[Comparison on biological activities of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides extracted with five methods].

Studying the physicochemical properties and biological activities of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides(LBPs) is of great significance. The previous study had extracted LBPs(LBP-1, LBP-2, LBP-3, LBP-4, and LBP-5) by five different methods(cold water extraction, boiling water reflux extraction of the residue after cold water extraction, ultrasonic extraction with 50% ethanol, ultrasonic extraction with 25% ethanol of the residue after 50% ethanol extraction, and hot water extraction). In this study, the structures of the obtained five LBPs were characterized by UV spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, the antioxidant, blood lipid-lowering, nitrosation-inhibting, acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting, and tyrosinase-inhibiting activities of the five LBPs were measured in vitro. The results showed that high-temperature extraction destroyed the polysaccharide structure, while ultrasound-assisted extraction ensured the structural integrity. The thermal stability and degradation behaviors differed among the five LBPs. However, the UV spectroscopic results of the five LBPs did not show significant differences, and all of the five LBPs showed the characteristic absorption peaks of proteins. LBP-3 and LBP-4 exhibited strong antioxidant activity, while LBP-3 had the strongest blood lipid-lowering activity. In addition, LBP-3 outperformed other LBPs in inhibiting nitrosation and acetylcholineste-rase, and LBP-2 showed the strongest inhibitory effect on tyrosinase. This study explored the effects of different extraction methods on the physicochemical properties and biological activities of LBPs, with a view to providing a basis for the selection of suitable extraction methods to obtain LBPs with ideal biological activities.

Investigation of Rutting Performance in Geogrid-Reinforced Asphalt by Penetration Test.

Permanent deformation, or rutting, is one of several critical distresses in flexible pavements. This paper introduced a novel experimental method, a penetration test, for asphalt mixtures to quantify the effects of glass fibre geogrids embedded in asphalt under repeated loading. It was found that the evolution of permanent deformation (εp) and its strain rate have three clearly identifiable stages. It was also observed that the presence of the geogrid increased the flow number and the number of cycles to failure significantly compared to control samples. Some of the current εp fitting models were found to be valid for deformation prediction under penetration. In addition, a new simple FN calculation method was also proposed based on strain rate and it showed consistent results. In particular, geogrid type "Grid10", which has smaller aperture size (12.7 mm) had slightly better reinforcement performance regarding the rutting resistance due to its larger contact area. Overall, the test and data analysis method presented in this study could be an important reference for future investigations on geosynthetic-reinforced pavement materials.

Clinicopathological and prognostic value of NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) in primary osteosarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor, particularly among children and adolescents, and the prognosis of osteosarcoma patients remains poor. The NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) has been found over-expressed in several human cancers, and closely associated with poor prognosis. Meanwhile the role of NOX2 in osteosarcoma patients has not been reported. This study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological and prognostic significance of NOX2 in osteosarcoma patients. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry (IHC), western blot (WB) and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were used to detect the expression of NOX2 in 55 primary osteosarcoma specimens and in 20 non-neoplastic bone tissue specimens. The correlations between NOX2 expression and clinicopathological parameters were analysed by using the χ2 test or Fisher's exact test. Disease free survival and overall survival of osteosarcoma patients were assessed by using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: NOX2 was over-expressed significantly in osteosarcoma compared with that in non-neoplastic bone tissue, and correlated with progression free survival (P < 0.001) and overall survival (P < 0.001). The over-expression of NOX2 was associated with tumor size (P < 0.001), tumor location (P < 0.001). The Cox analysed shown that the over-expression of NOX2 was predicted to be worse PFS (hazard ratio (HR) = 4.10, P = 0.004) and OS (hazard ratio (HR) = 3.50, P = 0.010) time in osteosarcoma patients. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study suggest that the over-expression of NOX2 is related to adverse clinical outcome, and can be viewed as an independent prognostic marker in osteosarcoma. Further research is required to verify the predictive value of NOX2 in osteosarcoma patients.

Prognostic role of the recepteur d'origine nantais (RON) expression in primary high-grade osteosarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Osteosarcoma is a common primary malignant bone tumor susceptible to distant metastasis. The clinical outcome for patients remains poor due to the resistance to chemotherapy and lacking effective therapeutic targets. Recepteur d'origine nantais (RON), a transmembrane protein of the c-MET proto-oncogene family, has been reported to contribute to the malignant progression and bone metastasis in several tumors. The present study aimed to explore the prognostic significance of RON in primary high-grade osteosarcoma. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blotting (WB) were used to investigate the protein expression of RON in 80 surgically resected specimens (50 high-grade osteosarcoma specimens and 30 non-neoplastic bone tissues) and 6 cell lines. The χ2 test or independent-sample Student's t-test was used to assess the significance of RON difference between osteosarcoma and non-neoplastic bone tissues. The χ2 test and Fisher's exact test were used to analyze the association of RON with the clinicopathological features of osteosarcoma patients. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model were used to assess the significance of RON for the survival of osteosarcoma patients. RESULTS: The results of IHC and WB observed significant overexpression of RON in osteosarcoma specimens (P < 0.001) and osteosarcoma cell lines. Moreover, immunohistochemical high expression of RON was associated with a poor response to chemotherapy (P = 0.032) as well as worse progression-free (P = 0.003) and overall (P < 0.001) survival of osteosarcoma patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that high expression of RON was independently associated with reduced progression-free (P = 0.027, HR = 2.31) and overall survival (P = 0.004, HR = 5.06) time of osteosarcoma patients. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that high expression of RON held independent value for unfavorable survival in primary high-grade osteosarcoma. Its potential role as a therapeutic target for osteosarcoma treatment deserves further research.

Clinicopathological value of ErbB2 gene and protein expression in osteochondroma.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate ErbB2 expression in osteochondroma and its relationship with clinicopathologic features of osteochondroma, so as to identify a new biomarker for the malignant transformation potential of osteochondroma. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were used to investigate the expression status of ErbB2 protein and gene in 30 osteochondroma tissues and 20 non-neoplastic bone tissues. The association of ErbB2 gene and protein expression with clinicopathological parameters of osteochondroma was analyzed by using the χ2 test and Fishers exact test. RESULTS: ErbB2 protein was found to be over-expressed in 4 of 30 (13.3%) osteochondromas and 1 of 20 (5%) non-neoplastic bone samples, which were not statistically significant (p=0.336). However, 13 of the 30 (43.3%) osteochondromas showed ErbB2 gene amplification, which was failed to be observed in any of the non-neoplastic bone tissue. ErbB2 gene amplification in osteochondroma was significantly higher compared with that in non-neoplastic bone tissue (p=0.001). In addition, the ErbB2 gene amplification was closely associated with clinical pathological parameters of osteochondroma, including high expression of cellularity (p=0.001), presence of binucleated cells (p=0.001), nuclear pleomorphism (p=0.003), calcification (p=0.002), nodularity (p=0.002), necrosis (p=0.009) and cartilage thickness (p=0.026). The association of the gene amplification with other clinicopathological parameters of osteochondroma, including permeation of trabecular bone, cystic/mucoid changes, mitosis, radiographic appearance, cap volume and subtype of osteochondroma was not observed. The over-expression of ErbB2 protein was not found to be associated with the above stated clinical pathological parameters of osteochondroma. CONCLUSION: ErbB2 gene amplification was associated with adverse clinicopathological status of osteochondroma and could serve as an index for malignant conversion of osteochondroma. Further research is required to verify the predictive values of ErbB2 for osteochondroma. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Diagnostic Study.

Clinicopathological and prognostic values of ErbB receptor family amplification in primary osteosarcoma.

Osteosarcoma is a malignant bone tumor with extremely high invasion, metastasis and mortality. The prognosis of patients with osteosarcoma remains poor. The ErbB receptor family was found to be overexpressed in human cancers and associated with poor prognosis. However, the role of ErbB receptor family in osteosarcoma has not been fully understood. The present study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological and prognostic significances of ErbB receptors in primary osteosarcoma. Western blot (WB), reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were used to detect the protein and gene expression of ErbB receptors in 60 primary osteosarcoma specimens and 30 non-neoplastic bone tissues. WB and RT-qPCR analyses showed that the protein and mRNA expression levels of EGFR, ErbB3 and ErbB4 in osteosarcoma specimens were significantly higher than those in non-neoplastic bone tissues. Seventeen (28.33%), 15 (25.00%) and 15 (25.00%) osteosarcoma specimens presented with amplification of EGFR, ErbB3 and ErbB4 gene, respectively, which were significantly higher compared with non-neoplastic bone tissues. The amplification of ErbB3 and ErbB4 in osteosarcoma was associated with advanced surgical stage. The amplification of EGFR, ErbB3, ErbB4 and the co-amplification of EGFR-ErbB3, EGFR-ErbB4, ErbB3-ErbB4 was linked with poor response to chemotherapy and distant metastasis. The amplification of EGFR, ErbB3 and ErbB4, as well as their co-amplification demonstrated independent prognostic values for reduced survival time of osteosarcoma patients and may serve as potential therapeutic targets for osteosarcoma patients in the future.

Clinicopathological and prognostic values of fibronectin and integrin αvß3 expression in primary osteosarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Osteosarcoma is a malignant bone tumor with a high potential for lung metastasis, and the prognosis for patients with metastatic disease is very poor. The interaction between fibronectin (FN) and integrin αvß3 in soft-tissue sarcoma promotes cell migration, invasion, and lung metastasis. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of FN and αvß3 in osteosarcoma. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry and western blotting were used to detect the expression of FN and αvß3 in 60 osteosarcoma specimens and in 30 osteochondroma specimens. Furthermore, correlations of FN and αvß3 with the clinicopathological features of osteosarcoma patients were analyzed using the χ2 test and Fisher's exact test. Disease-free survival and overall survival of osteosarcoma patients were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model. The predictive accuracy of the model was determined by the Harrell concordance index. RESULTS: FN (P < 0.05) and αvß3 (P < 0.05) were overexpressed in osteosarcoma specimens compared with osteochondroma specimens. High FN expression was associated with a poor response to chemotherapy (P = 0.001) and poor disease-free (P < 0.001) and overall (P < 0.001) survival. High expression of αvß3 was linked to an advanced surgical stage (P = 0.028), a poor response to chemotherapy (P = 0.002), and both poor disease-free survival (P < 0.001) and overall survival (P < 0.001). FN and αvß3 co-expression were associated with sex (P = 0.011), an advanced surgical stage (P = 0.013), and a poor response to chemotherapy (P = 0.002). Moreover, high expression of both proteins can serve as an independent prognostic value for reduced survival time in osteosarcoma patients. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that FN and αvß3 expression is associated with an unfavorable clinical outcome of osteosarcoma, and these molecules may constitute attractive therapeutic targets for osteosarcoma treatment. To improve the survival of osteosarcoma patients, further investigations are required to clarify their prognostic values in a larger population.

MicroRNA-885-5p promotes osteosarcoma proliferation and migration by downregulation of cell division cycle protein 73 homolog expression.

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignant bone tumor. Numerous studies have strongly implicated the ectopic expression of microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs), including miR-885-5p, which is aberrantly expressed in several cancer types, in multiple cancer-related processes. However, the role of miR-885-5p in OS remains unknown. In the present study, it was found that the expression of miR-885-5p was markedly upregulated in OS cell lines and clinical tissues. Moreover, high expression of miR-885-5p was significantly associated with the development of OS. The human OS MG-63 cell line was transfected with recombinant lentivirus to regulate miR-885-5p expression. Overexpressed miR-885-5p significantly promoted the proliferation and migration of MG-63 cells in vitro, while downregulating miR-885-5p expression reversed these effects. Furthermore, bioinformatic analysis was used to predict the potential target genes of miR-885-5p, and cell division cycle protein 73 homolog (CDC73) was identified as a novel and direct target of miR-885-5p. This interaction was further confirmed using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting and luciferase activity assays. These findings suggest that miR-885-5p serves a critical role in facilitating OS proliferation and migration, and can regulate CDC73 expression in OS cells and tissues. Thus, miR-885-5p could be a promising novel therapeutic biomarker for OS.

Prognostic significance of the expression of HER family members in primary osteosarcoma.

The prognosis of patients with metastatic osteosarcoma is poor and has shown no significant improvement in nearly 20 years. The human epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (HER) family is frequently overexpressed in the majority of human carcinomas, and is involved in promoting the proliferation and survival of cancer cells. However, the role of EGFR and HER-2 expression in osteosarcoma survival remains controversial and no previous study has simultaneously investigated the association of the expression of all the four HER family members with the prognostic significance of osteosarcoma. Therefore, the present study investigated the expression levels of the complete members of the HER family in osteosarcoma specimens, as well as their associations with the clinicopathological parameters, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) time of patients with osteosarcoma. The expression of HER family members was detected in osteosarcoma tumor specimens from 60 patients using immunohistochemistry. The association of the expression of HER receptors in osteosarcoma with clinicopathological parameters was analyzed using χ2 test and Fishers exact test. Survival analyses were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression model. Overall, 18 (30%), 13 (22%), 23 (38%) and 19 (32%) patients presented with high expression of EGFR, HER-2, HER-3 and HER-4, respectively, and the co-expression of 2, 3 and all 4 members of the HER family was observed. High expression of EGFR and HER-4 was associated with distant metastasis. High HER-3 expression was significantly associated with an advanced Enneking stage and distant metastasis. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the expression of EGFR, HER-3, HER-4, EGFR/HER-3, EGFR/HER-4 and HER-3/HER-4 was an independent predictor of poor PFS and OS time in osteosarcoma patients with stage I-IIB disease. In patients with stage IIB osteosarcoma, the expression of HER-4 and EGFR/HER-4 demonstrated a more significant effect on PFS and OS time. In conclusion, therapies targeting EGFR, HER-3 and HER-4 may provide promising strategies for primary osteosarcoma.

[Treatment of sixty-one patients with coronary slow flow phenomenon by yiqi huoxue recipe combined Western drugs: a clinical research].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of treating patients with coronary slow flow phenomenon by Yiqi Huoxue Recipe (YHR) combined Western drugs, thus providing clinical evidence for further studies. METHODS: Totally 61 patients with coronary slow flow phenomenon were randomly assigned to the treatment group (31 cases) and the control group (30 cases). Patients in the control group were treated with basic treatment of Western medicine, while those in the treatment group were treated with basic treatment of Western medicine and YHR. The therapeutic course for all was two months. Clinical symptoms were observed, and electrocardiogram examinations taken, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were evaluated before treatment and at two months after treatment. RESULTS: Patients' clinical symptoms and electrocardiogram examinations were significantly improved in the treatment group. Its effective rate of improved symptoms was 90.32% in the treatment group, superior to that in the control group (76.67%, P < 0.05). The effective rate of electrocardiogram examinations was 87.10% in the treatment group, superior to that in the control group (73.33%, P < 0.05). But there was no statistical difference in LVEF between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: YHR combined Western drugs could improve clinical symptoms and electrocardiographic ischemia in patients with coronary slow flow phenomenon.

[Effect of pamidronate on cementoclast and osteoclast differentiation factor expression during orthodontic tooth movement in rats].

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of pamidronate on cementoclast and osteoclast differentiation factor(ODF) expression during orthodontic tooth movement in rats. METHODS: 24 female, 6-week-old SPF Wistar rats were selected and the animal models for orthodontic tooth movement were established. Each rat's maxillary was divided into experimental side and control side. Pamidronate(50 µL) was injected into the sub-periosteum area adjacent to the left upper first molar(experimental side) every 3 days during the experiment, while 0.9%NS(50 µL) was injected into the corresponding area of the control side. The rats were executed in batch on the 3rd, 7th and 14th day respectively during the orthodontic treatment for detecting the amount of cementoclast and the expression of ODF in the periodontal tissues. All statistical analysis was performed using PASW Statistics 18 software package. RESULTS: The amount of cementoclasts was significantly less in the experimental side than that in the control side on the 7th and 14th days(P<0.05). The expression of ODF was significantly less in the experimental side than that in the control side on the 7th and 14th days(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Local injection of pamidronate can reduce the number of cementoclast and the expression of ODF.

[C(2) trans-laminar screws for atlantoaxial instability: preliminary clinical report of nine cases].

OBJECTIVE: C(2) pedicle screw is the classic instrumentation for posterior C(2) fixation. But it could be dangerous in case of anatomical variation, such as high riding vertebral artery and small C(2) pedicle. C(2) trans-laminar screw could be an alternative choice. This retrospective study is to evaluate the feasibility of C(2) trans-laminar screw for atlantoaxial instability with anatomical variation. METHODS: In our clinical work, we had nine atlantoaxial instability cases with C(2) pedicle malformation. If the malformation is unilateral, we inserted one C(2) trans-laminar screw and one C(2) pedicle screw in the normal pedicle; if the malformation is bilateral, bilateral trans-laminar screws were used. Then C(2) instrumentation could be connected with C(1) lateral mass screw or occipital screw in cases with C(1) occipitalization. Then atlantoaxial or occipitocervical fusion could be done with morselized autogenous cancellous iliac grafts. RESULTS: Nine cases had C(2) trans-laminar screw, including 2 atlantoaxial fusion and 7 occipitocervical fusion. Six cases had unilateral trans-laminar screw and 3 had bilateral trans-laminar screw. Radiographs demonstrated all the screws were placed satisfactorily except one. There was no neurological deterioration or vertebral artery injury. All the cases had an average follow-up of 9 months (4 - 13 months). All patients attained solid fusion without screw failure. In the 8 cases with neurological deficit, 3 were excellent, 1 was good, 2 were fair and 2 had no change. CONCLUSIONS: C(2) trans-laminar screw fixation could provide sufficient stability. This technique could be an alternative to standard C(2) pedicle screw in cases with pedicle malformation and high riding vertebral artery. It is safe and simple in experienced hands.

[Analysis of veracity of the C1 lateral mass screw insertion in the atlantoaxial fixation].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the veracity of the C1 lateral mass screw insertion in the atlantoaxial fixation using plate and screw method without A-P fluoroscopic guiding. METHODS: In the atlantoaxial fixation, without A-P fluoroscopic guiding, we probe lateral mass edge and identify the entrance point of C1 lateral mass screw indirectly. 159 patients treated with atlantoaxial fixation using plate and screw method were studied. Postoperative CT was used for analysis, and the position of the lateral mass screws in atlas was identified by coronary and axial CT scan. Three areas were delimited in and around the lateral mass of atlas in the axial CT scan, so as to analyze the location of screws: area A (inside the joint face), area B (outside the joint face but still in lateral mass), and area C (outside the lateral mass). RESULTS: Among the 318 screws, 308 (96.9%) were located in area A, 5 in area B (1.6%), and 5 in area C (1.6%). All cases got atlantoaxial union at 4 months after operation. CONCLUSION: Probing lateral mass edge and identifying the lateral mass indirectly is reliable for identifying the path of screw in atlas.

[Analysis the reasons of pulmonary embolism after spine surgery in eleven patients].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the clinical characteristics, early diagnosis and treatment for pulmonary embolism after spine surgery. METHODS: From January 1995 to May 2006, 11 cases suffered pulmonary embolism after spine surgery in the total of 10 993 patients. The clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of these 11 cases were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The incidence of pulmonary embolism was 0.1% after spine surgery. Pulmonary embolism was found during 5 to 14 days after spine surgery (mean 9.8 days). All of them show characteristic syndrome of pulmonary embolism, such as difficult breathe, cardiopalmus, thoracodynia, hemoptysis. Five patients died, and the mortality was 45.5%. The earlier use of pulmonary angiography and embolectomy by catheter device, the lower mortality will be. It is significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary embolism is one of the serious complications after spine surgery. It is the period of high happening on deadly PE and the mortality during 1 to 2 weeks after spine surgery. Pulmonary angiography and interventional therapy take an important part in the early diagnosis and treatment.

Open reduction of irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation by transoral anterior atlantoaxial release and posterior internal fixation.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study of surgical outcome of 33 patients with irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation (IAAD). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety efficacy of one stage anterior release and posterior fixation and fusion to reduce and stabilize IAAD. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The traditional treatment of symptomatic IAAD is ventral decompression by transoral approach. This procedure is accompanied with high morbidity and mortality. It does not correct the swan neck deformity, which could precipitate the degenerative changes in the lower cervical spine. Our hypotheses were that it is the contraction of the muscles, ligaments, and capsules of atlantoaxial joint that prevent reduction, and that most of IAADs might be reduced by anterior atlantoaxial joint release without the odontoid resection, and that further reduction and stabilization might be achieved by special posterior fixation. METHODS: A consecutive series of 33 patients with IAAD were surgically treated. Dislocation or reduction was assessed before surgery, immediately after surgery, and at the final fol5786-up. Etiology, instrumentation, levels fused, and complications were documented. All patients were assessed clinically for neurologic recovery by Odom's method. RESULTS: The mean age was 32 years (range, 7-63 years). The pathology included os odontoideum in 8 patients, occipitalization of C1 in 19 patients, malunion of odontoid fracture in 5, and relaxation of transverse ligament of atlas in 1. Twenty five patients presented neurologic signs and symptoms. Anterior release was performed without odontoid resection in all cases. Four patients underwent transarticular C1-C2 screw fixation, 3 had C1-C2 pedicle screw and plate fixation, and 26 required occipitocervical fixation. Twenty-five cases resulted in an anatomic reduction, 8 had partial reduction. Complication included one dysphagia and two nasal phonations. The mean follow-up period was 33.7 months (range, 24-55 months). There was no pseudarthrosis, and all but 1 of the patients with neurologic deficit showed improvement. CONCLUSION: This series has demonstrated the safety and efficacy of the transoral anterior atlantoaxial release in the reduction of IAAD. Most of the so-called irreducible/fixed AAD could become reducible after anterior release without odontoid resection. The posterior short-segment atlantoaxial or occipitocervical fixation, especially the plate screw instrumentation, could achieve further reduction and provide immediate stabilization. One-stage anterior release and posterior instrumentation and fusion are a safe and reliable operation in experienced hands.

[Reliability of direct probing isthmus of axial vertebrae to defining the screw path in atlas during Magerl technique].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy and reliability of atlantoaxial transarticular screw insertion (Magerl's technique) in atlas under lateral fluoroscopic monitoring without anteroposterior view. METHOD: Seventy-five consecutive patients with atlantoaxial instability, 48 males and 27 females, aged 35.1, were treated by Magerl's technique. The screw path in atlas was achieved by direct probing the isthmus of axial vertebrae then identifying its position through the atlantoaxial joint correlation. Postoperative transoral X ray and CT film were used for analysis of the position of the 150 screws in the mass of atlas. Three areas were delimitated in and around the lateral mass of atlas: area A (inside the joint face), area: B (outside the joint face but still in lateral mass), and area C area (outside the lateral mass) so as to analyze the location of screws. RESULTS: Among the 150 screws 139 (92.7%) were located in area A, 8 in area B(1) and 3 in area B(2) (7.3%), and none in area C. All cases got atlantoaxial union 3 months after operation. CONCLUSION: The method of "direct probing" is reliable for identifying the path of screw in atlas.

[Effect of bioactive glass filling defective alveolar bone on tooth movement].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the movement of rat's tooth in the area of defective alveolar bone filled with bioglass in comparison with contralateral tooth. METHODS: Forty female Wistar rats were selected. Defects in alveolar bones were created and filled with bioglass. Orthodontic appliances were fixed to mesially guide the maxillary first molars. RESULTS: The rats' teeth were mesially moved in the area filled with bioglass. There were no significant differences between two sides in movement distance of the first molars and in thickness of periodontal tissues with paired t-test (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The rat's tooth can be mesially moved in the area filled with bioglass.

[The discrepancy between ICP and MCP caused by orthodontic treatment and its quantitative assessment to the effect of later orthodontic treatment.].

PURPOSE: To investigate the discrepancy between ICP and MCP caused by orthodontic treatment. to evaluate the treatment effect of the malocclusion with later orthodontic treatment. METHODS: Nineteen cases were selected and treated with preadjusted appliance and combination headgear appliance.Pre- and post- treatment celphalometric radiographs were analyzed. RESULTS: Discrepancy between ICP and MCP may be resulted from improper design and operation of orthodontists and poor cooperation of patients; By preadjusted appliance and combination headgear appliance,upper dental arch was moved distally; Molar relationship was changed into Class I by bodily movement; A harmonization between ICP and MCP was rehabilitated. CONCLUSIONS: The discrepancy between ICP and MCP should be minded; Preadjusted appliance and combination headgear appliance were effective in the correction of the discrepancy between ICP and MCP.

[Diagnosis and treatment of esophageal fistula in anterior cervical spine surgery].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of esophagocutaneous fistula in anterior cervical spine surgery. METHODS: Thirteen cases with esophagocutaneous fistula in anterior cervical spine surgery were studied. RESULTS: The causes includes: (1) During the operation, esophagus was oppressed by a clasp for so long time that made a pressure necrosis of the esophagus; (2) Esophagus was injured by loose plates and screws; (3) Loose bone grafts oppressed esophagus; (4) Esophagus was injured by operative appliance in the operation; (5) Esophagus was oppressed by the plate. DIAGNOSIS: After anterior cervical spine surgery if patients had a high fever, sore throat, swelling incision, and food sediment was found in the incision, esophagocutaneous fistula should be considered. The final diagnosis could be done by esophageal radiography. TREATMENT: Fasting cure, nasogastric tube and wound drainage should be used; When the inflammation ended, patients should undergo operation of closure of the esophageal fistula. CONCLUSIONS: The esophagocutaneous fistula in anterior cervical spine surgery has several causes mentioned above. We should take precautionary measures to avoid the complication, and use appropriate treatment to cure when it happens.

[Preparation of surface functional magnetic microspheres and their application in nucleic acid separation and enzyme immobilization].

OBJECTIVE: To Prepare surface functional magnetic microspheres for the separation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) nucleic acid and lactase enzyme immobilization. METHODS: Using suspension polymerization methods to copolymerize MA-styrene containing magnetite nanoparticles and GMA-styrene also containing magnetite nanoparticles, respectively. Both the carboxyl-modified magnetic microspheres and epoxy-modified magnetic microspheres were obtained. In addition, the chloromethyl-modified magnetic microspheres were prepared by seedy microemulsion. The magnetic microspheres bound with b-gamma IgG were determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA), and the separation of VEGF nucleic acid and lactase enzyme immobilization were performed by carboxyl-modified magnetic microspheres. RESULTS: Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and infrared (IR) spectra showed that the products of polymer magnetic microspheres were monodispersed and that the magnetic particles were uniformly distributed in the microsphere with special functional group on the surface of the microsphere. RIA showed that three kinds of magnetic microspheres could be bound with b-gamma IgG and the absorption of b-gamma IgG reached 75 micrograms/mg, especially for the carboxyl-modified magnetic microspheres. The carboxyl-modified magnetic microspheres can be used for the separation of VEGF nucleic acid by coupling with corresponding primer. Moreover, the immobilized enzyme was proportional to the amount of the carboxyl-modified magnetic microspheres. CONCLUSIONS: The surface functional magnetic polymer microspheres can be bound with active bio-substance, and have a wide application prospect in the fields of biology and medicine.