BACKGROUND: Previous experiments demonstrated that low-temperature isotropic pyrolytic carbon has excellent biological features. However, the research regarding low-temperature isotropic pyrolytic carbon prosthesis in hip joints, especially the biological features following hemiarthroplasty are poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: Utilizing implantation experiment, the aim of this study was to investigate the biocompatibility, as well as the interface wear properties of carbon femoral head prosthesis, coated with low-temperature isotropic pyrolytic carbon (silicon). DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: In vivo hemiarthroplasty, randomized controlled animal experiment. The experiment was performed at the Experimental Animal Center, the Second Military Medical University of Chinese PLA, from October 2008 to April 2009. MATERIALS: Carbon femoral head prostheses.were supplied by Jilin Central Hospital. The carbon femoral head prosthesis was coated with low-temperature isotropic pyrolytic carbon. METHODS: Carbon femoral head prostheses were implanted in 16 adult New Zealand white rabbits. The rabbits were sacrificed at weeks 6 (n=4), 11 (n=6), 21 (n=6), respectively. Rabbits in the 21-week group were induced to move from 18 weeks with 2 hours per day. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The biocompatibility and the interface wear phenomena of the prostheses were investigated by general observation, X-ray observation and tissue slice observation. RESULTS: The carbon femoral head prostheses implanted in animals produced non-toxic side effects, without significant inflammatory response or foreign body reaction. Furthermore, new cartilage tissue around carbon prosthesis was found, while there was no obvious wear debris after sports experiments. CONCLUSION: The film coating carbon materials have excellent biocompatibility and good wear resistance as femoral head prosthesis. Thus, it is a kind of promising biomaterials in prosthesis manufacturing.

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effects of Smad7 and urokinase-type plas- minogen activator(uPA)co expression on CCl_4-induced rat liver fibrosis.Methods Forty SD rats were subcutaneously injectied of 40% CCl_4 every three days for 8 weeks.The rats were then divided into model group,AdSmad7/uPA group(injected with AdSmad7/uPA via tail vein),AdSmad7 group(injec- ted with AdSmad7 via tail vein)or AdGFP group(injected with AdGFP via tail vein).Ten healthy rats were served as control.The serum levels of procollagenⅢ(PCⅢ)and laminin(LN)were determined by radioimmunoassay,and the hydroxyproline level in liver tissues were examined by alkaline hydrolysis. The expressions of Smad7 and uPA in tissue were examined by immunohistochemistry and fibrosis area was stained with Sirius red.Results The expressions of Smad7 and uPA protein were significantly higher in AdSmad7/uPA group than that in AdGFP group after 3 days.Serum levels of ALT,AST,PCⅢand LN were significantly decreased in AdSmad7/uPA group compared to Smad7 and AdGFP groups (all P value

Aim To investigate the effect of resveratrol on ROS level and PECAM-1 expression in ox-LDL-stimulated platelets. Methods The expression of PE-CAM-1 , Sirt1 and p38 MAPK phosphorylation in ox-LDL-stimulated platelets was determined by Western blot. The level of ROS was measured by immunofluo-rescence kit. Results ox-LDL induced platelet aggre-gation by 14%, whereas resveratrol inhibited platelet aggregation by 50%. Resveratrol decreased ROS level by 3 . 2 fold and completely suppressed PECAM-1 expression in ox-LDL-treated platelets. Resveratrol re-covered Sirt1 expression in ox-LDL-treated platelets. EX527 ( a Sirt1 inhibitor ) increased ROS level and PECAM-1 expression in ox-LDL-stimulated platelets. Meanwhile, resveratrol also suppressed p38MAPK phosphorylation induced by ox-LDL. Conclusion Resveratrol can inhibit platelet aggregation, decrease ROS production and PECAM-1 expression in ox-LDL-stimulated platelets. The mechanism maybe associated with recovery of Sirt1 expression. Moreover, resveratrol can decrease PECAM-1 expression, which may be linked to abolishing p38MAPK phosphorylation.

Objective To evaluate the respiratory movement of the both lungs with four-dimensional CT(4DCT), and determine the optimal respiratory phase series CT images for radiation dose calculation. Methods From November 2005 to November 2006,thirty patients with lung cancer who received 4DCT scan were enrolled,including 15 left and 15 right lung cancer cases,25 men and 5 women. The media age was 55 (35-78) years old. After 4DCT scanning, the image was treated with Advantage 4D workstation,and then transmitted into Pinnacle station( Adac 7.4). The both lungs were automatically outlined using Pinnacle station with CT recognition value of-900 to-200 Hu. Then-the same physician examined the unreasonable parts and revised them. After the delineation was completed,the volume of 10 respiratory phases of lung was obtained. Results The average respiratory phase in inspiratory and expiratory phases was 78.87%±2.71% and 26.32%±3.17% in the tumor located lung,77.55%±2.81% and 24.73%±2.55% in the healthy lung. The maximum and minimum mean volume was 106.48%±3.00% and 94.23%±2.78% in the tumor located lung,107.47%±2.43% and 93.65%±2.32% in the healthy lung. The volume at the end of inspiratory and expiratory was 106.43%±3.07% and 94.63%±2.71% in the tumor located lung, 107.37%±4.62% and 93.98%±2.34% in the healthy lung. Conclusions The series CT images scan on 20% ,30% and 80% respiratory phases are reasonable for radiation dose calculation. The maximum and minimum average lung volumes are almost equal to those at the end of inspiratory and expiratory.

OBJECTIVETo observe anti-cancer effects of Jianpi Jiedu Recipe (JJR) on liver cancer (LC) rats with Pi deficiency syndrome (PDS) and its relation with the third complementary-determining region gene spectratyping of TCRVβ-chain (TCRVβCDR3).

METHODSRats were divided into 8 groups according to random digit table, i.e., the blank control group (normal), the PDS group, the LC model group, the LC-PDS group, high, middle, and low dose JJR groups (75.00, 37.50, 18.75 g/kg, respectively by gastrogavage, once per day), the thymus pentapeptide group (5 mg/kg, intramuscular injection, twice per week), 8 in each group. Rats in the normal group were administered with physiological saline by gastrogavage once per day. PDS rat model was prepared by bitter-cold purgation. LC model was prepared by orthotopic transplantation method. Twenty gene subfamilies of TCRβCDR3 in the thymus, liver, and LC tissues were detected by Gene Scan.

RESULTSHigh and middle dose JJR could postpone the growth of LC volume (P < 0.05), with equivalent liver index and thymus index to those of the normal group (P > 0.05). In thymus and liver tissue of the normal group, the number of clones (20 and 19), gene fragment number (220 and 113), Quasi-Gaussian distribution ratio of TCRVβCDR3 gene repertoire (100.0% and 42.1%), and fragment fluorescence peak area (6,539 ± 2,325 and 1,238 ± 439) were at the highest level among the 8 groups. TCRVβCDR3 expressions in thymus and liver tissue of high and middle dose JJR groups were approximate to those of the normal group. They were in the middle of the thymus pentapeptide group, the PDS group, the LC model group, and poorest in the LC-PDS group. TCRVβCDR3 in liver tissue expressed the best in the thymus pentapeptide group.

CONCLUSIONJJR might inhibit the growth of LC cells, and its mechanism might be related to enhancing TCRVβCDR3 spectratype expression.

Animals ; Complementarity Determining Regions ; genetics ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Genes, T-Cell Receptor beta ; Liver Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; genetics ; Random Allocation ; Rats

Objective To probe into the operative techniques and clinical outcomes of treating bi-columnar acetabular fractures. Methods From April 2001 to December 2006, 609 cases undergoing operation for aeetabular fractures were followed up. Of them, 193 eases, 147 males and 46 females with an average age of 34.4 years, were of bi-columnar type. Their complications involved the articular cartilage of the femoral head in 37, eranioeerebral trauma in 31, injury to bladder and/or urethra in 27, injury to thorax and/or abdomen in 68, injury to pelvis and/or sacroiliac joint in 59, and injury to sciatic nerve in 11. The interval between injury and surgery was within 1 week in 15 cases, within 2 weeks in 121, within 3 weeks in 34, and beyond 3 weeks in 23. A single ilioinguinal approach was adopted for 4 cases and combined ap-proaches for 189. Results The mean operating time was 238 (150 to 330) minutes, and the blood loss averaged 1453 (450 to 4400) mL. The mean follow-up period was 44.2 (14 to 84) months. All the eases were evaluated by Matta reduction criteria, X-ray manifestations and the modified Merle d'Aubingne and Postel clinical scoring. One hundred and sixty-eight patients got anatomical reduction, 17 unsatisfactory reduction, and 8 poor reduction. The X-ray manifestations were excellent in 162 patients, good in 16, fair in 8, and poor in 7. The clinic results were excellent in 152 patients, good in 27, fair in 9, and poor in 5. The Kendall coefficient correlation between reduction and clinical outcome and that between reduction and X-ray manifes-tation were 0.74 and 0.77, respectively. Ectopic ossification happened in 77 eases and transient post-operative sciatic nerve paralysis occurred in 3. Conclusions The combined approaches facilitate exposure and synergetie reduction of the bi-colunmar fractures of acetabulum. Reduction of the acetabular roof is essential to restoration of the normal contour of the acetabulum. Reduction bears a positive correlation to the clinical results as well as experience of surgeons.

Objective To observe the effect of exposure of emphysema with intermittent hypoxia on oxidative stress injury of myocardial cells in rats. Methods Sixty male Wistar rats were divided randomly into four experimental groups(each n=15). The normal control group was bred normally. The emphysema group was exposed to cigarette smoke twice a day(once 30 minutes). The intermittent hypoxia(IH)group was exposed to intermittent hypoxia circumstance 8 hours/day,and the emphysema with IH group was exposed to cigarette smoke twice a day (once 30 minutes)and intermittent hypoxia circumstance 8 hours/day. Each group was exposed for 8 weeks. At the beginning of 9 weeks,the blood gas analysis was performed in 5 rats selected randomly from each group,and the rest rats were sacrificed and their hearts and lungs were taken. Under light microscope,the lung tissues stained with hematoxylin-eosin(HE)were examined. The lung pathology and the results of blood gas analysis showed that the emphysema with IH rat model was established successfully. The levels of malonaldehyde(MDA)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)in rat myocardium were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),and the subunit p22phox mRNA expressions of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate(NADPH)-oxidase were detected by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). Results Compared with the normal group, the MDA levels and p22phox mRNA expressions were increased obviously in emphysema group, IH group and emphysema with IH group〔MDA(μmol/g):2.93±0.54, 3.58±0.63, 4.51±0.72 vs. 1.75±0.56, p22phox mRNA:0.043±0.004,0.067±0.015,0.123±0.016 vs. 0.018±0.002,all P<0.05〕,but the activities of SOD were decreased significantly(U/mg:36.07±4.79,33.51±7.12,24.29±5.36 vs. 46.08±5.12,all P<0.05). In emphysema with IH group,the increase of MDA levels and p22phox mRNA expressions and decrease of SOD levels were more remarkable compared with those in emphysema group and IH group(all P<0.05). The expression of p22phox mRNA was positively correlated with MDA level(r=0.734,P<0.001). Conclusion The myocardial tissue oxidative stress injury in rats induced by emphysema with intermittent hypoxia exposure is more serious than that induced by exposure of either emphysema or intermittent hypoxia alone,NADPH oxidase possibly being the important medium of myocardial cell response to oxidative stress.

Objective To investigate the effect of intermittent hypoxia (IH) with pulmonary emphysema on the ex-pression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α),Bax and Bcl-2, and the mechanism underlying the role of HIF-1αin he-patocyte apoptosis thereof. Methods Sixty rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal control group, rats were treated normally;IH group, rats were treated by 30 s nitrogen and then 90 s air, and rats were treated by from 9:00-17:00 daily;pulmonary emphysema group, rats were treated by smudging for half an hour, twice a day (8:00 and 18:00);IH with pul-monary emphysema group, rats were treated by 30 s nitrogen and then 90 s air from 9:00-17:00 daily. After exposure four-teen weeks, rats were killed. qRT-PCR assay was conducted to detect the expression of HIF-1α mRNA, Bax mRNA and Bcl-2 mRNA in live tissues. Results The expressions of HIF-1αmRNA, Bax mRNA and Bax/Bcl-2 were significantly higher in IH with pulmonary emphysema group than those in control group,IH group and pulmonary emphysema group (P<0.05). The expression level of Bcl-2 mRNA was significantly lower in IH with pulmonary emphysema group than that of con-trol group and pulmonary emphysema group (P < 0.05), but no significant difference compared with that of IH group (P >0.05). The levels of HIF-1αand Bax were positively correlated with the level of Bax/Bcl-2 (r=0.732 and 0.699),but the lev-els of HIF-1αand Bax were negatively correlated with the level of Bcl-2 (r=-0.705). Conclusion The expression levels of HIF-1αmRNA, Bax mRNA and Bcl-2 mRNA were over-regulated in hepatocytes induced by intermittent hypoxia with pul-monary emphysema. The HIF-1αexpression was correlated with Bax and Bcl-2, suggesting that HIF-1αmay promote the hepatocyte apoptosis through transcriptional co-activators, Bax and Bcl-2.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of acupuncture on motor function and serum expressions of TNF-aand IL-6 contents in cerebral hemorrhage rats.MethodSeventy-two male Wistar rats were randomized into sham operation, model and acupuncture groups. A rat model of cerebral hemorrhage was made by intracerebral injection of autoblood. Baihui-to-Qubin acupuncture was performed after successful model making. The TNF-aand IL-6 contents of rat serum were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay at three time points: one, three and seven days.ResultBaihui-to-Qubin acupuncture markedly increased the neurological function score and reduced neurologic deficits in cerebral hemorrhage rats. At the same time point, serum TNF-aand IL-6 contents were significantly lower in the acupuncture group of rats thanin the model and acupuncture group; there were statistically significant differences (P<0.01).ConclusionBaihui-to-Qubin acupuncture can reduce neurologic deficits in cerebral hemorrhage rats. It may be related to decreases in serum TNF-aand IL-6 contents after acupuncture.

Objective To compare the long-term outcomes of partial hepatectomy versus choledocholithotomy both combined with choledochoscopy,for the treatment of hepatolithiasis.Methods Patients who underwent either type of the operations were followed up and examined using hepatobiliary magnetic resonance (enhanced MRI + MRCP).The incidences of abnormal imaging in the two groups were compared.Results Of 268 patients,138 patients underwent partial hepatectomy and the remaining 130 patients underwent choledocholithotomy.When hepatectomy was compared with choledocholithotomy,the recurrence rate of acute cholangitis combined with bile duct stone (5.8％ vs.21.5％),the reoperation rate (5.8％ vs.21.5％),the bile duct stricture rate (8.0％ vs.44.6％),the abnormal liver parenchyma perfusion rate (4.3％ vs.23.1％),the incidence of intrahepatic bile duct enhancement or thickening (1.5％ vs.26.9％),the incidence of hepatic atrophy (3.0％ vs.30.0％) and the incidence of cholangiocarcinoma (0 vs.2.3％) were better.Conclusions The long-term adverse outcomes were significantly worse in the choledocholithotomy group than in the partial hepatectomy group.Choledocholithotomy combined with choledochoscopy should only be considered as a complementary procedure to partial hepatectomy in hepatolithiasis.