[A long-term follow-up study on the occurrence of heterotopic ossification after artificial cervical disc replacement with Discover disc].

Objective: To analyze the incidence of heterotopic ossification after artificial cervical disc replacement with Discover disc, and to explore the effect of heterotopic ossification on postoperative radiological and clinical efficacy. Methods: From January 2010 to January 2015, 45 patients with cervical spondylosis underwent single-level artificial cervical disc replacement in Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, including 29 cases of cervical spondylotic myelopathy, 11 cases of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy and 5 cases of mixed cervical spondylosis. At the last follow-up, Mehren grading method was used for classification of heterotopic ossification, among which, grade 0-Ⅱ was defined as low grade ossification group, and 26 patients (16 male, 10 female) were enrolled in this group; grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ was defined as high grade ossification group, and 19 patients (12 males, 7 females) were included in this group. C(2-7) Cobb angle, cervical total range of motion and range of motion at index level were used to evaluate the radiological outcomes of the two groups. Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, neck disability index (NDI) score and visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to evaluate the clinical outcomes of the two groups. The adjacent segment intervertebral disc height and range of motion were used to evaluate the effects of heterotopic ossification on adjacent segment. Results: All patients were followed up regularly for (98±18) months. There were no statistical differences between the two groups regarding to demographic data (all P>0.05). There was no significant differences in C(2-7) Cobb angle and total range of motion between the two groups at the last follow-up (all P>0.05), but range of motion at index level in the group with low grades was significantly higher than that in the group with high grades (7.8°±6.2° vs 2.6°±1.2°, t=3.60, P<0.05). There was no significant differences in JOA score, recovery rate and NDI score between the two groups (all P>0.05). There was no significant differences in the adjacent segment intervertebral disc height before operation and at the last follow-up (both P>0.05). There was no significant differences in range of motion at adjacent segment before operation (P>0.05), while range of motion at adjacent segment in the group with low grades was significantly lower than that in the group with high grades (9.5°±1.1° vs 10.6°±1.8° and 9.4°±1.4° vs 10.5°±1.7°, repectively, t=2.54, 2.31, both P<0.05). Conclusions: Heterotopic ossification does not affect the clinical outcomes, cervical curvature and cervical total range of motion after artificial cervical disc replacement with Discover disc. However, the higher grade of heterotopic ossification, the lower range of motion at index level and the higher range of motion at adjacent segment.

Effects of VEGF/VEGFR/K-ras signaling pathways on miRNA21 levels in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues in rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/VEGF receptor (VEGFR)/K-ras signaling pathways on miRNA21 levels in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues in rats. Eighteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal control, model, and VEGF blocking agent groups (N = 6/group). The expression of VEGF mRNA, K-ras protein, and miRNA21 increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the model group compared with the normal control group, and decreased dramatically in the VEGF blocking agent group compared to the model group. The expression of VEGFR mRNA in the model group was higher than that of the control group, and the expression of VEGFR mRNA in the VEGF blocking agent group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Statistically, there was no difference between the expression of VEGFR mRNA for the VEGF blocking agent group and the model group (P > 0.05). Finally, the expression of the miRNA21 gene in the VEGF blocking agent group was higher than in the control group, and there was a significant statistical difference noted; Pearson's correlation analysis demonstrated that the expression of K-ras protein was positively correlated with miRNA21 in the experimental groups (P = 0.001). The above results showed that the VEGF/VEGFR/K-ras signaling pathway might promote the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma cells through regulating expression of miRNA21, which has potential clinical value for the development of therapies against biological targets and determining prognosis for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Effects of lovastatin on hepatic expression of the low-density lipoprotein receptor in nephrotic rats.

To investigate the effect of the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor lovastatin on the expression of the receptor for hepatic low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in a rat model with kidney disease, and to identify the mechanisms in statin treatment of nephrotic syndrome with hyperlipidemia, a rat model with nephrotic syndrome was established. Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with lovastatin for 2 weeks using gavage. The expression of protein and mRNA of the LDL receptor in the rat liver was detected with Western blot and RT-PCR, respectively, and blood-biochemical indices were also recorded for each group. Compared with the untreated control group, lovastatin treatment significantly decreased the levels of serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and urinary protein. In addition, lovastatin treatment significantly increased the levels of serum albumin and hepatic LDL receptor proteins, but had no effect on the expression of hepatic LDL receptor mRNA. Treatment with lovastatin markedly increased the expression of the hepatic LDL receptor in rats with nephrotic syndrome, which was accompanied by significantly improved hyperlipidemia.

Transillumination-assisted orotracheal intubation: a comparison of the Bonfils fibrescope and the lightwand (Trachlight).

BACKGROUND: Because the Bonfils fibrescope has a semi-rigid optical stylet and is similar in shape to a lightwand, we aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of transillumination-assisted orotracheal intubation with the Bonfils fibrescope and the Trachlight(TM) lightwand in patients with normal airways. METHODS: As a preliminary investigation to form a basis for later studies, therefore, we performed a randomized, single-blind study of 300 patients with normal airways to compare the efficiency of Trachlight and transillumination-assisted Bonfils orotracheal intubation in these patients. In both groups, orotracheal intubation was performed using a transillumination technique. The first attempt and overall success rates of tracheal intubation, the times required, and any untoward effects were recorded. RESULTS: Although the overall success rates were similar for Bonfils and Trachlight intubations (97.3% and 98.7%, respectively), tracheal intubation was successful on the first attempt in 87.3% of patients with the Bonfils fibrescope compared with 95.3% of patients with the Trachlight (P < 0.05). The mean intubation time for the first attempt was 15 ± 5 s with the Bonfils fibrescope and 9 ± 2 s with the Trachlight (P < 0.001). Patients intubated using the Bonfils fibrescope also experienced significantly more sore throat and hoarseness than those intubated using the Trachlight. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with normal airways, the Trachlight is superior for orotracheal intubation with respect to reliability, rapidity, and safety compared with the Bonfils fibrescope used with the transillumination technique.

[A Meta-analysis on the infection rates on Mycoplasma genitalium in the genitourinary tract of different populations in China].

Objective: Mycoplasma genitalium (Mg) is an opportunity pathogenic microorganism mainly transmitted through sexual contact. In recent years, scholars have paid more attention to Mg infection and pathogenicity. This study was aimed to understand the condition of Mg in the genitourinary tract of different populations in China and provide evidence for further study of its pathogenic characteristics. Methods: Cross-section studies of Mg infection in the Chinese community were searched by China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang digital database, SinoMed, Pubmed, and Web of Science from database construction to March 10th, 2020. Studies were sifted and screened independently by two evaluators based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and Meta-analysis was conducted with R 1.1.463. If I2≤50%, the fixed-effect model should be adopted, if I2>50%, the random effect model should be adopted, and through subgroup analysis, the source of heterogeneity should be found out as far as possible. Results: A total of 47 research articles were included in this article, all of which were medium and high-quality articles. There was no obvious publication bias, and the results were more reliable. The research contained 19 provinces and Hong Kong Special administrative region, including 519 healthy people, 10 504 patients from clinics or hospitals of sexual transmitted disease (STD), 3 200 on Gynecology and 1 624 on Urology, 1 082 patients with men who have sex with men(MSM), 1 842 patients with Female sex worker(FSW), and 3 691 patients with HIV/AIDS. The infection rate of Mg in the genitourinary tract of the healthy population was 0.94% (95%CI: 0.07%-2.78%), the infection rate of Mg was 11.58% (95%CI: 8.57%-14.97%), 15.22% (95%CI: 7.99%-24.27%), 7.32% (95%CI: 4.24%-11.16%) among patients from clinics or hospitals of STD, gynecology and urology respectively. The infection rate of MSM was 9.70% (95%CI: 3.06%-19.52%),the infection rate of FSW was 13.49% (95%CI: 11.97%-15.08%). The infection rate of Mg among HIV infected patients was 20.46% (95%CI: 13.67%-28.22%). Conclusions: The infection rate of Mg in a healthy population was low. Mg infection rate in the genitourinary tract of other groups was still higher, which is worthy of further attention.

A novel polymorphism of the lactoferrin gene and its association with milk composition and body traits in dairy goats.

Milk composition and body measurement traits, influenced by genes and environmental factors, play important roles in value assessments of efficiency and productivity in dairy goats. Lactoferrin (LF), involved in the efficient expression of protein in milk, is also an anabolic factor in skeletal tissue and a potent osteoblast survival factor. Therefore, it is an important candidate gene for milk composition and body measurement trait selection in marker-assisted selection. We employed PCR-SSCP and DNA sequencing to screen the genetic variations of the LF gene in 549 Chinese dairy goats. A novel single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (G198A in exon II) of the LF gene was detected. The frequencies of the AA genotype were 0.0285 and 0.0261 in GZ and SN populations, respectively. Both populations were found to have low levels of polymorphism and were in Hardy-Weinberg disequilibrium (P < 0.05). We found significant (P < 0.05) associations of the SNP marker with milk protein and acidity in the total population; animals with the AA genotype had higher mean values for milk protein than those with the GA genotype. Animals with genotype AA had higher mean values for withers height than those with genotype GG (P < 0.05). We concluded that this SNP of the LF gene has potential as a genetic marker for milk composition and body traits in dairy goat breeding.

Laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation of hepatic cavernous hemangioma. A preliminary experience with 27 patients.

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), currently used extensively for liver tumors, also has been applied successfully to hepatic cavernous hemangioma (HCH) percutaneously. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of laparoscopic RFA for patients with HCHs. METHODS: Between March 2001 and March 2004, 27 patients with symptomatic and rapid-growth lesions were treated by laparoscopic RFA using the RF-2000 generator system. The treatment-related complications were observed. All the patients were followed up with helical computed tomography scans and ultrasonography at regular intervals to assess the therapeutic efficacy of laparoscopic RFA. RESULTS: This study assessed 9 men and 18 women with a mean age of 41.6 +/- 8.3 years. Three additional intrahepatic lesions missed preoperatively were found in three patients on intraoperative ultrasound. A total of 27 patients with 50 liver lesions were treated successfully with laparoscopic RFA. The mean maximum tumor diameter was 5.5 +/- 2.0 cm. The mean length of time for RFA per lesion was 20.7 +/- 11.9 min, and the mean blood loss was 134.4 +/- 88.9 ml. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed simultaneously for gallstones in 13 patients and for abutting of gallbladder from hemangioma in 2 patients. In addition, 3 patients also had a laparoscopic deroofing of simple hepatic cysts. Although postoperative low-grade fever and transient elevation of serum transaminase levels were observed in 13 patients, there were no complications related to laparoscopic RFA. During a median follow-up period of 21 months (range, 12-42 months), complete lesion necrosis was achieved for all the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic RFA therapy is a safe, feasible, and effective treatment option for patients with symptomatic and rapid-growth HCHs located on the surface of the liver or adjacent to the gallbladder. Intraoperative ultrasonography is a useful adjunct for detecting additional liver lesions and offering more accurate targeting for RFA.

Thyroid nodularity and chromosome aberrations among women in areas of high background radiation in China.

Thyroid nodularity following continuous low-dose radiation exposure in China was determined in 1,001 women aged 50-65 years who resided in areas of high background radiation (330 mR/yr) their entire lives, and in 1,005 comparison subjects exposed to normal levels of radiation (114 mR/yr). Cumulative doses to the thyroid were estimated to be of the order of 14 cGy and 5 cGy, respectively. Personal interviews and physical examinations were conducted, and measurements were made of serum thyroid hormone levels, urinary iodine concentrations, and chromosome aberrations in circulating lymphocytes. For all nodular disease, the prevalences in the high background and control areas were 9.5% and 9.3%, respectively. For single nodules, the prevalences were 7.4% in the high background area and 6.6% in the control area (prevalence ratio = 1.13; 95% confidence interval = 0.82-1.55). There were no differences found in serum levels of thyroid hormones. Women in the high background region, however, had significantly lower concentrations of urinary iodine and significantly higher frequencies of stable and unstable chromosome aberrations. Increased intake of allium vegetables such as garlic and onions was associated with a decreased risk of nodular disease, which seems consistent with experimental studies suggesting that allium compounds can inhibit tumor growth and proliferation. The prevalence of mild diffuse goiter was higher in the high background radiation region, perhaps related to a low dietary intake of iodine. These data suggest that continuous exposure to low-level radiation throughout life is unlikely to appreciably increase the risk of thyroid cancer. However, such exposure may cause chromosomal damage.

Comparison of mercury sulfides with mercury chloride and methylmercury on hepatic P450, phase-2 and transporter gene expression in mice.

Zuotai (mainly ß-HgS) and Zhusha (also called as cinnabar, mainly α-HgS) are used in traditional medicines in combination with herbs or even drugs in the treatment of various disorders, while mercury chloride (HgCl2) and methylmercury (MeHg) do not have known medical values but are highly toxic. This study aimed to compare the effects of mercury sulfides with HgCl2 and MeHg on hepatic drug processing gene expression. Mice were orally administrated with Zuotai (ß-HgS, 30mg/kg), α-HgS (HgS, 30mg/kg), HgCl2 (33.6mg/kg), or MeHg (3.1mg/kg) for 7days, and the expression of genes related to phase-1 drug metabolism (P450), phase-2 conjugation, and phase-3 (transporters) genes were examined. The mercurials at the dose and duration used in the study did not have significant effects on the expression of cytochrome P450 1-4 family genes and the corresponding nuclear receptors, except for a slight increase in PPARα and Cyp4a10 by HgCl2. The expressions of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase and sulfotransferase were increased by HgCl2 and MeHg, but not by Zuotai and HgS. HgCl2 decreased the expression of organic anion transporter (Oatp1a1), but increased Oatp1a4. Both HgCl2 and MeHg increased the expression of multidrug resistance-associated protein genes (Mrp1, Mrp2, Mrp3, and Mrp4). Zuotai and HgS had little effects on these transporter genes. In conclusion, Zuotai and HgS are different from HgCl2 and MeHg in hepatic drug processing gene expression; suggesting that chemical forms of mercury not only affect their disposition and toxicity, but also affect their effects on the expression of hepatic drug processing genes.

Exposure of human cells to low-frequency electromagnetic fields results in quantitative changes in transcripts.

The exposure of human cultured cells to electromagnetic signals with extremely low repetition rates resulted in an increased level of selected RNA transcripts. RNA with homology to beta-actin, histone H2B, and v-myc DNA was monitored by dot blot hybridization following 20 min exposures of HL60 cells to five different electromagnetic signals. The experiments used three asymmetric electromagnetic signals with different repetition rates, and two symmetric sinusoidal signals, delivered at 60 and 72 Hz. The degree of increase in homologous transcripts was dependent on the signal characteristics.

A novel role for sphingolipid intermediates in activation-induced cell death in T cells.

Activation-induced cell death (AICD), a process mediated by CD95 and CD95 ligand (CD95L), plays a critical role in regulating homeostasis of the immune system. Although the role of sphingolipids such as ceramides has been suggested to participate in CD95-mediated apoptosis, the exact role of these molecules in this process remains controversial. We employed myriocin, a specific inhibitor of serine palmitoyl-CoA transferase that mediates the first commitment step in sphingolipid synthesis. We found that myriocin could effectively block AICD in T-cell hybridomas and T-cell blasts. However, fumonisin B1, an inhibitor of the final step of ceramide synthesis, or inhibitors of sphingomyelinases did not prevent AICD. Furthermore, ceramide analogues, such as C2 and C6, could not reverse the inhibitory effect of myriocin. Interestingly, sphinganine, an intermediate of ceramide synthesis, completely reversed the inhibitory effect of myriocin, indicating a critical role of sphinganine. Myriocin did not modulate the expression of CD95 or CD95L, instead, it interfered with the early steps of CD95-mediated caspase activation. Therefore, we have uncovered a novel mechanism by which sphingolipid intermediates regulate CD95-mediated apoptosis.

Therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome after autologous stem cell transplantation for breast cancer.

Therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myelogenous leukemia (t-MDS/AML) are serious complications of chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer. High-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) may be associated with an increased incidence of these complications. The frequency of t-MDS/AML after ASCT for breast cancer is uncertain. We reviewed our database of 379 consecutive breast cancer ASCT patients treated with alkylator-based chemotherapy, followed for a median of 1.52 years (range 0-8.97), with a median survival of 6.16 years. Three patients have developed tMDS/AML. The probability of developing this complication at 5 years is 0.032 in our series. We have used pathologic, cytogenetic and molecular methods to evaluate which portions of therapy may have predisposed to the development of this complication. Cytogenetic abnormalities were not found in the stem cell harvests of these patients by metaphase analysis or by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). One patient demonstrated a clonal X chromosome inactivation pattern in her stem cell harvest, indicating pre-transplant chemotherapy may have been responsible for the development of her leukemia. As two of our patients developed this complication at greater than 4 years post-transplant, the number of cases may increase with longer follow-up. While the incidence appears to be low, further prospective and retrospective analysis will be necessary to determine which portions of therapy predispose to the development of t-MDS/AML in patients undergoing ASCT for treatment of breast cancer.

Analysis of montelukast in mild persistent asthmatic patients with near-normal lung function.

Few studies have specifically evaluated controller therapy in patients with mild persistent asthma. We used a subgroup analysis to investigate the effects of montelukast, a potent cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist, on adult patients on the milder end of the asthma severity spectrum. We have identified seven double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled studies of adult patients with mild-to-moderate chronic asthma in which montelukast was investigated. Subsets of patients with baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) > 80% and > 75% predicted or further restricted by less than daily rescue beta-agonist use were included as four cohorts (A, B, C, D), and efficacy measures, including change in FEV1 rescue-free days, beta-agonist use, nocturnal awakenings and blood eosinophil counts were evaluated. Cohorts A to D comprised 21%, 8%, 11%, and 4%, respectively, of patients from these studies. Mean pretreatment FEV1 ranged from 81% to 84% predicted and daily beta-agonist use from 2.4 to 4.5 puffs day(-1) in the four cohorts. Pooled results demonstrated a treatment effect for montelukast over placebo in all cohorts, for all endpoints. There was a significant improvement in FEV1 in montelukast-treated patients (7-8% over baseline) compared with placebo (1-4% over baseline, between-group difference P < or = 0.02) for all cohorts. Similarly, the percentage of rescue-free days increased substantially more with montelukast (22-30%) than with placebo (8-13%). This subgroup analysis indicates that montelukast produced improvements in parameters of asthma control in patients with milder persistent asthma that should be confirmed in additional prospective trials.

[Studies on the chemical constituents from the peel of Zanthoxylum schinifolium Sieb et Zucc].

Five compounds have been isolated from the Chinese traditional drug Qinghuajiao (Zanthoxylum schinifolium Sieb et Zucc). On the basis of UV, IR, 1HNMR, 13CNMR, 1H-1H COSY, 1H-13C COSY, NOESY and MS spectroscopic analysis, four of them have been identified as bergarpten (I), umbelliferone (II), skimmianine (III) and schinifoline (IV) respectively. The compounds II, III and IV were obtained for the first time from Zanthoxylum schinifolium, and the last one is a new compound.

[Studies on chemical constituents of Astragalus complanatus R. BR].

Sha-Yuan-Zi is the seeds of Astragalus complanatus R. Br.. Eight compounds were isolated from its 80% ethanolic extract. Their structures have been identified by spectroscopic and chemical methods. Two of them are new and named neocomplanoside (VII) and myricomplanoside-(VIII) respectively. All the compounds were obtained from Sha-Yuan-Zi for the first time.

[Expression of CD44 variant exon 6 in lung cancers].

Immunohistochemical staining was carried out on 79 samples of lung cancers using anti-CD44v6 antibody. Strong positivity for CD44v6 was observed in the basal cells of bronchial epithelium, squamous metaplasia, and type II pneumocytes. The expression of CD44v6 in primary lesions of non-small cell lung cancers and small cell lung cancers was 67.6% (48/71) and 0% (0/8) respectively, while the expression of CD44v6 in metastases of lymph nodes was 57.6% (19/33) and 0% (0/5), respectively. It is suggest that expression of CD44v6 is correlated with histologic type, differentiation and metastasis of lung cancer.

[Analysis and comparison of the essential oil from Daphne genkwa Sied. et Zucc. before and after processing by GC-MS].

The results of the experiment showed that Daphne genkwa was slightly different from its processed product in the content and color of essential oil. The result of stimulation experiment showed that the essential oil had certain stimulation to eye-conjunctive of rabbits. The stimulation diminishes after processing with vinegar.

[Analysis and comparison of the essential oil from Evodia rutaecarpa (Juss.) Benth. before and after processing by GC-MS].

Analysis has been carried out by GC-MS on the essential oil from the crude drug Evodia rutaecarpa and its Glycyrrihiza uralensis processed product, vinegar processed product and salt processed product. The total amount of essential oil decreases in the order of crude drug, vinegar processed, G. uralensis processed and salt processed products. The results of GC-MS analysis show that the constituents of the essential oil from the crude drug and its G. uralensis processed product are markedly different, and the contents of these constituents vary significantly.

[Determination of cinnamic acid in Cinnamomum cassia presl after compatibility in Coptis chinensis Franch].

OBJECTIVE: Studying changes of chemical constituents of Cinnamomum cassia after compatibility in Coptis chinensis; determining the amount of cinnamic acid in the decoction. METHOD: An YWG C18 column was used with a mobile phase of CH3CN-0.01% H3PO4(27:73), the flow rate was 1.0 ml.min-1 and the detection wavelength was 280 nm. RESULT AND CONCLUSION: The calibration curve of cinnamic acid had good linear relationship in the range of 0.112-4.48 micrograms. The average recovery was 100.0%, the relative standard deviation was 0.66%. The amount of cinnamic acid was decreased in the decoction, and the decreased degree was related with the ratio of C. chinensis to C. cassia.

[Studies on the chemical constituents of Patrinia scabiasaefolia fisch].

OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical compositions of the root and stem of Patrinia scabiasaefolia. METHOD: Five compounds were obtained from the ethy acetate extract of the root and stem of P. scabiasaefolia by silica column chromatography, and identified by chemical and spectroscopic analysis. RESULT: The compounds were identified as 2'-acetyl-3-O-beta-arabinopyranosyl-hederagenin, 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-oleanolic acid, 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 -->3)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-hederagenin and 3-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-oleanolic acid. CONCLUSION: These compounds were obtained from the plant of P. scabiasaefolia for the first time.