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To observe the effects of bone marrow concentrate (BMC)-PGA scaffolds for bone marrow stimulation enhancement and repairing rabbit articular cartilage.A rabbit model of articular cartilage defect was established for BMC-PGA stent implantation. After 8 weeks, the experimental animals were sacrificed. And the methods of hematoxylin and eosin stain, toluidine blue stain and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate the effects of bone marrow stimulation enhancement and rabbit cartilage defect repairing.Visible new cartilage formation was evident after implantation. As compared with other groups, the repairing effect was better.The implantation of BMC-PGA scaffolds is both simple and effective in the repair of articular cartilage.

This study was to classify the axis fracture complicated with adjacent segment instability and to explore its significance to surgical management. 42 patients (25 males and 17 females) with axis fractures with an average age of 44.14 years (range, 23 to 65) who received surgery between January 2006 and June 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. Results suggest that all patients underwent surgery safely without spinal cord injury, cerebrospinal fluid leakage or vertebral artery injury. The average follow up was 18 months (12-48 months). There was significant difference (t = 2.339, P = 0.011) in JOA score between pre-operation (13.10 ± 4.51) and post-operation time points (15.24 ± 3.86). 1-2 degree improvement of neurofunction was achieved in all except 1 Frankel B. After operation, all patients were immobilized in a hard collar for 3 months. Fusion was achieved in all cases (mean 4.5 months). X-ray showed no malposition of the screws. No instrument failure was noted during follow up. Thus, axis fracture complicated with adjacent segment instability should be treated individually based on the fracture type and adjacent segment instability. Our classification can be used to guide the surgical management.

To explore the effects of histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) on human osteosarcoma in vitro and in vivo.HDACI suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) and sodium butyrate (SB) were employed to examine the effects on human osteosarcoma in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro effects of HDACI SAHA and SB were evaluated in SaOS2 and U2OS human osteosarcoma cell lines. Cell growth, cell cycle progression and histone acetylation were examined by methyl tolyl sulfide (MTS), flow cytometry and Western blot respectively.In addition, SAHA or SB was administered for 4 weeks in a murine xenograph model for assessing the in vitro effects.MTS assay revealed that SAHA and SB significantly suppressed the growth of SaOS2 and U2OS cells in a concentration-dependent manner.Western blot analysis indicated that the levels of acetylated H3 increased after HDACI treatment.Flow cytometry showed that SAHA arrested the cell cycle in G1 and G2/M phase, while SB arrested the cell cycle in G2/M phase. The tumor growth of murine xenograph model with SaOS2 was inhibited by SAHA and SB compared with vehicle control.HDACI SAHA and SB significantly inhibit the growth of human osteosarcoma cells and induce cell cycle arrest. Meanwhile, the tumor inhibitory effects were also validated in a murine xenograft model.

The sodium/iodide symporter mediates active iodide transport in both healthy and cancerous thyroid tissue. By exploiting this activity, radioiodide has been used for decades with considerable success in the detection and treatment of thyroid cancer. Here we show that a specialized form of the sodium/iodide symporter in the mammary gland mediates active iodide transport in healthy lactating (but not in nonlactating) mammary gland and in mammary tumors. In addition to characterizing the hormonal regulation of the mammary gland sodium/iodide symporter, we demonstrate by scintigraphy that mammary adenocarcinomas in transgenic mice bearing Ras or Neu oncogenes actively accumulate iodide by this symporter in vivo. Moreover, more than 80% of the human breast cancer samples we analyzed by immunohistochemistry expressed the symporter, compared with none of the normal (nonlactating) samples from reductive mammoplasties. These results indicate that the mammary gland sodium/iodide symporter may be an essential breast cancer marker and that radioiodide should be studied as a possible option in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

To explore the effects of a knockdown of cyclooxygenase 2 upon the growth and migration of SaOS2 cells.We employed lentivirus mediated-RNA interference technology to knockdown the endogenous expression of gene COX-2 in human osteosarcoma cells (SaOS2) and analyzed their phenotypical changes. The effects of COX-2 silencing on the proliferation, cell cycle and migration of SaOS2 cells were assessed by thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide, flow cytometry and migration assays respectively. COX-2, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) mRNA and protein expression were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot.A decreased expression of COX-2 in human osteosarcoma cells significantly inhibited the growth and decreased the migration ability of SaOS2 cells. Furthermore, it also reduced VEGF, EGF and bFGF mRNA and protein expression.The COX-2 signaling pathway may provide a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of human osteosarcoma.

To compare the clinical efficacies of two different procedures in the treatment of degenerative lumbar scoliosis.From August 2008 to August 2011, 28 patients of lumbar degenerative scoliosis were divided into one group (n = 14) undergoing modified transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) instrumented surgery and another group (n = 14) undergoing posterolateral fusion (PLF) instrumented surgery. There were 12 males and 16 females with a mean age of 66.2 years (range: 54-79). The operative durations and bleeding volumes of two groups were recorded. The post-operative efficacy was evaluated with VAS (visual analogue scale) for low back pain, ODI (Oswestry disability index), Cobb' angle and lumbar lordosis angle on plain film.The mean follow-up period was 25.9 months. The operative duration was 192.0 ± 44.7 min in modified TLIF group versus 163.0 ± 39.0 min in PLF group. The bleeding volume was 718.0 ± 197.2 ml in modified TLIF group versus 546.0 ± 226.6 ml in PLF group. All operated lumbar intervertebral achieved bony fusion in modified TLIF group by the last follow-up. Two cases had no bony fusion and there was one case of pseudarthrosis in PLF group. Significant differences existed between two groups in pre-operative and post-operative values of VAS, ODI, Cobb' s angle and lumbar lordosis angle (P0.05). There were significant differences between two groups in the values of pre-operative and post-operative VAS and lumbar lordosis angle (P0.05) but not in the values of pre-operative and post-operative ODI and Cobb' s angle (P0.05).As an alternative, safe and effective procedure, modified TLIF instrumented is superior to PLF instrumented in the treatment of lumbar degenerative scoliosis.

Objective. To discuss the practical value of the cough test during the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure.Methods. In the first group, 41 patients of female stress incontinence received TVT operations which were performed according to the Ulmsten’s method strictly, only that the stress of tape was adjusted in light of the cough test. In the second group, 44 patients of female stress incontinence received TVT operations in which the tape was put under the urethral tract without stress, not adjusted by cough test.Results. The cure rate was 38/41 (92.6%) in the cough test group and 41/44 (93.1%) in the noncough test group; detrusor pressure-uroflow study indicated that there were 11 cases in the obstruction zone in the cough test group while only 3 cases were in the obstruction zone in the noncough test group; 4 cases of urinary retention and 5 cases of voiding dysfunction were found in the cough test group, while difficulties of urination were not found in the non-cough test group.Conclusion. Adjusting the tape stress in accordance with the cough test during the TVT can increase the opportunity of urinary retention or difficulty of urination after operation. So there is no benefit of the cough test during tension-free vaginal tape procedure in preventing post-operative urinary retention.

To investigate the clinical outcome and fusion rate in patients with idiopathic thoracolumbar/lumbar scoliosis treated with anterior correction and interbody fusion with calcium phosphate cement.From October 2006 to March 2008, 24 cases undergoing anterior correction and interbody fusion with calcium phosphate cement were enrolled. All of them were female, with an age ranged from 12 to 25 years. The mean Cobb angle of main curve was 46° ± 5° (range, 40° - 56°) before surgery. During operation, the most proximal and distal disc spaces were filled with rib autograft, while the remaining levels were filled with calcium phosphate cement. The interbody fusion rate, coronal correction and sagittal profile reconstruction were evaluated respectively by using χ² test and t test.Interbody fusion was performed in 103 levels, including 48 levels with rib autograft and 55 levels with calcium phosphate cement. The mean follow-up period was 23.8 months (range, 12 - 33 months) in this series. At the follow-up of 6 months, fusion rate was found as 54.2% in the levels filled with rib autograft, while 50.9% in those filled with calcium phosphate cement. Solid fusion of the whole instrumented area was achieved in all cases with a minimum one-year follow-up. No instrumentation-related complications occurred. The correction rate of main curve was on an average of 76% ± 11% after surgery. A significant difference was found between preoperative and immediate postoperative value in terms of the main curve magnitude (46° ± 5° vs. 14° ± 5°, t = -26.95, P0.05). The correction loss of the main curve was -5.1° - 10.4° at the final follow-up. The coronal balance and lower instrumented vertebra tilting were significantly improved after operation. The thoracolumbar kyphosis was significantly reduced postoperatively (t = 3.11, P0.05).Satisfactory bone fusion and correction maintenance can be achieved in idiopathic thoracolumbar/lumbar scoliosis treated by anterior instrumentation combined with interbody fusion using calcium phosphate cement.

To detect the effect of active calcium ions solution on the ultrastructure of enamel and cementum of the extracted teeth and observe the cytotoxicity of the solution on NIH3T3 cell through cell culture.Active calcium ions solution composition was detected with a Quanta200FEG field emission scanning electron microscopy, and the ultrastructure of teeth enamel and cementum was observed before and after the application of calcium ions solution. After diluting the calcium ions solution, MTT assay method was used to observe the impact of active calcium ions solution of different concentrations on the NIH3T3 cells growth. Based on cell relative growth rate, the cytotoxicity grade was rated.Active calcium ions solution was composed of calcium, carbon, oxygen, and chlorine. And there was no change in the enamel and cementum before and after soaking the teeth with active calcium ions solution. The maximum concentration of safe calcium ions solution on cytotoxicity grade was 0.344 mg/mL.Active calcium ions solution can be used in the oral cavity,but appropriate concentration should be selected.

To explore the indications, surgical techniques and prognostic factors of short fusion versus long fusion for elder patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis.Thirty-eight patients undergoing different kinds of surgical procedures for lumbar spinal scoliosis between June 2005 and October 2010 were recruited for this retrospective study. The mean patient age at surgery was 64.2 years (range: 61 - 75). The short fusion group included 13 patients and the long fusion group 25 patients.There were a variety of treatment methods of degenerative scoliosis based on the symptomatology and radiological measurements of scoliosis and stenosis. Thirty-eight patients were followed up for an average of 37 months. The number of fused levels was 2.8 ± 0.7 segments in the short fusion group versus 5.1 ± 1.4 in the long fusion group. The average preoperative Cobb angle was 18.6° (range: 12 - 27) in the short fusion group versus 33.5° (range: 3 - 42) in the long fusion group. The correction of Cobb angle averaged 40% in the short fusion group versus 67% in the long fusion group. Clinical symptoms and functional tolerance for daily activities improved postoperatively. Radiographic evaluations showed reduced deformity on the frontal and sagittal planes. There were no infections, pseudoarthrosis, instrument-related failures or reoperations.Long segment fusion is superior to its short segment counterpart in correcting scoliotic curvature and coronal imbalance and improving rotational subluxation of apical vertebra. Careful perioperative preparation is essential in the treatment of elder patients with lumbar spinal scoliosis.

To assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes of posterior lumbar fixation and posterior interbody fusion or improved transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for Meyerding grade II/III spondylolisthesis so as to address the suitability of a dynamic stabilization.A total of 28 consecutive patients underwent posterior lumbar fixation and posterior interbody fusion or improved transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for Meyerding grade II/III spondylolisthesis. Among them, 13 patients underwent posterior interface fusion (PLIF) and pedicle screw fixation. And improved transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (ITLIF) and placement of the same system were performed in 15 patients. Their clinical, economic, functional, and radiographic data were recorded both pre- and postoperatively.The average changes of economic and functional scores on the Prolo scale were 1.36 and 1.48 respectively. In patients with posterior interbody fusion; the average preoperative vertebral slippage was 46.9% (range: 25 - 75%) versus 14.6% (range: 15 - 25%) postoperatively. In patients with ITLIF, the average changes in economic and functional scores were 1.75 and 1.63 respectively. And the average preoperative vertebral slippage was 45.2% (range: 28 - 78%) compared with 26.3% (range: 14 - 28%) postoperatively. When two fusion techniques were compared, an overall superior reliability and resistance of systems was associated with the ITLIF procedure. But their clinical outcomes did not differ greatly (P0.05).The application of a segmental pedicle screw fixation is both feasible and efficacious.

Previous researches about necrotic pancreatic tissue infections are numerous, but the study on systemic infection related to the severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) treatment period is limited. This study aimed to investigate the distribution and drug resistance of pathogenic bacteria in patients who had hepatobiliary surgery for SAP during the past three years.A retrospective study was conducted on the distribution, category and drug resistance of pathogenic bacteria in patients who had hepatobiliary surgery for SAP from 2008 to 2011.A total of 594 pathogenic bacteria samples were isolated. Among them 418 isolates (70.4%) were Gram bacteria negative, 142 isolates (23.9%) were Gram bacteria positive, and 34 isolates (5.7%) were found fungi. The most common Gram negative bacteria were Escherichia coli (19.8%), and the dominant Gram positive pathogenic bacteria were Enterococcus faecium. The distribution of SAP-related infectious pathogens was mainly in peritoneal drainage fluid, sputum, bile, and wound secretions. Almost all the Gram negative pathogenic bacteria were sensitive to carbapenum. Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) producing strains were more resistant to penicillins and cephalosprins than the ESBLs non-producing strains. Staphylococcus was sensitive to vancomycin and linezolid. The drug resistance of meticillin-resistant staphylococcus (MRS) to commonly used antibiotics was higher than meticillin-sensitive streptococcus (MSS). Enterococcus sp. exhibited lower drug-resistance rates to vancomycin and linezolid.Gram negative bacteria were the dominant SAP-related infection after hepatobiliary surgery. A high number of fungal infections were reported. Drug resistant rates were high. Rational use of antibiotics according to the site of infection, bacterial species and drug sensitivity, correctly executing the course of treatment and enhancing hand washing will contribute to therapy and prevention of SAP-related infection and decrease its mortality.

To evaluate the effects of structured triglycerides in parenteral nutrition versus a physical medium-chain triglycerides (MCT)/long-chain triglycerides (LCT) mixture on severe hemorrhagic shock patients after resuscitation.In a randomized trial, we studied 20 critical patients with a total blood loss of over 3000 ml perioperatively and/or intraoperatively. The use of triglycerides started from Day 3 postoperation and parenteral nutrition lasted for no less than 5 days. They were allocated to receive one of two nutrition regiments: structured triglycerides in Group A (n = 10) and MCT/LCT in Group B (n = 10). There were no significant differences of general conditions in two groups. Before the start of parenteral nutrition (d0), d1 d3 and d5 after start of infusion, the following parameters were measured: hemoglobin (Hb), platelet count (Plt), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin (TB), direct bilirubin (DB), serum triglycerides (TG), prealbumin (PA) and transferrin (TF). And mean artery pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and central vein pressure (CVP) were also recorded at the same time-points. Then the post-TG changes of the above data were compared in both groups.After the use of triglycerides, there were no significant differences of MAP, HR, CVP, Hb and Plt in both groups (P0.05). At D3 and D5, the serum levels of TG ((2.1 ± 0.4) vs (1.6 ± 0.6) mg/L, (2.3 ± 0.7) vs (1.5 ± 0.3) mg/L) and alanine aminotransferase ((133 ± 58) vs (97 ± 26) U/L; (116 ± 48) vs (77 ± 31) U/L) were significantly higher in Group B versus those receiving structured triglycerides in Group A (P0.05). TB ((18 ± 15) vs (18 ± 11) µmol/L) and DB ((8.9 ± 3.2) vs (8.8 ± 2.5) µmol/L) had no significant differences in two groups (P0.05). The serum levels of such nutrition markers as PA ((195 ± 55) vs (166 ± 55) mg/L,(245 ± 53) vs (195 ± 58) mg/L) and TF ((2.6 ± 0.5) vs (2.5 ± 0.6) g/L, (3.3 ± 0.8) vs (2.9 ± 0.6) g/L)were significantly higher in Group A than those in Group B (P0.05).With regards to lipid metabolism, protein synthesis and hepatocyte protection, structured triglycerides in parenteral nutrition is advantageous to standard MCT/LCT emulsion in severe hemorrhagic shock patients after resuscitation.

To explore the therapeutic effects of posterior transpedicular screw internal fixation in atlantoaxial complex fracture patients.Among 17 patients, there were Anderson II type of odontoid plus atlas fracture (n = 10) and Hangman plus atlas fracture (n = 7). They were categorized by their preoperative spinal cord scores according to the Frankel classification: C-class (n = 2), D-class (n = 6) and E-class (n = 5). Transpedicular screw internal fixation was performed to stabilize atlas and axis in 8 cases. Granular allograft bone was planted onto the surface of posterior arches in both atlas and axis. And the other 5 cases underwent no bony fusion.All patients were followed up for an average of 24 months. All screws were successfully placed in atlas and axis. And the cases of atlantoaxial dislocation were reduced. Bony fusion was observed at Months 3 - 6 post-operation. Atlantoaxial rotational function restored satisfactorily in all patients. But axial rotation was partially lost.Posterior transpedicular screw internal fixation can regain atlantoaxial joint stability immediately and promote bony fusion. And it is an effective therapy for atlantoaxial complex fracture.

Background: The purpose of this study was to summarize outcomes of patients with refractory multisegmental cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) who were treated by combined single-level subtotal corpectomy and decompression of the intervertebral space using the anterior approach. Methods: Forty-five consecutive patients with multisegmental CSM were included; their ages ranged from 37 to 72 years. Seventeen (37.8%) patients had noncontiguous or ‘jumping’ multisegmental CSM and 28 (62.2%) had contiguous multisegmental CSM. The mean preoperative Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score was 8.1 points. All patients underwent combined single-level decompression of the involved intervertebral space and subtotal corpectomy together with subsequent fusion and internal fixation. An anterior approach was used for all patients. A cage filled with bone graft was inserted and internal fixation was performed after single-level intervertebral space decompression. Mesh filled with bone graft was inserted and plate internal fixation was performed after subtotal corpectomy. Results: Follow-up data (average follow-up, 14 months) were available for all 45 patients; the mean postoperative JOA score was 13.2 points, which was significantly different from the preoperative JOA score. Bony fusion was achieved in all patients based on postoperative radiography, and no pseudoarthrosis was observed during follow-up. Conclusions: An excellent outcome can be achieved with the combination of single-level subtotal corpectomy and decompression of the intervertebral space using the anterior approach to treat multisegmental CSM.

To investigate whether the titrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5 (ACP5) gene polymorphisms were associated with the occurrence or curve severity of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).There were 372 AIS patients from January 2006 to December 2008 and 239 normal controls from March 2005 to August 2006 were recruited. The Cobb angles were ≥ 10° in all AIS patients. Using the haplotype data of Han population from the Hapmap Project, two tag SNPs (rs2229531, rs2071484) were defined for ACP5 gene. PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism was used for the genotyping.No polymorphism in rs2229531 was found in this study. The genotype and allele frequency distribution in rs2071484 were similar between AIS patients and normal controls (χ(2) = 3.336 and 1.438, P0.05). The mean maximum Cobb angles of different genotypes of rs2071484 in ACP5 gene were 38° ± 19° in AA, 34° ± 14° in AG and 38° ± 21° in GG, which were similar with each other among AIS patients who reached skeletal maturity or received surgery treatment (P = 0.157).The ACP5 gene is neither associated with the occurrence nor the curve severity of AIS.

To evaluate the clinical efficacies, indications and application values of posterior fusion plus pedicle screw fixation in the treatment of upper cervical spine instability.From May 2006 to December 2010, a total of 24 patients with atlantoaxial instability were treated with C1-2 pedicle screws and rod fixation under general anesthesia. There were 18 males and 6 females with a mean age of 49.8 years old (range: 17 - 69).The postoperative radiographs verified a good position of all screws with satisfactory atlantoaxial reduction. A mean follow-up period of 23 months (range: 3 - 45) showed no injury of spinal cord and vertebral artery or inter fixation failure. Atlantoaxial alignment and stability were restored without instrumentation-related complications.Posterior atlantoaxial pedicle screw and rod fixation provide immediate three-dimensional rigid fixation of atlantoaxial joint. It is a more effective technique than with previously reported techniques.

To explore the pathogenic mechanism, operative techniques and therapeutic efficacy of lumbar degenerative scoliosis.A retrospective analysis was performed for 32 patients (14 males and 18 females with a mean age of 67.4 years old) with degenerative lumbar scoliosis undergoing posterior decompression and fusion with pedicle screw system from January 2007 to March 2010. The post-operative outcomes were radiologically evaluated with Oswestry disability index (ODI), Cobb' angle and lumbar lordosis angle.All patients received a mean follow-up of 28.5 months (range: 12 - 50). All lumbar joints achieved bony fusion at Month 6 post-operation. No complications occurred due to instrumentation. There was no pseudoarthrosis. The significant differences of ODI existed between pre-operation and post-operation [(60 ± 11)% vs (21 ± 6)%, P0.01], Cobb' angle [(28 ± 9)° vs (13 ± 5)°, P0.01] and lumbar lordosis angle [(41 ± 12)° vs (20 ± 10)°, P0.01].Individualized operations should be performed for degenerative lumbar scoliosis patients. Proper lumbar decompression and the reconstruction of coronal and sagittal balances may relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life.

To explore the functions and adhesive properties of circulating endothelial cells after acute thrombosis in rats.The inferior caval venous thrombosis model were treated with heparin (n = 45), urokinase (n = 45) and a combination of heparin and urokinase (n = 45) respectively. The sham group was treated similarly (n = 30). The thrombosed caval veins were harvested at Days 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 post-thrombosis. Structural integrity and intimal hyperplasia were observed by light microscope. Scanning electron microscopy was used to assess the damage of endothelial cells in inferior caval vein wall. The level of thrombotic adhesion was measured in different phases. At Day 28, endothelial cell layer was observed under scanning electron microscope. Measurements were taken for circulating endothelial cells count, CEPC (circulating endothelial progenitor cell) count and CEPC adhesive capacity.The adhesion to caval vein wall was lower in groups B and C than that in group A at Day 3 post-thrombosis (all P0.01). The endothelial damage in group A was more serious than groups B and C at Day 7 (P0.05). And the endothelial damage was less severe in group C at Day 28 (P0.05). For the rats in A, B, C, SH groups, the numbers of circulating endothelial cell [(6.3 ± 2.2)×10(6), (4.76 ± 3.1)×10(6), (1.9 ± 0.8)×10(6), (0.91 ± 0.3)×10(6)], CEPC count (18.9 ± 5.33, 37.4 ± 6.0, 55.4 ± 8.0, 64.1 ± 3.2) and CEPC adhesion (9.6 ± 2.9, 17.5 ± 3.2, 22.1 ± 4.4, 28.3 ± 2.0) increased successively. There was statistical significance.A combination of heparin and urokinase for the treatment of acute inferior caval venous thrombosis may effectively maintain the endothelial integrity of vein wall and decrease the fibroblast proliferation of thrombosed vein. Adhesion to caval vein wall is relatively lower during an early post-thrombotic period.

Purpose: To investigate the effects of Yifukang oral liquid (YFKOL) on chemotherapy- and radiotherapy-induced myelosuppression, leucopenia and gastrointestinal tract disturbances. Methods: The effects of YFKOL on myelosuppression, leucopenia and gastrointestinal tract disturbances were assessed by cyclophosphamide- and Co60-induced leucopenia in mice, copper sulfate-induced emesis in pigeons, ethanol-induced gastric mucosal lesions in rats, gastric emptying and intestinal propulsion in mice. Results: In cyclophosphamide- and Co60-induced leucopenia assays, the mean white blood cell count (82.6 and 90.1 × 10 9 /L; 7.3 and 8.2 × 10 9 /L, respectively) and thighbone marrow granulocytes (66.1 % and 67.4 %; 60.8 and 66.5 %, respectively) were significantly (p < 0.05) increased after treatment with YFKOL (15 and 30 mL/kg), compared with the respective control (68.2 and 4.7 × 10 9 /L; 58.2 and 53.1 %). In emesis, gastric mucosal lesions, gastric emptying and intestinal propulsion assays, the mean frequency of emesis (30.8 and 22.3 times, respectively) and ulcer index (39.6 and 26.5, respectively) significantly (p < 0.05) decreased, and the mean gastric emptying (25.0 and 24.0 %) and intestinal propulsion (81.9 and 82.8 %) were significantly (p < 0.05) promoted after treatment with YFKOL (10 and 20 mL/kg), compared with the respective control (54.7 times, 62.8, 42.0 and 68.9 %). Conclusion: YFKOL may suppress chemotherapy- and radiotherapy-induced myelosuppression, leucopenia and gastrointestinal tract disturbances. Keywords: Yifukang oral liquid, Gastrointestinal tract disturbances, Leucopenia, Myelosuppression, Tumor, Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy

To compare the sagittal profiles between thoracic idiopathic scoliosis (IS) patients with different curve progression and to determine the risk factors associated with curve progression.A total of 83 thoracic IS patients from September 2009 to May 2010 were included in this study and were divided into 3 groups according to different curve progression. All the patients did not receive any previous treatments. There were 26 skeletally mature patients whose Risser sign were 5 degree with Cobb angle40° in non-curve progression group (NCP group), 29 mature patients whose Risser sign were 5 degree with Cobb angle ≥ 40° in moderate curve progression group (MCP group) and 28 immature patients whose Risser sign ≤ 3 degree with Cobb angle ≥ 40° in severe curve progression group (SCP group). Five sagittal parameters, including thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), sacral slope (SS), pelvic incidence (PI) and pelvic tilt (PT) were measured on the lateral X-ray films. Analysis of variance was used to compare these parameters among the 3 groups.The average thoracic Cobb angle was significantly smaller in NCP group when compared with MCP group (P0.01) or SCP group (P0.01), but not significantly different between the 2 latter groups (P = 0.619). The average TK was 19° ± 7° in NCP group, 13° ± 6° in MCP group and 8° ± 5° in SCP group. The average TK was significantly smaller in SCP group when compared with MCP group (P = 0.011) or NCP group (P0.01), while the average TK was significantly smaller in MCP group when compared with NCP group (P0.01). None of the other 4 parameters showed any significant difference between the 3 groups (P0.05).Thoracic hypokyphosis is strongly associated with curve progression in thoracic IS patients. Pelvic sagittal profile may not be involved in the underlying mechanism of curve progression in thoracic IS patients.

(–)Doxazosin, one of (±)doxazosin enantiomers, was speculated to have a pharmacological enantioselectivity between the cardiovascular system and the urinary system by comparison with (+)doxazosin. Therefore, to evaluate the potential benefits of (–)doxazosin in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia, we compared the effects of the 3 agents, using rat mesenteric artery preparations and obstructed bladder strips. Concentration–response curves for carbachol (contractile response) and isoprenaline (relaxant response) in detrusor muscle strips of the bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) rats were shifted to the left, with significant increases in the Emax values, and significant decreases in the EC50 values by comparison with the sham-operated rats (P < 0.05, n = 10). The enhanced responses in detrusor muscle strips of the BOO rats treated with (±)doxazosin and its enantiomers at 3 mg·(kg body mass)–1·day–1 for 2 weeks returned to normal levels, and the 3 agents inhibited the enhanced responses to carbachol and isoprenaline to the same extent. On the other hand, the 3 agents uncompetitively inhibited the vasoconstrictive response curves for NA in the rat isolated mesenteric artery, and the pKB value of (–)doxazosin at vascular α1-adrenoceptors was significantly smaller (P < 0.05, n = 6) than that of (+)doxazosin or (±)doxazosin. In conclusion, although (–)doxazosin inhibits vascular functional α1-adrenoceptors more weakly than (+)doxazosin, both agents equally ameliorate the enhanced responses in detrusor muscle of BOO rats, suggesting that the chiral carbon atom in the molecular structure of doxazosin does not affect its beneficial effects in the bladder smooth muscle of BOO rats.

To explore the clinical feasibility, approach, efficacy and indications of posterior fusion plus pedicle screw fixation in the treatment of combination atlantoaxial fractures.A retrospective analysis was conducted for 26 cases of Jefferson and dens fracture treated with atlantoaxial pedicle screw from June 2008 to May 2010.The postoperative radiographs verified an excellent position of all screws with a satisfactory atlantoaxial reduction. Operative time was (126 ± 26) min, and blood loss was (350 ± 107) ml. During an average follow-up period of 14 months (range: 6 - 28), it showed no spine cord and vertebral artery injury or interfixation failure. Atlantoaxial alignment and stability were restored without any instrumentation-related complication.Posterior atlantoaxial pedicle screw and rod fixation may provide immediate three-dimensional rigid fixation of atlantoaxial joint. This technique is more effective than other previously reported approaches.

Posterior short-segmental fixation is reliable for the management of thoracolumbar fractures; however, it is associated with recurrence of kyphosis and failure of fixation. This study compared the short-term results of short-segmental fixation combined with intermediate screws with those of conventional intersegmental fixation in the treatment of monosegmental thoracolumbar fractures. The records of 62 consecutive patients with thoracolumbar monosegmental fractures who underwent conventional 4-screw intersegmental fixation (35 patients) or short-segmental fixation combined with intermediate screws (27 patients) were reviewed. The study population included 43 men and 19 women (mean age, 44.1±13.6 years). The majority of fractures were L1 (28 [45.1%]) and T12 (21 [33.9%]) fractures. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups with respect to the preoperative relative height of the fractured vertebra or the segmental kyphotic angle. There was a significant difference in the restoration rate between the conventional and short-segmental fixation groups (62.6±38.7% vs 100.4±25.4%, respectively; P P P

To investigate the influence of siRNA-COX-2 gene upon the growth inhibition and apoptosis of cartilage endplate chondrocytes and provide new methods and evidence for siRNA in gene therapy of cartilage endplate chondrocytes.According to the sequence of COX-2 mRNA, COX-2 siRNA was designed, synthesized, cloned into the GFP reporter pcDNA6.2GW/EmGFPmiR vector and transfected into Hep cell line. The integrity of inset fragment was detected by colony PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and sequencing analysis. The cultured cartilage endplate chondrocytes were divided into 4 groups: control group (untreated), negative siRNA group (treatment with 30 nmol/L negative control siRNA), siRNA1 group (treatment with 15 nmol/L COX-2 siRNA) and siRNA2 group (treatment with 30 nmol/L COX-2 siRNA). The biological activity of recombinants was identified with the interference efficiency of COX-2 siRNA recombinant by real-time PCR and Western blot. And the effects of COX-2 inhibitor on the growth of chondrocytes were detected by WST-8 and the mRNA expressions of survivin, bcl-2 and bax genes measured by real-time PCR.The sequences of inset fragment in 4 siRNA expressing recombinants were correct. After COX-2 transfection, the expression of COX-2 mRNA in chondrocytes was 51.3% ± 7.2% in the siRNA1 group and 35.4% ± 3.6% in the siRNA2 group. Western blot showed that the expression of COX-2 protein decreased, especially in siRNA2 group (P0.05). And the cell survival rate was 100.0% ± 8.3% in the control group, 84.9% ± 4.2% in the negative control siRNA group, 52.5% ± 6.7% in the siRNA1 group and 48.9% ± 5.4% in the siRNA2 group (P0.05). Meanwhile, the expressions of mRNA of survivin and bcl-2 decreased while the expression of bax mRNA increased in degenerative cartilage endplate chondrocytes transfected with COX-2 siRNA (P0.05).COX-2-targeting siRNA inhibits the expression of COX-2, suppresses the proliferation of chondrocytes and induces the cell apoptosis. These effects may be attributable to the up-regulation of survivin and bcl-2 and the down-regulation of bax.

To investigate the isolation and expansion of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCS) from human umbilical cord Wharton's jelly and their biological identities, and explore the possibility of inducing human umbilical cord-derived MSCS to differentiate into chondrogenic and osteogenic cells.The hUCMSCs were isolated form human umbilical cord by tissue adherence and digested with collagenase NB4, dispase II and hyaluronidase. The morphology, proliferation and immunophenotype of the 3rd passage cells were analyzed, and then the chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation was tested and evaluated by specific staining methods.cells were induced to chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation in vitro.The isolation of hUCMSCs by digestion with collagenase NB4, dispase II and hyaluronidase was efficient. After seeded for 24 hours, the adherent cells showed spindle shape and fibroblast cell-like shape and the size of hUCMSCs was homogeneous. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that the hUCMSCs were positive for CD44, CD105, CD90, CD73, but were negative for CD45, CD34, CD14, CD19 and HLA-DR. These cells could be induced to differentiate into chondrogenic and osteogenic cells under proper inducing conditions. The hUCMSCs retained the appearance and phenotype even after being expanded more than 40 passages in vitro.The human MSCs could be isolated from human umbilical cord Wharton's jelly, and it was easy to propagate these MSCs. An in vitro method for isolation and purification of hUCMSCs from human umbilical cord has been established. The cultured cells were composed of only undifferentiated cells and their biological properties were stable. The hUCMSCs are expected to be a new type of stem cells of tissue engineering.

To investigate the association between the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) gene polymorphisms with the predisposition and disease severity of thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).Three hundred and fifty-four female thoracic AIS patients treated from January 2007 to March 2009 and 210 healthy female who underwent health examination during March 2005 to June 2006 as normal controls were recruited in this study. One SNP-418G/C (rs8179090) in the promoter region were selected for TIMP-2 gene. PCR- RFLP was used for genotyping.No significant differences of genotype and allele frequency distribution were found between AIS patients and normal controls (P0.05). In AIS patients, the frequency of C allele of the patients with the body mass index (BMI)17 kg/m(2) was significantly higher than those with the BMIor = 17 kg/m(2) (P0.05), and the frequency of C allele of cases with the major Cobb angleor = 40 degrees was significantly higher than that with Cobb angle40 degrees (P0.05). Among the patients who reached skeletal maturity without any interference of natural history, significantly higher average maximum Cobb angle was found in patients with GC and CC genotype compare with those with GG genotype.The SNP-418G/C (rs8179090) in the promoter region of TIMP-2 gene may be associated with abnormal growth pattern and curve progression of thoracic AIS. TIMP-2 gene is a disease-modifier gene of thoracic AIS.

To review the clinical data of a group of patients with multi-level lumbar spine fractures treated with TSRH-3D pedicle screw system and to investigate the effect and post-operative efficacy of this technique.Eighteen patients diagnosed as multi-level lumbar spine fracture were treated with TSRH-3D pedicle screw system. The operations were performed at 4 hours to 2 days after injury and the follow-up period was 15-32 months (mean: 23 months). The X-ray and CT scan were taken both preoperatively and postoperatively.(1) Twelve patients became injured from height falling (67%), 5 from traffic accident (28%) and 1 from crush (5%). (2) The improvement rate of spine motion, back pain and lower extremity pain was 67%, 94% and 78% respectively. (3) Compared with preoperative status, the height of anterior border of vertebra improved by 59.2%, lost by an average of 5.2% (P0.01) and the Cobb angle was corrected by 19.5 degrees , lost an average of 5.4 degrees .It is feasible to treat the multi-level lumbar spine fractures with TSRH-3D pedicle screw system. And the outcome of reduction and fixation is satisfactory. This technique is excellent at improving the height of injury vertebra, physiological curvature and neural function. It also can relieve lumbocrural pain with a definite postoperative efficacy.

To evaluate the therapies and clinical outcome for different types of odontoid process fracture.Twenty-one patients with odontoid process fracture were treated with different therapies for different Anderson-D'Alonzo classifications: three cases of type I were treated by traction of occipital-jaw band and fixed with head-neck-chest plaster at 6 weeks; thirteen cases of type II were treated by cannulated screws following skull traction and reduction; and for the cases of type III, one was fixed with screw when the fracture was reduced by skull traction, and four with atlantoaxial pedicle screw.All cases were followed up for a mean of 9 months (range: 3 - 48). All cases achieved bony union. No post-operative complication was found.Odontoid process fracture should be treated according to different types. Conservative treatment for type I fracture and cannulated screws for type II and low type III fracture can obtain a satisfactory outcome. Atlantoaxial pedicle screw should be chosen if the superficial type III fracture is not suitable for cannulated screw.

A modified MIMO channel estimation method based on superimposed training sequence was proposed for the frequency selective channel. By exploiting the uncorrelation between the training and information sequences, accurate primary channel parameters could be obtained without loss of bandwidth, and using weight factor averaged neighboring channel parameters. This mew method was presented to track the time-varying channel. Compared with the existing approaches, the method was able to achieve lower NMSE, and applicable to time-varying channel tracking. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Clinical and radiographic results in 30 consecutive patients undergoing posterior lumbar fixation and posterior facet joint or posterior interbody fusion for Meyerding Grade II/III spondylolisthesis were assessed: (1) to address the suitability of a dynamic stabilization; and (2) to investigate whether there are differences in terms of clinical and functional results between these two types of arthrodesis.Fourteen patients underwent posterior interface fusion (PLF) and implantation of TSRH-3D system. Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and placement of the same system were performed in 16 patients. Clinical, economic, functional and radiographic data were recorded both pre- and postoperatively.The average changes in Prolo Scale of economic and functional scores were 1.25 and 1.64 respectively, in patients undergoing posterior fusion; the average measured vertebral slippage was 48.6% (range 32%-65%) preoperatively and 17.5% (range 15%-25%) postoperatively. In patients undergoing PLIF, the average changes in economic and functional score were 1.18 and 1.39 respectively, and the average preoperative vertebral slippage was 44.2% (range 30%-55%) versus 20.3% (range 18%-26%) postoperatively.The use of a segmental pedicle screw fixation with TSRH-3D was able to successfully combine the goal of solid fusion with the requirements of nerve root decompression. When these two fusion techniques were compared, PLIF was superior to PLF because of an overall superior reliability and system resistance. But their clinical outcomes did not differ greatly (P0.05).

Sustainable operation of sensor nodes powered by limited lifetime batteries is a key challenge. Environmental energy harvesting is an attractive technique to forestall this energy crisis of wireless sensor networks. To realize a self- sustaining wireless sensor node,the objective of this research is to develop a new power management circuit which is supplied with four photovoltaic batteries which harvests energy from environment. One of the photovoltaic batteries was over the encapsulated wireless sensor node and the others were installed the three lateral of the encapsulated wireless sensor node. The design date and experimental results demonstrate that the energy management system can extend the lifetime of sensor network and prove the feasibility of the energy management system . Keywords—photovoltaic battery; wireless sensor node; power management

Find a car in large park is a challenge for intelligent parking lot management system. In this paper, an intelligent car-searching approach for large parking lot is presented. In the new approach, some cameras are set up in each road. Vision information of the car, including car color and license plate are recognized and saved in database. Considering that no license plate recognition system can 100% recognize all plates, an intelligent car searching algorithm based on the similarity of license plate recognition and color classification probabilities is proposed to sort the retrieval results. The new approach is tested in a large outdoor park. Preliminary experimental results show the efficiency of proposed car-searching system.

To study the clinical and radiographic characteristics of axial fracture with adjacent section instability and the diagnosis and surgical treatment thereof.Seventeen patients of axial fracture with adjacent section instability, 11 males and 7 females, aged 34 (23-56) underwent different treatment patterns depending on the fracture type and stability of the atlanto-axial joint and C2-3: resection of C2-3 intervertebral disk and bone grafting, anterior interbody fusion and plate internal fixation, odontoid screw fixation, posterior C2 pedicle screw fixation, odontoid screw fixation combined with bilateral C-2 pedicle screw fixation. Follow-up was conducted for 12 (6-36) months.Postoperatively all patients were immobilized in a hard collar for 3 months. Bony fusion was obtained in all patients in 3 months. There were no operation-related complications, such as spinal cord injury, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, vertebral artery injury, etc. No re-dislocation was found. Neurological recovery was observed in the 3 patients who presented neurological deficits.The type of atlas fracture with adjacent section instability and the impact thereof on the stability of the atlanto-axial joint and C2/3 neck joint should be identified early. Surgical treatment results in better outcome.

In this paper, the mathematical model for a class of time-varying sampling control system with stochastic sampling period is established. The sufficient conditions on the existence of the stabilizing controllers with H∞ norm bound are established, and the controller design ensuring the stochastic stability of systems with H∞ norm bound is also proposed by solving the linear matrix inequalities. The simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller design.

Taking account of the inherent property of standard particle swarm optimization algorithm, the dynamic characteristics of position expectations on z-plane are studied and the effects of real and complex eigenvalues on the dynamic characteristic are discussed based on control theory. And then a conclusion is drawn that the maximum overshoot and the angular frequency of damped oscillation affect the optimization behavior greatly. The new guidelines for parameter selection in particle swarm optimization are given based on the theoretical qualitative analysis and the massive experimental results. The results which show that the product of the maximum overshoot and the angular frequency of damped oscillation approximately equal to 1 when the angular frequency belongs to (0.65π, 0.35π) are the promising guidelines for parameter selection in PSO. Moreover, comparisons are made between research results both in opened literatures and this paper in order to show the validity of the new guidelines.

To study the clinical effects of vertebral pedicle-screw placement in selected thoracic vertebrae with fresh fracture in reduction and fixation.Twenty-five patients with thoracic vertebrae fracture, involving 1 vertebra in 13 cases, 2 vertebrae in 7 cases, and 3 vertebrae in 5 cases, underwent vertebral pedicle-screw placement in selected unilateral or bilateral injured vertebrae with relatively complete pedicle of vertebral arch. Pedicle-screw was inserted into the pedicle of the injured vertebra guided by fluoroscopy to achieve posterior pedicle screw fixation, the height of the collapsed vertebral body was recovered by popping up or extruding the vertebral pedicle-screw. The patients were followed up for 18 - 24 months.The postoperative X-films showed that the direction and length of the screws were satisfying without screw looseness and breakage of the internal fixation. No loss of spinal height of the injured vertebrae was seen after reduction.Pedicle-screw fixation of the injured thoracic vertebrae is effective in treatment of fresh thoracic vertebrae fracture.

Doxazosin, a high selective alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonist, is considered as the first-line therapy for the patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and also produce several side effects in cardiovascular system. In this study, we observed the isometric vasoconstrictive responses of the rabbit isolated arterial rings to electric field stimulation and noradrenaline ( NA ) to study the effects of R-doxazosin ( R-DOX ) and S-doxazosin ( S-DOX ) on the alpha1-adrenoceptor-regulated vasoconstrictive responses in the rabbit isolated ear artery, mesenteric artery and pulmonary artery, and the effects of higher concentration of S-DOX and R-DOX on presynaptic alpha2-adrenoceptor-regulated purinergic vasoconstriction in the rabbit isolated saphenous artery. We found that R-DOX and S-DOX competitively inhibited the vasoconstriction induced by NA in the rabbit isolated ear artery, mesenteric artery and pulmonary artery. The pA2 values of R-DOX and S-DOX against NA in the rabbit isolated ear artery, mesenteric artery and pulmonary artery were 7. 91 +/- 0. 03 and 7. 53 +/- 0. 05, 7. 80 +/- 0. 05 and 7. 29 +/-0. 07, 8. 32 +/- 0. 06 and 7. 97 +/- 0. 07, respectively. The pA2 values of R-DOX in the three arterial preparations were significantly higher than those of S-DOX (P0. 01). R-DOX and S-DOX at the concentrations of 0. 1 - 10 micromol x L (-1) did not affect the vasoconstriction induced by electric stimulation in the rabbit isolated saphenous artery. R-DOX and S-DOX at 100 micromol x L(-1) in the rabbit isolated saphenous artery completely inhibited the vascular responses to exogenous NA, but did not affect the vascular responses to exogenous adenosine triphosphate (1 mmol x L(-1) ). It is reasonable to suggest that R-DOX and S-DOX competitively inhibit the vasoconstriction induced by NA in the rabbit ear artery, mesenteric artery and pulmonary artery, and the pA2 values of S-DOX are significantly lower than those of R-DOX. The higher concentration (10 micromol x L(-1)) of R-DOX and S-DOX does not affect the presynaptic alpha2-adrenoceptors at sympathetic nerve terminals of the rabbit saphenous artery.

In this synthetic route, the raw materials are obtained easily and the conditions of reactions are smoothly. The products in some main procedures of the route have high yieds. This synthetic route is a new way of the compound, there hasn't been reported anywhere. It needs further studies to be practically applied. According to this synthetic routes, the authors studied technolygical conditions of the reactions of every step. Some products are analyzed by refractive index, IR, HNMR, and MS and confirmed its structure.

In this case the diagnosis was unclear from the clinical presentation. Myocardial perfusion imaging with gating, though initially performed to look for myocardial ischemia, revealed a strikingly enlarged and dysfunctional right ventricle with the interventricular septum abnormally deviated toward the left ventricle, consistent with right ventricular pressure overload and pulmonary hypertension. These findings led to the performance of ventilation/perfusion lung scanning that showed evidence of pulmonary emboli.

4-Methoxycarbonylphenyl-substituted BODIPY (boron-dipyrromethene) dye gives, in the solid state, three polymorphs. In spite of the absence of any strong intermolecular interactions in all crystalline forms, the three polymorphs show different photoluminescence properties. This behavior highlights the importance of molecular arrangements of the BODIPY moieties in the crystalline state in perturbing their photophysical properties.