Objective To observe the effect and significance of high-expression HOXB4 in controlling proliferation and cycle of human cartilage endplate stem cells (CESCs).Methods CESCs were divided into adenovirus-mediated HOXB4 delivery group (Group A),empty virus delivery group (Group B) and blank control group.Gene and protein expressions of HOXB4 in Group A were detected by PCR and Western blot respectively; cell proliferation among those groups were determined using cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) technique; cell cycle among those groups was measured by propidium iodide (PI) assay and flow cytometry.Results (1) Over-expressed HOXB4 virus was transferred to CESCs successfully; (2) Real-time quantitative PCR results showed 3.6 times higher expression of HOXB4 in Group A than in blank control group.Western blotting indicated HOXB4 protein in Group A was 3 times the level in control group; (3) HOXB4 promoted CESCs proliferation (P ＜ 0.05) and blocked the cells at phase S.Cells at phase S in Group A was increased from 29.27 to 30.28 (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Over-expressed HOXB4 accelerates proliferation of CESCs and increases cell population at phase S,indicating that HOXB4 hindering CESCs degeneration may be an approach to treat lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion.

College of Stomatology of Wuhan University was the first dental school who introduced the Kavo head-simulator for clinical teaching.In this study,students of stomatology were investigated before and after head-simulator training and questionares were made.The results have showed that head-simulator teaching system not only raises the activity of student,consolidates the basic knowledge,develops the clinical thinking ability,but also increases the ability of clinical operational skill before clinical training.

Animals ; Cells, Cultured ; Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials ; Glutamic Acid ; physiology ; Hippocampus ; cytology ; Neurons ; cytology ; physiology ; Patch-Clamp Techniques ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Objective To assess the effectiveness of supracricoid partial laryngectomy in the treatment of laryngeal cancer. Methods This study infiuded 22 patients operated on from 1993 to 2000 using this surgical procedure. 22 were males with mean age of 63 years (ranging from 43 to 74 years). 21 were glottic cancers (3 T1aNoMo, 4 T1bNoMo, 11 T2NoMo, 3 T3NoMo) and 1 supraglottic cancer (T2N1Mo) according to the 1997 UICC system. Supracrieoid partial laryngectomy was performed, with the epiglottis preserved and reconstructed with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy (CHEP). Results The overall 3-year and S-year survival rates were 88.24％ and 70％, respectively. All patients were decannulated. The average time for decannulation was 25 days (ranging from 14 to 60 days). Speech was good in all cases. Conclusion CHEP not only excises the neoplasms completely and safely but also preserves the laryngeal physiologic function well.

Objective To study the effects of different type of parathyroid damage to the postoperative functional recovery of parathyroid,through establish an animal model by simulating total thyroidectomy and parathyroid damage during surgical operation.Methods Experimental rabbits for the study were randomly divided into A,B,C,D four groups (n =8),Group A (control group):simple exposure,exploration thyroid and parathyroid;group B (vascular injury group):total thyroidectomy and ligation bilateral parathyroid blood supply but keep the surrounding membrane;Group C (membrane damage group):total thyroidectomy and damage membrane but reservations blood supply.Group D (composite damage group):total thyroidectomy plus membrane and blood both damage;All animals were monitored of serum calcium and PTH,preoperative 1 days and postoperative 1 st day,3rd day,5th day,7t day;cut the parathyroid HE staining to observed survival of parathyroid tissue and pathology damage when 7th day after operation.Results (1) Animals in each group preoperative serum calcium and PTH were no significant difference (P ＞0.05);(2)Group A postoperative serum calcium decreased,but at 5th day returned to preoperative level (P ＞ 0.05);Group B and C postoperative 1st day,3rd day,5th day serum calcium decreased significantly(P ＜ 0.05)and to the lowest at 1 d and then gradually recovered,but group C faster recovered than group B (P ＜ 0.05);Group D postoperative 1 st day,3rd day serum calcium continued to decline significantly (P ＜ 0.05);(3) Group A postoperative serum PTH decreased,but at 7th days returned to preoperative level (P ＞ 0.05).Group B and C postoperative 1st day,3rd day,5th days serum PTH decreased significantly(P ＜0.05)and to the lowest at 1 d and then gradually recovered,but from postoperative 3rd day group C faster recovered than group B(P ＜ 0.05);Group D postoperative 1 st day,3rd day serum PTH continued to decline significantly (P ＜ O.05);(4) Pathology results:Group A parathyroid filled with chief cells and a small amount of vacuolar changes (5％ to 10％);Group B parathyroid hemorrhage,necrosis (40％ to 50％),part of the cell degeneration (30％ to 40％),center with fibrosis,seen granuloma and hyperplasia of parathyroid tissue in surrounding;Group C parathyroid bleeding (10％ to 20％),part of the cell degeneration (10％ to 20％);Group D parathyroid severe necrosis,almost no normal parathyroid tissue,significant fibrosis,less residual parathyroid tissue was scattered.Conclusions (l) The recover of Parathyroid function is influenced by the type of parathyroid in situ injury during thyroidectomy,composite damage of blood supply and membrane of parathyroid is the most serious,parathyroid ischemia necrosis,the function can not be restored,pure blood supply damaged,some can restore function,and the parathyroid gland with vascular pedicle can be recovered quickly.(2) Severe blood supply and membrane damaged,and even free parathyroid should be transplanted immediately during operation.

Objective To investigate the effect of the serum of patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome on the myogenic differentiation,proliferation and migration of human lung fibroblasts.Methods The human lung fibroblasts were seeded in plates or flasks and randomly divided into 2 groups (n =31each) using a random number table:serum of patients with hepato-pulmonary syndrome group and serum of healthy volunteer group.The human lung fibroblasts were incubated in the DMEM culture medium containing 10％ serum of patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome or in the DMEM culture medium containing 10％ serum of healthy volunteers.At 24,48 and 72 h of incubation (T1-T3),the expression of smooth muscle-α-actin (SM-α-actin) and smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SM-MHC) in human lung fibroblasts was determined by Western blot,the proliferation of the human lung fibroblasts was determined using 3H-TDR incorporation assay,and the migration of the human lung fibroblasts was determined by Transwell chamber assay.Results Compared with serum of healthy volunteer group,the expression of SM-α-actin and SM-MHC in human lung fibroblasts was significantly up-regulated at each time point,and the proliferation and migration of the cells were significantly enhanced at T2,3 in serum of patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome group (P＜0.05).Compared with the value at T1,the expression of SM-α-actin and SM-MHC in human lung fibroblasts was significantly up-regulated,and the proliferation and migration of the cells were significantly enhanced at T2,3in serum of patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome group (P＜0.05).Compared with the value at T2,the expression of SM-α-actin and SM-MHC in human lung fibroblasts was significantly up-regulated,and the proliferation and migration of the cells were significantly enhanced at T3 in serum of patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome group (P＜0.05).Conclusion The serum of patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome can promote the myogenic differentiation,proliferation and migration of human lung fibroblasts.

AIM: To investigate the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress in renal injury caused by hyperlipidemia and the influence effect of simvastatin. METHODS: Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: rats in control group (n=10) were fed with normal diet; rats in high fat group (n=10) were fed with high fat diet; animals in simvastatin+high fat group (n=10) were fed with high fat diet and were received simvastatin 10 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1) by gastric irrigation. After 18 weeks, the quantitative urine protein in 24 h, the serum cholesterol and triglycerides levels were tested. The pathological changes of renal tissue were observed under optic microscope. The expressions of GRP78 and p-JNK in renal tissues were examined by immunohistochemistry. The apoptotic cells in the kidney were detected by TUNEL staining. The mRNA expressions of GRP78 and CHOP were examined by RT-PCR. RESULTS: The quantitative urine protein in 24 h, the serum lipid, the expressions of GRP78 and p-JNK proteins, the mRNA expressions of GRP78 and CHOP as well as the apoptotic cells in renal tissues were increased in high fat group (P<0.01).The quantitative urine protein in 24 h, the serum lipid, the expression of GRP78 and p-JNK proteins, the mRNA expressions of GRP78 and CHOP as well as the apoptotic cells in renal tissues were remarkably reduced in simvastatin+high fat group than those in high fat group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The endoplasmic reticulum stress is engaged in the renal injury caused by hyperlipidemia. The simvastatin play a role in renal protection by inhibiting the endoplasmic reticulum stress in the kidney.

BACKGROUND:Animal model of infection is established using bioluminescent gene-labeled bacteria, which stimulate local environment of spine infection and reveal the pathophysiological mechanism of spine infection.
OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the feasibility and safety of anterior one-stage debridement, autogenous iliac bone grafting and titanium plate internal fixation in the management of pyogenic spinal infections in spine.
METHODS:Total y 24 Chinese dogs were adopted in the study to develop a canine model of acute pyogenic spondylodiscitis using a bioluminescent strain of Staphylococcus aureus Xen29. The animal models were detected by X-radiography, CT and MRI examinations. After 4 weeks of modeling, al the animals underwent one-stage debridement, autogenous iliac bone grafting and anterior titanium plate internal fixation. Antibiotics contained Cefazolin and Gentamicin were administrated daily since perioperative period to 4 weeks after surgery. The titanium plate and adjacent vertebra were removed surgical y at various postoperative time points (4, 8, 12, 24 weeks) when the dogs were kil ed. The excised tissues and retrieved implants were cultured with conventional bacteria, bacteria 16S rRNA and specific Nuc gene of Staphylococcus aureus. PCR and bioluminescence imaging technique were used to detect the presence of bacteria.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The surgical wound was healed uneventful y. Gross observation and MRI examination of the specimens showed that there was no abscess formation or signs of infection recurrence. The infection rate was 41.7%(10/24) and 75%(18/24) in the procedure of conventional bacteria and bacteria 16S rRNA cultivation. The results showed that the sensibility of PCR technique used to detect the presence of bacteria by amplifying the highly conservative gene sequence of 16S rRNA was significantly higher than that of conventional bacterial cultivation procedure (P<0.05). The PCR detection of specific Nuc gene of Staphylococcus aureus showed the existence of Staphylococcus aureus (1/24). However, Staphylococcus aureus Xen29 with genetic marker was not detected around the implant by bioluminescence imaging technique (0/24). Al of the results showed that bacterium adhering to prosthesis in vivo is an universal phenomenon. The bacteria identified from prosthesis which was taken during the surgery and the bacteria by which the spine was infected before the surgery was not homologous. The one-stage debridement, autogenous bone grafting and anterior titanium plate internal fixation is safe and effective in the management of pyogenic spinal infections. Using of internal fixator can not lead to recurrence or persistence of infection.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) on cell injuries and tau hyperphosphorylation induced by okadaic acid (OA).

METHODSThe experimental groups were designed as follows: (1) SH-SY5Y culture (control group); (2) SH-SY5Y exposed to 40 nmol/L OA for 24 hours (OA group); (3) SH-SY5Y exposed to OA for 24 hours in the presence of 2 hour pretreatment with 100, 200 and 400 ng/ml IGF-1 (IGF-1 pretreatment groups). The changes of cell morphology were observed by inverted microscope. The viability of cells was detected by MTT. The injuries of cells were examined by Hoechst 33258 staining and the activity of caspase-3. Western-blot was applied to determine the expression of phosphorylation of tau protein.

RESULTSIn IGF-1 pretreatment group, the cell morphology was improved, the viability of cells was increased, and caspase-3 activation and hyperphosphorylation of tau (Ser396) were reduced.

CONCLUSIONIGF-1 can protect the SH-SY5Y cells from cell injuries induced by OA by inhibiting tau hyperphosphorylation.

Cell Line, Tumor ; Humans ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I ; pharmacology ; Neuroblastoma ; pathology ; Neuroprotective Agents ; pharmacology ; Okadaic Acid ; antagonists & inhibitors ; toxicity ; Phosphorylation ; drug effects ; tau Proteins ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo explore the effects of nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide 66 (n-HA/PA66) cage on recovering and maintaining lumbar curvature, lumbar heights and fusion rate when used in the transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion.

METHODSFrom February to July 2012, 50 patients with degenerative lumbar disease(lumbar disc herniation in 32 cases and lumbar spondylolisthesis in 18 cases) were treated with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion using the n-HA/PA66 cage, and their preoperative and postoperative clinical outcomes were analyzed. The patients were followed up for 2, 4, 6 and 8 months after operation, during which the CR and CT film of lumbar vertebra were checked to get relative height of vertebral space, Taillard index,index of lumbar spinal curvature,angle of segmental and full lumbar lordosis. The data were analyzed respectively with pair t-test, analysis of variance or LSD-t-test.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up, and the duraion ranged from 8 to 13 months, with a mean of 11.32 months. There were significant differences in relative height of vertebral space, Taillard index, index of lumbar spinal curvature, angle of segmental and full lumbar lordosis after surgery, but there were no significant differences in different periods after operation. The fusion time of lumbar ranged from 4 to 8 months.

CONCLUSIONThe n-HA/PA66 cage can recover and maintain lumbar normal stability with higher rate of fusion and less complications.

Adult ; Durapatite ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Humans ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement ; surgery ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nylons ; Spinal Fusion ; adverse effects ; instrumentation ; methods ; Spondylolisthesis ; surgery ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed