AIM: To investigate gene expression of bax, bcl-2 and p53 in fetal skin at different gestational ages and children skin in order to explore their potentially biological significance. METHODS: Apoptosis in skin specimens was determined by terminal deoxynucleotidy transferase mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling technique (TUNEL). Gene expressions of bax, bcl-2 and p53 in skin at different developmental stages was examined with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: Along with fetal growth and development, the incidence rate of apoptosis was increased progressively in skin. In skin from early gestational fetus, bcl-2 was strongly expressed. This gene expression was progressively decreased with increment in gestational age. In children skin, the mRNA content of this gene was significantly reduced compared with fetal skin (P

BACKGROUNDPatients with severe full-thickness burn injury suffer from their inability to maintain body temperature through perspiration because the complete destructed sweat glands can not be regenerated. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) represent an ideal stem-cell source for cell therapy because of their easy purification and multipotency. In this study, we attempted to induce human BM-MSCs to differentiate into sweat gland cells for sweat gland regeneration through ectodysplasin (EDA) gene transfection.

METHODSThe dynamic expression of EDA and EDA receptor (EDAR) were firstly observed in the sweat gland formation during embryological development. After transfection with EDA expression vector, human BM-MSCs were transplanted into the injured areas of burn animal models. The regeneration of sweat glands was identified by perspiration test and immunohistochemical analysis.

RESULTSEndogenous expression of EDA and EDAR correlated with sweat gland development in human fetal skin. After EDA transfection, BM-MSC acquired a sweat-gland-cell phenotype, evidenced by their expression of sweat gland markers by flow cytometry analysis. Immunohistochemical staining revealed a markedly contribution of EDA-transfected BM-MSCs to the regeneration of sweat glands in the scalded paws. Positive rate for perspiration test for the paws treated with EDA-transfected BM-MSCs was significantly higher than those treated with BM-MSCs or EDA expression vector (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSOur results confirmed the important role of EDA in the development of sweat gland. BM-MSCs transfected with EDA significantly improved the sweat-gland regeneration. This study suggests the potential application of EDA-modified MSCs for the repair and regeneration of injured skin and its appendages.

Adult ; Animals ; Blotting, Western ; Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; Cell Proliferation ; Cells, Cultured ; Ectodysplasins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Female ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation ; methods ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Pregnancy ; Receptors, Ectodysplasin ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Sweat Glands ; cytology ; metabolism ; Transfection ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo identify the anatomical variability of the left spermatic vein (LSV) and determine its effect on the induction of experimental left varicocele (ELV) in adolescent rats.

METHODSWe equally randomized 30 adolescent male SD rats to groups A (LSV collaterals fully ligated and the left renal vein constricted), B (only the left renal vein constricted), and C (sham operation), observed the courses of the LSVs and measured their diameters. At 30 days after operation, we analyzed the changes in the left kidneys and the diameters of the LSVs.

RESULTSIrregular collaterals were observed in 90% of the LSVs and no abnormal changes were found in the left kidneys after surgery. The postoperative LSV diameter was remarkably increased in group A as compared with the baseline ([1.47 +/- 0.15 ] vs [0.16 +/- 0.08] mm, P < 0.01), but showed no significant difference in group B ([0.31 +/- 0.49] vs [0.15 +/- 0.07] mm, P > 0.05) and C ([0.17 +/- 0.07] vs [0.16 +/- 0.06] mm, P > 0.05), and it was significantly longer in A than in B (P < 0.01). The success rate of ELV induction was 100% in group A and 10% in group B, but no varicocele was observed in group C.

CONCLUSIONCorrect identification of the anatomical course of the LSV and ligation of its irregular collaterals are essential for the establishment of a stable and consistent ELV model.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Kidney ; pathology ; Ligation ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Spermatic Cord ; blood supply ; Varicocele ; Veins ; abnormalities

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of MR angiogrphy(MRA) for detecting cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrage(SAH) and compare it with spiral CT angiography(CTA).Methods Ten patients with SAH under MRA and CTA studies were performed within 24 hours after MRA,which was performed 5 to 10 days after SAH.Maximum intensity projection(MIP) images were produced for MRA and CTA studies.Five arterial locations were examined for spasm:the suprasellar internal carotid artery(ICA),the M1 and M2 segments of the middle cerebral artery(MCA),the A1 and A2 segments of the anterior cerebral artery(ACA).Vasospasm was cate- gorized as none,mild(50 % reduction).Results The overall correlation between MRA and CTA was 82 %(r=0.76),but it was better for proximal than distal lo- cations vessels.Agreement between MRA and CTA was greater for no spasm(89%) and severe spasm(100%)(r= 0.85～0.91)than for mild(56%)or moderate(67%)spasm(r=0.21～0.51).Conclusion MRA is highly accu- rate in the detecting no spasm or severe cerebral vasospasm in proximal arterial locations vessels;it is less accurate in detecting mild and moderate spasm in distal locations vessels.

?AlM: To investigate the outcome and safety of Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation treatment in uncontrolled primary congenital glaucoma ( PCG) .
? METHODS: Twenty - two eyes in 22 children with uncontrolled PCG were reviewed retrospectively and underwent Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation treatment from January 2011 to December 2014. Main checking index included intraocular pressure ( lOP ) before and after operation, corneal diameter and complications.
?RESULTS: Preoperative mean age was 3. 74±2. 24y, and 2. 59 ± 1. 78y apart from the last operation. Postoperative average lOP was 35. 22 ± 6. 36mmHg. Average corneal diameter was 12. 79 ± 0. 75mm. Mitomycin C ( 0. 3 - 0. 5mg/mL ) was used in all operations for 3-5min. Glaucoma valves were implanted in the temporal or nose above the equator sclera. Postoperative lOP was 11. 4±4. 45mmHg at 1wk, and 16. 73± 7. 23mmHg after 12mo. As lOP< 21mmHg for success criteria, lOP of 16 eyes ( 73%) were controlled after 12mo. Preoperative 6 cases had shallow anterior chamber, recovered spontaneously. No serious complication was recorded, such as rejection of glaucoma valve, endoophthalmitis and corneal decompensation.
?CONCLUSlON:Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in uncontrolled PCG is a safe and viable treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the short term clinical efficacy of direct anterior approach(DAA) total hip arthroplasty for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis with hip flexion deformity. METHODS: From September 2014 to June 2017, 15 cases of ankylosing spondylitis with flexion deformity of the hip were treated with total hip arthroplasty through DAA approach including 12 males(17 hips) and 3 females(4 hips) with an average age of 34.4 years old ranging from 21 to 57 years old. Harris score system was used before and after operation to evaluate hip function, total hip activity and visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to evaluate the clinical efficacy. RESULTS: All 15 patients were followed up for an average of 26.2 months. In the operation, 1 case of great trochanter avulsion was given wire binding, and 1 case of linear split of the femur were given by wire binding. There were no hematoma, nerve injury and deep vein thrombosis of lower extremity. No prosthesis loosening and sinking were observed in the follow-up of X-ray film after operation. There was no heterotopic ossification after operation. After operation, 18 hips pain were relieved completely, and 3 hips pain were found when walking, which all satisfied with the daily life self-care requirements. Harris hip score, total hip motion and VAS score at 1 week after operation were significantly different from those before operation(<0.05). There was no significant difference in the scores of HHS, total hip motion and VAS at 1, 6 months after operation(>0.05). At the final follow-up, the Harris score was 91.2±5.3, the total hip mobility was (217.1±29.7)°, and the postoperative VAS pain score was 1.2±0.5, which was significantly different from the preoperative score(<0.05). CONCLUSIONS DAA approach THA has good effect in treating AS hip nonfunctional ankylosis with less trauma, less pain and quick recovery. It has a good short term effect, which can effectively improve the quality of life of patients.
Adult ; Antiviral Agents ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip ; Female ; Hepatitis C, Chronic ; Hip Joint ; Hip Prosthesis ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Quality of Life ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Retrospective Studies ; Spondylitis, Ankylosing ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

Cytisine (CYT), a partial agonist of α4β2-nicotinic receptors, has been used for antidepressant efficacy in several tests. Nicotinic receptors have been shown to be closely associated with depression. However, little is known about the effects of CYT on the depression. In the present study, a mouse model of depression, the unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS), was used to evaluate the activities of CYT. UCMS caused significant depression-like behaviors, as shown by the decrease of total distances in open field test, and the prolonged duration of immobility in tail suspension test and forced swimming test. Treatment with CYT for two weeks notably relieved the depression-like behaviors in the UCMS mice. Next, proteins related to depressive disorder in the brain region of hippocampus and amygdala were analyzed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of CYT. CYT significantly reversed the decreases of 5-HT1A, BDNF, and mTOR levels in the hippocampus and amygdala. These results imply that CYT may act as a potential anti-depressant in the animals under chronic stress.
Amygdala ; Animals ; Brain ; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor ; Depression ; Depressive Disorder ; Hindlimb Suspension ; Hippocampus ; Mice ; Physical Exertion ; Receptors, Nicotinic*

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of different perioperative treatments on the number and proportion of gut flora in SD rats.

METHODSForty-eight SD rats were randomized into 8 groups including the control group, antibiotics group, bowel preparation group, fasting group, antibiotic-bowel preparation group, antibiotics-bowel preparation-fasting group, bowel preparation-surgery-antibiotics-early postoperative feeding group (early feeding group), and bowel preparation-surgery-antibiotics-postoperative fasting group. The rats were sacrificed and stool specimens were collected from the cecum. Stools were diluted and transferred to selective medium. Bacteria counts were calculated after 48 hours of culture under constant temperature. The changes in gut flora between the different groups were compared in terms of E.coli, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, and Enterococcus.

RESULTSCompared with the control group, the total bacteria, Bacteroid, Enterococcus, Bifidobacterium were all significantly decreased(P<0.05), while the E.coli count and the bacillus/coccus ratio were significantly elevated(P<0.05). In the bowel preparation group, the total bacteria count, Bacteroid, Enterococcus, Bifidobacterium were all significantly decreased(P<0.05), while the E.coli count remained stable(P>0.05) and the bacillus/coccus ratio was significantly elevated(P<0.05). In the fasting group, the total bacteria count, Bacteroid, Enterococcus, Bifidobacterium were all significantly decreased(P<0.05), while the E.coli count remained stable(P>0.05) and the bacillus/coccus ratio was significantly elevated(P<0.05). Early postoperative feeding increased E.coli, Enterococcus, and total bacteria count(P<0.05), and lowered bacillus/coccus ratio(P<0.05) as compared to the fasting group.

CONCLUSIONSAntibiotics, bowel preparation, and fasting have influence on the gut flora of SD rats in count and bacillus/coccus ratio, leading to dysbiosis. Early postoperative feeding may improve dysbiosis.

Animals ; Feces ; microbiology ; Male ; Microbiota ; Perioperative Care ; methods ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo investigate the features of white matter myelin development in preterm infants using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).

METHODSA total of 31 preterm infants with a gestational age of ≤32 weeks and a birth weight of <1 500 g were enrolled. According to head MRI findings, these infants were divided into preterm group with brain injury (12 infants) and preterm group without brain injury (19 infants). A total of 24 full-term infants were enrolled as control group. Head MRI and DTI were performed at a gestational age or corrected gestational age of 37-40 weeks. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were measured for the same regions of interest in the three groups.

RESULTSThe preterm group with brain injury showed a significantly lower FA value of the posterior limb of the internal capsule than the preterm group without brain injury and full-term control group (P<0.05). The preterm groups with and without brain injury showed significantly lower FA values of frontal white matter and lenticular nucleus than the full-term control group (P<0.05). The FA value of occipital white matter showed no significant differences among the three groups (P>0.05). Compared with the full-term control group, the preterm groups with and without brain injury showed significantly higher ADC values of the posterior limb of the internal capsule, lenticular nucleus, occipital white matter, and frontal white matter (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSAfter brain injury, preterm infants tend to develop disorder or delay of white matter myelination in the posterior limb of the internal capsule. At a corrected full-term gestational age, the preterm infants with and without brain injury have a lower grade of maturity in periventricular white matter and grey matter than full-term infants.

Brain Injuries ; physiopathology ; Diffusion Tensor Imaging ; methods ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; physiology ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Myelin Sheath ; physiology ; White Matter ; growth & development

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of chitosan on the capsule inside the expanded flap.

METHODSThe expanders were implanted in animals with the treatment of chitosan(experimental group, n = 15) or without (control group, n = 15). After taking out the expanders, the flap contraction rate was calculated. The samples were observed through HE, Masson dyeing and CD34 immunohistochemical study. The thickness of capsule inside the expanded flap was measured under microscope. The samples were also studied under electron microscope.

RESULTSThe thickness of capsule was 516.000 +/- 128.491 microm in the experimental group, and 833.000 +/- 227.379 microm in the control group (P < 0.05). The number of microvessels was 8.200 +/- 2.150 per visual in experimental group, and 7.900 +/- 1.729 per visual in control group (P > 0.05). Under the electron microscope, the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) in the capsule in experimental group decreased and enlarged with degranulation. The mitochondria emerged or disappeared. The number of ribosome was reduced. In the control group, the RER enlarged without degranulation, the mitochondria was intact. The number of ribosome was not reduced.

CONCLUSIONSThe chitosan can effectively reduce the contraction of expanded flap through collagen secretion of fibroblast, delaying the differentiation from fibroblast to fiber cell, inhibiting thansform from fibroblast to myofibroblast. It has no effect on the microvascular generation and expansion, so the flap blood supply will not be affected with thicker capsule.

Animals ; Chitosan ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Female ; Graft Survival ; Male ; Rabbits ; Skin Transplantation ; methods ; Surgical Flaps ; Tissue Expansion