Objective To assess the anatomic morphology of the connective structures among brain ventricles and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) movement in them by CSF spin-labeling MR imaging. Methods According to the order of registration, 50 healthy volunteers were randomly selected and received cerebrospinal fluid spin-labeling MR scan with time-spatial labeling inversion recovery single-shot fast spin echo sequence (SLIR-SSFSE). The tagged CSF was used as an endogenous tracer. The anatomic morphology of the connective structures of brain ventricles and the flow direction of CSF were observed. The longitudinal diameter and transverse diameter of bilateral foramina of monro, midbrain aqueduct, and the central and bilateral lateral apertures of the fourth ventricle of each subject were measured and calculated based on multiple measurements. The flow rate of CSF was calculated based on the flow distance of CSF in the connective structures between brain ventricles during different TI time. The mean value of each indicator was acquired. Results Two-way flow state of CSF was observed in all connective structures, including bilateral foramina of monro, midbrain aqueduct, and the central and bilateral lateral apertures of the fourth ventricle. On the coronal planes, foramen of monro appears as a "Y"-type tubular structure locating among the both sides of the anteriomedial thalamus and fornix, which connect upward with bilateral lateral ventricles and downward with the third ventricle. The longitudinal diameter and transverse diameter of the left side of foramen of monro were 3.50-5.50 mm[mean (4.37 ±0.47)mm]and 1.00-1.40 mm[mean(1.21 ±0. 13) mm], respectively. The longitudinal diameter and transverse diameter of the right side of foramen of monro were 4. 20-4. 80 mm[mean(4.42 ± 0.20) mm]and 1.00-1.60 mm[mean (1.21 ±0. 19) mm], respectively. On the sagittal planes, foramen of monro appeared as an oblique fine tubular structure with the angle of 55°-58° between the both sides. CSF flow velocity towards the foot was 1.61-2. 52 mm/s[mean (2. 00 ± 0. 17) mm/s]in the left side of foramen of monro and 1.93-2. 20 mm/s [mean (2.03 ±0.09) mm/s]in the right side of foramen of monro. On the sagittal planes, midbrain aqueduct appeared as a curved tubular structure through diencephalon, with the longitudinal diameter of 9.90-17.30 mm[mean(15.51 ± 1.70) mm]and the transverse diameter of 1.70-2.30 mm[mean (1.92 ± 0. 17)mm]. In midbrain aqueduct, CSF flow velocity towards the foot was about 5.00-8.74 mm/s[mean (7.84 ±0.86) mm/s]and towards the head was about 3.84-6.71 mm/s[mean (6. 01 ±0. 66) mm/s]. On the sagittal plane, the central apertures of the fourth ventricle appeared as a fork-like tubular structure, with a small bifurcation forward to the central canal of the medulla oblongata and a posterior branch downward to cerebellomedullary cistern. On the coronal plane, lateral apertures of the fourth ventricle appeaed as curved tubular structures connecting the lateral horn of the fourth ventricle and cerebellomedullary cistern. The longitudinal diameter and transverse diameter of the left lateral aperture were 6.30-14. 60 mm[mean (10.42 ±2.88) mm]and 1.00-1.50 mm[mean (1.24 ±0.18) mm],respectively; of the right lateral aperture, they were 6. 20-15.50 mm[mean (12. 13 ± 3.05) mm]and 1.00-1.40 mm[mean(1.19 ±0. 13) mm], respectively. The angle range between the left and right lateral aperture was from 87° to 114°. CSF flow velocity towards the foot was about 2. 89-6. 70 mm/s[mean (4. 78 ± 1.32) mm/s]in the left lateral aperture and 2. 84-7.11 mm/s[mean (5.56 ±1.40) mm/s]in the right lateral aperture. Conclusions CSF spin-labeling MR imaging could display the anatomic morphology of the connective structure among brain ventricles and could be used for noninvasively assessing CSF movement.

Objective To explore the effect of using pedicle skin flaps for treatment of skin and soft tissue defects.Methods From January 2004 to September 2010,87 patients with skin and soft tissue injury which had been treated by using pedicle skin flaps without vessel anastomosis were retrospectively analyzed,including 61 males and 26 females with an average age of 40 years (range,14-61).The pedicle skin flaps selected were known vessel skin flaps or unknown vessel random skin flaps.The reconstruction treatment increased multiple selections of skin flaps for patients.Skin and soft tissue defects were located at the hand in 21 cases,at the lower extremities in 66.The kinds of skin flaps included adjacent transposition flaps in 50 cases,distal skin flaps in 37.The areas of the skin flaps were 2.0 cm×1.5 cm-18 cm×12 cm.Donor sites were as follows:lower leg in 61 cases,abdomen in 18,and hand in 8.Results Three patients appeared skin flaps hematoma after operation,which were removed immediately with no effect on flaps survival.Pedicle skin flap was compressed due to unstable fixation in 1 case,which made distal flap tissue necrosis approximately 2 cm in width.After dressing change for 6 weeks,the flaps got survival.Thirty seven patients underwent the second stage operation for breaking the perdicle 3 weeks after the first operation.All 87 patients were obtained follow-up for an average of 13 months (range,3-60).The total of 90.80％ patients treated with pedicle skin flaps were satisfied with the results.Conclusion Pedicle skin flap surgery can be performed more easily with less limitations of surgical designs.The survival rate of the flap is high,and the treatment of pedicle skin flaps could be well applied for soft tissue defects.

Objective To investigate the efficacy of statin on carotid plaque stability in elderly patients assessed by K trans (the combination of E and F) of dynamic contrast material enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance (DCE MR) imaging.Methods 37 elderly patients with carotid artery of low echo or mixed echo plaque in carotid artery patches were screened by B type ultrasound.According to the standard of 2011 ESC/EAS guidelines,all patients were divided into two groups:normal level of LDL-C group achieving LDL-C target and high level of LDL C group not achieving target of LDLC.Plaque area and size of lipid-rich necrotic core were measured by 3.0T enhancement magnetic resonance,and K trans was measured by DCE-MR dynamic contrast material enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.and serum hs-C-reactive protein level was detected within 1 week.Results Plaque area,size of lipid-rich necrotic core,ratio of lipoid core over plaque area,K trans and serum level of hs-CRP were less in normal LDL-C level group than in high LDL-C level group [(2.06±0.45) mm2 vs.(3.63±0.62) mm2,(0.52±0.05) mm2 vs.(1.49±0.01) mm2,2 cases (11.8％) vs.14 cases (70.0％),(0.041±0.009) min1 vs.(0.079±0.011) min-1,(1.60±0.27) mmol/L vs.(2.80 ± 0.34),all P＜0.05].Linear regression analysis revealed that there was no significant correlations of K trans with the size of lipid necrotic core (r=0.19,P＞0.05) and hs-CRP (r=0.23,P＞0.05).Conclusions Dynamic contrast material enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a quantitative method assaying atheromatous plaque components; K trans may be a new indicator to measure the stability of plaques; Statin can stabilize plaques through inhibiting the proliferation of Vasa vasorum in plaque angiogenesis,anti-inflammatory and reducing the size of lipidrich necrotic core.

Objective To investigate whether the left ventricular delayed contraction site determined by tissue Doppler imaging might be an optimal left ventricular lead position for improved outcomes of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. Methods Thirty-three patients subjected to CRT were selected, and all were performed conventional ultrasound cardiography and tissue Doppler examinations before operation. The left ventricular delayed contraction site was determined according to the interval between the onset of QRS and the peak systolic velocity. Retrograde coronary venography was performed during operation, and the left ventricular lead site was selected according to the left ventricular delayed contraction site determined by tissue Doppler examination before operation. The coronary sinus lead site was determined under the guidance of X ray of dorsaventral, lateral, right anterior oblique and left anterior oblique positions. Patients were divided into group A(n=20, the left ventricular lead site was in line with the delayed contraction site) and group B (n=13, the left ventricular lead site was not in line with the delayed contraction site). Results There was no significant difference in age, NYHA grading, left ventricular end-systolic volume(LVESV), left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF), pulmonary arterial systolic pressure, QRS width and Ts-SD between the two groups before operation(P> 0.05). Six months after CRT, there was no significant difference in NYHA grading, LVESV and mitral regurgitation(MR) grading between the two groups(P>0.05), while the increase in LVEF and decrease in LVESV of group A were more significant than those of group B (P<0.01). Conclusion In patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, CRT significantly improves left ventricular performance, and the more favourable outcomes are achieved in those pace at the delayed contraction site. Tissue Doppler imaging may help to guide the implant of left ventricular lead.

ObjectiveTo prospectively compare the effects of Prestige LP cervical disc replacement with those of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) in treatment of cervical disc herniation.MethodsFrom January 2008 to March 2010,a total of 87 patients were enrolled at our site as study investigating ACDF versus Prestige LP cervical disc prosthesis.Forty-four patients received the investigational device (arthroplasty group) and 43 underwent a single-level ACDF (fusion group).Visual analogue scale(VAS) neck/arm pain,Japanese Orthopedics Association (JOA) score,Short Form-36 (SF-36) both physical and mental,flexion-extension range of motion of operative and adjacent segments were evaluated preoperatively and 1 week and 3,6,12,24 months postoperatively.ResultsA total of 78 patients (89.7％) were followed up for an average 12.4 months(range,6-24).Both groups have favorably demonstrated improved functional outcomes for JOA,VAS scores and SF-36.The improvement in the VAS and JOA scores were equivalent at each follow-up point between the two groups(P＞0.05).However,arthroplasty group had statistically significant improvement as assessed by the SF-36 scores compared with the fusion group at some follow-up points (P＜0.05).In arthroplasty group,the postoperative range of motion of operative and adjacent segments showed no statistical difference with the preoperative counterpart(P＞0.05),and fusion was successful in 92.1％ of control patients.ConclusionPrestige LP cervical disc replacement is a feasible alternative to ACDF for patients with persistently symptomatic cervical disc disease and matching the inclusion criteria.

BACKGROUND:Rapid loss of liver-specific functions of the cultured hepatocytes limits the development of hepatocyte-based therapies. OBJECTIVE:To establish a three-dimensional culture system based on col agen hydrogel that enables to enhance liver-specific functions for a long period during culture of hepatocytes. METHODS:Hepatocytes were isolated from Sprague-Dawley rats and then encapsulated into liquid type Ⅰcol agen solution that was premixed with hepatocyte growth factor and Dulbecco's modified Eagle’s medium to create hepatocyte/col agen hydrogel compounds. The compounds were inoculated into a 96-wel plate. After gelation, culture medium was added. Light microscope, hematoxylin-eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy were used to examine the morphological characteristics and ultrastructure of the cultured hepatocytes. The cellsupernatant was col ected and tested for albumin secretion and urea synthesis. Periodic acid-schiff staining, immunofluorescence staining and quantitative real-time PCR were also used to further clarify liver-specific phenotype or function of the hepatocytes.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) Light microscope revealed that hepatocytes were round shape and distributed uniformly in col agen hydrogel. The three-dimensional hepatocyte culture system exhibited similarities to liver-like structure and tight junction were formed between hepatocytes after 14 days of culture. (2) Within the three-dimensional culture system, hepatocytes remained positive for periodic acid-schiff staining, albumin and hepatocyte nuclear factor-4αpositive after 14-day culture, which provided the convincing evidence of highly differentiated primary hepatocytes with functions of glycogen and albumin synthesis. (3) The albumin and urea productions in the three-dimensional culture system had a significantly higher level than in the two-dimensional culture, and could remain at a high level at least for 15 days. (4) The expression levels of hepatocyte-specific genes including Albumin, HNF-4α, Claudin-3, CYP1A1, CYP3A1 and G6P were significantly improved in the three-dimensional culture as compared with the two-dimensional culture. The col agen hydrogel based three-dimensional culture system provides a valuable model to enhance the hepatocyte functional maintenance and lay the foundation for the development of hepatocyte-based therapy for liver disease.

Objective To elucidate the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in chronic kidney diseases (CKD) patients and provide the evidence for treatment of these patients. Methods Clinical data of 358 inpatients with CKD from stage 1 to stage 5 were analyzed retrospectively. Level of 25 (OH)D3 in these inpatients, as well as the levels of intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), hemoglobin (Hb), serum creatinine (Scr), urea nitrogen (BUN), carbon dioxide combining power (CO2CP), alhumin (Alb), serum calcium (Ca) and blood serum (P) were examined. Correlation between 25 (OH)D3 and parameters was analyzed. Results The mean level of 25 (OH)D3 in these CKD patients was (18.58±11.7) μg/L, which was significantly lower than that of normal reference (P<0.01). The 25(OH )D3 levels of CKD patients from stage 1 to stage 5 were (25.84±9.71) μg/L, (20.76±6.99) μg/L, (20.40±17.02) μg/L, (19.49±11.29) μg/L, and (14.16±7.98) μg/L respectively. The prevalence of vitamin D defieiency was 39.66%, and from CKD stage 1 to stage 5 was 5.00%, 17.50%, 37.21%, 42.37% and 57.14%. The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency was 44.97%, and from CKD stage 1 to stage 5 was 72,50%, 47.50%, 45.35%, 33.90% and 40.60%. The prevalence of decreased vitamin D level was 84.63%, and from CKD stage 1 to stage 5 was 77.50%, 65.00%, 82.56%, 76.27% and 97.74%. Single factor correlation analysis showed 25 (OH)D3 was correlated with Hb, Alb, Scr, eGRF and iPTH. Regression analysis indicated that 25 (OH)D3 was negatively correlated with iPTH and Scr, and positively correlated with Alb. According to K/DOQI, percentage of CKD patients from stage 3 to stage 5 who were consistent with vitamin D treatment was 87.20%, 83.05% and 26.31% based on 25 (OH)3 and iPTH levels, but such percentage was 16.28%, 35.59% and 26.31% based on iPTH level only. Conclusions The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in patients with CKD is quite high. Alia, iPTH and Scr are key factors influencing vitamin D level. Vitamin D level should be measured among CKD patients in order to carry out corresponding treatment.

Objective: To explore the effects of Cordyceps extract in regulating the imbalance of Th1/Th2 ratio and inhibiting the inflammatory reaction, and to find the theoretical basis of Cordyceps extract for treating asthma in remission stage. Methods: A total of 20 peripheral venous blood samples (3 mL) were collected from 20 asthmatic children during remission stage, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were separated by Ficoll method. PBMCs were separated into three groups (blank group, low-dose group and high-dose group). The PBMCs were incubated in vitro for 48 hours in the absence (blank group) or presence (low-dose group and high-dose group) of Cordyceps extract at different concentrations (10, 20 mug/mL). The expressions of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-10, T-box expressed in T cells (T-bet), GATA-binding protein-3 (GATA-3) and forkhead/winged-helix transcription factor-3 (Foxp3) mRNAs in PBMCs were measured by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and the contents of IFN-gamma, IL-4 and IL-10 in supernatants were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The expressions of IFN-gamma mRNA showed no significant differences among the three groups. The expressions of the IL-4 mRNA in the high-dose group and the low-dose group were lower than that in the blank group (P=0.014, P=0.011). The expression of IL-10 mRNA in the high-dose group was higher than that in the blank group (P=0.034). And the differences of the IFN-gamma mRNA/IL-4 mRNA ratio presented no statistic significance among the three groups. The level of IL-4 content in the high-dose group was lower than that in the blank group (P=0.018), but the level of IL-10 content, and ratio of IFN-gamma/IL-4 in the high-dose group were higher than those in the blank group (P=0.011, P=0.045). The differences of the IFN-gamma presented no statistic significance among the three groups. The T-bet/GATA-3 ratio and Foxp3 mRNA expression in the high-dose group were higher than those in the blank group (P=0.001, P=0.015). There was significant difference in expression of GATA-3 mRNA between the high-dose group and the blank group (P=0.028), and between the low-dose group and the blank group (P=0.019). The expression differences of T-bet mRNA were insignificant between any two groups. Conclusion: Cordyceps extract can inhibit the proliferation and differentiation of Th2 cells and reduce the expression of related cytokines by down-regulating the expression of GATA-3 mRNA and up-regulating the expression of Foxp3 mRNA in PBMCs. Meanwhile, it can alleviate the chronic allergic inflammation by increasing the content of IL-10.

OBJECTIVETo discuss the clinical effects of external fixator combined with limited internal fixation in the treatment of pediatric distal femur fractures.

METHODSFrom January 2008 to June 2014, 17 children of distal femur fractures were treated by external fixator combined with limited internal fixation. There were 12 males and 5 females, aged from 6 to 13 years old with an average of 10.2 years, ranged in the course of disease from 1 h to 2 d. Preoperative diagnoses were confirmed by X-ray films in all children. There were 11 patients with supracondylar fracture , and 6 patients with intercondylar comminuted fracture. According to AO/ASIF classification, 9 fractures were type A1, 5 cases were type A2,and 3 cases were type C1. The intraoperative and postoperative complications, postoperative radiological examination, lower limbs length and motion of knee joints were observed. Knee joint function was assessed by KSS score.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up from 6 to 38 months with an average of 24.4 months. No nerve or blood vessel injury was found. One case complicated with the external fixation loosening, 2 cases with the infection of pin hole and 3 cases with the leg length discrepancy. Knee joint mobility and length measurement (compared with the contralateral), the average limited inflexion was 10 degrees (0 degrees to 20 degrees), the average limited straight was 4 degrees (0 degrees to 10), the average varus or valgus angle was 3 degrees (0 degrees to 5 degrees). KSS of the injured side was (96.4 +/- 5.0) points at final follow-up, 16 cases got excellent results and 1 good. All fractures obtained healing and no epiphyseal closed early was found.

CONCLUSIONExternal fixator combined with limited internal fixation has advantages of simple operation, reliable fixation, early functional exercise in treating pediatric distal femurs fractures.

Adolescent ; Child ; External Fixators ; Female ; Femoral Fractures ; surgery ; Femur ; injuries ; surgery ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; Humans ; Internal Fixators ; Male

Objective To study the effect of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with sublethal temperature on the production of liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) and on the expression of LCSCs-related transcriptional factors.Methods Mouse hepl-6 hepatoma cell line and clinical samples of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were used to test the expressions of LCSCs-related markers and transcriptional factors.Results Different temperatures were used to stimulate Hep1-6 cells,and it was proved that the temperature of 45℃ was a sublethal temperature that could not induce cell death.Flow cytometry testing showed that treatment with 45℃ could obviously increase CD13+,CD44+,CD90 and CD133+ Hep1-6 cells,suggesting that treatment with 45℃ could increase the production of above mentioned types of LCSCs in hep1-6 cells.Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assay indicated that the temperature of 45℃could cause significant increase in CD13,CD90 and CD133 mRNA.In all 5 HCC patients,CD13 mRNA in the recurrent HCC lesions was remarkably increased,CD133 mRNA was increased in 4 patients with recurrent HCC,and CD90 mRNA was increased in only one patient with recurrent HCC.Flow cytometry testing revealed that CD13+ LCSCs were strikingly increased in 4 recurrent HCC patients,while CD133+LCSC was increased in only one patient,suggesting that more close correlation existed between the increase of CD13+ LCSCs and the temperature of 45℃.RT-qPCR assay showed that in 4 recurrent HCC patients with increased CD13+ LCSC,the Sox2 and Stat2 among 13 LCSCs-related transcriptional factors were obviously increased.Flow cytometry testing showed that 45℃ treatment also increased the expression of Sox2 and Stat1 mRNA in Hep1-6 cells.Finally,Sox2 and Stat1 could be knockdown by siRNAs,indicating that both Sox2 and Stat1 transcriptional factors were involved in 45℃-induced production of CD13+ LCSCs in Hep1-6 cells.Conclusion In RFA therapy,the use of sublethal temperature of 45℃ can increase CD13+LCSCs,which is related to the promotion of Sox2 and Stat1 expression.The results of this study can be used for reference in the research of liver cancer recurrence.