Case series: O-arm navigation assisted by the Wiltse approach improves the accuracy of pedicle screw placement in ankylosing spondylitis combined with thoracolumbar fractures.

Here we assessed the accuracy of O-arm navigation assisted by Wiltse approach to improve based pedicle screw insertion in ankylosing spondylitis combined with thoracolumbar fractures. We then compared it with the freehand pedicle screw insertion technique. The study sample included 32 patients with ankylosing spondylitis combined with thoracolumbar fractures. Pedicle screw reduction and internal fixation was performed under an O-arm navigation system assisted by a Wiltse approach-combined osteotomy ("navigation group," n = 17) and posterior pedicle screw reduction and internal fixation was performed using freehand technique combined osteotomy ("freehand group," n = 15). We then compared the operation time and bleeding volume between the 2 groups. The visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were then used to evaluate the clinical efficacy and the kyphosis Cobb angle was used to evaluate the radiological efficacy before operation, 3 days after operation and after the last follow-up. All complications were noted when detected. Finally, classification of screw positions as proposed by Neo et al was used to evaluate the relationship of the position between the screw, the bone cortex, and the incidence of screw penetration. All patients were followed up for 18 to 36 months (i.e., 24.2 ±â€…3.5 months). The operation time and intraoperative bleeding volume of the navigation group were significantly shorter (lower) than those of the freehand group (P < .05). In addition, Both groups showed significantly decreased VAS, ODI, and Cobb angle 3 days after the operation and at the last follow-up when compared to values recorded pre-operation. However, we found no significant difference in VAS, ODI, and Cobb angle between the 2 groups (P > .05). We identified no complications (e.g., infection, VTE/PE, or nerve injury). Moreover, the pedicle screw placement position of the navigation group was better than that of the freehand group (P < .05), and the screw cortical penetration rate was lower than the freehand group (P < .05). During the process of posterior pedicle screw placement, O-arm navigation assisted by the Wiltse approach can significantly reduce operation time, minimize the amount of bleeding volume, and enhance the accuracy of pedicle screw implantation.

Serum is an indispensable factor in the maintenance of the biological characteristics of sweat gland cells.

The tolerance of sweat gland cells for in vitro amplification and subcultivation is low as they are somatic cells. The present study aimed to formulate an optimal medium for the culture of human eccrine sweat gland cells (HESGCs) and to establish a method for induction of HESGCs proliferation, whilst maintaining the characteristics of sweat gland cells. HESGCs cultured in sweat gland (SG):keratinocyte growth medium­2 (KGM­2) (1:1) medium had a higher proliferation rate and a stable morphology compared with cells cultured in SG and KGM­2 medium only. Reverse transcription­quantitative polymerase chain reaction indicated that cells cultured in the SG:KGM­2 (1:1) medium exhibited higher expression levels of α­smooth muscle actin, keratin (K)77, carcinoembryonic antigen, K8, K18, ectodysplasin A receptor, c­Myc, Kruppel­like factor 4 and octamer­binding transcription factor 4 compared with cells cultured in SG only or KGM­2 only medium. Three­dimensional culture analysis revealed that HESGCs cultured in SG:KGM­2 1:1 medium differentiated into sweat gland­like structures, whereas cells cultured in KGM­2 only medium underwent cornification. The present study also determined that the maintenance of the biological characteristics of HESGCs occurred due to the presence of fetal bovine serum (FBS). Cells cultured in medium without FBS differentiated into keratinocytes. Therefore, the SG:KGM­2 (1:1) medium may be a suitable culture medium for HESGCs. In conclusion, this mixed medium is a valuable compound and should be considered to be a potential supplemental medium for HESGCs.

ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR 74 (ERF74) plays an essential role in controlling a respiratory burst oxidase homolog D (RbohD)-dependent mechanism in response to different stresses in Arabidopsis.

Recent studies indicate that the ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR VII (ERF-VII) transcription factor is an important regulator of osmotic and hypoxic stress responses in plants. However, the molecular mechanism of ERF-VII-mediated transcriptional regulation remains unclear. Here, we investigated the role of ERF74 (a member of the ERF-VII protein family) by examining the abiotic stress tolerance of an ERF74 overexpression line and a T-DNA insertion mutant using flow cytometry, transactivation and electrophoretic mobility shift assays. 35S::ERF74 showed enhanced tolerance to drought, high light, heat and aluminum stresses, whereas the T-DNA insertion mutant erf74 and the erf74;erf75 double mutant displayed higher sensitivity. Using flow cytometry analysis, we found that erf74 and erf74;erf75 lines lack the reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst in the early stages of various stresses, as a result of the lower expression level of RESPIRATORY BURST OXIDASE HOMOLOG D (RbohD). Furthermore, ERF74 directly binds to the promoter of RbohD and activates its expression under different abiotic stresses. Moreover, induction of stress marker genes and ROS-scavenging enzyme genes under various stress conditions is dependent on the ERF74-RbohD-ROS signal pathway. We propose a pathway that involves ERF74 acting as an on-off switch controlling an RbohD-dependent mechanism in response to different stresses, subsequently maintaining hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) homeostasis in Arabidopsis.

IL-21 acts as a promising therapeutic target in systemic lupus erythematosus by regulating plasma cell differentiation.

Plasma cells, which secrete auto-antibodies, are considered to be the arch-criminal of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, but there are many cytokines involved in inducing the differentiation of B-cell subsets into plasma cells. Here, we emphasize IL-21, which has emerged as the most potent inducer of plasma cell differentiation. In this review, we focused on the promoting effects of IL-21 on plasma cell differentiation and discuss how these effects contribute to B cell-mediated autoimmune disease.

RNA interference of human papillomavirus type 16 E7 increases HLA class I antigen expression in HaCaT-E7 cells.

BACKGROUND: High-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are the major causative agents of cervical cancer. The E7 protein of high-risk HPV disturbs cell cycle control and down-regulates components of the antigen presentation pathway, suggesting an ideal target for development of the immunotherapy in HPV-positive cervical cancers. We previously reported that HPV16 E7 could down-regulate cell-surface HLA class I antigen accompanying decreased expression of transporter associated with antigen processing 1 (TAP-1). The purpose of this study was to determine whether knockdown of HPV16 E7 could up-regulate surface HLA class I antigen expression in HPV16 E7 expressing HaCaT cells (HaCaT-E7). METHODS: An E7-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) was transfected into the HaCaT-E7 cells, and the expression of HPV16 E7 was measured by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. With the use of flow cytometry analysis, the levels of cell surface HLA class I antigen and intracellular TAP-1 expression were detected. RESULTS: It was found that transfection of HPV16 E7-siRNA reduced HPV16 E7 expression as measured on messenger RNA and protein levels. The flow cytometry analysis showed that, compared with mock transfection, a statistically significant increase of approximately 75% in surface HLA class I levels was observed in HaCaT-E7 cells at 72 hours after transfection of E7 siRNA. Moreover, he knockdown of E7 in HaCaT-E7 cells could result in an increase of intracellular TAP-1 expression, which is essential for the expression of HLA class I at cell surface. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that the knockdown of HPV16 E7 could increase cell surface HLA class I antigen expression in HaCaT-E7 cells. In addition, for HPV-positive human cervical cancer, our observations indicate that the HPV E7 gene is a target of choice.

Down-regulation of HLA class I antigen in human papillomavirus type 16 E7 expressing HaCaT cells: correlate with TAP-1 expression.

OBJECTIVES: High-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are the major causative agents of cervical cancer, and the E6 and E7 genes encode the major HPV oncoproteins. The E7 protein of high-risk HPV types disturbs cell cycle control and down-regulates components of the antigen presentation pathway, suggesting a role for E7 in tumor immune evasion. We previously reported that HPV-16 E7 expression and down-regulation of HLA class I was highly correlated in cervical lesions. This study was aimed to determine whether HPV-16 E7 oncoprotein could down-regulate surface HLA class I antigen in HPV-16 E7-transfected cells, and whether it had correlation with the expression of the transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP). METHODS: The HPV-16 E7 open reading frame was transfected into HaCaT cells. After G418 selection, resistant colonies were individually picked and expanded into clonal cell lines. Using the fluoresence-activated cell sorting analysis, the levels of cell surface HLA class I antigen and intracellular TAP-1 and TAP-2 expressions were detected. RESULTS: Compared with the empty vector control, a statistical significant decrease of approximately 50% in cell surface HLA class I expression was observed in HPV-16 E7 expressing HaCaT cells (P < 0.001). Moreover, the expression of HPV-16 E7 in HaCaT cells resulted in decreased expression of TAP-1 that was essential for HLA class I expression at the cell surface, a statistical significant decrease of approximately 40% compared with that with the empty vector control (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our finding demonstrates that HPV-16 E7 down-regulates surface HLA class I antigen, which in part correlates with the decrease of TAP-1.

[Evaluation of genotyping of human papilomavirus by a new DNA liquid chip based on Luminex XMAP].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic value of Luminex XMAP liquid chip for HPV detection. METHODS: Detect HPV DNA with the liquid chip and HC II in 264 cases, including 231 of cervical cancer and 33 of cervical scrapes. The accordance of two methods were compared and DNA sequencing was performed in conflicting samples and single (infection samples. RESULTS: There is an excellent agreement between the methods. The overall incidence of HPV was 82.95%, the most common genotypes were HPV 16, 52, 58, 18, 11, 31, 6, 39, 33, 56, 70. Among all the positive types, 117 were single type and 102 were multiple types, and 87.43% were high-risk HPV genotypes and 12.57% were low-risk genotypes. Based on the criteria of histology and pathology, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative-predictive value of HPV liquid chip and HC II for detecting all cases of CIN II, III and carcinomas were respectively 93.07%, 87.88%, 98.17%, 64.44% and 94.81%, 87.88%, 98.21%, 70.73%. CONCLUSION: The common types of HPV infection are 16, 52, 58, 18, 11, 6, 56 and 31. Multiplex HPV genotyping by Luminex XMAP liquid chip appears to be highly suitable for diagnostic screening and large-scale epidemiological studies.

[Study on the genotyping of human papillomavirus using a new DNA liquid chip in women of high-risk group of Shandong province].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic applicability of human papillomavirus (HPV) liquid chip assay which is based on Luminex XMAP System, and perform a HPV epidemiologic study with the liquid chip in women of Shandong province. METHODS: To detect HPV genotypes on a 96-well plate with the liquid chip which can simultaneously detect and identify 26 common HPV genotypes in a total of 2925 cervical scrapes obtained from gynecological outpatients as well as to analyze the relationship between HPV types and different cervical diseases by studying the distribution of HPV genotypes and pathologic diagnosis. RESULTS: Among 639 cases who performed pathologic/cytological and histological diagnoses, 184 cases are in group of normal cytology, 266 cases in group of, 77 cases in group of cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN) I, 7 cases in group of CIN I - II, 46 cases in group of CIN I - II, 46 cases in group of CIN I - II and 13 cases in group of cervical cancer. The overall incidence of HPV in our samples is 36.0% (1054/2925) and 23 types of all 26 types on liquid chip are found. The most common genotypes found are HPV-16 (26.75%), HPV-52 (25.75%), HPV-58 (10.47%), HPV-18 (8.87%) and HPV-11 (6.94%). Among all the positive types, 87.32% are high-risk HPV and 13.68% are low-risk HPV genotypes. Both single and multiple types are easily identified, showing 66.22% ( n = 698) single type and 33.78% ( n = 356) multiple types. Of all the 1054 HPV-positive cases, 261 (24.8%) is occupied by women 21 to 25 years of age and progressively lower by older age groups, reaching 4.9% by women between 51 to 67 years old. The incidence of HPV in our samples is 23.37%, 33.08%, 54.54%, 57.14%, 82.61%, 91.30% and 100% for normal cytology, inflammation,CIN I ,CIN I - II, CIN II ,CIN III, and carcinomas specimens, respectively. Infections with more that one virus are common, accounted for 4.89%, 7.14%, 18.18%, 28.57%, 41.30%, 43.37% and 38.46% for normal cytology, inflammation, CIN I, CIN I - II, CIN II, CIN III, and carcinomas specimens, respectively. Based on the criteria of histology and pathology, the sensitivity, specificity, positive-predictive value and negative-predictive value of HPV liquid chip assay for detecting all cases of CIN II, III are 88.57%, 76.63%, 68.89% and 92.16% respectively. Conclusion The common types of HPV infection are 16, 52, 58, 18, 11, 6, 56 and 31. The HPV-positive rate increased along with the increase of grading on cervical lesions. There are more younger women among all the HPV-positive ones. Multiplex HPV genotyping by liquid chip appears to be highly suitable for diagnostic screening as well as the conduction of large-scale epidemiological studies.

[A prospective study of clinical characteristics of fever after flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence and clinical characteristics of fever after fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB). METHODS: Between May 2004 and April 2005, the clinical characteristics of fever in immunocompetent and hospitalized patients undergoing FOB were prospectively studied. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-two hospitalized patients underwent FOB in this period, and 37 cases (22%) developed fever following FOB; in 32 (19%) the fever subsided within 24 h with a mean fever onset time of (3.5 +/- 1.7) h and mean fever duration of (10.8 +/- 6.7) h. There were significant increases in total leukocyte and neutrophil counts in the peripheral blood at 6 h after FOB compared to levels prior to FOB (all P < 0.01), but the numbers of leukocytes and neutrophils in patients with fever were significantly higher than those in patients without fever (all P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Fever after FOB occurs relatively frequently but transiently in immunocompetent adults. No special treatment is needed.