[Objective]To evaluate the role of three radiographic ways in patients undergoing spinal three-dimensional correction and fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.[Method]Sixty-three cases of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis(AIS)with 79 structural curves were studied.Preoperative X-ray of standing,gravity-suspendig traction,supine bending and fulcrum bending were compared with postoperative standing X-ray one week after surgery,Cobbs angle of all X-ray were measured and statistical significance was evaluated.[Result]In structural thoracic group and lumbar group the mean Cobbs angle were 40?and 21?in gravity-suspendig traction X-ray,41?and 23?in supine bending X-ray,35?and 19?in fulcrum bending X-ray,36?and 18?in postoperative standing X-ray respectively.In severe group and moderate group the mean Cobbs angle were 52?and 23?in gravity-suspendig traction X-ray,53?and 24?in supine bending X-ray,47?and 20?in fulcrum bending X-ray,44?and 19?in postoperative standing X-ray respectively.In rigid group and flexible group the mean Cobbs angle were 51?and 22?in gravity-suspendig traction X-ray,52?and 22?in supine bending X-ray,48?and 18?in fulcrum bending X-ray,45?and 17?in postoperative standing X-ray respectively.In anterior approach group and posterior approach group the mean Cobbs angle were 47?and 15?in gravity-suspendig traction X-ray,49?and 16?in supine bending X-ray,43?and 11?in fulcrum bending X-ray,42?and 10?in postoperative standing X-ray respectively.All above Cobbs angle were mean numerical value,the mean follow-up period was 1.5 years(range:1~3 years).[Conclusion]The fulcrum bending X-ray are more predicting of correctability of AIS patients than the gravity-suspendig traction and supine bending X-ray.It can provide reference for chosing anterior or posterior approach and chosing fusion levels.

Objective To investigate the value of volume reconstruction ( VR ) in showing the ear lesions and to compare with otherpost-processed methods.Methods 15 patients with hearing loss underwent MSCT ultra-high resolution scan with collimation 0.5 mm,pitch 0.5~0.875 and increment 0.1mm.An additional enhanced CT was performed in 10 of 15 cases. The various reconstructions including VR , MPR, SSD, VE, Ray Sum and MIP/MinIP were performed for the comparison of their ability in showing the ear lesions and the invasion of the auditory ossicals and the inner ear of the adjacent tumors. Results VR was the most optimal way, in showing the ear lesions,successionally in descending order was VR, MPR, SSD, MIP/MinIP. Ray Sum and VE were only suitable for showing the lesions of the inner ear and auditory ossicles respectively.Conclusion The data acquired from the scan of MSCT using 0.5 mm collimation can be used in various reconstruction methods including VR, MPR, SSD and MIP/MinIP to display the lesions of the ear and the invasion of the ear fine structures from the plane and three-dimensional view. VR is the best way, which can display the relationship between tumor and facial/auditory nerve, labyrinth .

Objective To evaluate inhibitory effect of Chlamydia trachomatis plasmid-encoded protein pORF5 on HeLa cell apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α). Methods The recombinant lentiviral expression vector containing pORF5 gene and helper plasmids were co-transfected into 293T cells to prepare the recombinant lentivirus. Then, the lentivirus particles were collected and concentrated, and used to infect HeLa cells. Flow cytometric screening identified stable pORF5-expressing HeLa (pORF5-HeLa) cells. Meanwhile, the empty plasmid was transfected into HeLa cells to prepare control HeLa cells. The two cell lines were both divided into two subgroups to be treated with 20μg/L TNF-αand fresh culture medium respectively for 6 hours. Then, Hoechst 33258 staining was performed to observe morphological changes of apoptotic cells, flow cytometry to detect cell apoptosis, real-time PCR to measure the mRNA expression of Caspase3, Bax and Bcl-2, and Western blot analysis to determine the protein expression of Bax and Bcl-2. Results After 6-hour treatment with TNF-α, Hoechst 33258 staining showed variable degrees of karyopyknosis and karyorrhexis, and highly-refractive blue apoptotic bodies in the pORF5-HeLa cells and control HeLa cells. The pORF5-HeLa cells and control HeLa cells both showed significantly higher apoptosis rate in the treated subgroup than in the untreated subgroup (pORF5-HeLa cells:35.5%± 4.5%vs. 9.5%± 1.5%, t=13.53, P<0.01;control HeLa cells:63.6%± 5.8%vs. 7.9%± 0.9%, t=32.36, P<0.01). Compared with treated control HeLa cells, treated pORF5-HeLa cells showed significant decreases in mRNA expression of Bax(72.8%)and Caspase 3(84.5%)(t = 35.29, 42.25, respectively, both P < 0.01), as well as in Bax protein expression(t = 17.58,P < 0.01), but significant increases in Bcl-2 mRNA and protein(6.8 times)expression(t = 87.12, 18.93, respectively, both P <0.01). Conclusion pORF5 plasmid protein can inhibit TNF-α-induced HeLa cell apoptosis likely by increasing the expression of anti-apoptotic protein bcl-2 and decreasing the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins Caspase-3 and Bax.

BACKGROUND: Locking pedicle screw system is commonly used in clinic, but it often suppresses spinal longitudinal growth of adolescent at growth phase. Thus, a pedicle screw system that can reduce even avoid the inhibition to spinal growth is needed. OBJECTIVE: To compare the biomechanical performance of sliding instrumentation of pedicle screw system and traditional locking pedicle screw system. DESIGN: Comparative observation. SETTING: Department of Orthopedics, Xinqiao Hospital of Third Military Medical University of Chinese PLA, and Department of Orthopedics, the 211 Hospital of Chinese PLA. MATERIALS: The experiment was performed at Department of Material Science, Harbin Institute of Technology on June 29th, 2007. Self-designed sliding pedicle screw system was made of Ti alloy by Wujin No. 3 Medical Instrument Factory Co., Ltd., Jiangsu Province. It consisted of sliding pedicle screw, orthopaedic rod and transversal coupling device. Twelve samples of fresh porcine spine were selected, and muscles attached on vertebral bodies of TrL5 were removed carefully but integrity of main ligament and precessus articularis posterior was retained. METHODS: The samples were randomly divided into sliding system group and locking system group with 6 samples in each group. Partial vertebral plate and surrounding ligaments of T12as well as bilateral facet joints between T11-12 and T12-L1 were removed to induce spinal destabilization, then sliding pedicle screw system and locking pedicle screw system were respectively fixed onto T10, T12, and L2 vertebral bodies of two groups. The samples then were fixed into fixture, and put onto INSTAON-4505 axial compressor. The strain gauge was connected with YJ-31 static electricity resistance strain gauge instrument human to simulate human spinal load, and the center of gravity was loaded to induce forward flexion, backward extension, lateral flexion and axial construction. Load of 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 N was given gradually, and displacement of T12 was measured under different loads. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ①Changns in principal stress and displacement under forward flexion, backward extension, lateral flexion and axial construction; ②Spinal fixation intensity and rigidity. RESULTS: No statistical difference was detected in main straining, displacement of apical vertebrae and intensity of fixation between sliding system group and locking system group under forward flexion, backward extension, lateral flexion and axial construction (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Sliding pedicle screw system has identical biomechanical stability as locking system. Furthermore, in sliding pedicle screw system, the screw and rod are coupled by sliding pattern, which extend along with spinal growth. It can be used to treat scoliosis at growth phase.

Objective: To study the absorption and utilization of dietary iron, zinc and calcium of male adults of Yi nationality, for basic information to prevent and cure diseases related to mineral deficiencies. Method: Twelve young men aged between 20 and 22 from the region lived by Yi nationality were studied in 14 d period with metabolic balance technique. At the beginning of study, their fasting blood hemoglobin and hematocrit, serum ferritin, plasma zinc and calcium concentration were deteimined. During the 4-12 d of the study, experimental diet, subsequent feces and urine samples were also collected for determining the contents of iron, zinc and calcium by flame atom absorption spectrum method, and then apparent absorption rate, apparent utilization rate and metabolic balance of these minerals were calculated. Results: The apparent absorption rate of iron, zinc and calcium was (15.8?6.2)%, (24.5?4.1)% and (32.3?9.7) % and the apparent utilization rate was (1.9?5.7)%, (12.8?4.3)% and (5.5?15.9)% respectively. The metabolic study showed iron balance, and zinc balance, but calcium balance was variable. Conclusion: The intakes of iron and zinc from the diet can meet the requirements, but calcium cannot. More intakes of foods rich in calcium are recommended for Yi nationality.

Objective: To compare the methods of metabolic balance (MB) and fecal monitoring (FM) for evaluating the dietary zinc (Zn) absorption in Tibetan men. Methods: In 14 d field trial on 16 adult Tibetan men, capsules of carmine were given to mark the feces from D4 to D12, and samples of diet, water, feces and urine were collected during the period. In addition, 4.0 mg zinc tracer (enriched with 67Zn) and 1.0 mg recovery indicator ytterbium (Yb) were orally administrated to the subjects in the evening meal of the D5. The ratio of 67Zn/68Zn in fecal samples was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and then the zinc absorption was calculated based on the principle of isotope dilution. Results: The dietary zinc absorption in Tibetan men was (23.8?3.9) % evaluated by MB and (21.4?4.3) % by FM with significant difference (by paired-samples t test) and linear correlation (Pearson). The unabsorbed zinc tracer and Yb had the similar behavior through the digestive tract, mostly excreted within5 d following the intake. Conclusion: In the 14d metabolic period, the dietary zinc absorption from MB was a little higher than that from FM. Using FM, the metabolic period can be shortened to 4-5 days according to excretion of Yb. Both methods suggested that the dietary zinc absorption in the adult Tibetan men was good.

OBJECTIVETo apply the classic leakage integrate-and-fire models, based on the mechanism of the generation of physiological auditory stimulation, in the information processing coding of cochlear implants to improve the auditory result.

METHODSThe results of algorithm simulation in digital signal processor (DSP) were imported into Matlab for a comparative analysis.

RESULTSCompared with CIS coding, the algorithm of membrane potential integrate-and-fire (MPIF) allowed more natural pulse discharge in a pseudo-random manner to better fit the physiological structures.

CONCLUSIONThe MPIF algorithm can effectively solve the problem of the dynamic structure of the delivered auditory information sequence issued in the auditory center and allowed integration of the stimulating pulses and time coding to ensure the coherence and relevance of the stimulating pulse time.

Acoustic Stimulation ; Algorithms ; Cochlear Implantation ; Cochlear Implants ; Humans ; Membrane Potentials ; Models, Theoretical ; Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Speech Discrimination Tests

OBJECTIVETo establish a mechanical simulation model for studying the relationship between the characteristic frequency and feature location of the basilar membrane of the cochlea.

METHODSMacro-mechanical methods were used to simplify the details of the model. With simulation tools, the basilar membrane vibration frequency characteristics were analyzed based on the box model.

RESULTSThe basilar membrane had obvious frequency-selective properties, and the basilar membrane from the stapes was sensitive to high frequencies while the farther membrane was sensitive to low frequencies.

CONCLUSIONThe frequency characteristics of the basilar membrane of the cochlea is mainly a result of the longitudinal variations of the geometric dimensions and material properties and is not related with other structures within the cochlea corti.

Basilar Membrane ; physiology ; Cochlea ; physiology ; Computer Simulation ; Mechanics ; Models, Biological ; Vibration

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of short and long term exposure to SiO2 nanoparticles on microRNA expression level in human bronchial epithelial cells(16HBE cells).

METHODSThe 16HBE cells were exposed to 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 40 μg/ml SiO2 nanoparticles for 24 h to detect the cell viability by using CCK-8 assay. The inhibition rate of proliferation activity and half inhibitory concentration (IC50) were calculated. The 16HBE cells were exposed to 10 μg/ml SiO2 nanoparticles for 10 and 30 generations, named P10 and P30, and the control P0 was set. The cells were treated with SiO2 nanoparticles at 0, 1/4 IC50, 1/2 IC50 and IC50 concentration and μm-SiO2 at IC50 concentration for 24 h, and the control serum-free culture medium was set. Agilent miRNAs microarray chip was used to screen differentially expressed miRNAs in P10, P30 and P0 groups. The expression level of miRNA was detected by reverse transcription fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

RESULTSThe inhibition rate of proliferation activity of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25,30,40 μg/ml group were (-3.33 ± 3.80)%, (20.40 ± 11.73)%, (39.08 ± 5.53)%, (55.10 ± 5.78)%, (66.42 ± 9.60)%, (71.67 ± 7.34)%, (81.43 ± 5.37)%, respectively; F=129.11, P<0.001. The IC50 (95%CI) was 18.35 (15.82-20.72) μg/ml. The expression level of miRNA-494-3p in P0, P10 and P30 were 1.00, 0.45 ± 0.08, 0.28 ± 0.07, respectively; F=60.77, P<0.001. miRNA-19a-3p were 1.00, 2.27 ± 0.45, 1.06 ± 0.19, respectively; F=30.05, P<0.001. miRNA-148b-3p were 1.00, 1.78 ± 0.29, 0.88 ± 0.19, respectively; F=30.23, P<0.001. Compared to control group, the expression level of miRNA-494-3p in 5, 10, 20 μg/ml SiO2 nanoparticles groups and 20 μg/ml μm-SiO2 group were 0.99 ± 0.04, 1.38 ± 0.19, 2.13 ± 0.14, 0.81 ± 0.25, respectively; F=57.03, P<0.001. miRNA-19a-3p were 0.91 ± 0.03, 1.12 ± 0.03, 0.53 ± 0.01, 0.86 ± 0.01, respectively; F=408.78, P<0.001. miRNA-148b-3p were 0.95 ± 0.02, 1.22 ± 0.00, 0.54 ± 0.02, 1.15 ± 0.04 respectively; F=264.14, P<0.001.

CONCLUSIONShort and long term exposure to SiO2 nanoparticles can affect the expression level of miRNAs in 16HBE cells. The expressions of miRNA-494-3p after long and short period exposure are different.

Cells, Cultured ; Epithelial Cells ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Humans ; MicroRNAs ; metabolism ; Nanoparticles ; chemistry ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; Silicon Dioxide ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of silicon dioxide nanoparticles on the expression and promoter region CpG islands methylation of (Poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase 1, PARP-1) gene in human HaCaT Cell.

METHODSHaCaT Cells were treated with nm-SiO₂at 0, 2.5, 5 and 10 µg/mL and micro-SiO₂at 10 µg/ml for 24 h and DAC treatment was given at 10 µg/ml group for 48 h. Real-time PCR and western blot assay was used to detect the expression of PARP-1 mRNA and protein. BSP (Bisulfite Pyrosequence, BSP) assay was used to detect the promoter region CpG islands methylation status of PARP-1 gene.

RESULTSAfter exposure to nano-SiO₂particles, compared to CTRL group, the mRNA and protein expression of PARP-1 in micro-SiO₂and 2.5 µg/ml group unchanged, but he mRNA and protein expression of PARP-1 in 5, 10 µg/ml as well as DAC group was down-regulated and there are statistical significance between CTRL group and 5, 10 µg/ml as well as DAC group and the PARP-1 promoter region CpG islands showed methylation.

CONCLUSIONnano-SiO₂can down-regulate PARP-1 expression in HaCaT Cell and this is associated with the change in the methylation of PARP-1 gene promoter region CpG islands induced by nano-SiO₂particles.

Cell Line, Tumor ; CpG Islands ; DNA Methylation ; Humans ; Nanoparticles ; adverse effects ; Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase-1 ; Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerases ; metabolism ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Silicon Dioxide ; adverse effects