BACKGROUND: Practice has proved that organic material and inorganic materials used alone are not ideal scaffold materials. Polylactic acid (PLA) possessing excellent biocompatibility, degradability and absorbability, PLAs composites will be one of the most important biocomposite in the 21~(st) century. OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of PLA-chitosan fiber (CF)/hydrexyapatite-calcium silicate (HA-CS) on adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. METHODS: The rat osteoblasts were obtained from the cranium of newborn Wistar rats within 24 hours, and primarily cultured using modified collagenase digestion. The cells were generated and their biological characteristic was examined by inverted phase-contrast microscope, hematoxylin-eosin staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and mineralized nodules staining. Then the cells at passage 3 were co-cultured with PLA-CF, PLA-CF/CS and PLA-CF/HA-CS in vitro. At 3, 6 and 9 days of the culture, cell morphology was observed by inverted phase contrast microscopy. In addition, MTT assay and ALP activity test were used to observe the effects of three kinds of materials on cell differentiation and proliferation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Osteoblasts attached on all three scaffold materials can adhere, grow, differentiate and proliferate. The effect of three materials on cell activity was PLA-CF/HA-CS>PLA-CF/CS>PLA-CF. The composite scaffold PLA-CF/HA-CS has a good compatibility, indicating that the material has a great potential for application in bone tissue engineering.

Objective: To observe the biocompatibility of acellular nerve scaffold (ANS) via three sterilization methods, to provide experimental data for tissue engineering industrialization. Methods: Pig sciatic nerves were cut and treated using the NaOH maceration method. ANSs were sterilized by ethylene oxide, ~(60)Co-irradiation and peracetic acid. Evaluated the biocompatibility by MTT, cellular compatibility test, collagenase susceptibility test in vitro and local implantation test. Results: ANS retained the integrity of structure and major components of the basement membrane. The result of MTT test showed that the ANSs via different sterilization methods had statistical differences. There were no overall significant differences in Collagenase susceptibility test. Scanning electron microscope results showed the skin fibroblasts could attach, proliferate and grow well on the surface and holes of ANS with sterilization of PAA and Co~(60),a small quantity of cells adhered on ANS with sterilization of ETO. Tests for local effects after implantation show that different sterilization methods don't effect the ability of ANS to resist the enzyme degradation. In ETO group, rats showed an acute inflammatory response followed by chronic inflammation. In PAA and ~(60)Co group rats showed an acute inflammatory response that diminished such that the graft ultimately became indistinguishable from native tissue, observations that were consistent with graft acceptance. Conclusion: Peracetic acid sterilization offers a convenient alternative protocol for ANS processing. ANS sterilized with PAA shows good compatibility and biologic safety. It is an ideal sterilization method for ANS.

10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.2013.25.002

To investigate the expression of vaginal IL-23 and its role in experimental murine vaginal candidiasis and its relationship with infection and immune status, immuno-competent (group A) and immuno-suppressed (group B) murine models of vaginal candidiasis were established in estrogen-treated mice. Non-estrogen-treated mice were used as controls (group C). The level of IL-23 p19 mRNA in murine vaginal tissue was determined by RT-PCR. Significantly increased levels of IL-23p19mRNA were observed on the 4th, the 7th and 14th day after inoculation in immuno-competent group when compared with that in control group (P<0.01, P<0.05). However, significant increase of IL-23 p19mRNA were only observed on the 7th day and the 14th day after inoculatuon in immuno-suppressed groups (P<0.05). On the 4th and 7th day, the levels of IL-23 p19mRNA were significantly increased in immuno-competent group than those in immuno-suppressed group (P <0.05). Local IL-23 may play a role in the pathogenesis of murine vaginal candidiasis and has a protective function during infection. Low vaginal IL-23 level may correlate with the increased susceptibility to Candida albicans in immuno-suppressed group.

Objective To study the effect of 125Iodine seed on the rabbit ischiadic nerve at different time point after implantation. Methods Thirty healthy New-Zealand rabbits were randomly assigned into 3 groups( 2-week group, 2-month group and 4-month group) using envelope method. During operation, 10 radioactive 125I seeds were implanted randomly near one of the ischiadic nerve, while 10 non-radioactive seeds were implanted into the contralateral ischiadie nerve. According to treatment plan system(TPS),90% of the prescription dose (PD)was centered in the specific place, where the nerves were chosen to be studied. After 2 weeks, 2 months and 4 months respectively, nerve electro-physiolngy experiment was used to evaluate the bilateral ischiadic nerves, at the same time the morphology of the ischiadic nerve was examined by general observation, light microscope and electron microscope. The electron microscope photo with the same ×4000 amplification was divided into 100( 10 × 10) cages and non-specific changes in one cage account for 1%. The t test and sum rank test were used for statistics. Results Potential leaking point of experimental ischiadic nerves near heart in 2-week group ,2-month group and 4-month group were (0.52± 0.26), (0.60±0.19), (0.48±0.17)V, while that of the control sides were (0.59±0.19), (0.60± 0.15), (0.53±0.13 ) V, there was no statistical significance in the same group respectively (t=0.91, 0.03,0.67,P>0.05). Potential leak point of experimental ischiadic nerves far from heart in 2-week group, 2-month group and 4-month group were (0.51±0.15), (0.52 s0. 11 ), (0. 53±0.15) V,the control sides were (0.52±0.10), (0.56±0.12), (0.54±0.10)V, there was no statistical significance in the same group respectively (t= 0.25,0.74,0.17, P > 0.05 ). Action potential amplitude of experimental ischiadic nerves near heart in 2-week group,2-menth group and 4-month group were (13.18±4.09), (12.78± 4.42), (12.09±1.20) mV, while that of the control sides were (10.55± 4.21 ), ( 10.31±4.22), (12.88±3.54) mV, there was no statistical significance in the same group respectively (t=1.57,1.36, 0.50,P>0.05). Action potential amplitude of experimental ischiadic nerves far from heart in 2-week group,2-month group and 4-month group were (11.18±3.38), (11.68±3.21), ( 12.52±3.09) mV, while that of the control sides were (11.56±4.80), (10.71±3.40), (11.67±2.48) mV ,there was no statistical significance in the same group respectively(t=0.29,1.01,0.55, P>0.05 ). Nerve conduction velocity of experimental ischiadic nerves in 2-week group,2-month group and 4-month group were (40.56± 9.46), (38.79±5.78), (39.44±8.64) m/V, the control sides were (42.56±6.59), (44.64±7.53), (43.33±6.05)m/V, there was no statistical significance in the same group respectively( t = 0.57,1.94, 0.01,P>0.05). There were some changes in general observation and light microscope, in electron microscope, many non-specificity changes were observed. All of these changes included delamination, collapse, disaggregation of the myelinated nerve, mitochondria swelling and vacuolization of neurilemma cell and axon. The ratio of degenerative alterations in nerves was 60% --70% in 2-week group, 50% in 2-month group and 30% in 4-month group, and there was statistical significance among three groups (P<0.05). Conclusion 125I permanent plantation in our test dose has little effect on ischiadic nerve, all these non-specificity changes were observed in electron microscope, and it has no evident impacts on physiological functions.

BACKGROUND: Interleukin-1 (IL-1β) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1 ) can mediate neutrophilic infiltration, which is closely relevant to cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of physcion on cerebral inflammatory reaction after ischemia-reperfusion injury.DESIGN: A completely randomized study based on animals.SETTING: Neurological department in a university hospital.MATERIALS: From September to December 2003, the study was conducted in the Animal Laboratory, Hebei Staff and Workers Medical College. Totally 91 healthy male SD rats, supplied by Laboratory Animal Center of Hebei Medical University, were used in the experiments. They were divided into sham operation (SO) group, ischemia-reperfusion group, normal control group, 20 mg/kg physcion group and 40 mg/kg physcion group.Each of the former two groups would be divided into 4 subgroups named as the 6th-hour-after-reperfusion group, the 12th-hour-after-reperfusion group, the 24th-hour-after-reperfusion group and the 48th-hour-after-reperfusion group. Each of the latter two groups were divided into 2 subgroups named as the 12thhour-after-reperfusion group and the 24th-hour-after-reperfusion group. Each subgroup contained 7 rats.INTERVENTIONS: Middle cerebral artery occlusion model (MCAO model) was applied, and IL-1β was measured by radioimmunoassay and ICAM-1 was detected by immunohistochemical staining.MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The IL-1 β level and the positive expression of ICAM-1 in the rats' cerebella were observed.RESULTS: Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in the rats reached its peak 6 hours after reperfusion, and then it decreased gradually. In the 12-hour-after-reperfusion subgroup amd the 24-hour-after-reperfusion subgroup of the 40 mg/kg physcion group, and the 12-hour-after-reperfusion subgroup of the 20 mg/kg physcion group, IL-1β in the injured parts of the cerebella decreased dramatically, compared with MCAO model controls ( P＜ 0.01 ). In the normal control group and SO group, a small quantity of ICAM-1 was detected in rat' s cerebral cortex, and some fulvous staining substance was observed in the plasma and membrane of cerebral vascular endothelium cells. In the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury group, positive staining substance could be observed 24 hours after the reperfusion, then darkened gradually (integral absorbency value: 31.89 ± 4.38, area density value: 0. 018 5 ± 0. 003 1). In the 12-hour-after-reperfusion subgroup of the 40 mg/kg physcion group (integral absorbency value: 13.33 ±6. 12, area density value: 0. 007 6 ± 0. 002 2) and the 24-hour-after-reperfusion subgroup of the 40 mg/kg physcion group (integral absorbency value: 20.04 ±4.65,area density value: 0. 012 9 ±0. 003 6), and in the 24-hour-after-reperfusion subgroup of the 20 mg/kg physcion group (integral absorbency value:23.73 ±4.51 area density value: 0. 014 1 ±0. 003 8), expressions of ICAM-1 around the infarctions significantly decreased as compared with those in the MCAO model controls respectively ( P ＜ 0.01 or P ＜ 0.05).CONCLUSION: Physcion tends to decrease the expressing of IL-1β and ICAM-1 in a cerebellum after ischemia-reperfusion injury, thus, it may help alleviate the ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Objective To study the correlation of human cytomegalovirus infection with carotid atherosclerosis.Methods A total of 120 patients with carotid atherosclerosis and 140 healthy control patients were recruited for HCMV-PP65 antigen detection and Ultrasound examination.Results In carotid atherosclerosis and healthy patients,58.20％(71 cases)and 6.43％(9 cases)of the subjects were positive for HCMV-PP65 antigen(x2 =32.98,P ＜ 0.05).In carotid atherosclerosis group,69.01％(49 cases)of the patients with positive HCMV-PP65 antigen had instable plaques,while it was 47.06％(24 cases)in the patients with negative HCMV-PP65 antigen.The difference in the positivity of HCMV-PP65 between the two groups were significant(x2 =8.22,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Active infection of HCMV may be associated with Carotid Atherosclerosis and the plaques will be more instable.

Objective To study the efficacy of double inverted Y-shaped airway covered stent for patients with thoracostomach-right main bronchus fistula.Methods Fifteen cases with thoracostomach-right main bronchus fistula were investigated retrospectively.All patients had accepted esophageal resection and thoracostomach esophagus anastomosis,as well as radiation therapy after surgery due to esophageal cancer. All fistulas located close to the opening of right upper lobe bronchus.According to the normal tracheobronchial diameter and length of patients,two inverted Y-shaped airway covered stents were designed individually.Stenting was performed under X-ray,and the situation of fistula and clinical symptoms improvement were investigated.Results The double inverted Y-shaped airway covered stents were implanted and fistulas were closed successfully.All patients could take normal diet,and the supine cough symptoms disappeared, without complications such as airway bleeding and pneumothorax after stenting.Conclusion The stenting of double inverted Y-shaped airway covered stent may be an effective,feasible and safe treatment for thoracostomach-right main bronchus fistula.

Objective To detect the meshwork of tiny lymphatic channels at bilateral vertebral body and ventral aorta at 3.0 Tesla and to probe the relationship between its detective ratio and some diseases.Methods Fat-suppressed T2-weighted imaging in 91 patients was performed at the upper abdomen. The meshworks of tiny lymphatic channels at bilateral vertebral body and ventral aorta on contiguous axial and coronal images were reviewed. The classifications of the lymphatic meshwork were made according to its width and length on coronal images. The differences in the detective ratios of the lymphatic meshwork between control group and the risk ones including portal hypertension group, choledochus obstruction group and malignant tumour group were analyzed.Results Right- or left-sided lymphatic meshwork at vertebral body or ventral aorta were 34.07%(31/91),32.97%(30/91),32.97%(30/91) and 43.96%(40/91) respectively. The detective ratio of the lymphatic meshwork on the side of the ventral aorta was higher significantly in the portal hypertension group than that in the control or malignant tumour one (P0.05). Conclusion Meshwork of tiny lymphatic channels at bilateral vertebral body and ventral aorta allows to be detected on fat-suppressed T2-weighted imaging at 3.0 Tesla, and the portal hypertension may influence the detective ratio of the lymphatic meshwork on the side of the ventral aorta.

Objective To investigate the feasibility and therapeutic effect of stenting therapy by using modified Y-shaped self-expandable metal stent for the stenosis of gastroenteric stoma. Methods According to the particular anatomic structures and the pathological features of the narrowed gastroenteric stoma,the authors designed a modified Y-shaped self-expandable metal stent. Under the fluoroscopic guidance,implantation of modified Y-shaped self-expandable metal stent was performed in 5 patients with narrowed gastroenteric stoma. The technical safety and the clinical results were evaluated. Results The modified Y-shaped self-expandable metal stent was successfully implanted with one procedure in all five patients. After the implantation the symptoms such as nausea,vomiting,abdominal distension were promptly relieved,and the patients' living quality was markedly improved. Conclusion The stenting therapy with modified Y-shaped self-expandable metal stent can rapidly relieve the stenosis of gastroenteric stoma once for all. The technique is feasible and the short-term effect is reliable,therefore,it is worth popularizing this therapy in clinical practice.