Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of one stage posterior vertebral osteotomy for correction of severe and rigid congenital scoliosis associated with Ⅰ, Ⅱ type of diastematomyelia.Methods According to the diastematomyelia packet,52 patients were divided into type Ⅰ group performed with mediastinum resection combined with spinal osteotomy, group Ⅱ without treatment of diastematomyelia direct spinal osteotomy.Group Ⅲ spinal osteotomy directly without diastematomyelia.Results The mean operation time was (548.6±113.2) min,the average amount of bleeding was (3 728.6±1 436.5) ml.In group Ⅰ,the mean operation time was (608.6± 123.2) min, significantly longer than those of group Ⅱ ((521.3 ±102.4) min,t=2.787,P＜0.01).In group Ⅰ the average amount of bleeding was (5 018.3 ±2 174.2) ml, significant more than that of group Ⅱ((2 615.3± 1 132.8) ml,t=5.182,P＜0.01).Patients with preoperative Cobb angle measurement for (95.2± 14.3) degrees, postoperative for (35.2± 14.8) degrees, follow-up of 2 years for (37.6± 16.1) degrees, group Ⅰ included preoperative (92.3 ± 12.8) degrees, postoperative (32.6 ± 15.8)degrees, 2 years later (35.8 ± 17.2) degrees;group Ⅱ before operation (99.2 ± 17.3) degrees, postoperative (37.3±14.3)degrees, 2 years later (40.2± 15.3) degrees.The postoperative Cobb angle correction rate and correction loss rate showed no significant difference between two groups (P ＞0.05), a posterior spinal osteotomy for the treatment of type Ⅰ and type Ⅱ with diastematomyelia severe rigid congenital scoliosis has good correction effect.This group of patients, the complication rate was 21.2％ (11/52);where in Ⅰ group the incidence rate of 36.4％ (8/22) was significantly higher than that of Ⅱ group 10.0％ (3/30) (P =0.021).Conclusion One stage posterior vertebral osteotomy for severe rigid with diastematomyelia of congenital scoliosis with the feasibility, effectiveness and safety, patients with type Ⅰ diastematomyelia should first bony mediastinum resection, Ⅱ type of diastematomyelia there is no need for treatment of diastematomyelia.

Objective To summarize the clinical features,neuroimaging findings and pathological characteristics of demyelinating pseudotumors(DPT)of the brain,and to differentiate it from glioma. Methods The clinical features,neuroimaging findings and pathological characteristics of 35 patients with demyelinating pseudotumors of the brain were summarized,and the diagnosis for 18 of them was confirmed by bioscopy.Results Demyelinating pseudotumors affected adults of both sexes.The onset age of patients ranged from 9 to 69 years old.There was no definite antecedent,and the clinical syndromes were atypical. Neuroimaging scans showed multiple lesions in cerebral hemisphere,while the lesion in brain stem and spinal cord was single.The symptom and neuroimaging were not parallel.While with many or large lesions, the symptoms and signs were less.The lesions were not enhanced on CT scan,but appeared round or patch enhancement on MRI scan.Nine patients with DWI all appeared high density.The myelin basic protein was useful for diagnosis.The typical pathological changes were demyelination,perivascular inflammatory infiltration and reactive gliosis.The Creutzfeuldt cells were also found in these patients.The lesions might become small or disappear after treatment,but could not serve as the criterion to exclude brain neoplasm. Conclusions DPT is a distinct demyelination disease entity,which is confusable with brain neoplasm.It is difficult to distinguish DPT from brain neoplasm with the clinical features and conventional neuroimaging scan.But DWI scan is useful.The pathological changes accord with demyelination,and Creutzfeuldt cells are also found.It is important to apply corticosteroid treatment or biopsy rather than being anxious to excise the lesions.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the impact of nicotine- and tar-free cigarette smoke extract (fCSE) on the serum testosterone (T) level and erectile function of male rats.

METHODSWe randomized 30 male SD rats to three groups of equal number to receive subcutaneous injection of PBS (1.0 ml / 300 g body weight per day), fCSE (1.0 ml/300 g body weight per day), and reduced glutathione hormone (GSH, 200 mg per kg body weight per day) in addition to fCSE (fCSE + GSH), respectively, all for 8 weeks. Then we evaluated the erectile function of the rats by measuring the maximal intracavernous pressure (MICP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), ICP/MAP ratio, time of stimulation to MICP (Tmax), and cavernosal filling fate (CFR). We determined the serum T level, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) , malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the cavernosal tissue, and also observed the morphological changes of the corpus cavernosum.

RESULTSCompared with the controls, the rats of the fCSE group showed obvious decreases in the levels of serum T ([5.37 ± 1.43] vs [3.22 ± 1.11] μg/L), NOS ([2.90 ± 0.27] vs [1.67 ± 0.18] U/mg) , and SOD ([18.41 ± 1.09] vs [13.36 ± 1.18] U/mg prot) and erectile function-related indexes MICP ([85.92 ± 6.36] vs [58.99 ± 10.76] mmHg), MICP/MAP (0.86 ± 0.09 vs [0.56 ± 0.08]), and CFR (2.14 ± 0.44 vs 0.89 ± 0.44), but markedly increased Tmax ([29.90 ± 5.78] vs [42.90 ± 8.56]s), with a positive correlation between the serum T level and CFR (r = 0. 364, P < 0.05). Masson staining revealed a lower ratio of the corpus cavernosum smooth muscle tissue to collagen fiber in the fCSE group (0.27 ± 0.04) than in the control (0.98 ± 0.12). Compared with the fCSE group, the fCSE + GSH group exhibited significantly improved MICP ([58.99 ± 10.76 ] vs [77.95 ± 7.71] mmHg), MICP/MAP (0.56 ± 0.08 vs 0.77 ± 0.09), and CFR (0.89 ± 0.44] vs 1.76 ± 0.42) and shortened Tmax ([42.90 ± 8.56 ] vs [32.10 ± 5.84 ] s). The ratio of the corpus cavernosum smooth muscle tissue to collagen fiber was higher in the fCSE + GSH than in the fCSE group (0.77 ± 0.09 vs 0.27 ± 0.04) but still lower than in the control (0.98 ± 0.12).

CONCLUSIONNicotine- and tar-free cigarette smoke extract reduces the serum T level and erectile function of rats, which is related to oxidative stress. Antioxidant therapy can improve erectile function but has a limited value for morphological protection of the penile tissue.

Animals ; Erectile Dysfunction ; chemically induced ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Muscle, Smooth ; pathology ; Nicotine ; Nitric Oxide Synthase ; metabolism ; Penile Erection ; drug effects ; Penis ; pathology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Smoke ; adverse effects ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism ; Tars ; Tobacco ; adverse effects

BACKGROUND:Buffy-coat-derived platelet concentrates and plasma-rich platelet concentrates have a high incidence of invalid infusion and adverse reactions.
OBJECTIVE:To observe the improved preparation of buffy-coat-derived platelet concentrates and to analyze the influential factors relevant to platelet recovery.
METHODS:400 mL of blood sample extracted from 126 cases were randomly divided into improved buffy-coat group, buffer-coat group and platelet-rich plasma after 4-6 hours. The 3-step centrifugal method was used for improved preparation of buffy-coat-derived platelet concentrates:step 1, centrifugation at 2 300 r/min for 12 minutes at (22±2)℃ with a deceleration of 5;step 2, centrifugation at 910 r/min for 10 minutes at (22±2)℃;step 3, centrifugation at 2 800 r/min for 12 minutes at (22±2)℃. After centrifugation, the upper layer containing few platelets was removed, and the rest 30 mL platelet suspension was platelet concentrates. Factors affecting platelet recovery were analyzed through literature retrieval.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:There was no difference in platelet number among the three groups before preparation of platelet concentrates (P>0.05). A higher rate of platelet recovery was found in the platelet-rich plasma group and improved buffy-coat group compared with the buffy-coat group (P<0.05), but there was no difference between the former two groups (P>0.05). There were less residual red blood cells and white blood cells in the two buffy-coat groups than the platelet-rich plasma group (P<0.05), but there was no difference between the two buffy-coat groups (P>0.05). The recovery rate of prepared platelet concentrates was affected by the whole blood amount, centrifugal speed, centrifugation time and methods. Improved buffy-coat method for preparation of platelet concentrates can be generalized in blood centers or blood stations, because it can reduce residual red blood cells and white blood cells and increase rate of platelet recovery.

Objective To determine the relationship between subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and the prevalence of albuminuria in type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods A total of 826 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients without thyroid disease were enrolled.Participants were evaluated for glycemic control,thyroid function,and albuminuria in a cross-sectional analysis.Results Of 826 type 2 diabetes mellitus,780 subjects were euthyroid(94.44％,780/826) and 46 had SCH (5.56％,46/826).The patients with SCH had a higher proportion in women and higher body mass index compared with the patients with euthyroid [69.6％(32/46) vs.49.7％(388/780),(26.7 ± 4.0) kg/m2 vs.(25.1 ± 3.8) kg/m2],and there was significant difference(P ＜ 0.01).No significant difference in glycated hemoglobin and the prevalence of albuminuria was found between the patients with SCH and the patients with euthyroid (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion SCH is not a risk factor for albuminuria in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Objective To explore the relationship between visuospatial abilities of the students ma-jor in air traffic management and their performances,and then provide theories of their vocational classified. Methods 104 healthy male college students were tested by the cognitive laterality battery (CLB),which included visuospatial tests and verbal-sequential tests.At the same time,their performances assessed by air traffic management stimulators.Results Subjects with higher scores achieved by operating on air traffic management stimulators have higher visuospatial abilities,which was confirmed by the visual spatial scores (A) ((0.183±0.094) vs (0.060±0.338), t=41.57, P=0.000) and cognitive laterality quotient (CLQ) ((0.087±0.108) vs (-0.096±0.101), t=43.14, P=0.000)).However,compared with others in lower scores group,their scores on the phonological tests (P) reduced ((0.096±0.081) vs (0.157±0.092), t=6.81, P=0.012) ) .Moreover,there were the significant positive correlation between their performance on air traffic management stimulators and A ( r=0.749, P<0.01) ,CLQ ( r=0.663, P<0.01) ,cognitive performance quotient (CPQ) ( r=0.394, P<0.01).Conclusion For air traffic management occupation,the higher visual spatial abilities were the base of having the higher performance.Thus the visuospatial abilities may be as a good index of selecting and vocational classified for air traffic management students.

Objective To investigate the value of prospectively electrocardiogram (ECG)-triggered high-pitch coronary computed tomography angiography at 70 kV and 30 mL contrast medium with Stellar detector dual-source CT.Methods 60 patients with the BMI<24.9 kg/m2 were randomized into two groups:Group A (30 cases)with the tube voltage of 70 kV and 30 mL contrast medi-um.Group B (30 cases)with the tube voltage of 100 kV and 50 mL contrast medium.All the patients were performed with a Stellar detector dual-source CT using a prospectively ECG triggered high-pitch spiral technique.The images of Group A were reconstructed with SAFIRE technique,while Group B were with FBP technique.The objective image quality includes CT attenuation,SNR, CNR.And radiation dose was also calculated.The subjective was evaluated by 4-scale point.Independent sample t test was used.Re-sults There was no difference for subjective image quality between the groups,A:(3.38±0.942),B:(3.50±0.682),(t=-0.562, P >0.05).The CT attenuation of the 70 kV group were higher than that of the 100 kV group for all the segments(P <0.01).The SNR and the CNR have no statistically significant difference between the groups (P >0.05).Compared with the 100 kV group,the radiation dose of the 70 kV group was reduced by 76.5% (A:0.19±0.023 mSv,B:0.81±0.101 mSv,P <0.01).Conclusion Using 70 kV with 30 mL contrast medium in Stellar detector dual-source CT coronary angiography for the patients with a normal BMI could obtain qualified diagnostic image with low radiation dose and contrast medium.

AIM:To investigate the effect of Notch-1 knockdown on the growth of dihydroartemisinin-inhibited human osteosarcoma cell line U-2OS.METHODS:U-2OS cells treated with different concentrations of dihydroartemisinin (5, 10, 15 and 20μmol/L) were collected.The expression of Notch-1, MMP-2, MMP-9 and Hes-1 at mRNA and protein levels was measured by real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively.U-2OS cells were transfected with Notch-1 siRNA for 24 h and incubated with dihydroartemisinin for another 24 h.The cell apoptotic rate , protein expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and Hes-1, and the migration ability were measured by MTT assay , Western blotting and Transwell experiment , respectively.RESULTS:Dihydroartemisinin (5, 10, 15 and 20 μmol/L) decreased the expression of Notch-1, MMP-2, MMP-9 and Hes-1 at mRNA and protein levels in a dose-dependent manner .Down-regulation of Notch-1 significantly en-hanced the effect of dihydroartemisinin on the cell apoptosis , the protein expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and Hes-1, and mi-gration ability ( P<0.05 ) .CONCLUSION: Notch-1 pathway is involved in the process of dihydroartemisinin-inhibited U-2OS cell growth.Knockdown of Notch-1 augments the inhibitory effect of dihydroartemisinin on U-2OS cell viability.

Objective To analyze the clinical,imaging and pathological features of cortical vein thrombosis (CoVT). Methods Ten patients with CoVT (4 patients with CoVT alone and 6 patients with CoVT and venous sinus thrombosis)treated at Navy General Hospital from January 2006 to Jun 2013 were collected retrospectively.Its etiology,imaging,and pathological features of brain tissue in 3 patients were analyzed. Results Of the 10 patients with CoVT,3 were female and 7 were male.Their mean age was 31 ± 15 years old.(1)Brain CT scan and MRI showed hemorrhagic cerebral infarction,and contrast-enhanced MRI showed scattered heterogeneous enhancement within lesions. DSA could find CoVT at different parts.(2)3 patients underwent brain biopsy because they were initially diagnosed as brain tumor. Pathological examination showed glial cell,endothelial proliferation and phagocytic reaction.Scattered spotty bleeding was observed,and significant expansion of small veins,A few of them had blood stasis and thrombosis. Conclusion CoVT is one kind of intracranial venous thrombosis. It is more common occurred in young and middle aged adults,and most of them were venous sinus thrombosis.It is caused by retrograde thrombosis and spread to cortical veins.CoVT is easily to be misdiagnosed as brain tumor.Combination of clinical and imaging findings is needed for accurate diagnosis.