Objective To study the variables of behavioral function and TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling) figure in Bcl-2 transgenic (TG) mice and control mice after spinal cord injury (SCI), thus to find new ideas and ways for diagnosing and treating SCI. Method The genesis of Bcl-2 overexpression transgenic (TG) mice were produced by injection of Bcl-2 plasmid into the fertilized ova of mice.Nine Bcl-2 TG mice and nine control mice were subjected to SCI of moderate severity at T10, with the use of weight dropping (WD) method (impact force 2.5～3.0 g·cm). Up to 1 day , 7 days, and 14 days after SCI,functional deficits were evaluated with BBB scales, and the apoptosis of neurons was investigated by using TUNEL method. Another three mice of control group were only treated with laminectomy without SCI for comparison. Results The mean functional scores in the control mice were lower than those in the Bcl-2 TG mice, although the unpaired T -test revealed no significant differences. On the other hand, the number of TUNEL positive neurons and IOD(Integrated Optical Density)score in the Bcl-2 TG mice were both significantly lower than those in the control mice. Conclusions This experiment suggests that overexpression of Bcl-2 may suppress neuronal apoptosis after SCI. The Bcl-2 may be an important factor in relieving the damage within CNS after trauma.

Objective To describe radiological features of bronchopulmonary dysplasia(BPD) in premature infants,and improve the diagnostic ability of BPD.Methods Eleven Premature infants with BPD underwent series of chest radiographs,X-ray features of BPD were analysed.Results The radiographic findings frequently included diffuse opacities,linear-reticular opacities,sacculiform radiolucent areas and over-inflation of lung.There were 4 cases with two of the radiological abnormalties obove,diffuse opacities and linear-reticular opacities in 2,diffuse opacities and sacculiform radiolucent areas in one and diffuse opacities and over-inflation in one.There were two cases with three kinds of X-ray features,including diffuse opacities,linear-reticular opacities and sacculiform radiolucent areas.There was one case with all of the radiological features noted above.Conclusion The chest radiographs appearance were of characteristics in premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Objective To screen the altered gene expression profile of hippocampus after traumatic brain injury(TBI)in rats. Methods Rats(n=3)in experimental group underwent moderate fluid-percussion(F-P)brain injury and the hippoeampus sample in the injured hemisphere was removed and conserved in liquid nitrogen three hours later.The rats(n=5)of the control group underwent the same procedure except for injury.Mfymetrix rat genome 230 2.0 array was used to detect the gene expression profile of hippocampus in two groups and find the altered gene expression profile. Results A total of 159 genes in the experimental group changed significantly(≥2 folds)compared with the control group,of which 136 genes were up-regulated and 23 genes down-regulated. Conclusions The significant gene expression changes of hippocampus,especially a large mount of up-regulated genes,are detected after moderate TBI in rats,suggesting that the secondary injury following TBI is a procedure involving multiple factors.

Objective To set up a rat model with acute traumatic coma and identify the variation of microRNA in mesencephalon. Methods After rats were injured moderately by central fluid percussion system, tissues of the mesencephalon were removed one hour after injury. RNA of brain tissue of the mesencephalon was isolated for microRNA array by using the exiqon microarray system. The data were analyzed statistically by Genepix Pro 6.0 after hybridization results were scanned and fluorescence intensity standardized. Resets Hybridization results showed 33 microRNAs with up-regulated expressions but 38 microRNAs with down-regulated activity. Conclusion Expression of microRNA array shows marked changes in the tissues of the mesencephalon in rats with traumatic coma, as may be injury mechanism of traumatic coma and also a way of neurobiological protection of coma.

OBJECTIVETo discuss the primary experience and possibility of direct transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma resection under endoscopic assistance.

METHODSFrom March 2000 to March 2001, 22 patients with pituitary adenoma were treated by direct transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma surgery under endoscope. During direct transsphenoidal approach, no incision of the nasal mucosa was made without the dissection of the nasal septum and median nasal conchae. Under endoscopic assistance, the anterior wall of the sphnoidal sinus and sellae base was opened directly and adenoma resection was performed.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up for 1 approximately 12 months. The increased hormone level in 17 patients were decreased to normal postoperatively. By postoperative MRI detection, adenomas in 15 patients were removed completely, but part of the adenomas were left in the carvernous sinuses in 7 patients. Temporary diabetes insipidus was observed in 4 patients.

CONCLUSIONSThe direct transsphenoidal approach in pituitary adenoma resection under endoscopic assistance is time saving, and safe, with good exposure of operative field. The injury to the patient and postoperative reaction are less. The effects were satisfactory without severe complications.

Adenoma ; surgery ; Adult ; Aged ; Endoscopy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pituitary Neoplasms ; surgery

Objective To evaluate the value of MRI in diagnosis of brachial plexus injury in infants.Methods MRI manifestations and electromyography(EMG) data of 14 cases were analyzed retrospectively.Kappa statistic was used to analyze the consistency between the two methods.Results Pure preganglionic injuries were found in 5 cases,preganglionic and postganglionic combined injuries occurred in 9 cases.MRI features of preganglionic injuries include:absence of roots in spinal canal (7 cases),nerve root enlargement (1 case),nerve sleeve dilation (3 cases),pseudomeningoceles (5 cases) and the dura thickening (3 cases).MRI features of postganglionic injuries include:trunk thickening with hyperintensity in STIR images(14 cases),adjacent structure disorder and edema (1 cases).The consistency of MRI and EMG was good (κ=0.752,P＜0.05).Conclusion MRI is an efficient method for demonstrating preganglionic and postganglionic injuries,and can provide reliable information for early diagnosis and treatment for brachial plexus injury in infants.