The effects of E-cadherin-transfected neural stem cells (NSCs) transplantation for spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats were investigated. Sixty SD rats were randomly divided into model control group, NSCs group, empty plasmid group and E-cadherin overexpression group (n=15 each). The animal SCI model was established by using the modified Allen's method. NSCs were cultured. Rats in NSCs group were subjected to NSCs transplantation. E-cadherin gene eucaryotic expression vector and pcDNA3.1-E-cadherin were respectively transfected into cultured NSCs, serving as empty plasmid group and E-cadherin overexpression group respectively. At 7th day after transplantation, neurological function of all rats was assessed by Tarlov score. After rats were sacrificed in each group, the number of BrdU and Nestin positive cells was counted by immunohistochemistry. Immumofluorescence method was used to detect the expression of neurofilament protein (NF) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). As compared with model control group, the Tarlov score and the number of of BrdU and Nestin positive cells, and the expression of NF and GFAP in NSCs group, empty plasmid group, and E-cadherin overexpression group were increased significantly (P<0.05), and those in the E-cadherin overexpression group were increased more significantly than the other transplantation groups (P<0.05). It was suggested that E-cadherin could be conductive to nerve regeneration and repair probably by promoting the proliferation and differentiation of NSCs.

Objective:To evaluate the levels of interleukin 18(IL-18) mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs),livers and spleens in monkey endotoxic shock models.Methods:Cynomolgus monkeys were injected i.v. with lipopolysaccharide(LPS) (2.8 mg/kg) to prepare the endotoxic shock models. The mRNA levels of IL-18 in PBMCs,livers and spleens were tested by fluorescence semi-quantitative realtime reverse transcription(RT)-PCR and compared with that of TNF-? and IL-1?.Results:IL-18 mRNA expression in PBMCs remarkably increased at 120 min after LPS administration, so did in livers and in spleens at the same time. mRNA levels of TNF-? in PBMCs peaked at 60 min after LPS injection, and also increased markedly at 120 min in livers and spleens. IL-1? mRNA levels peaked at 60 min in PBMCs, and did not change so much in livers and in spleens.Conclusion:IL-18 mRNA expression in PBMCs can be up-regulated by LPS, but changed latterly than TNF-? and IL-1? in endotoxic shock cynomolgus monkeys. It is presumed that IL-18 can be produced by PBMCs and liver Kupffer cells(maybe splenic macrophages),and TNF-? is produced by a variety of cells, but IL-1? in bloodstream mainly come from PBMCs after LPS challenge.

Objective To analyze the CT features of hepatic echinococcosis rupture into the biliary tract, and to assess the value of CT study in the diagnosis of such cases. Methods CT findings in 15 cases proved surgically and pathologically were studied and analyzed retrospectively. Results 15 patients had 20 hepatic echinococcosis, including simple echinococcosis with single cyst (9 lesions), simple hydatid cyst with multiple cysts (6 lesions), and multivesicular echinococcosis with multiple cysts (5 lesions). 2 lesions had calcifications on the cyst wall. The rupture of hepatic echinococcosis into the intrahepatic ducts was found in all 15 cases. Meanwhile, 12 of them had rupture into the common bile duct, and 2 into the gallbladder. The main CT findings were hepatic echinococcosis incorporated with the dilatation of the biliary tract. Conclusion Signs of rupture of hepatic echinococcosis into the biliary tract are characteristic in CT studies, providing a reliable evidence for preoperative diagnosis.

Animals ; Cells, Cultured ; Chondrocytes ; Interleukin-1beta ; NF-kappa B ; Osteoarthritis/drug therapy* ; Rats ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Forty-eight men with normal glucose tolerance were divided into fatty liver disease ( NAFLD, n =23 ) and non-NAFLD (n =25 ) groups. The blood glucose excursion was evaluated by continuous glucose monitoring system. The results showed that the mean amplitude of glucose excursion[MAGE, (2. 17± 1.13 vs 1.45±0. 42 )mmol/L]and standard deviation of blood glucose[SDBG, (0. 88 ±0. 45 vs 0. 61 ±0. 21 ) mmol/L]were significantly higher in NAFLD group than in non-NAFLD group( both P＜0. 05 ). MAGE and SDBG were positively correlated with body mass index, waist circumference, and the increased value of plasma glucose 0. 5 h after glucose loading( △G30,all P＜0. 05 ). In multiple regression analysis, △G30, waist circumference, and age were significant independent predictors for MAGE( P＜0. 05 or P＜0. 01 ). △G30 and waist circumference were significant independent predictors for SDBG( P＜0. 05 or P＜0. 01 ).

Objective:To study the coronal bone structure matching of distal radius in normal population and some patients with postoperative distal radius fracture, and to explore the clinical significance of coronal bone structure reduction of distal radius fracture.Methods:CT scans of 80 asymptomatic wrists were performed. Mimics 20.0 and 3-Matic research software were used to measure the matching data of coronal bone structure of the distal radius. Total of 44 patients with distal radius fractures treated with open reduction and volar plate fixation were collected. According to the data coronal bone structure of the distal radius, the matching group was in the normal range, and the mismatching group was less than the normal range. X-ray films were used to evaluate fracture healing, humeral height, ulnar angle and palm tilt angle at 3 months and 12 months after operation. The clinical indexes of wrist pain, wrist function, grip strength and activity were recorded in 2 groups. The DASH score was used for evaluation, and statistical comparisons was made between the two groups of related indicators.Results:The coronal bone structure matching value of the distal radius in 80 normal adults was 45.0%±16.2%. All the 44 patients with distal radius fracture were followed up for an average of 16 months. The postoperative wound healing was good, and the bone healing standard was reached 3 months after the operation. 3 months after surgery, radius height, ulnar deviation angle and palmar inclination angle of the mismatched group were all smaller than those of the matched group, but the differences had no statistical significance. The pronation angle in the mismatched group (68.82°±11.62°) was lower than that in the matched group (76.91°±9.14°), and the difference was statistically significant ( t=2.567, P=0.014). The DASH score in the mismatched group (15.53±2.36) was higher than that in the matched group (13.62±2.52), and the difference was statistically significant ( t=2.591, P=0.013). 12 months after surgery, the VAS score of the matched group (2.08±2.95) was less than that of the mismatched group (2.95±1.24), and the difference was statistically significant ( t=2.348, P=0.024). There was no significant difference in wrist range of motion, grip strength and DASH score between the two groups. Conclusion:The coronal bone structure matching of distal radius is about 45.0% in normal population. Early wrist dysfunction, limited pronation, and wrist pain may occur when the postoperative matching degree of the distal radius fracture is not within the normal range.

Osteoarthritis (Osteoarthritis, OA) is a common clinical degenerative joint disease with increased incidence rate in recent years. Animal experiment is one of the important ways to explore pathogenesis and treatment of OA, while induced animal model is the most important part in animal experiment. Intra-articular injection of drugs is a classical method for establishing animal model of OA. Choose of animal should follows the principle of correlation, appropriateness and practicability, injections should perform in accordance with experimental purposes and subject, detections means and evaluation methods also should corresponding to experimental reality. The gold standard of OA animal model and intra-articular injections has not build, need further study.
Animals ; Cytokines ; analysis ; Disease Models, Animal ; Injections, Intra-Articular ; Mice ; Osteoarthritis ; diagnosis ; etiology ; immunology ; Rabbits ; Rats

Objective To evaluate the relation between lung dosimetric parameters and the risk of symptomatic radiation pneumonitis (RP) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who had re-ceived postoperative radiotherapy. Methods From November 2002 to March 2006, 90 patients with NSCLC who had received postoperative 3-dimentinal conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) were retrospectively analyzed, including 53 with stage ⅢA disease, 25 with stafe ⅢB disease and 12 with stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ disease but positive margins. Seventy (78%) patients underwent lobectomy, 20 ( 22% ) underwent pneumonectomy, and 38 ( 46% ) received adjuvant chemotherapy. The median radiation dose was 60 Gy given in 30 fractions of 2 Gy using 6 MV X-ray. The percentage of the whole lung volume ( Vx ) and the ipsilateral absolute lung volume ( Vipsi-dosewhich received more than a certain dose were calculated. The endpoint was grade 2 and above RP based on CTC AE 3.0. The relation between the dosimetric factors and RP was also analyzed with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results Nine patients ( 10% ) developed symptomatic RP ( grade 2 in 7 and grade 3 in 2), and all of them were in the lobectomy group. No RP was observed in patients who received pneumonectomy. Both V30 and V35 were higher in patients with RP than those without ( 19% vs 14% ,U= -2.16,P=0.030, and 15% vs 11%,U= -2.65,P =0.007, respectively). The area under curve in receiver operating characteristic curves based on the relation between incidence of RP and the value of Vipsi-dose was 0. 757. Using Vipsi-30 of 340 cm3 as a cut-off to predict RP, the sensitivity and specificity were 88% and 70%, respectively. The incidence of RP was 3% in patients with Vipsi-30< 340 cm3 compared with 29% in those with Vipsi-30>340cm3 ( X2 = 9.75 , P = 0.003 ) . Conclusions More than340 cm3 of the ipsilateral lung receiving 30 Gy is significantly related to the risk of RP in patients undergoing lobectomy. It is safe for patients who undergo pneumonectomy to receive postoperative 3DCRT if lung V20 is less than 10%.

OBJECTIVETo observe the three-dimensional distribution of vessels, and to establish a new method for measurement of blood flow velocity in mice cerebral cortex using two-photon laser scanning microscopy and fluorescence probe labeling technique.

METHODSThe mouse was made cranial window surgery and injected Texas-Red through tail vein after anesthetized. The three-dimensional imaging of vessel was obtained through z-stack scanning, and blood flow velocity was quantified through line scanning.

RESULTSWe could detect vascular distribution for more than 500 µm depth using two-photon microscopy. The velocity of blood flow was (0.59 ± 0.12) mm/s in capillary.

CONCLUSIONThe method for observing the brain blood flow by two-photon microscopy was established, which could achieve quantification of single vascular blood flow velocity and provide experimental evidence for basic research and medical applications.

Animals ; Blood Flow Velocity ; Brain ; blood supply ; Capillaries ; Cerebrovascular Circulation ; Fluorescent Dyes ; Hemodynamics ; Mice ; Microscopy, Fluorescence

Objective To investigate the regulating effect of hepatitis B virus(HBV)SPⅠbinding protein 1(SBP1)on inducible nitric-oxide synthase(iNOS)gene promoter activity.Methods Polymerase chain reaction(PCR)technique was employed to amplify the coding sequence of iNOS promoter DNA by using HepG2 genomic DNA as template,and 3 deletion mutants were amplified. The products were cloned into pGEM-T vector,respectively.The iNOS gene and 3 deletion mutants were cut from T-iNOS by KpnⅠand XhoⅠ,and then were cloned into pCAT3-Basic.The construc- ted vectors were named as p1-iNOSp,p2-iNOSp,p3-iNOSp and p4-iNOSp,respectively.Each of the vectors containing different iNOSp DNA fragments was transfected into the HepG2 cell line and cotransfected into HepG2 cells with pcDNA3.1(-)-SBP1 by FuGENE 6 transfection reagents.The HepG2 cells transfected with pCAT3-Basic were used as negative control.The activity of chloram- phenicol acetyltransferase(CAT)in transfected HepG2 cells was detected by an enzyme-linked immu- nosorbent assay(ELISA)kit after 48 hours,which would reflect the regulating effect of SBP1 on iNOS gene promoter activity.Results The expression vector pcDNA3.1(-)-SBP1 and report vector pCAT3-iNOS were constructed and confirmed by restriction enzyme digestion and sequencing.The expression of pcDNA3.1(-)-SBP1 in HepG2 cells up-regulated the activity of p1-iNOSp and down- regulated the activity of p3-iNOSp.The inhibiting rate was 31.3%.Conclusions It is suggested that SBP1 can regulate iNOS gene promoter bidirectionally by influencing the binding sites of nuclear factor (NF)-IL6,A activator domain binding site and NF-?B in iNOS gene promoter.