OBJECTIVETo observe the hair follicle regeneration after subcutaneous implantation of hair follicle cell mixture in nude mice.

METHODSThe hair papilla cells, dermal sheath cells, outer root sheath and fibroblasts of human scalp were mixed with the hair follicle epithelial cells and implanted subcutaneously in nude mice to observe the regeneration of the hair follicle.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONFormation of intact hair follicle-like structures was observed in the skin sections of the recipient nude mice, suggesting the feasibility of this approach for hair follicle regeneration in vivo.

Animals ; Cell Transplantation ; Hair Follicle ; cytology ; metabolism ; physiology ; transplantation ; Humans ; Injections, Subcutaneous ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Regeneration ; Skin Pigmentation ; Time Factors

Background:Andersson lesions (ALs),also known as spondylodiscities,destructive vertebral lesions and spinal pseudarthrosis,usually occur in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).Inflammatory and traumatic causes have been proposed to define this lesion.Different surgical approaches including anterior,posterior,and combined anterior and posterior procedure have been used to address the complications,consisting of mechanical pain,kyphotic deformity,and neurologic deficits.However,the preferred surgical procedure remains controversial.The aim of this study was to illustrate the safety,efficacy,and feasibility of a modified posterior wedge osteotomy for the ALs with kyphotic deformity in AS.Methods:From June 2008 to January 2013,23 patients (18 males,5 females) at an average age of 44.8 years (range 25-69 years) were surgically treated for thoracolumbar kyphosis with ALs in AS via a modified posterior wedge osteotomy in our department.All sagittal balance parameters were assessed by standing lateral radiography of the whole spine before surgery and during the follow-up period.Assessment of radiologic fusion at follow-up was based on the Bridwell interbody fusion grading system.Ankylosing spondylitis quality of life (ASQoL) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were performed to evaluate improvements in daily life function and back pain pre-operatively and post-operatively.Paired t tests were used to compare clinical data change in parametric values before and after surgery and the Mann-Whitney U test was employed for non-parametric comparisons.The radiographic data change was evaluated by repeated measure analysis of variance.Results:The mean operative duration was 205.4 min (range 115-375 min),with an average blood loss of 488.5 mL (range 215-880 mL).Radiographical and clinical outcomes were assessed after a mean of 61.4 months of follow-up.The VAS back pain and ASQoL scores improved significantly in all patients (7.52 ± 1.31 vs.1.70 ± 0.70,t=18.30,P ＜ 0.001;13.87 ± 1.89 vs.7.22 ± 1.24,t=18.53,P＜0.001,respectively).The thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK) changed from 40.03±17.61° pre-operatively to 13.86 ± 6.65° post-operatively,and 28.45 ± 6.63° at final follow-up (F =57.54,P ＜ 0.001),the thoracic kyphosis (TK) changed from 52.30 ± 17.62° pre-operatively to 27.76 ± 6.50° post-operatively,and 28.45 ± 6.63° at final follow-up (F =57.29,P ＜ 0.001),and lumbar lordosis (LL) changed from-29.56 ± 9.73° pre-operatively to-20.58 ± 9.71° post-operatively,and-20.73 ± 10.27° at final follow-up (F=42.50,P ＜ 0.001).Mean sagirtal vertical axis (SVA) was improved from 11.82 ± 4.55 cm pre-operatively to 5.12 ± 2.42 cm post-operatively,and 5.03 ± 2.29 cm at final follow-up (F=79.36,P ＜ 0.001).No obvious loss of correction occurred,according to the lack of significant differences in the sagittal balance parameters between post-operatively and the final follow-up in all patients (TK:27.76 ± 6.50° vs.28.45 ± 6.63°,TLK:13.86 ± 6.65° vs.14.42 ± 6.7°,LL:-20.58 ± 9.71° vs.-20.73 ± 10.27°,and SVA:5.12 ± 2.42 cm vs.5.03 ± 2.29 cm,all P ＞ 0.05,respectively).Conclusions:The modified posterior wedge osteotomy is an accepted surgical procedure for treating thoracolumbar kyphosis with ALs in AS and results in satisfactory local kyphosis correction,solid fusion,and good clinical outcomes.

In order to differently diagnose avian influenza virus (AIV) subtypes, the HA gene of AIV H9 subtype was cloned, expressed and utilized in an enzyme-linked immunoad sorbent assay (ELISA). HA gene (1683bp) of H9N2 AIV was amplified by RT-PCR from a strain of field isolated H9N2 AIV, and its identity was confirmed by sequencing. The HA gene was subcloned into prokaryotic expression vector pGEX-KG with its secretion signal sequence removed. The expressed HA-GST fusion protein in E. coli BL21 was characterized by SDS-PAGE and western blotting analysis as a 90kD protein with immunogenicity. The fusion protein was present primarily in inclusion bodies and was purified via denaturation and renenaturation. The HA-GST fusion protein was used to establish an indirect ELISA for the detection of antibodies to H9 subtypes of AIV. The assay has 91.57% specificity to H9 AIV, 92.31% sensitivity and excellent reduplication. It could be used to differently detect antibodies to H9 AIV.
Cloning, Molecular ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; metabolism ; Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Humans ; Influenza A Virus, H9N2 Subtype ; genetics ; Influenza, Human ; diagnosis ; virology ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics