Menarche age exceed 17 years and menopausal age smaller than 48 years may affect prevalence of osteoporosis for Chinese women.

In this work, we used a cross-sectional study to evaluate influence of menarche age, menstrual cycle, menstrual period, menopausal age, and menopause years for osteoporosis in women from China. We found that different menarche age, menstrual cycle, menopausal years, and menopausal age are related with the prevalence of osteoporosis. However, menarche age exceeds 17 years and menopausal age smaller than 48 years are risk factors for osteoporosis in women. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional, population-based study. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore relationship between prevalence of osteoporosis and menarche age, menstrual cycle, menstrual period, menopausal age, and menopause years for women. METHODS: From March to October 2016, the cluster sampling method was used to conduct an osteoporosis-related questionnaire survey on women aged 40-80 in two communities in Lanzhou City, Gansu, China, and bone mineral density(BMD)was carried out using the DTX-200 dual-energy X-ray absorptiometer produced by the US OSTEOMETER company. The relationship between prevalence of osteoporosis and menarche age, menstrual cycle, menstrual period, menopausal age, and menopause years were analyzed using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: There were 2224 female participates enrolled in this study and average age was 61.60 ± 8.05 years and total rate of prevalence was 32.73%; among them, different menarche age, menstrual cycle, menopausal years, and menopausal age have statistical differences with the prevalence of osteoporosis, but there is no statistical difference between different menstruation and the prevalence of osteoporosis. Single logistic regression analysis found that older menarche age, earlier menopausal age, and longer menopausal years were related factors for the prevalence of osteoporosis, while menarche age exceed 17 years and menopausal age smaller than 48 years are risk factors for osteoporosis for women in multivariate regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: In China, ages at menarche and menopause are associated with prevalence of osteoporosis. Later, menarche and earlier menopause are associated with higher osteoporosis risk. Menarche and menopause history may help identify women with increased risk of developing osteoporosis.

Epidemiological Characteristics and Transmissibility of Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Nanning City, China, 2001-2020.

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a single-stranded RNA virus that can weaken the body's cellular and humoral immunity and is a serious disease without specific drug management and vaccine. This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiologic characteristics and transmissibility of HIV. Methods: Data on HIV follow-up were collected in Nanning City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous, China. An HIV transmission dynamics model was built to simulate the transmission of HIV and estimate its transmissibility by comparing the effective reproduction number (Reff ) at different stages: the rapid growth period from January 2001 to March 2005, slow growth period from April 2005 to April 2011, and the plateau from May 2011 to December 2019 of HIV in Nanning City. Results: High-risk areas of HIV prevalence in Nanning City were mainly concentrated in suburbs. Furthermore, high-risk groups were those of older age, with lower income, and lower education levels. The Reff in each stage (rapid growth, slow growth, and plateau) were 2.74, 1.62, and 1.15, respectively, which suggests the transmissibility of HIV in Nanning City has declined and prevention and control measures have achieved significant results. Conclusion: Over the past 20 years, the HIV incidence in Nanning has remained at a relatively high level, but its development trend has been curbed. Transmissibility was reduced from 2.74 to 1.15. Therefore, the prevention and treatment measures in Nanning City have achieved significant improvement.

The association between pretreatment serum alkaline phosphatase and prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have investigated the association between pretreatment serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but conclusions remain controversial. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis to assess systematically the relationship between ALP and prognosis in HCC. METHODS: We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases for eligible studies up to October. A combined hazard ratio (HR) was determined to describe the correlation between pretreatment serum ALP level and prognosis in HCC patients. Overall survival (OS) was calculated from the date of treatment either to the end point of the follow-up period or to the date of death by any cause. Disease-free survival (DFS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were defined as the period from the date of treatment to the date of last follow-up or to the date of recurrence. OS was regarded as the major outcome. RESULTS: Altogether, 21 studies about OS and 6 studies about DFS/RFS were included in this meta-analysis. Our combined results showed that there was an inverse association of pretreatment serum ALP level with OS (HR=1.15, 95% CI: 1.12-1.19) and RFS (HR=1.78, 95% CI: 1.37-2.31). CONCLUSION: There was a close association between high pretreatment ALP level and poor survival in HCC patients, indicating that ALP may be used as a biomarker for prognosis. More high-quality studies are required to validate our findings further, considering the limitations of our meta-analysis.

Effect of artesunate and relation with TGF-ß1 and SMAD3 signaling on experimental hypertrophic scar model in rabbit ear.

Artesunate (ART) is the derivative of artemisinin isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine qinghao. Although several studies reported the efficiency of artesunate in the treatment of malaria, inhibiting fibroblasts and collagen synthesis, the association between artesunate and scar formation is unclear. The research was designed to study the significance of artesunate (ART) on the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF-ß1) and small mother against decapentaplegic (SMAD3) in rabbit's ear hypertrophic scar model. Twenty-four New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into six groups: control group, matrix group, low-concentration artesunate group (0.48%), medium-concentration artesunate group (0.96%), high-concentration artesunate group (1.92%) and silicone gel group. Punched defects were established on each rabbit's ear which resulted in a hypertrophic scar. On the 28th day, topical artesunate creams were applied twice a day except on the control group. On the 56th day, scar samples were collected for histopathology and immunoassay. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, Van Gieson staining, immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis were done. Amongst the six groups, findings showed that the medium-concentration artesunate group (0.92%) efficiently decreased hypertrophic scar formation and significantly reduced fibroblasts and collagen synthesis. The results had also shown a decrease in the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF-ß1) and declined small signal mother against decapentaplegic (Smad3). The overall study shows efficacy and mechanism of artesunate. It concluded that the medium concentration of artesunate (0.92%) could be an effective therapeutic agent for hypertrophic scars.

Nanos3 not nanos1 and nanos2 is a germ cell marker gene in large yellow croaker during embryogenesis.

In this study, three nanos gene subtypes (Lcnanos1, Lcnanos2 and Lcnanos3) from Larimichthys crocea, were cloned and characterized. We determined the spatio-temporal expression patterns of each subtype in tissues as well as the cellular localization of mRNA in embryos. Results showed that deduced Nanos proteins have two main homology domains: N-terminal CCR4/NOT1 deadenylase interaction domain and highly conserved carboxy-terminal region bearing two conserved CCHC zinc-finger motifs. The expression levels of Lcnanos1 in testis were significantly higher than other tissues, followed by heart, brain, eye, and ovary. Nevertheless, both Lcnanos2 and Lcnanos3 were restrictedly expressed in testis and ovary, respectively. No signals of Lcnanos1 and Lcnanos2 expression were detected at any developmental stages during embryogenesis. On the contrary, the signals of Lcnanos3 were detected in all stages examined. Lcnanos3 transcripts were firstly localized to the distal end of cleavage furrow at the 2-cell stage. Subsequently, mounting positive signals started to appear in a small number of cells as the embryo developed to blastula stage and early-gastrula stage. As development proceeded, positive signals were found in the primitive gonadal ridge. These cells of Lcnanos3 positive signals implied the specification of the future PGCs at this stage. It also suggested that PGCs of croaker originate from four clusters of cells which inherit maternal germ plasm at blastula stage. Furthermore, we preliminarily analyzed the migration route of PGCs in embryos of L. crocea. In short, this study laid the foundation for studies on specification and development of germ cell from L. crocea during embryogenesis.

Molecular cloning and expression of Octamer-binding transcription factor (Oct4) in the large yellow croaker, Larimichthys crocea.

Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4) is a crucial pluripotent transcription factor in controlling pluripotency of embryonic stem cells (ESCs), formation of primordial germ cells (PGCs), early embryonic development, and gonadal germ cells. To understand the roles of Oct4 in the large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) (Lc-Oct4), the full-length cDNA of Oct4 was cloned and analyzed. Lc-Oct4 includes a 104-bp 5' untranslated region (UTR), a 567-bp 3' UTR and a 1431-bp coding region encoding a protein of 476 amino acids (aa) with a predicted molecular mass (Mm) of 52.40 kDa and an isoelectric point (PI) of 6.34. Quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) in tissues showed that Lc-Oct4 was only expressed in ovary. During ovarian development, the expression level in 635 days post hatching (635-dph) ovary was about 6.3-fold higher than in 270-dph and 1000-dph ovary. The in situ hybridization analysis showed that Lc-Oct4 had a high expression in the different developmental stages of oocytes with the highest level in stages II (later) and III oocytes. Lc-Oct4 was also expressed in spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes. Furthermore, the qRT-PCR analysis of Lc-Oct4 in different developmental embryos revealed that the expression from high to low was multiple-cell stage > mid-blastula stage = mid-gastrula stage, and the expression in multiple-cell stage was at less 1.6-fold higher than in other stages. Accordingly, the whole mount in situ hybridization (WISH) in embryos demonstrated that Lc-Oct4 was expressed only in early embryonic development from 2-cell stage to early-gastrula stage with the peak at 16-cell stage, but not detected in PGCs area. In conclusion, Lc-Oct4 participated in the oogenesis and early embryonic development in large yellow croaker. Overall, this study provided better understanding of Lc-Oct4 gene and lay the foundation for its function research in the large yellow croaker.

Isolation, characterization, and expression of proto-oncogene cMyc in large yellow croaker Larimichthys crocea.

cMyc is a vital transcription factor that involves in the regulation of cell proliferation, growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. In the present study, cMyc in Larimichthys crocea (Lc-cMyc) was cloned and analyzed for investigating its function. The full-length cDNA of Lc-cMyc was 2089 bp encoding a 440-amino-acid protein (Lc-cMyc). Lc-cMyc had the characteristic helix-loop-helix-leucine-zipper (HLH-LZ) DNA-binding domain and highly conservative in evolution. The expression of Lc-cMyc was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and in situ hybridization, respectively. In tissues, the gender differences of Lc-cMyc expression existed only in gonad and Lc-cMyc was extremely significantly expressed in ovary with the highest level in 635-dph ovary, especially in stages II (late) and III (early) oocytes. A certain degree of expression was examined in head kidney of both sexes and testis with high expression in spermatocyte. In embryos, Lc-cMyc was expressed at all embryonic stages. In early embryogenesis (from two-cell stage to mutiple-cell stage), Lc-cMyc was expressed very highly with a peak at two-cell stage. In late embryogenesis (from blastula stage to 1-day-post-hatching stage), the high expression of Lc-cMyc was detected as the following order: 1-day-post-hatching stage > pre-hatching stage > the appearance-of-optic-vesicles stage = mutiple-cell stage > beginning-of-heart-pulsation stage. The distribution of Lc-cMyc concentrated gradually in the back of embryos until in the head. In conclusion, the spatio-temporal expression patterns of Lc-cMyc indicated an essential role in oogenesis and embryogenesis and contributed to insight into the molecular mechanisms of regulating pluripotency in large yellow croaker.

Characterization and expression analysis of Lc-Sox4 in large yellow croaker Larimichthys crocea.

The characterization and expression of Sox4 in large yellow croaker (Lc-Sox4) were studied in this paper. Lc-Sox4 contains a protein of 371 amino acids with a conserved high mobility group box. Quantitative real-time PCR displayed that the expression of Lc-Sox4 had tissue and gender specificity existing in brain, gonad, heart, intestine, and head kidney with male>female, in eye with female>male. During embryogenesis, Lc-Sox4 was expressed highest in one-day-post-hatching stage, next in formation-of-eye-lens stage. The expression pattern of Lc-Sox4 was different from that of Lc-Sox11a. The expression of Lc-Sox4 was significantly lower than that of Lc-Sox11a in the all tested tissues and embryonic stages except in heart, spleen, mutiple-cell, formation-of-eye-lens, and one-day-post-hatching stages (with Lc-Sox4 higher than Lc-Sox11a). There was overlapping expression between Lc-Sox4 and Lc-Sox11a in brain, gill, female eye, testis, formation-of-eye-lens stage and one-day post hatching stage. The whole mount in situ hybridization results indicated that Lc-Sox4 was expressed at all embryonic stages except 2-cell stage. The positive signals were mainly distributed in the central nervous system and notochord at one-day-post-hatching stage. In short, we first identified and analyzed the temporal and spatial expression patterns of Lc-Sox4 to elucidate its important influence on the development of nervous system, visual system and heart. We also detected the overlapping expression between Lc-Sox4 and Lc-Sox11a which may reveal the functional redundancy of them. These data would shed light on the molecular mechanism of development in large yellow croaker.

Molecular cloning, characterization and expression of Lc-Sox11a in large yellow croaker Larimichthys crocea.

Sox genes play important roles in various developmental processes such as sex determination, embryogenesis, oogenesis, neurogenesis, and larval development. In order to clarify the roles of Sox genes in the developmental process of large yellow croaker, the full-length cDNA of the Sox11a gene (Lc-Sox11a) was cloned for the first time. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that Lc-Sox11a contains a protein of 366 amino acids with a Ser-rich region, a C-terminal conserved region, and a high mobility group box. The expression of Lc-Sox11a in different tissues of both sexes and in different developmental embryonic stages revealed that Lc-Sox11a were expressed with tissue and gender specificity, of which the expression level in female was ovary>brain>eye>gill; in male was brain>testis>gill. The gender differences occurred in the brain and eye with the male brain>female brain, female eye>male eye. Moreover, the expression of Lc-Sox11a in the gonad and brain at different growth stages was detected. Significant up-regulated expression of Lc-Sox11a was found in the ovary and the male brain at 1000dph (days post hatching) compared with 270dph and 635dph. However, significant down-regulated expression of Lc-Sox11a occurred in the testis with growth. Besides, the expression of Lc-Sox11a in the female brain showed a trend of first rising then falling, with the highest peak in 635dph. The results of in situ hybridization displayed that Lc-Sox11a was widely distributed only in cytoplasm of oocytes at each stage in oogenesis. In early stage of oocytes, Lc-Sox11a was expressed weakly and evenly. As the appearance of vacuoles and synthesis of yolks, positive signals of Lc-Sox11a distributed intensively in the residual cytoplasm. In spermatogenesis, Lc-Sox11a was distributed in cytoplasm of all male germ cells except spermatozoon with spermatogonium>spermatocyte>spermatid. During embryogenesis, Lc-Sox11a was expressed in most embryonic stages, the highest expression occurred in the formation-of-eye-lens stage, closely followed by the closure-of-blastopore stage, then the beginning-of-heart-pulsation stage. The results of whole mount in situ hybridization showed that the expression of Lc-Sox11a began to increase beginning with the multiple-cell stage, with the major distribution of Lc-Sox11a in the brain and eye areas in the pre-hatching stage.

Differential expression of three estrogen receptors mRNAs in tissues, growth development, embryogenesis and gametogenesis from large yellow croaker, Larimichthys crocea.

The biological activity of estrogens in target organs is mainly mediated by estrogen receptors (ERs). Herein, we addressed the isolation and expression analysis of three nuclear estrogen receptors, namely LcERα, LcERß1, and LcERß2 from Larimichthys crocea by means of SMART-RACE, qRT-PCR, and in situ hybridization. Results in different tissues showed that both LcERα and LcERß2 had the highest expression levels in female liver, followed by testis, but LcERß1 expression level was significantly higher in testis and ovary than in other tissues. Expression of LcERα and LcERß2 was significantly higher than LcERß1 in female liver, and LcERß2 was significantly higher than LcERα and LcERß1 in male liver. Moreover, we analyzed the expression of LcERs in gonad and liver at three different growth stages during the same breeding season. Significant up-regulated expression of LcERα and LcERß2 were found in female liver at 1000dph compared with at 270dph. The expression of LcERß2 was prominently higher in male liver than LcERα, LcERß1 and LcAR, while LcERß1 was lower than other receptors in male and female liver at all the three stages. In ovary, LcERα at 270dph was lower than at 635dph and 1000dph, but had no significant change in testis. The two LcERß subtypes and LcAR highly expressed in the early testis, and gradually decrease with the development of testis. In embryogenesis, a significant increase in the expression of LcERα and LcERß2 were observed after appearance of optic vesicles phase (11.8hpf). LcERß1 gradually decrease with the embryogenesis but increased dramatically at 1dph. Results of in situ hybridization showed that signals of LcERα and LcERß1 mRNA were mainly detected in Stage I-Stage IV oocytes, as well as in follicle cells around the Stage II-Stage IV and degenerated oocytes. Signals of LcERß2 were detected in the cytoplasm of Stage I and Stage II oocytes but not in the follicle cells of all oocytes stages. In parallel, LcERα and LcERß1 were detected in all cell types of spermatogenesis, but in terms of LcERß2, little or no signals were detected during spermatogenesis. Based on these results, we deduced that both LcERα and LcERß2 play a major role in mediating the physiological effects of estrogen in female liver, and LcERß2 maybe also play an important role in regulation of vitellogenesis in male liver. Differential expression of LcERs and LcAR imply their physiological functions during development and differentiation of gonad. The signals for LcERα and LcERß1 in follicle cells suggested that the follicle cell maybe an important site of estrogen action, by which estrogens exert influences on the maturation oocytes and ovulation. Furthermore, the steroid hormones produced by follicle cells may be related to the differential distributions among ER subtypes. Besides, we deduced that LcERα and LcERß1 rather than LcERß2 may play a major role in spermatogenesis of croaker. However, the differential expression of LcERß2 during gametogenesis also implicates its certain functions in mediating physiological process of estrogen action.

[Effect of microneedle combined with Lauromacrogol on skin capillary network: experimental study].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of microneedle combined with Lauromacrogol on skin capillary network. METHODS: 24 male Leghone (1.5-2.0 kg in weight) were randomly divided into three groups as group A (microneedle combined with Lauromacrogol), B (microneedle combined with physiological saline) , and C(control). The cockscombs were treated. The specimens were taken on the 7th, 14th, 21th , and 28th day postoperatively. HE staining, immunohistochemical staining and special staining were performed for study of the number of capillary and collagen I/III , as well as elastic fibers. RESULTS: The color of cockscombs in group A became lightening after treatment. The number of capillary decreased as showing by HE staining. The collagen I and III in group B was significantly different from that in group A and C (P < 0.05). Special staining showed proliferation of elastic fibers in group B. CONCLUSIONS: It indicates that microneedle combined with Lauromacrogol could effectively reduce the capillary in cockscomb without any tissue fibrosis. Microneedle can stimulate the proliferation of elastic fiber, so as to improve the skin ageing process.

[The application of composite skin-vermilion triangle fap and functional reposition of orbicularis muscle in congenital cleft lip].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the ideal method for correction of vermilion deformity in congenital cleft lip. METHODS: From Mar. 2010 to Jan. 2013, 68 cases with congenital cleft lip underwent vermilion deformities correction with composite skin-vermilion triangle fap and functional reposition of orbicularis oris muscle. RESULTS: Primary healing was achieved in all the patients. 46 cases were followed up for 3 months to one year. Asymmetric thickness of vermilion and tubercle malposition happened in 8 cases. All the other patients had a satisfactory result with symmetric and fluent cupid' s bow and everting tubercle. CONCLUSION: Well reposition of orbicularis oris muscle is key for correction of vermilion deformity and tubercle reconstruction. This technique is very simple and practical.

HIV-1 diversity, drug-resistant mutations, and viral evolution among high-risk individuals in phase II HIV vaccine trial sites in southern China.

HIV-1 prevalence in Guangxi, China, has been growing since 1996, when the first case was reported. Over half of HIV-1 positive patients in Guangxi Province were injecting drug users (IDUs), possibly because of the province's location near drug-trafficking routes. Since a phase II HIV vaccine trial is ongoing there, a current characterization of the subtypes of HIV-1 among IDUs in Guangxi would provide critical information for future HIV vaccine trials, as well as further control and prevention of HIV-1 transmission. Thus, we conducted a molecular epidemiological investigation of HIV-1 samples from 2008-2010 among IDUs in multiple cities in Guangxi Province. Our results, based on the gag/pol fragment, indicated a very high proportion (78.47%) of HIV-1 CRF08_BC recombinants, some CRF01_AE (15.38%) recombinants, and a low proportion of CRF07_BC (6.15%) recombinants among the IDUs. The high proportion of CRF08 HIV-1 strains among recent IDUs matches the vaccine candidate constructs. However, future vaccine development should also incorporate CRF01-targeted vaccine candidates. Distinct Env sequence evolution patterns were observed for CRF08_BC and CRF01_AE, indicating that different local selection pressures have been exerted on these two HIV-1 subtypes. Unique drug-resistant mutations were also detected, and our data indicate that HIV treatment programs should consider pre-existing drug-resistant mutations.

[Scalp flaps pedicled with superficial temporal vessel and hair removal for reconstruction of facial skin defects].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic effect of scalp flaps pedicled with superficial temporal vessel and hair removal for reconstruction of facial skin defects. METHODS: From Jan. 2010 to Dec. 2011, 6 cases with large facial skin defects were treated with scalp flaps pedicled with superficial temporal vessel and hair removal. At the first stage, the skin expanders were implanted subcutaneously at the homolateral side according to the defect size. After the expansion was finished, the expanded flaps pedicled with superficial temporal vessel were used to reconstruct the facial skin defects at the second stage. 2 weeks after operation, hair removal was performed to remove the hair on flaps. 4-6 treatments were needed. RESULTS: Seven flaps in 6 cases were survived completely. The wounds at donor sites were closed directly. The effect of hair removal was reliable. The patients were followed up for 6 months to 1 year. The flap color, texture and thickness had a good match with surrounding skin tissue. CONCLUSIONS: It is a good option to reconstruct facial skin defects with scalp flaps pedicled with superficial temporal vessel and hair removal.

[Effect of high frequency electrocoagulation by ultrafine-needle on the cutaneous capillary hemangiomas: a preliminary study on cock combs].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the injury effect of high frequency electrocoagulation (HFE) by ultrafine-needle on the cutaneous capillary hemangiomas by histopathologic study of cock comb. METHODS: 32 male cocks were randomly divided into 4 groups with 8 animals in each group. 3 experimental groups received HFE with different power (6W, 8W, 10W) on the cock comb. Specimens were taken from cock combs for histologic study immediately after treatment and 7, 14, 21, 28 days later. RESULTS: After treatment, the cock combs turned pale and followed with scar formation. The shape of combs changed a lot after high power treatment. Immediately after treatment, the capillary number in the experimental groups decreased markedly under light microscope, compared with that in control group (P < 0.05). After that, the capillary number in experimental group increased. 7 days after treatment, the capillary number in experimental groups was still significantly lower than that in control groups (P < 0.01), but not markedly different between the three experiment groups (P > 0.05). Collagen formation also increased after treatment (P < 0.05), which was higher in experimental groups with high power (P < 0.05, correlation coefficient r > 0.5). CONCLUSIONS: HFE with ultrafine needle can effectively decrease the capillary number in cock comb. The 6W treatment is mini-invasive and will not destroy the comb shape with good cosmetic results. The technique may be used for the treatment of cutaneous capillary hemangioma.

[Repairing alar defects by using a retro-grade island auricle composite tissue flap based on the interconnection of superficial temporal artery and posterior auricular artery].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the application of reverse island auricular composite tissue flap based on the superficial temporal artery for alar defects. METHODS: 16 cases with alar defects were treated with reverse island auricular composite tissue flap based on the superficial temporal artery. RESULTS: All the composite auricular flaps survived with primary healing. The patients were followed up for half a year to four years. The survived composite flaps had a similar color, texture and appearance as normal alar. The cosmetic result was satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: Reverse island auricular composite tissue flap based on the superficial temporal artery is very suitable for alar defects.

[Research on laser and photodynamic therapy of skin hemangioma model-comb].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of laser and photodynamic therapy (PDT) of hemangioma. METHODS: A total of 48 6-month-old male chickens were divided into 6 groups, with 8 in each group. The side with the untreated comb served as the control. Group A was the control group. In groups B and C, the combs received laser irradiation once of 10 J/cm2 and 15 J/cm2, respectively, for 2-3 minutes. In group D, hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (HMME) of 10 mg/kg was injected into the left-side axillary vein once. In groups E and F, the combs received laser irradiation of 10 J/cm2 and 15 J/cm2, respectively, after 10 mg/kg HMME was injected for 10 minutes into the left-side axillary vein. On the 14th day, HE staining was performed and the decrease rate of the number of capillary vessels was calculated. Besides, TUNEL staining was conducted to observe the condition of capillary endothelium apoptosis. RESULTS: No animal died after the operation, the combs in groups A and D had no obvious changes in shape and color, but the ones in the other groups had leukasmus, edema, necrosis and dark crust. According to histological observation, in groups A and D, the combs had no obvious changes. But in the other groups, tissue exudation, edema, inflammatory cell exudation, decreasing number of vessels, waning vascular caliber, thrombus, and partial capillary endothelium apoptosis were found. The decrease rate of the number of capillary vessels was as follows: 7.87% +/- 2.50% in group A, 48.58% +/- 5.10% in group B, 57.58% +/- 8.17% in group C, 8.84% +/- 3.13% in group D, 61.26% +/- 16.87% in group E and 68.56% +/- 10.54% in group F. The apoptosis index in all groups was 1.05 +/- 0.76, 82.22 +/- 6.18, 94.13 +/- 1.64, 1.38 +/- 0.52, 101.88 +/- 5.94, 104.88 +/- 6.22, respectively. There were significant differences between groups B, C, E, F and groups A, D in the above two items (P < 0.01). There were significant differences between groups B and E as well as between groups C and F (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences between groups B and C as well as groups E and F (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Apoptosis of capillary endothelium maybe play an important role in the laser and photodynamic therapy of hemangioma apart from the direct effect of laser.

[Expression and significance of TRAIL protein and mRNA in hemangioma].

OBJECTIVE: To detect the expression of TRAIL protein and mRNA in hemangiomas and vascular malformations. METHODS: Sections of 33 proliferative hemangiomas,28 involuting hemangiomas and 29 vascular malformations were immunostained for TRAIL protein, TRAIL mRNA was examined by in situ hybridization in these tissue. RESULTS: The TRAIL protein positive rates in proliferative hemangiomas, involuting hemangiomas, vascular malformations and normal skins were respectively 45.45% (15/33), 78.57% (22/28), 0% and 0%. There were significant differences among the four pathologies (P < 0.01). The difference between proliferative hemangiomas and involuting hemangiomas was also significant (P < 0.01). The TRAIL mRNA positive rates were 66.67% (11/33), 89.29 (25/28), 0% and 0% respectively. There were also significant differences among the four pathologies (P < 0.01). The difference between proliferative hemangiomas and involuting hemangiomas was also significant (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: TRAIL could induce endothelial apoptosis and cause regression of hemangiomas.

[Clinical treatment of venous malformations with retained copper needles].

UNLABELLED: OBJECTIVE; To evaluate a technique with retained copper needles for the treatment of venous malformations. METHODS: With 78 venous malformation cases, there were three methods were applied for the treatment respectively, including copper needles in the lesion only, vascular ligation with the copper needles in the lesion, and electrical puncture with the copper needles in the lesion. RESULTS: There were totally 96% effective rate achieved in this clinical data. CONCLUSIONS: The retained copper needles technique may be a simple and effective method for the treatment of venous, malformations resulting in vessel denaturation, fibrosis and disappearance of structure.