Slow crabs - fast genomes: Locomotory capacity predicts skew magnitude in crustacean mitogenomes.

Base composition skews (G-C/G+C) of mitochondrial genomes are believed to be primarily driven by mutational pressure, which is positively correlated with metabolic rate. In marine animals, metabolic rate is also positively correlated with locomotory capacity. Given the central role of mitochondria in energy metabolism, we hypothesised that selection for locomotory capacity should be positively correlated with the strength of purifying selection (dN/dS), and thus be negatively correlated with the skew magnitude. Therefore, these two models assume diametrically opposite associations between the metabolic rate and skew magnitude: positive correlation in the prevailing paradigm, and negative in our working hypothesis. We examined correlations between the skew magnitude, metabolic rate, locomotory capacity, and several other variables previously associated with mitochondrial evolution on 287 crustacean mitogenomes. Weakly locomotory taxa had higher skew magnitude and ω (dN/dS) values, but not the gene order rearrangement rate. Skew and ω magnitudes were correlated. Multilevel regression analyses indicated that three competing variables, body size, gene order rearrangement rate, and effective population size, had negligible impacts on the skew magnitude. In most crustacean lineages selection for locomotory capacity appears to be the primary factor determining the skew magnitude. Contrary to the prevailing paradigm, this implies that adaptive selection outweighs nonadaptive selection (mutation pressure) in crustaceans. However, we found indications that effective population size (nonadaptive factor) may outweigh the impact of locomotory capacity in sessile crustaceans (Thecostraca). In conclusion, skew magnitude is a product of the interplay between adaptive and nonadaptive factors, the balance of which varies among lineages.

De novo assembly of mitochondrial genomes provides insights into genetic diversity and molecular evolution in wild boars and domestic pigs.

Up to date, the scarcity of publicly available complete mitochondrial sequences for European wild pigs hampers deeper understanding about the genetic changes following domestication. Here, we have assembled 26 de novo mtDNA sequences of European wild boars from next generation sequencing (NGS) data and downloaded 174 complete mtDNA sequences to assess the genetic relationship, nucleotide diversity, and selection. The Bayesian consensus tree reveals the clear divergence between the European and Asian clade and a very small portion (10 out of 200 samples) of maternal introgression. The overall nucleotides diversities of the mtDNA sequences have been reduced following domestication. Interestingly, the selection efficiencies in both European and Asian domestic pigs are reduced, probably caused by changes in both selection constraints and maternal population size following domestication. This study suggests that de novo assembled mitogenomes can be a great boon to uncover the genetic turnover following domestication. Further investigation is warranted to include more samples from the ever-increasing amounts of NGS data to help us to better understand the process of domestication.

[Construction of serum-resistant cationic polymer α-CD-PAMAM and evaluation of its performances as gene delivery vector].

Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers as synthetic gene vectors are efficient gene delivery systems. In this study, a kind of α-cyclodextrin-PAMAM conjugates polymer (Cy D-G1) was synthesized as a gene delivery vector. Based on ~1H NMR detectation, about 6.4 PAMAM-G1 molecules was grafted onto an α-CD core. Agarose gel electrophoresis revealed that Cy D-G1 could efficiently bind with DNA to condense them into nano-scale particles, which showed a similar binding capacity of PEI-25 K. Besides, it could protect DNA from DNase I degradation in a low N/P ratio. When N/P ratio in the CyD-G1/DNA polyplex was 40, the average particle size of CyD-G1/DNA polyplex was about 120 nm, and zeta potential was +21 mV. This polyplex could maintain its particle size in serum-containing solution within 360 min. In comparison with PEI-25 K carrier, CyD-G1 showed low cytotoxicity in various cell lines. Cell transfection results showed that CyD-G1 efficiently delivered DNA into cells at N/P = 80 compared with Lipofectamine 2000 and PEI-25 K. Unlike Lipofectamine 2000 and PEI-25 K, in serum-containing test condition, CyD-G1/DNA polyplex could maintain the transgene activities. The results of confocal laser scanning microscopy indicated that most DNA entered into cell nuclei within 4 h, and this phenomenon was consistent with the results calculated by flow cytometry. Taken together, CyD-G1 showed good transgene activities and the gene delivery vector could be used not only in vitro but also in vivo.

[Folic acid modified polyrotaxanes effectively transfer si RNA-CD47 to inhibit the proliferation of melanoma].

To investigate the effect that folic acid-modified polyrotaxanes(FPP) transfered siRNA CD47 to inhibit melanoma proliferation, the expression of CD47 in clinical melanoma patients was tested by Western blot and RT-PCR, respectively. Physical performance of FPP(siRNA-CD47: CD47) nanoparticles was tested by Malvern particle size instrument and scanning electron microscope. The clone formation experiment demonstrated that FPP(CD47) nanoparticles inhibited the growth of clones. Invasion assay revealed that FPP(CD47) inhibited migration of B16F10 cells. Tumor bearing mice were used in the experiment to test the efficacy of FPP(CD47) treatment. Compared with the control group, high expression of CD47 was observed in the clinical melanoma patients. FPP(CD47) nanoparticle size at 80 nm exhibited a potential of 10 m V; compared with FPP(Con), fluorescence intensity was significantly reduced to 4.2% and B16F10 cell clone formation was decreased by 91% in the FPP(CD47) treatment. Tumor volume of tumor-burdened mice was decreased by 90% with FPP(CD47) treatment. FPP(CD47) lowered CD47 protein and m RNA expression in the tumor. This study suggests that FPP may transfer siRNA CD47 into the cancer cells to inhibit melanoma growth effectively.

[Multi-center retrospective analysis of clinical and related sociologic characteristics of postoperative distal radius fracture patients].

OBJECTIVE: To study clinical-related characteristics of sociology of postoperative distal radius fracture patients. METHODS: A multi-center retrospective research was conducted on the information of the case evaluation and follow-up, including the patients' gender, age, habits, history of chronic diseases, conditions of fracture, length of hospital stay and treatments. The epidemiology data were analyzed with SPSS15.0. RESULTS: Of the entire 143 patients, 52 were male (average age: 41), and 91 were female (average age: 61). The different gender and age groups had significant distinction in the characteristics of injury. The length of hospital stay was influenced by the energy of injury. CONCLUSION: To reduce the damage or incidence of distal radius fracture, we should avoid falling, strengthen protection awareness, treat internal medicine diseases or osteoporosis and so on. The knowledge of characteristics of sociology and injury of distal radius fracture is beneficial to the prevention and treatment.

Comparison of Interobserver Agreement of Four Classification Systems for Lateral Clavicle Fractures between Two Groups of Surgeons: A Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVE: Distal clavicle fracture classification directly affects the treatment decisions. It is unclear whether the classification systems implemented differ depending on surgeons' backgrounds. This study aimed to compare the interobserver agreement of four classification systems used for lateral clavicle fractures by shoulder specialists and general trauma surgeons. METHODS: Radiographs of 20 lateral clavicle fractures representing a full spectrum of adult fracture patterns were analyzed by eight experienced shoulder specialists and eight general trauma surgeons from 10 different hospitals. All cases were graded according to the Orthopedic Trauma Association (OTA), Neer, Jäger/Breitner, and Gongji classification systems. To measure observer agreement, Fleiss' kappa coefficient (κ) was applied and assessed. RESULTS: When only X-ray films were presented, both groups achieved fair agreement. However, when the 3D-CT scan images were provided, improved interobserver agreement was found in the specialist group when the OTA, Jäger/Breitner, and Gongji classification systems were used. In the generalist groups, improved agreement was found when using the Gongji classification system. In terms of interobserver reliability, the OTA, Neer, and Jäger/Breitner classification systems showed better agreement among shoulder specialists, while a slightly lower level of agreement was found using the Gongji classification system. For the OTA classification system, interobserver agreement had a mean kappa value of 0.418, ranging from 0.446 (specialist group) to 0.402 (generalist group). For the Neer classification system, interobserver agreement had a mean kappa value of 0.368, ranging from 0.402 (specialist group) to 0.390 (generalist group). For the Jäger/Breitner classification system, the inter-observer agreement had a mean kappa value of 0.380, ranging from 0.413 (specialist group) to 0.404 (generalist group). For the Gongji classification system, interobserver agreement had a mean kappa value of 0.455, ranging from 0.480 (specialist group) to 0.485 (generalist group). CONCLUSION: Generally speaking, 3D-CT scans provide a richer experience that can lead to better results in most classification systems of lateral clavicle fractures, highlighting the value of digitization and specialization in diagnosis and treatment. Competitive interobserver agreement was exhibited in the generalist group using the Gongji classification system, suggesting that the Gongji classification is suitable for general trauma surgeons who are not highly experienced in the shoulder field.

Preparation, characterization and anticancer activity of norcantharidin-loaded poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(caprolactone) amphiphilic block copolymer micelles.

In this study, a novel amphiphilic block copolymer biomaterial - poly (ethylene glycol)-poly (caprolactone) (PEG-PCL), was used to entrap norcantharidin (NCTD), taking advantage of self-assembly theory. Dialysis and volatilization dialysis were used to prepare copolymer micelles. Drug-loaded micelles were compared with blank micelles in terms of their particle diameter, morphology and IR spectral characteristics. The results revealed that there was no significant difference in respect of morphology and IR spectrum, but particle size differed. Drug-loaded micelles had a smaller particle size than blank micelles. Three important factors influencing particle size, the drug loading content (LC) and the drug entrapment efficiency (EE) of the NCTD-loaded micelles, were studied. The results indicated that the method of preparation and the type of organic solvent had a significant influence on the size of the micelles. LC and EE were greatly affected by the ratio of NCTD to copolymer. In vitro release of NCTD from the conjugate micelles showed that its release rate depended on the pH of the phosphate buffer solution (PBS). The amount released was higher at lower pH than under neutral conditions. In vitro antitumor activity of the NCTD conjugate against human hepatoma (HepG2) cell line and human lung cancer (A549) cell line was evaluated by the MTT method. Micelles loaded with NCTD demonstrated greater and more satisfactory cell viability inhibition than the free drug. In vivo antitumor activity of drug-loaded micelles was investigated in mice bearing S180 mouse sarcoma. NCTD-loaded micelles displayed tumor inhibition effects, better than the free drug. As a new drug delivery system, copolymer micelles present many advantages including easy formulation, good water solubility, low toxicity and high treatment efficacy, and show great potential as carriers of hydrophobic drugs.

[Open arthrolysis for elbow stiffness: a report of 17 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the treatment effect of open arthrolysis for elbow stiffness. METHODS: From Aug. 2007 to Apr. 2012, 17 cases of elbow stiffness were treated with open arthrolysis,in which, 11 were post-traumatic stiffness and 6 elbow stiffness resulted from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The preoperative Mayo elbow score was 65.1±16.4. Posterior middle approach was applied for 15 cases, and primary lateral approach for 2 cases. The ulnar nerve release and antedisplacement were performed for 12 cases with series limited flexion. The mobile hinged fixator were applied for 2 cases of unstable elbow after debridement of series hero ossification. RESULTS: With follow-up time for 6 to 41 months (average 13.1 months), all the patients acquired the follow-up and evaluation. According to Mayo elbow score of the last follow-up, the score was 87.5±16.7, and compared with the preoperation, the difference was significant: 9 cases were excellent, 6 good, 1 fair, and 1 poor, and the total excellent and good rate was 88.23%. The active range of motion (ROM) of flexion-extension was 110.6°±27.5°. However, 1 case developed chronic infection, and 1 ulnar nerve symptom. CONCLUSION: In applying open arthrolysis to treat elbow stiffness, as long as we release completely and assure stable elbow and early postoperative motion, we can get satisfying results.

[Surgical treatment of periprosthetic femur fracture after hip arthroplasty].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the surgical treatment results of periprosthetic femur fracture after hip arthroplasty. METHODS: In the study, 10 patients from Oct. 2006 to Jan. 2012 were treated surgically according to Vancouver classification, and their fracture union, hip function, pain in fracture site and lower extremity length were evaluated postoperatively. RESULTS: All the patients had full follow-up for 6 to 69 months (mean time: 35.1 months). All fractures were united well with good alignment and no prosthesis loosing or internal fixation failure was discovered. Harris scores to assess hip function were 71 to 90 (mean: 79.8) and the excellent and good rate was 70%. VAS scores to evaluate pain in fracture site when walking were 0 to 3 (mean: 1.4). The lengths of injured lower extremity were shorter by 0 to 2.5 cm than those of the contralateral side preoperatively [mean (1.6±0.9) cm]. The shortened lengths were reduced to 0 to 1.8 cm postoperatively [mean (0.6±0.6) cm], which were statistically different from those of preoperation (P=0.002). CONCLUSION: Although treatment of periprosthetic femur fracture after hip arthroplasty is a hard work, we can make individual therapy regiment based on the patient's age, general condition, function demand and Vancouver classification. Surgical treatment can bring good results.

[Clinical effect observation of biodegradable conduit small gap tublization repairing peripheral nerve injury].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effect of biodegradable conduit small gap tublization to repair peripheral nerve injury. METHODS: In the study, 30 cases of fresh peripheral nerve injury in the upper extremities were recruited. After formally informed and obtaining the consent, the recruited patients were divided into the degradable chitin conduit tublization group (experimental group: 15 cases) and traditional epineurial neurorrhaphy group (control group: 15 cases). Their nerve functional recovery conditions were clinically observed according to the standard score methods provided by SHEN Ning-jiang and British Medical Research Council. The excellent and good rates of the overall nerve functional recovery were calculated. The electrophysiologic study was carried out after 6 months. RESULTS: Of the total 30 cases, 28 were followed up, and there were 14 cases in the degradable chitin conduit tublization group and traditional epineurial neurorrhaphy group. The operation procedure was very simple, and the mean suture time [(8.0±0.8) min] was 20% shorter than that of the traditional epineurial neurorrhaphy group [(10.0±0.6) min]. All the wounds in the degradable chitin conduit tublization group healed as expected without rejection, hypersensitive reaction or anomalous draining. Electrophysiology examination results after 6 months displayed that the sensory nerves conduction velocity recovery rate was 77.37% of the normal value, and motor nerve conduction velocity recovery rate was 70.09% in the degradable chitin conduit tublization group. The sensory nerves conduction velocity recovery rate was 61.69% of the normal value, and motor nerve conduction velocity recovery rate was 56.15% in the traditional epineurial neurorrhaphy group. The exact propability methods was applied in the comparison of sensory and motor nerve conduction velocity recovery rate, and there was no statistically significant of two groups(sensory nerve conduction velocity recovery rate P=0.678;motor nerve conduction velocity recovery rate P=0.695). The combinated functional recovery excellent and good rates after repair in the degradable chitin conduit tublization group were 78.57%, while 28.57% in the traditional epineurial neurorrhaphy group. The Fisher's exact probabilistic method was applied in the comparison of combinated functional recovery excellent and good rates, and there was statistically significant of two groups(P=0.021). CONCLUSION: The operation procedure of the degradable chitin conduit tublization is very simple and the clinical recovery effect is much better than that of the traditional epineurial neurorrhaphy. The biodegradable conduit small gap tublization methods to repair peripheral nerve injury has the possibility to substitute the traditional epineurial neurorrhaphy.

[Three kind of scoring system for proximal humeral fractures in patients with postoperative functional review of evaluation: a multicenter study].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ASES, Constant and HSS score systems and their significance on postoperative function of the shoulder. METHODS: Totally 172 cases of proximal humeral fracture of five affiliated hospital from September 2004 to September 2008 were analyzed. All the functional outcome of the involved shoulder were evaluated by ASES, Constant, HSS score and patient self score. The correlations and agreement of three shoulder scales were analyzed with Pearson correlation test and Bland-Altman plot in different age groups and fracture types. RESULTS: (1) The Constant score were lower than other two scores in the same age group and fracture type (F = 13.62 and 4.80, P < 0.05). (2) The correlations between three shoulder scales: ASES and Constant (r = 0.754, P = 0.0003), ASES and HSS (r = 0.755, P = 0.0001), Constant and HSS (r = 0.858, P = 0.0002). The correlations between three shoulder scales and patient self evaluation: ASES (r = 0.602, P = 0.0002), Constant (r = 0.705, P = 0.0001), HSS (r = 0.663, P = 0.0037). The Bland-Altman plot shows three shoulder scales have good agreement. (3)The correlation between Constant score and patient self evaluation decreased in the elder group and severe fracture type. CONCLUSIONS: ASES, Constant, HSS shoulder score systems are all fit to evaluate the functional outcome of the shoulder, they have good correlation and agreement. Constant score in recommended for its high correlation coefficient with patient self evaluation score. However, its age bias must be paid attention in clinical practice. ASES shoulder score can be used in remote follow-up.

[Complication analysis of proximal humeral fractures treated with locking plate].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze complications of surgically treated proximal humeral fractures with locking plate. METHODS: Eighty three (30 males and 53 females) coherent unstable proximal humeral fractures were treated with locking plate from January 2007 to January 2010 with a mean follow-up lasting 23.5 months ( 10-51 months ). Their mean age was 66.4 years (33-89 years). The patients were evaluated with outpatient physical examination, X-ray film, visual analogue scale (VAS), and Constant-Murley scores. Complications and functional outcome of the involved shoulders were recorded and estimated. Complications were diagnosed in 15 cases, varus malunion in 6, humeral head necrosis in 3, delayed union in 1, screw cut-out in 3, and subacromio-impingement in 3.Four cases were combined with two or more complications. RESULT: Four-part fractures had higher complication risks in implant related complications (P=0.009)and none implant related complications (P=0.003).Age and comobities had little influence on complication occurrence. CONCLUSION: Although locking plate provides optimal clinical results in proximal humeral fracture management, its complications should be highly considered. Preoperative evaluation, implant option, accurate reconstructions and rehabilitations are key points to restore the shoulder function.

[Report of 11 cases of the comminuted olecranon fracture treatment with anatomically preshaped locking compression plate (LCP)].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the treatment effect of comminuted olecranon fractures with anatomically preshaped locking compression plate. METHODS: From August 2009 to May 2011,11 cases of comminuted olecranon fractures were treated, and their average age was 52 years. According to Mayo classification, 9 cases were of type IIB and 2 of type IIIB. All cases accepted open reduction and internal fixation with anatomically preshaped locking compression plate. After operation, all the patients were followed up regularly. X-rays were performed to evaluate fracture healing, and function of affected elbow were evaluated according to Broberg & Morrey elbow performance score. RESULTS: With follow-up time for 2 to 20 months (average 8.4 months), all patients attained fracture healing, and the fracture healing time was 7 to 18 weeks (average 11 weeks). According to Broberg & Morrey elbow performance score, 4 cases were excellent, 6 good, and 1 fair. The total excellent and good rate was 90.9%. Heterotopic ossification occurred in 1 case, and obvious limited ROM occurred in 1 case. CONCLUSION: Using anatomically preshaped locking compression plate to treat comminuted olecroanon fractures can attain stable fixation, perform early motion, and get satisfied results.

[Retrospective study of therapy of periprosthetic femoral supracondylar fractures after total knee arthroplasty with open reduction and less invasive stabilization system (LISS) internal fixation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical results of therapy of periprosthetic femoral supracondylar fractures after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using less invasive stabilization system (LISS). METHODS: Eight cases of periprosthetic femoral supracondylar fractures after TKA were treated with ORIF using distal femoral LISS in our department. They had full follow-up for 3 to 39 months. Their knee functions were evaluated through radiological and clinical checkups and functional evaluations by HSS (The Hospital for Special Surgery) scoring system and Lysholm Questionnaire. RESULTS: None of the fractured patients had any infection or internal-fixation failure. The average knee motion range was 0-94°. There was no statistic difference of the femorotibial angle between pre- and postoperation. At the end of the last follow-up, the average HSS score was 79.38 and Lysholm score 80.25. All the average scores were good and excellent. CONCLUSION: ORIF with LISS is a one of the valuable treatments for periprosthetic femoral supracondylar fractures after TKA.

[Analysis of function and related impact factors after operation of femoral neck fracture for patients aged less than sixty years].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate function and related impact factors after operation of femoral neck fracture for patients aged less than sixty years. METHODS: In our study,93 patients aged less than sixty years with femoral neck fractures receiving operation from April 2001 to August 2009 and having complete follow-up data were evaluated in terms of age, sex, co-diseases, side of bone fracture, type of bone fracture (Garden classification), time between injury and operation, operation procedures, operation time, time in bed, removal internal fixation and function score during follow-up period. Nonparametric test, rank correlation analysis and Logistic regression analysis were used by SPSS 13.0. RESULTS: Function scores showed non-normal distribution. By nonparametric test, the following variable in function scores was of statistic significance: the Garden classification (H=7.900, P=0.048). By analysis of correlation, the following variable in function scores was of statistic significance: Garden classification (rs=0.206, P=0.048). By Logistic regression analysis, the following variable in function scores was of statistic significance: Garden classification (P=0.030). CONCLUSION: Hip function score is of non-normal distribution, and Garden classification is the most important factor influencing the function after operation for femoral neck fracture for patients aged less than sixty years.

[Clinical features analysis of femoral neck fractures in 219 patients].

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical features of femoral neck fractures and analyze related causes. METHODS: The clinical data of patients with femoral neck fractures from June 2002 to August 2009 were retrospectively analyzed. The gender, age, fracture side, fracture type, basic social data, activities before injury, injury causes and treatment were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 219 patients (106 male and 113 female) was analyzed. All patients were divided into children group (age < 16 years), adult group (age ranged from 16 to 60 years) and older group (> 60 years). There were 5 patients (2.3%) in the children group, 81 patients (37.0%) in the adult group and 133 patients (60.7%) in the older group. There were 11 patients (5.0%) with Garden I fractures, 32 patients (14.6%) with Garden II fractures, 90 patients (41.1%) with Garden III fractures and 86 patients (39.3%) with Garden IV fractures. Fall damage and traffic injury were the main injury types. Home and public place were the main injury sites. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of femoral neck fracture shows the highest in the old persons. The male patients with femoral neck fractures are more than female patients in children and adult group, while the male patients with femoral neck fractures are less than female patients in older group. The dominant fractures type according to Garden classification is Garden III fractures in children and adult groups, but Garden IV fractures in older group. Fall damage and traffic injury are the main injury types. Home and public place are the main injury sites.

Microbial-Derived Polyhydroxyalkanoate-Based Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering: Biosynthesis, Properties, and Perspectives.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a class of structurally diverse natural biopolyesters, synthesized by various microbes under unbalanced culture conditions. PHAs as biomedical materials have been fabricated in various forms to apply to tissue engineering for the past years due to their excellent biodegradability, inherent biocompatibility, modifiable mechanical properties, and thermo-processability. However, there remain some bottlenecks in terms of PHA production on a large scale, the purification process, mechanical properties, and biodegradability of PHA, which need to be further resolved. Therefore, scientists are making great efforts via synthetic biology and metabolic engineering tools to improve the properties and the product yields of PHA at a lower cost for the development of various PHA-based scaffold fabrication technologies to widen biomedical applications, especially in bone tissue engineering. This review aims to outline the biosynthesis, structures, properties, and the bone tissue engineering applications of PHA scaffolds with different manufacturing technologies. The latest advances will provide an insight into future outlooks in PHA-based scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.

[Gene transfer system mediated by PEI-cholesterol lipopolymer with lipid microbubbles].

The properties of polyethyleneimine-cholesterol cationic lipopolymer (PEI-Chol) as gene carries and its gene transfer efficiency in vitro with lipid microbubbles were presented in this paper. PEI-Chol lipopolymer was synthesized by linking cholesterol chloroformate to the amino groups of branched poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) of 1 800. The structure and molecular weight of PEI-Chol were confirmed by IR, 1H NMR and MADI-TOF-MS (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry), respectively. The average molecular weight of PEI-Chol was approximately 2 000. The gene delivery system of bubble/PEI-Chol/DNA was constructed by mixed PEI-Chol/pDNA (N/P 10:1) complexes with lipid microbubbles (2-8 microm) which were prepared by DPPC, DSPE-PEG2000 and perfluoropropane with the reverse phase evaporation technique. pEGFP-Cl (enhanced green fluorescent protein) was used as report gene to investigate the DNA condensing ability of PEI-Chol lipopolymer by agarose gel electrophoresis. And their cytotoxicity and in vitro transfer efficiency of different complexes were compared with each other in A549 and MCF-7. The results indicated PEI-Chol lipopolymer can condense plasmid DNA when N/P ratio upto 4, PEI-Chol complexes and bubble/PEI-Chol/DNA complexes were nontoxic to A549 and MCF-7 when formulated at the N/P ratio of 10/1 as determined by MTT assay. This bubble/PEI-Chol/DNA delivery system provided good transfer efficiency with other desirable characteristics such as against-precipitation of plasma proteins. In conclusion, bubble/PEI-Chol/DNA complex is a novel non-viral gene delivery system.

[Synthesis of polyrotaxane-camptothecin conjugates and evaluation of its anti-tumor effect].

To prepare polyrotaxane-camptothecin conjugates and evaluate its anti-tumor effect, polyrotaxane-camptothecin conjugates were successfully synthesized, and the release behavior was performed; MTT assay and cell morphology were used to examine the inhibition of cells' proliferation effect in vitro. The experimental study of the antitumor effect on S180 mice in vivo was also performed to further evaluate the anti-tumor effect of conjugate. The result showed polyrotaxane-camptothecin conjugates can effectively inhibit the proliferation in a dose dependent effect. In vivo study and cell morphology observation of S180 mice showed significant decrease in growth of tumor, degree of tumor infiltration and blood vessel number. The result indicated anti-tumor mechanism may be through affect the angiogenesis and reduced blood supply to tumor cells and then leading to necrosis.

[Clinical outcomes of total elbow replacement in the treatment of complex distal humeral fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the efficacy of total elbow replacement in the treatment of complex distal humeral fractures. METHODS: From May 2005 to October 2008 12 patients were retrospectively studied who were diagnosed complex fractures of the distal humerus and treated by total elbow replacement (Coonrad-Marrey). The mean age was 60 years old, the mean follow-up time was 12 months. According to AO classification, there was 3 C2 and 9 C3. The study included: pain evaluation, range of motion, elbow stability, muscle strength, complications, Mayo elbow score, DASH score, radiological assessment of ectopic bone formation and loosening. RESULTS: Two cases with mild pain. The mean flexion is 98.3 degrees, extension limit is 17.9 degrees, mean pronation is 82.9 degrees and supination is 70.8 degrees. All joints were stable postoperatively. All patients were satisfied with the outcome. There was 1 case of superficial soft tissue nonhealing and 2 cases of ulnar nerve symptoms. No ectopic bone formation or loosening was found. Mayo elbow score was 3 cases of excellent and 9 cases of good. The mean DASH score was 41.3. CONCLUSION: Total elbow replacement can be used in such conditions as severe osteoporosis, severe comminution that internal plates can not get stable fixation, severe cartilage damage (because of fracture or inflammatory arthritis) that indicate traumatic or inflammatory arthritis.