CUL4A as a marker and potential therapeutic target in multiple myeloma.

Multiple myeloma is the most common cause of death of hematological malignancy worldwide. Cullin 4A has been proposed as oncogene in several types of human cancer, but the expression and function of cullin 4A in multiple myeloma remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that cullin 4A plays an oncogenic role in multiple myeloma development. The expression of cullin 4A was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in multiple myeloma patients and multiple myeloma cell lines. In addition, silencing of cullin 4A with small interfering RNA was performed in human multiple myeloma cells, and the impact on proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of the multiple myeloma cells was analyzed. We found that the level of cullin 4A in serum samples was significantly upregulated in patients with multiple myeloma compared with healthy control subjects. Knockdown of cullin 4A via small interfering RNA inhibited the proliferation of the multiple myeloma cell lines by delaying cell-cycle progression and increasing apoptosis. cullin 4A downregulation inhibited multiple myeloma cell migration and invasion in vitro. Our results suggested that cullin 4A could be a promising therapy target in multiple myeloma patients.

Reconstruction of Thermographic Signals to Map Perforator Vessels in Humans.

Thermal representations on the surface of a human forearm of underlying perforator vessels have previously been mapped via recovery-enhanced infrared imaging, which is performed as skin blood flow recovers to baseline levels following cooling of the forearm. We noted that the same vessels could also be observed during reactive hyperaemia tests after complete 5-min occlusion of the forearm by an inflatable cuff. However, not all subjects showed vessels with acceptable contrast. Therefore, we applied a thermographic signal reconstruction algorithm to reactive hyperaemia testing, which substantially enhanced signal-to-noise ratios between perforator vessels and their surroundings, thereby enabling their mapping with higher accuracy and a shorter occlusion period.

[Anatomical study of anterior approach screw fixation through C2 vertebral body into C1 lateral mass and its primary clinical application].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the anatomic basis for the anterior approach screw fixation through the C2 vertebral body into the C1 lateral mass and to investigate its primary clinical application. METHODS: Twenty-one adult corpse specimens were anatomically measured. The minimum lateral angle a, the maximum lateral angle beta, and the maximum posterior angle gamma were calculated based on the data from the anatomic measurement. All the specimens were given an X-ray examination, the minimum lateral angle alpha, the maximum lateral angle beta, and the maximum posterior angle gamma were measured. The statistical analysis was made on the data obtained from the calculation in the specimens and the measurement in the X-ray films. The simulation of the approach was made on the specimen. From October 2004 to July 2006, the simulated approach was used in 5 patients (3 males, 2 females; age, 30-55 years; illness course, 3 months-2 years) with the old atlanto-axial joint dislocation . The Frankel grading system revealed the spinal cord injury degree as follows: 1 patient was in Grade B, 2 in Grade C, and 2 in Grade D. All the patients were treated with this surgical approach. The postoperative X-ray and CT examinations were performed. RESULTS: Angle a was 14.0 +/- 1.6 degrees, beta was 30.0 +/- 2.3 degrees, gamma was 29.0 +/- 2.9 degrees. No significant difference existed between the angles calculated in the specimens and measured in the X-ray films (P > 0.05). The angles for the practical application during operation were as follows: a was 11.2 +/- 1.6 degrees, beta was 28.8 +/- 2.3 degrees, and gamma was 29.3 +/- 2.9 degrees. The follow-up for an average of 14 months revealed that 1 patient recovered to Grade C, 1 to Grade D2, and 3 to Grade D3 in the spinal cord function according the modified Frankel grading system. CONCLUSION: The anterior approach screw fixation through the C2 vertebral body into the C1 lateral mass is feasible and safe in treatment of the old atlantoaxial joint dislocation if the screw insertion is exact in direction. This technique only makes the atlas temporarily stable, and so the posterior bone graft should be added into the atlanto-axial joint immediately in the one- or two-stage operation so as to achieve a long-lasting stability.