[Diagnosis and misdiagnosis of fracture of the femoral head]

164 cases of traumatic posterior dislocation of the hip, of which 26 were associated with fractures of the femoral head, about 15.9% incidence, were treated during the year from March 1982 to March 1993. According to the pipkin classification of fractures of the femoral head, 10 cases were type 1, 6 tupe 2, 2 type 3, and 8 type 4. Of the 26 cases, 24 received emergent radiography, with 22 diagnosed and 2 misdiagnosed. The other 2 cases were found prompt auto-reduction of dislocation of the femoral head, without emergent radiography. The 4 misdiagnosed cases, because of continued pain or redislocation, came back later for radiography and then were correctly diagnosed. Besides the routine anteroposterior radiograph of the hip, pelvic oblique radiography angled 45 degrees or 60 degrees, and frog-leg anteroposterior hip radiography were needed. The CT-directed pelvic oblique radiograph was found to be the most accurate determinant of the extent of fracture displacement and the presence of intrasarticular loose fragments. Among the 19 cases operated on, 16 showed excellent-good rate (50%), and among the 7 non-operated cases, of 6 showed excellent-good rate (33%). After follow up.

Concanavalin A (NSC-143504): its action on experimental tumor cells and possible use in cancer chemotherapy

Concanavalin A administered to mice kills KHT fibrosarcoma tumor cells and, less markedly, AKR lymphoma cells at doses where it has no effect on numbers of normal hematopoietic colony-forming cells. Concanavalin A in vitro agglutinates suspensions of cells prepared from murine and human tumors but does not agglutinate suspensions prepared from most normal mouse tissues. In spite of its selective action against tumor cells at the cellular level, the possibilities for using concanavalin A therapeutically are limited by its unusual toxicity, a generalized vasculitis that is seen in the mouse, monkey, and pig at approximately the same dose level.

[Time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay of microalbuminuria]

Time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay (TrFIA) has been recognized as the most promising one among the so-called nonisotopic immunoassays. It is well known for its inherent advantages, high sensitivity, specificity and stability, rapid determination and wide measurement range. We have developed a new TrFIA for determining microalbumin in urine by using monoclonal anti-HSA (human serum albumin) antibody and europium label. The quality of the assay and its preliminary clinical application have been evaluated.

Fusion expression of green fluorescent protein and HCV capsid antigene in Escherichia coli cells

A chimeric gene of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) core antigene were constructed and expressed in E. coli cells. The expressed fusion protein was examined by Dot-ELISA and Western blot and the three antigenic determinants were detected. The GFP-Core fusion protein showed not only the striking green fluorescence under natural light but also the HCV antigenic activity. A new method of immunological diagnosis is greatly anticipated in the light of this fusion protein which can be seen as the HCV antigen tagged with the green fluorescent protein.

Integrin alphavbeta5 participates in the binding of photoreceptor rod outer segments during phagocytosis by cultured human retinal pigment epithelium

PURPOSE

To examine the expression of integrin vitronectin receptors (integrins alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5) in native human fetal retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and cultured hunman fetal RPE and to examine the role of RPE VnRs in the phagocytosis of photoreceptor rod outer segments (ROS).

METHODS

Monoclonal antibodies against human integrin subunit alphav and heterodimers alphavbeta3 (LM609) and alphavbeta5 (P1F6) were used to label freshly isolated human fetal RPE explant and cultured human fetal RPE and to immunoprecipitate membrane proteins from cultured human RPE. Effects of antibodies and peptides that inhibit integrin vitronectin receptors on phagocytosis of ROS by RPE were determined using cultured human fetal RPE and fluorescein-labeled bovine outer segments.

RESULTS

Antibodies against integrin subunit alphav and against alphavbeta5 (P1F6) labeled the RPE apical membrane in both native tissue and cultured RPE, while anti-alphavbeta3 antibody (LM609) labeled less than 1% of cultured RPE and did not label native RPE. Antibodies against alphav and alphavbeta5 P1F6 also immunoprecipitated 2 protein bands corresponding to integrin subunits alphav and beta5 from a membrane extract of cultured human RPE. The peptide Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-Pro (GRGDSP, 1 mM) inhibited the total ROS uptake (externally bound and ingested) by 48% (P < 0.001) and ingestion of ROS by 37% (P < 0.001). Antibody PIF6 (50 microg/ml) inhibited the total ROS uptake and the ingestion of ROS by 63% (P < 0.001) and 43% (P < 0.01), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The integrin alphavbeta5 vitronectin receptor is expressed on the apical membrane of human RPE and participates in the binding of photoreceptor ROS during phagocytosis by cultured human RPE.

[Study on the mutagenicity of salted pork from high risk area of stomach cancer and its relation to pathological changes of gastric mucosa]

To investigate the relations between salted pork (SP) from Zhuanghe (a high risk area of stomach cancer in northeast China) and stomach cancer three studies had been done, including the mutagenicity of SP, the effect of SP on the gastric mucosa of residents in Zhuanghe area who had consumed SP for 10-30 years and the mucosal lesions of dogs taking SP. The results showed that the extract of SP was a strong mutagen in strain TA98 and led to increased micro-nuclei rate (MNR) and micro-nuclei cell rate (MNCR) of V79 cell at a dose range of 20-80 mumol/ml. There were dose-effect relations between SP and MNR, MNCR. The results also indicated that pathological changes of gastric mucosa of residents who consumed SP had remarkable difference from those of the control group. In people who had consumed SP for 10 years, mucosal lesions including necrosis and erosion were seen; for those consumed SP for 10+(-)20 years, there were hyperplasia and dysplasia and those for 20+(-)30 years different degrees of dysplasia and even malignant change could be observed. The research also found that SP had damaging effect on gastric mucosa in dogs taking SP. The mucosal lesions became more severe with time of feeding SP. The conclusion is that SP is a strong mutagen, long-term exposure to SP may result in repeated gastric mucosal damage and repair, and finally in severe dysplasia and malignancy.

The use of personal protective measures in control of malaria in a defined community

Malaria is one of the main health problems in the non-immune immigrant workers and army personnel of the malaria endemic areas in Myanmar. Due to changes in the vector bionomics and multiresistant strains of P. falciparum, chemoprophylaxis alone is not an effective means of control of malaria in them. So it is envisaged that the combined used of personal protective measures (deltamethrin impregnated bed-nets, scalves and hand-bands) and the chemoprophylaxis will be an effective means of control of malaria in the define group of people. The study also intended to find out the side effects of the deltamethrin and feasibility and acceptability of methods by the users. The study was conducted in Theini Township, Northern Shan State, from March to November 1993. The study population consisted of all ages of both sexes 554 and 440 persons in the test and control groups respectively. At the initial phase of the study, malaria infected persons from both the groups were treated. The experimental group received personal protective measures with impregnation of bed-nets using 25 mg ai/m2 of deltamethrin at 4 monthly intervals and the scarves and hand-bands at twice the concentration of the insecticides at monthly intervals. Chemoprophylaxis was given to both the groups at weekly intervals using age adjusted dosage of Pyrixine tablet (sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine). The parasitological, entomological, and epidemiological indices were collected at two month intervals in both the groups. The study clearly showed the impact of personal protective measures and chemoprophylaxis on malaria infection in the studied subjects. During the study period, the out patient malaria cases of the test group was 6% to 11.2% and that of the control group was 12% to 21.6% in Theini Hospital. The reinfection rate of the test group (0.9 to 4.7%) was also significantly lower than the control group (6.1 to 14.3%) from July to November. Acceptance of the treated bed-nets, scarves and hand-bands was high and good compliance was found in the follow up. The results of the study clearly showed that malaria can be controlled effectively in the defined group of persons for a malaria transmission season by using chemoprophylaxis and personal protective measures.

[Study on the relationship between PS2 protein expression and prognosis in invasive breast carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To study the relationship between the expression of PS2 protein and prognosis in the invasive breast cancer (IBC).

METHOD

Using LSAB immunohistochemical method, PS2 protein expression in 86 cases of IBC was detected.

RESULTS

The positive rate of PS2 protein was 66.27% (57/86) in 86 cases of IBC. Under the following 3 conditions, PS2 protein expression levels in the more-than-5-year-survival group (A) were higher than those in the less-than-5-year-survival group (B). (1) In 86 cases of IBC, the expression level was 80.55% (29/36) for Group A, Significantly different from the 56.00% (28/50) of Group B (P < 0.025). (2) In 62 cases of premenopausal patients, the corresponding data were 86.20% (25/29) and 54.54% (18/33) respectively, P < 0.005; whereas in 24 cases of postmenopausal patients, 4/7 and 58.82% (10/17) respectively, P > 0.5. (3) In 62 cases of axillary node positive patients, the expression levels for Groups A and B were 82.35% (14/17) and 55.55% (25/45) respectively, P < 0.05; while in 24 cases of axillary node negative patients, 78.94% (15/19) and (3/5) respectively, P > 0.5.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the expression of PS2 protein was positively correlated with 5-year-survival in IBC, and could be considered as a prognostic predictor for breast cancer, PS2 protein expression was a useful indicator for endocrine therapy in premenopausal patients. In axillary node positive patients, the expression of PS2 protein was associated with a better prognosis.

Inhibition of testosterone secretion by S-petasin in rat testicular interstitial cells

S-petasin, a kind of sesquiterpene ester, is the anti-inflammatory ann analgesic component of the butterbur (Petasites hybridus). The clinical benefit of S-petasin is the spasmolytic activity, but its side effects on the reproductive endocrinology are not clear yet. The present study was to explore the effects of S-petasin on the secretion of testosterone in vivo and in vitro. We found that single intravenous injection of S-petasin (1 microg/kg) decreased basal plasma testosterone concentration in adult male rats. The enzymatically dispersed rat testicular interstitial cells were incubated with S-petasin (0-4.3 x 10(-5)M) in the presence or absence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG, 0.05 IU/ml), forskolin (adenylyl cyclase activator, 10(-5) M), and androstenedione (testosterone biosynthesis precursor, 10(-9) M) at 34 degrees C for 1 h. The concentrations of testosterone in the incubation medium were measured by radioimmunoassay. S-petasin at 4.3 x 10(-7) M was effective to reduce the basal and hCG-stimulated release of testosterone in rat testicular interstitial cells. The stimulatory effects of testosterone secretion induced by forskolin and androstenedione were significantly reduced by S-petasin at 4.3 x 10(-5) M and 4.3 x 10(-6) M, respectively. These results suggest that S-petasin inhibits the production of testosterone in rat testicular interstitial cells in part through diminishing the activities of adenylyl cyclase and 17-ketosteroid reductase.

[Effects of tea polyphenols on cell kinetics and apoptosis of primary cultured rat skin keratinocytes]

In order to study the effects of tea polyphenols on cell growth and apoptosis of primary cultured rat skin keratinocytes, the safe dosage of tea polyphenols was determined by the release of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH). Cell counting(cytometry) and flow cytometry(FCM) were used to estimate the cell growth and the percentages of cells in different cell cycle phases or apoptosis. The results showed that tea polyphenols stimulated the cell growth from G1/G0 to G2/M phase, enhanced the synthesis of DNA(increase S phase) and increased the proliferative index(PI) from 18.17% to 25.62%. Also, it could block the occurrence of apoptosis. It is concluded that tea polyphenols could stimulate the growth of skin keratinocytes through stimulating the synthesis of cell DNA and inhibiting apoptosis.

[Value of condensation and rarefaction click evoked action potential latency difference in the diagnosis of Meniere's disease]

OBJECTIVE

To study the value of condensation and rarefaction clicks evoked action potential (AP) latency difference (LD) in diagnosis of Meniere's disease.

METHODS

AP was recorded with ECochG in controls (50 ears) and patients with Meniere's disease(90 ears) and sensorineural hearing loss(SNHL) of other origins(60 ears). LD was calculated and analyzed.

RESULTS

LD in patients with Meniere's disease was (0.30 +/- 0.15) ms, which was significantly larger than that of controls(0.18 +/- 0.07) ms and of patients with SNHL of other origins(0.20 +/- 0.10) ms (P < 0.01). In the group of Meniere's disease, LD in patients with the mild and moderate hearing impairment was larger than those with severe hearing loss(P < 0.01) and LD in patients with low tone or high tone auditory sensation curve was larger than those with flat auditory sensation curve(P < 0.01). Positive rate was 4/60(6.7%) in other SNHL patients and 58/90(64.0%) in Meniere's disease group respectively.

CONCLUSION

The increase in condensation and rarefaction click evoked AP latency difference can be an objective parameter in diagnosis of Meniere's disease.

[Clinical diagnostic standard of mediopatellar plica syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To increase the level of clinical diagnosis of mediopatellar plica syndrome.

METHOD

We reviewed the preoperative clinical symptoms of 67 knee joints that were proved to have pathologic mediopatellar plica by arthroscopy.

RESULT

Mediopatellar plica syndrome had the following clinical symptoms: painful knee and mediopatellar tenderness in all patients; tender bands in 56.7% patients; positive test of flexion or extension with internal femoral condyle pressed in 62.7% patients; positive Mcmarry's sign in 31.3% patients.

CONCLUSION

The clinical diagnostic standard of mediopatellar plica syndrome is that the first above-mentioned clinical symptom plus one of other three symptoms could suggest the diagnosis, while the first clinical symptom plus two or three of other three symptoms could define the diagnosis.

[Changing trend of four immune-related diseases in Ningxia]

OBJECTIVE

To understand the changing trends of immune-related diseases. Disease patterns from both pre-and post-immunization plan and after the immunization program were described, in order to provide evidence for the formulation and revision of immunization program and policy, in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

METHODS

According to the time order descriptive method was used to analyze and compare the reported data on infectious diseases in Ningxia, between 1958 and 2014.

RESULTS

From 1958 to 2014, both incidence and mortality of infectious diseases and four diseases related to the immunization programs, in Ningxia appeared significantly low. Since the implementation of the immunization plan, the incidence and mortality of the 4 diseases declined significantly, with the average annual total incidence as 176.12/100 000 before the immunization plan dropped to 2.56/100 000 when the expanded immunization plan was put into practice. The incidence also showed a downward trend. Among diseases that under the immunization program, the incidence of measles appeared the highest, followed by pertussis. However, none of the case on diphtheria or polio appeared which was caused by the wild strains, in 1983 and 1994.

CONCLUSION

After the implementation of the immunization plan, the immune-related diseases seemed to have been under well controlled. and with remarkable social benefit. Immunization programs appeared the most effective measures to control and eliminate the acute infectious diseases in the region.

Thyroid hormones suppress epsilon-PKC signalling, down-regulate connexin-43 and increase lethal arrhythmia susceptibility in non-diabetic and diabetic rat hearts

We examined whether thyroid hormones affect myocardial epsilon-PKC signalling, downstream target substrate, connexin-43 (Cx43) and arrhythmogenesis in non-diabetic and diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by a single streptozotocin injection (50mg/kg, i.v.). Triiodothyronine (T(3)) was applied by gavage (1microg/kg of body weight for 10 days) to 4 weeks and 9 weeks diabetic and age-matched non-diabetic rats. Western blot analysis of Cx43 and epsilon-PKC, immunofluorescence of Cx43, ultrastructure of cardiomyocytes and myocardial conduction velocity were performed. Isolated perfused heart preparation was used to test ventricular fibrillation susceptibility. T(3) significantly decreased epsilon-PKC expression in non-diabetic and suppressed in diabetic rat heart ventricles. Decline of epsilon-PKC signalling was associated with decrease of Cx43 phosphorylation in diabetic and to a greater extent in non-diabetic rat hearts. However, conduction velocity was significantly decreased in diabetic while enhanced due to T(3) and increased in non-diabetic T(3)-treated rat heart ventricles compared to non-treated. T(3)-induced down-regulation of Cx43 was associated with increased cardiac propensity to ventricular fibrillation. Findings indicate that activation of epsilon-PKC signalling linked with phosphorylation of Cx43 is one of the mechanisms involved in the adaptation of the heart to hyperglycemia. Suppression of epsilon-PKC and Cx43 phosphorylation by T(3) abolish benefit of adaptation rendering the heart prone to lethal arrhythmias.