Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in renal cell carcinoma is correlated with cancer advancement

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) functions as a regulator of neovascularization in malignant cells. VEGF as a mitogen is thought to alter renal cell carcinoma formation and tumor progression. We investigated the expression of the VEGF gene in order to evaluate its clinical significance in renal cell carcinoma. Tissue samples from 198 patients with renal cell carcinoma were examined with an immunohistochemical stain for the expression of the VEGF gene. The expression rate was compared to 34 normal renal cortical samples obtained from renal surgery from noncancer patients. There were significant differences between normal renal cortex (0%) and cancer tissue (54.5%) in positive staining of VEGF protein (P<0.001). With the progression of tumor grade, the positive rate of VEGF gene expression significantly increased. The expression rate of the VEGF gene in the advanced group, such as with lymph node involvement or vein invasion, was greater than that in the locally confined group (P<0.001). The results revealed that expression of the VEGF gene is proportional to the formation and progression of renal cell carcinoma, which may allow VEGF to be used as a prognostic marker for renal cell carcinoma.     

Haemolytic disease of the newborn due to maternal irregular antibodies in the Chinese population in Taiwan

From 1991 to 2000, amongst 23,886 full-term healthy Chinese babies delivered at our hospital, 2615 babies developed neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia. After excluding other causes of hyperbilirubinaemia and identifying the irregular antibodies, 15 cases of haemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) due to maternal irregular antibodies were diagnosed; three cases were born in our hospital and 12 cases were referred. Amongst these 15 babies, six cases had HDN due to anti-E, three cases due to anti-E + c, three cases due to anti-D, one case due to anti-c and two cases due to 'Mi' antibodies reacting with MiIII phenotype cells (anti-Hil and anti-Mur). Although there were four cases of hydrops fetalis, only one of the patients expired. The prevalence of HDN caused by maternal irregular antibodies has been estimated to be 0.01%. Therefore, routine prenatal screening for irregular antibodies was not rational in the Chinese population in Taiwan. Anti-E and anti-E + c were the important irregular antibodies resulting in HDN. Although few cases of HDN due to anti-'Mi' have been reported, Anti-'Mi' is significant in regions with a high prevalence of the MiIII phenotype.     

Gene-engineered models for genetic manipulation and functional analysis of the cardiovascular system in mice

Cardiovascular disease remains a key issue in healthcare. During the last decade, transgenic and gene-targeted mouse technology has provided invaluable insights into cardiovascular molecular biology. Given the similarities between the mouse and human genomes, this study proposes that information experimentally derived using genetically manipulated mice can contribute significantly to the understanding of human cardiovascular pathophysiology. We first introduced the basic principles and methods of genetic manipulation, such as the breeding background in mice and the factors of construct design. Secondly, we reviewed the analyses related to genetic manipulation of the cardiovascular system from embryonic to adult mice. In conclusion, the gene-engineered mouse model is one of the most important tools developed in recent basic and clinical research.     

The porcine and lagomorph septal cartilages: models for tissue engineering and morphologic cartilage research

Interest in reconstruction and modification of the facial cartilaginous frameworks using advanced technology and instrumentation is growing rapidly. Despite this maturing interest, no animal model has been established to provide morphologic cartilage tissue with similar characteristics to human septum in suitable quantities. The objective of this study was to characterize porcine and lagomorph (rabbit) nasal septal cartilage tissue. Both models share great similarity with their human counterpart and provide a low-cost, high-volume, and easily obtained source of bulk cartilage tissue. We present a technique for harvesting intact septal cartilages from these species, and characterize select cellular, metabolic, and physical properties using pulse-chase radiolabeling, flow cytometry, and mechanical analysis. Our selective evaluation of key tissue properties establishes these species as appropriate animal models for nasal septal cartilaginous surgery.     

Utilization of public and private dental services in Sibu,Sarawak: a sociodemographic appraisal and types of treatment received

This study investigated the sociodemographic profiles of patients attending public and private dental clinics and the types of treatment received. Patients (n=454) were interviewed using a structured questionnaire at two public and four private clinics in Sibu District, Sarawak. Generally, Chinese (74.7%), females (60.0%) and urban dwellers (83.7%) were more likely to visit the dentist. Both clinics had more females and more Chinese but private clinics had a lower percentage of female attendees (53.1% versus 67.0%) but a higher percentage of Chinese (85.0% versus 64.5%). Private attendees were younger (mean age of 31.0 years compared to 41.0 years) and from higher income households (median value of MR 2,000 versus MR 900) than public attendees. Treatments were mostly curative and a third of the visits were associated with painful conditions. Age (p=0.006), gender (p=0.003), ethnicity (p<0.001) and household income (p<0.001) were associated with the type of clinic visited. Choice of clinic was not related to having painful conditions (p=0.970). To ensure a more affordable and equitable distribution of oral healthcare, health planners need to identify disparities in the utilization of services and differences between public and private attendees.     

Dissociation of modular total hip arthroplasty at the femoral head-neck interface after loosening of the acetabular shell following hip dislocation

Modular component dissociation is a potential problem of current modular total hip arthroplasty (THA) systems. We describe a case of dissociation of the modular THA at the femoral head-neck interface after loosening of the acetabular shell during closed reduction for posterior dislocation of THA. The causes of this dissociation and acetabular shell loosening are discussed. Successful treatment was provided with surgical revision of the acetabular and the femoral head components. The present case serves as a graphic reminder that the acetabular shell overhanging the acetabular bone must be avoided when implanting modular THA components.