with or without SA pretreatment were compared between the aphid-resistant Artemisia vulgaris 'Variegata' and the susceptible chrysanthemum, Dendranthema nankingense. Changes in levels of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde (MDA), and flavonoids, and in the expression of genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis, including PAL (phenylalanine ammonia-lyase), CHS (chalcone synthase), CHI (chalcone isomerase), F3H (flavanone 3-hydroxylase), F3'H (flavanone 3'-hydroxylase), and DFR (dihydroflavonol reductase), were investigated. Levels of hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anions, MDA, and flavonoids, and their related gene expression, increased after aphid infestation and SA pretreatment followed by aphid infestation; the aphid-resistant A. vulgaris exhibited a more rapid response than the aphid-susceptible D. nankingense to SA treatment and aphid infestation. Taken together, our results suggest that SA could be used to increase aphid resistance in the chrysanthemum.

Effects of zoledronic acid on bone fusion in osteoporotic patients after lumbar fusion.

UNLABELLED: Treatment with zoledronic acid in osteoporotic patients with spinal fusion shortens the duration of time to fusion, improves the fusion rate, prevents the subsequent adjacent vertebral compression fractures, improves the clinical outcomes, and prevents immobilization-induced bone loss in the hip. INTRODUCTION: The objective of the study was to explore the effects of zoledronic acid on the healing process in osteoporotic patients following spinal fusion in a randomized, placebo-controlled, and triple-blinded study. METHODS: Seventy-nine osteoporotic patients with single-level degenerative spondylolisthesis were randomly assigned to receive either zoledronic acid infusion (zoledronic acid group) or saline infusion (controls) after spinal fusion. Functional radiography and CT scans were used to evaluate fusion status. Bone formation was graded into three categories: Grade A (bridging bone bonding with adjacent vertebral bodies), Grade B (bridging bone bonding with either superior or inferior vertebral body), or Grade C (incomplete bony bridging). A solid fusion was defined as less than 5° of angular motion with Grade A or B bone formation. Adjacent vertebral compression fractures (VCF) were assessed on MRI at 12 months after surgery. Serum level of carboxy terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (ß-CTX) and amino-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP) was measured. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by DXA. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was used to assess the clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Grade A or B bridging bone was more frequently observed in zoledronic acid group at 3, 6, and 9 months post-operation compared to the control group (p < 0.05). At 12 -months post-operation, bridging bone and solid fusion were not significantly different between groups. No patients in zoledronic acid group showed aVCF, whereas six patients (17 %) in the control group did (p < 0.05). Both ß-CTX and PINP were suppressed in zoledronic acid group. BMD at the femoral neck decreased rapidly and did not return to the preoperative level in the controls at 3 (-1.4 %), 6 (-2.5 %), and 12 (-0.8 %) months after surgery. Zoledronic acid prevented this immobilization-induced bone loss and increased BMD. ODI showed the improved clinical outcomes compared with controls at 9 and 12 months post-surgery. CONCLUSION: Treatment with zoledronic acid in osteoporotic patients with spinal fusion shortens the time to fusion, improves the fusion rate, prevents subsequent aVCFs, and improves clinical outcomes.

[The effect of nerve growth factor on the expression of BMP-2 in the healing of rabbits' mandibular fracture with partial nerve injury].

Objective:To observe the effect of NGF on the expression of BMP-2 in rabbit model and explore the molecular mechanism of NGF which might promote the healing of mandibular fracture with nerve injury. Method:The 48 New-Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into the experimental group (mandibular fracture+to cut off the nerve bundle+NGF by GS), the control group (mandibular fracture+to cut off the nerve bundle+NS by GS), the blank group (mandibular fracture+to cut off the nerve bundle) and the full-set group (mandibular fracture+retains the nerve bundle). After 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks and 8 weeks, 3 rabbits were sacrificed in each group for HE staining and RT-PCR, respectively. Result:HE staining showed the osteogenesis phenomenon: the experimental group was clearer than control group, the full-set group was clearer than the blank group and the control group is similarly to the blank group. RT-PCR results revealed that there was a statistically significance in the early stage. The expression of BMP-2 peaked in 2 weeks and decreased later with time. Conclusion:The local application of NGF can prompt BMP-2 expression in the early stages of the mandibular fracture with partial nerve injury healing and this may be one of the molecular mechanisms.